The voice you’ll hear is that of Dr. Michael Hoover, Professor of Political Science at Seminole State College, commenting on three funding issues now facing the governor and the Florida legislature, each with an impact on Seminole County.
Feature length – 03:45

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Pictures

Additional Feature Information

• Commentary Transcript
• Professor Michael Hoover – Resume
• Seminole State College

The 2010 census is of vital importance to our communities. Every 10 years the U.S. government is required by the Constitution to conduct a count of every person in the United States. That count is used to allocate congressional representation into the federal House of Representatives. Yet an equally important function of those population figures is to allocate federal funding to states and local governments. That money comes to the local communities to provide programs and services. If there is an undercount in a region, they don’t receive the money needed for vital programs. As the Census Bureau states, the 2010 census will affect “your community’s future, your country’s future and your future.”

In Seminole County Florida all agencies and organizations are actively working to make sure the population is accurately counted. The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners established the Complete Count Committee to coordinate civic groups, schools, municipalities and faith-based organizations in that effort. Flyers, posters, personal contact, church bulletins and the media will all be utilized to get out the word and get in the census forms. The more complete the count the more Seminole County will benefit from federal funding and services. As the slogan of the 2010 states “It’s in Our Hands.

In March 2010 over 130 million households will receive a census form in the mail. All of those households should answer the 10 questions and return the forms in the pre-paid envelope provided. Responses should include everyone living at the address permanently or temporarily. The Census Bureau cannot share any personal information gained from the survey with anyone, including other government agencies or law enforcement. No one should be afraid to mail in their questionnaire.

Households that do not respond to the census questionnaire or who do not have a mailing address will be visited in person by a census worker. It costs $75 per person for a worker to search out and find unresponsive households and individuals so it saves taxpayers a lot of money when the forms are returned accurately and promptly. The total cost of the census will be $14 billion.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Darlene Jordan, Bryan Cobb and Desta Horner Extended interview (14:24)

Additional Feature Information

• Seminole County Complete Count Committee
• U.S. Census
• Tony Matthews Seminole County Census liaison: Email
• Darlene Jordan, Oviedo Census liaison: Email

Jones addresses the credentials of LDI, the experience he brings to the project, and the scope of the venture with the two cities. He describes how small business will benefit from the services coming from the development initiative and the standards against which the outcomes may be measured. Jones articulates the contract’s deadline and the long-term outcome which local business, residents and the cities might expect as a result of the proper application of the economic development tools arising from this project.

In the 52-minute extended interview (below), Jones adds additional context to his previous answers. He also describes LDI’s structure and corporate culture. And he speaks about his own history, leisure time activities, and the role he believes local news media should have in advancing awareness of this economic development project.

Extended Interview & Pictures

		John M. Jones and Stephen McKenney Steck Extended interview (51:52)

Additional Feature Information

• BIO: John M. Jones, Senior planner, Land Design Innovations, Inc.
• Land Design Innovations, Inc. (LDI)
• City of Winter Springs, Fl
• City of Oviedo, Fl
• Business Survey – City of Oviedo
• Business Survey – City of Winter Springs

The 2010 Florida Legislative Session convened on Tuesday March 2, 2010 in Tallahassee, Fl. Sandy Adams is the representative to the Florida House from District 33 which includes Oviedo and Winter Springs to the north and extends south to Waterford Lakes and Bithlo. Representative Adams is a Republican and was first elected in 2002. She is currently chair of the Criminal and Civil Justice Committee and a member of six other committees. She has recently announced her decision to run for Congress in 2010 for the seat currently held by Democrat Suzanne Kosmas.

The Florida Legislature faces a daunting task this term. The state budget has a revenue shortfall of $3 billion. The House and Senate leadership have both announced that there will be no new taxes or fees imposed this year. As a result, the budget gap will have to be closed by decreases in expenses through layoffs of state employees, scaling back state programs and reduced services to citizens. It is the job of the legislators to make the decisions on where to cut expenses while maintaining essential services.

Education makes up 50% of the general revenue budget and Medicaid costs for the poor and uninsured make up more than 25%. Federal aid in both of these areas is tied to state spending. Cuts by the state could result in cuts from the federal government matching funds. The dilemma is acute with little room to maneuver.

In a 1-on-1 interview with producer Desta Horner the Friday before the session began, Representative Adams discussed a number of crucial issues confronting the Florida House. You’ll hear her comments on the budget crisis and particularly the areas in her field of criminal and civil justice where savings can be found. She will also address the rising cost of Medicaid and the importance of education. She also speaks out on some of the components of Governor Crist’s proposed budget.

Representative Adams says that she is ready for the challenge of this session. Follow the progress of the decisions during the two month long legislative session by going to the Florida House website listed below. And share your thoughts on the budget dilemma with Rep. Adams at her website.

In May, after all the cuts have been made, we will return to Representative Adams for a post-session 1-on-1 interview.

Extended Interview & Pictures

	Sandy Adams and Desta Horner Extended interview (21:30)

Additional Feature Information

• State Representative Sandy Adams (Republican-Oviedo/District # 33)
• Florida House of Representatives
• Contact Sandy Adams by email or by phone: 407 977-4020.