It has been nearly 6 years since I was first elected to serve the good
people of Marion County. Many things have happened in these six years but, I
believe, the most challenging has been the urgency of our state legislature
to provide tax reform. While they were unsuccessful in reform they sure cut
taxes, across the board. However, few will notice substantial difference in
their personal life because of near record unemployment, record high
gasoline prices, a noticeable decrease in the migration of retired citizens
to Florida and especially Marion County. The tax burden is not fair in
Florida and tax reform seems to escape us. There is a huge intellectual
leadership vacuum in Tallahassee.
Locally, we continue to struggle with four major deficiencies; first solid
waste disposal and how we accommodate the diminishing capacity of our solid
waste facility. Secondly, our transportation infrastructure has been
deteriorating for decades and we have been unable to muster the political
capital to deal with it. Third, Marion County is host to a huge supply of
sweet, fresh water and, since water is a fugitive resource the rest of
central Florida is trying lay claim to it. This problem is further
exacerbated because the county is served by two water management districts.
Finally, I believe the most challenging issue before us is how to deliver
reasonable health care to the over 40% of our citizens who have no health
insurance of any kind. These include over 1400 homeless children and an
ever-growing senior citizen population. Our only community hospital is
already challenged and depleting reserves due to the reduction of Medicare
and Medicaid benefits all hospitals have grown to rely on, and the near
record high unemployment.
Even after we consider all the preceding concerns, one will be hard pressed
to find a better place to live and work. Our National Forest, beautiful
natural springs and proximity to major metropolitan areas distinguishes us
from other communities.
I invite you to call me with your suggestions and concerns.
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Email:
Commissioner Payton
Phone: (352) 438-2323
Fax: (352) 438-2324 |
Mail: Commissioner Payton
601 SE 25th Ave.
Ocala, FL 34471 |
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