The Imperative of Local Political Engagement

Hey everyone, let's chat about something pretty important happening right in our backyards—local politics, specifically the drama around what our County Administrators in Citrus and Hernando Counties are getting paid. It's not just gossip; it's a big deal because it shows what we value as a community, what we prioritize, and how we keep those in charge accountable.

So, what's the deal with the County Administrator role? Think of it as the CEO of the county. They're the ones making sure everything runs smoothly, from public safety and health to fixing roads and boosting the local economy. They put into action what the County Commissioners decide. The tricky part? Figuring out how much to pay them. It's a fine line between fair pay and watching the budget.

Let's talk numbers. Over in Citrus County, Steve Howard took the reins in 2022 with a salary of $197,500, which then bumped up to $215,670 by November 2023. Hernando County's story is a bit different. Jeff Rodgers started at $168,750 in May 2019 and recently jumped to almost $250,000. These aren't just random figures; they spark a big conversation about how we value public service.

Things really heated up when Hernando County Commissioners Steve Champion and John Allocco had a bit of a showdown, showing the real tension between making decisions and listening to what people want. Now when Commissioner Champion yelled "Do something about it! Do something about it!" to Commission Allocco, was that really needed? People were quick to react, especially online, showing disappointment and frustration over these salary jumps. The same thing happened in Citrus County with Steve Howard's raise—loads of chatter online but then, as usual, the buzz died down as the next big issue came along.

And that is okay! We move onto the next topics. Citizens need to make sure they are getting out in front of the votes before it happens. Do you know what is coming up on an agenda unless a local news outlet or political person who is interested blasts it? Most likely not.

Here's the thing—this isn't just local news fodder. It's a wake-up call for all of us to get stuck into local politics. The decisions made locally ripple through our neighborhoods, affecting everything. Being involved isn't just good; it's necessary to make sure those in power are really looking out for us.

With national politics always stealing the spotlight, it's easy to forget the real action happens locally. The salary debates in Citrus and Hernando are perfect examples of how political choices touch our lives daily and why we need to be transparent, accountable, and, most importantly, involved.

So, what can we do? Show up at county meetings, share your thoughts, and vote with your head and heart, knowing what's happening locally. The future of our community isn't just in the hands of those we elect—it's also about us jumping into the fray and playing our part.