The Way I See ItBy cj pollickRita Garvey To Run - Remember when Rita Garvey was mayor of Clearwater? Well, she has decided that Clearwater needs an experienced leader to help solve some current problems and is running for mayor. Her opponent? Current City Mayor Frank Hibbard. Garvey's decision to run for the mayor's office has come as a surprise to some political people in Clearwater. However, and with many years of experience as the city mayor, Rita Garvey would be a formidable opponent to any city incumbent. Incumbent Frank Hibbard has had to deal with many difficult Clearwater issues the past couple of years - - none of which have been his fault - - but there are many citizens who might blame any elected official on the local tax and real estate crisis. Any Clearwater elected official might face some voter backlash due to the current unfavorable economic climate and perhaps Rita Garvey believes she has some ideas that could solve some Clearwater issues. Why is Rita Garvey running for Clearwater's top elected office? Maybe she will soon share those views with one of the Gazette's writers. How does Mayor Frank Hibbard feel about this recent event? Maybe he will soon share his views with one of the Gazette's writers. Should be an interesting election. Local Real Estate Market - If local Clearwater realtors are correct, then there are people looking to purchase real estate properties if the sales price is "realistic." What is "realistic?" Market price . . . the price a buyer would spend for the property (house or condominium.) However, this so-called market price may not be the price someone actually paid for the property. Thus, some property owners might need to lower prices in order to sell properties in today's real estate market. (Which is not currently a seller's market.) A problem? "Only for those people who need to sell in the current market," said one Clearwater realtor, "We can sell properties that are priced right, there are buyers, but they are looking for deals." 2008? Some folks believe the real estate market will improve in late 2008. Let's hope those people are correct. However, if our elected officials in Tallahassee do not solve insurance and property tax issues, real estate sales might continue to decline. Is She Kidding? - Hillary Clinton is seeking advice from one-time Clinton White House presidential advisor Sandy Berger. (Burgular) Yes, this is the same crafty fellow who admitted stealing (hiding important government documents in his pants) and destroying classified documents from National Archives files that dealt with negative reviews of how the Clinton administration dealt with terrorism (and who knows what other important federal documents were destroyed by Berger.) Instead of being held on federal theft charges, Berger has remained free to do as he pleases; and if Hillary has her way, Berger will become one of her main political confidants. On the other hand, is anyone surprised what Hillary might do if elected president? President Bush might have his issues when using "presidential powers, " but imagine how President Hillary might use such enormous executive powers! Best thing for voters who are conservative and/or moderate? Hope Hillary Clinton wins the Democrat party nomination. She will galvanize voters that do not trust her leadership abilities. Governor Crist Has Issues Here In Florida - Yes, it was nice to see our governor waving and smiling with former President Bill Clinton on national television regarding environmental issues. To some political pundits, Gov. Charlie Crist is a person many people think could become a top GOP vice presidential candidate in 2008. Few could deny Crist's charisma across political party lines. However, the people of Florida have a few issues that they expect Gov. Crist to help resolve. The top two issues for most Floridians are: Property taxes and homeowner insurance rates (and coverage.) Not much has happened in Tallahassee by our state legislators to solve these issues and Gov. Crist has not been able to move these issues to sensible resolution. Is there time for photo opportunities in places like New York, etc., when Florida residents are seeking help in tax relief and insurance rate relief? Probably yes, but the voters of Florida expect leadership by Gov. Crist on taxes and insurance. Illegal Immigration Hurts Us All - Americans believe illegal immigration is one of the most important issues in the next presidential election. According to experts, the 12-25 million illegal immigrants in America is costing all Americans regardless of one's tax bracket. In a recent congressional bill attempting to grant amnesty to about 12 million illlegals in America, both Sen. Bill Nelson and Sen. Mel Martinez voted to support amnesty. The bill failed due to other senators that disagreed with giving illegals amnesty. (But not Florida's two senators, they voted for amnesty.) Even though there are talks about the war in Iraq and terrorism, it makes me wonder how many American voters would vote for a candidate that would enforce illegal immigration laws and protect our national borders. Why is illegal immigration legal? USF Ranked Number Five - Even though the USF Bulls had a tough game at FAU last weekend, there were some of us that felt FAU was a good football program that could present some problems for the Bulls. FAU played well, but the Bulls won. The Bulls win helped them increase their NCAA division I ranking to number five. However, the Bulls play UCF this Saturday at Raymond James Stadium and not many game tickets remain. Another sold-out game for the ranked Bulls . . . and UCF will be a tough team to beat (home town rivalry.) Big game for USF? Yes. GO BULLS. And, keep your eye on FAU's football program - - they have agreed to build a $65 million stadium on their Boca Raton campus. Speaking Of Back On The Radio - According to reports, Don Imus could be back on the national radio by the end of this year. Yes, Imus will be back on national radio talking about things in his own seasoned "cowboy" manner. If recent news bulletins are correct, he might be heard on ABC Radio and over 433 radio stations across America.
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