Reply #30: Where to start?

[OmahaBlueDog]

First, thank you MadFloridian for keeping this in the forefront.

As we've discussed before, we left Sunrise for Omaha in 2006. I've never felt better about that decision than I do reading this post.

You have always written from the paradigm of the methodical attack on public schools by the pro-charter school forces. I don't dispute that, but I'll also suggest that additional forces are at work.

a) The majority of Floridians (the "R" and "D" and "I" and "don't give a damn about politics") keep trying to run that state as if it is still a seasonal beach community and this is 1965. They steadfastly refuse to raise the money for schools and infrastructure necesary to run a state with millions of year-round residents. It's as true in Orlando, where they can't get freeways or light rail built despite near-constant gridlock, as it is in Broward.

b) They don't plan ahead in Florida. They let the developers have free reign for 50 years, did piss-poor urban planning, and are shocked that their roads are crowded and that they have schools in the wrong places.

c) State and county officials ("R" and "D" and "I") never seem to sock away any money when the economy is good (as it was in the early part of the decade), and then end up with their backs to the wall when things turn bad.

d) Florida revenue has always been based on the combination of sales tax and property tax, and never -- ever -- envisioned a scenario when property values would fall 50%.

In Omaha, this year, the libraries were going to have to seriously cut back. Anonymous donors came forward and saved the day. That's the only solution that I see in South Florida - short term. Business leaders, performers, and pro-athelets will need to asked to step up and fill in the shortfall.