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11 March 2010
The Board of Directors of the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, on behalf of our 230 members, thank you for this opportunity, to share with you thoughts we consider to be important when considering what actions to take in balancing the budget. We believe that it makes financial sense, for now and for the future, to continue to protect our environment. The county parks, preserves, trails, beaches, and other lands that we currently own and have invested much in are not expendable. They are crucial to both residents and tourists, so that Pinellas County remains a desirable destination.
Even in these difficult fiscal times, we believe that we must continue the work that the county long ago committed to doing. The protection and management of our natural areas is essential for many reasons including: 1. retention of residents, 2. attracting tourists and new residents, and 3. economically providing a healthy environment.
- We believe, our county parks, preserves, and beaches offer residents immediate benefits: recreational and quality of life. Many live and work here because of our unique ecosystems and our awesome trails, parks and preserves. In this fiscally difficult time, we must resist financial pressure to sell off any of our preserves, parks, or other environmentally important open land. We must continue to provide good stewardship of our lands. If we choose this course, we believe our goal to stabilize our population income base will be protected from further erosion.
- We believe, if we commit to only act in ways that protect and preserve our county-owned lands, we are then protecting the assets that attract new residents and tourists. New residents will chose to live here, attracted by our preservation policies, knowing they have chosen an area committed to a high quality of life. Also, tourism is a key industry here, and our actions must support it as the very important source of revenue that it is.
- We believe, that by standing fast and providing professional stewardship and maintenance over our county lands, we are surer that staff with a thorough knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, are using the highest maintenance standards possible. Incorrectly applied chemicals and nutrients enter into our waterways causing pollution and costly clean-up. It is always more economical to prevent pollution rather than to clean it up. It is crucial that we continue to keep surveillance over our investment. In order to avoid costly degradation, it is most certainly an essential service.
Some cost-cutting or revenue-generating suggestions would be helpful, no doubt. We suggest some of the following cost-cutting ideas should be considered: high-management salary cuts, reduction in hours rather than lay-offs, partner with outside contractors, allow volunteers to take on more responsibilities, and to maintain or expand programs in creative ways. Perhaps, more revenue could be generated by charging parking fees at parks or instituting or increasing entrance fees.
Thank you again for this opportunity to comment. |
