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Opinion

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 21, 2012
Our View: A way to improve City Hall

Everyone who watches the machinations at Sarasota City Hall knows it is a dysfunctional organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Richard Dorfman is a Sarasota resident. He has filed to run for the City Commission.
  • By Richard Dorfman
  • June 21, 2012
My View: Leaders in police talks must lead

I have no idea how these negotiations have been carried out, what is or isn't sacrosanct or what moving parts may be negotiable. One thing is sure, though: There is an increasing recognition that Sarasota cannot continue to offer the generous benefits that police officers enjoy without them eventually bankrupting the city.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Lakewood Ranch resident Gene Sweeney, left, and Heritage Harbour resident Tim Larson, of Salt of the Earth, can’t wait to break ground on the memorial next month.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 20, 2012
Observed: Perseverance, passion yield patriotic results

Lakewood Ranch resident Gene Sweeney is taking a lesson from Thomas Jefferson.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Rex Jensen
  • By Rex Jensen and Ed Hunzeker
  • June 20, 2012
My View: How will we grow?

Once we move past the age-old debate of whether to grow and on to the question of how we should grow, we can move to a more realistic and rewarding discussion.

  • East County
  • Opinion
State Rep. Greg Steube represents Florida District 67.
  • By Greg Steube
  • June 20, 2012
My View: Legislative update

Throughout this year's legislative session, the Legislature's budget decisions and legislation were driven by two underlying themes, getting Florida's economy back on track and helping create jobs for Floridians.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • June 20, 2012
Castaway

Enjoy this week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 20, 2012
Letters to the Editor

It's just a sign!

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 14, 2012
Letters to the Editor

The shrinking middle class is a myth

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • June 14, 2012
My View: Commission change would divide

The single-member Sarasota County Commission district idea sounds good at first blush when the proponents give their pitch.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 13, 2012
Our View: Illegal voters: Yes, purge them

On principle, you really can't argue with Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Mitchell Levin
  • June 13, 2012
My View: Pension plan: Rainbows and butterflies or logic?

"Fiscally sound" is not how the pension board behaves.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Jorge Blanco
  • June 13, 2012
Castaway

Enjoy this week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • June 13, 2012
Observed: A father's sacrifice never forgotten

"Happy Father's Day to the Big Enchilada," the card read in a playful font.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Donna Hayes, District 5, is a Manatee County Commissioner.
  • By Donna Hayes
  • June 13, 2012
My View: Addressing the Manatee County budget

Manatee County businesses have been blessed with a terrific 2012 tourist season experiencing a 13% increase in economic impact to the county during the first quarter of the year.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Victor Kline
  • June 13, 2012
My View: Hurricane Season: evacuate or stay?

As one of the instructors with our Lakewood Ranch Community Emergency Response Team, I spend most of my time helping our neighborhood volunteers stay prepared to respond should a major storm or other disaster threaten our area.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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