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Sarasota | Opinion

  • By Jorge Blanco
  • August 10, 2011
The Castaway

This week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Rod Thomson
  • August 10, 2011
My View: Government debt is a moral failure

The moral compass for the majority of our political leadership in both parties is what is right for re-election, not the country's future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 4, 2011
Letters to the Editor: 08.04.11

We're getting what we voted for; A 3% cut in pay is still a 3% cut in pay;Deep changes needed in Washington, D.C.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 4, 2011
Our View: Institute yes, tax support no

There is a lot to like in the Institute for the Ages. It draws on one of our area's strengths that is not well-utilized.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • August 3, 2011
My View: Give school boards more control

The nearly 40-year-old, school-funding program de-links those who set tax rates with those who spend the money. This erases accountability.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 28, 2011
Our View: A grand parking solution

Most rational people agree that parking is not free. Whether it is downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle or Westfield Southgate Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Merrill
  • By David Merrill
  • July 28, 2011
My View: Schools: a vision renewed?

Something went wrong with the promise to use the extra school tax Sarasota County voters approved to make the school district "world class." The money poured in, but the scores declined.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 27, 2011
My View: The good news on jobs

In the relentless trashing by the mainstream media of everything Gov. Rick Scott does, there has been some pretty great news ignored lately.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 21, 2011
Our View: Put land buying on hold

If the government buying up land in Sarasota County for environmental protection is not a low priority in this economy, nothing is. And it may be a growing risk.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 20, 2011
My View: It's not a 'drain,' it's a wash

A recent news story reveals a misunderstanding of how the economics work. Employees contributing to their pensions doesn't lessen the economy.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 14, 2011
Our view: Poor decisions drive budget

Sarasota's new city commissioners knew they had some tough going ahead of them following the spending and promises of previous commissions. Residents also had a hint, electing at least two new commissioners bent on reining in spending and government scope.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By George Rauch
  • July 14, 2011
Market Watch: Debt causes direction of market to stay questionable

Right now, even though the market has sold off recently, we remain in what is technically called a bull market. Under current economic circumstances, it's amazing the market is not at half of its current value of 12,250 points.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 13, 2011
Our View: What about the taxpayer?

As is all too common, an important party has not been at the table in the negotiations between the Manatee County School District and the Manatee Education Association.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2011
Our View: Sell Payne Park

The city of Sarasota is working diligently on a marketing and spending plan to get people to Payne Park, an underutilized city facility. In fact, the city is looking at many ways to attract people to the park, which since its opening four years ago has been a disappointment.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 6, 2011
My View: Sarasota County got Benderson right

The Sarasota County Commission was right to eliminate the Benderson's affordable housing provision. But there is a bigger issue involved.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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