To the Editor:
I admit, I’m a part of the problem.
You see, I moved to Ocala from the Dade/Broward area 53 years ago, during a time when many others from South Florida had decided that they didn’t care for the ‘lifestyle’ down there, so they moved away too. I remember how hard it was to fit in with the locals, those who were born and raised here. I eventually was welcomed and made a nice life for my family and myself.
Many complain about the nearly 1,000 people per week who are moving here. Thank those in office who are rubber-stamping all new developments (with only a few exceptions). Ask your representatives and/or candidate what happened to the money (‘impact fee’) for new construction that used to pay for the infrastructure that would help support new communities? There wasn’t a need for additional taxes shared by all for roads because the builders/home buyers were paying for them.
Remember in November.
These days, I take exception with some of the folks who only recently moved to Ocala/Marion County, contributing to the massive growth, and complaining about how it’s not what they wanted or expected. I’m a part of the problem, and so are they.
Jaime Lazarus
Ocala resident