To the Editor:
First of all I think that Mr. Randy Fine, (while surely a sterling person) was forced upon us by way of political gamesmanship after the last election. I believe he should walk softly and allow the voters to get familiar with his ways before forcing issues. The next election is not far off. Even conservatives like myself are under current circumstances a bit wobbly.
Secondly, Marion County is out of control. Our leaders are fanatical about growth. How much do we need and when is enough enough? I see no shortage of truck stops, Wawa convenience centers, Circle Ks on every corner; yet our county commissioners are absolutely giddy about being the first one through the doors of the new and desperately needed Buc-ee’s. SR200 is a nightmare. US 441/301 are racetracks, with speed equaling those of I-75 all the way from their merge in northern Marion to US 27.
The only bastion of peace, tranquility and sanity left is the Ocala National Forest. And, that is under attack by increased traffic, speeders, reckless drivers and development. And now by Mr. Fine’s, in my opinion, unnecessary and very probably expensive National Park. Show me how the average Marion and US resident will benefit and I might change my mind.
Lastly, we should evaluate why we live here in Ocala and it’s environs. If it is for quality of life we should do all we can to protect it by curbing growth that adds nothing to our lives and that of our children. On the other hand, if it’s excitement, drama, action, crime, and chaos that we crave, we should move to, or remain in, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, New York, New Jersey Chicago or, better yet, California.
I am not a native Floridian and over the years I’ve lived in many parts of our great country. I’ve also resided in several foreign countries and visited many more. I enjoyed them all – each for their own uniqueness. That was then and this is now! I settled in this beautiful area years ago and now, as an adopted son, am zealous in my desire to keep our own unique blend and quality of life in tact for future generations. Everyone of us should think very hard before we permit money and power hungry entities (red or blue) to dictate how we are to live our lives in our own backyard.
Roy Buchholz
Anthony