Take a stand

The arrogance and disdain for citizens the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to demonstrate by its actions and policies is appalling!

Let's go through the laundry list:

1. Should it be seeking to add to its already 31,000 acres which it currently owns or have control of when it is unable to budget or provide more than three officers to enforce its myriad of rules and regulations?

2. Should it spend $15 million to create 16 new federal jobs, which will be a continued tax burden on the taxpayer forever? That’s almost a million dollars per job in creation costs. It’s my guess that the salary/benefit package afforded these employees far exceeds Joe Citizen’s average wage/benefits here in Citrus County, who has to pay USFWS salaries/benefits.

3. Can we afford the operational costs of the next study and new data, when the social needs of so many are a stake and existing public lands and water bodies are in need of investment. Couldn’t it get permission to go on private land?

4. Should USFWL replace its offices in Crystal River with a new structure when it already relies on the labor and fundraising from the private sector through the Friends of Chassahowitzka (or CRNWR) to operate the Homosassa Wildlife Park and the Three Sisters property. This goes without mentioning that it si building a new home while the taxpayer maybe losing his.

This isn’t about sanctuaries, love of animals, the environment or even preservation of nature. It’s all about power, control, job security, egos and empire building. What will it take for the American public and the citizens of Citrus County to wake up to what is going on with their own resources in their own backyard? Wake up and support your elected representatives who will protect you from this. Support your neighbor, who has taken the time to speak out for you. Support those organizations with your time and money that are fighting the federal government. Take the time and take some personal responsibility instead of just sitting back complaining. You can make a difference.

Bob Mercer
Crystal River