VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Astonishing increases in homeowner insurance The state Legislature desperately needs to do something about the astonishing increases in homeowner insurance, especially condos in Florida. In our little neighborhood alone, we have just gotten a 36% increase in our monthly HOA dues to cover insurance price increases. Our interior/contents insurance company just notified us that they are pulling out of the state of Florida and will not be renewing our policy. Our auto insurance company has decided not to write homeowner coverage in Florida. If this continues, fixed income citizens will not be able to afford insurance, if we can find it at all. The insurance companies knew the risks vs. rewards when they got into the insurance business and, now that they're having to pay claims, they want out or to charge more. What about all the years when there were no claims? We didn't hear them crying then did we?

Larry Westbrook Fernandina Beach Where to start? It's ridiculous. Investing in a "brand" for education in Nassau County? A logo? We aren't selling potato chips!

The money would be better spent on improving outcomes. What processes/changes/investments are needed to make a difference in the outcomes of our students?

So, we pass a tax increase to help education and they spend $15, 000 on communications? Total ridiculousness. Audrey Hughes Fernandina Beach What is Madame Burns smoking?

What do I dare ask is Madame Burns smoking? Has she forgotten already getting a 1% tax passed? Rebranding of what? It's a school board whose real identity is defined by results, not name and colorful brochures and flowery marketers language. Results. Recruiting is results, too. Test scores. State ranking. Compensation location and responsive leadership. When I saw today's headlines, I damn near freaked out. Why do I see shades of Virginia's Fairfax County School Board and Merit debacle wiggling its way south? They hired an "equity" consulting group for half a million and see that outcome just so far and not done. Superintendent Burns, please focus not on sales but educating. Put up results and pay, and they will come. One thousand dogs barking up the wrong tree does not make it the right tree.

David C. Francis Fernandina Beach HOW TO WRITE US ~ Letters must include writer's name, address and telephone number for verification. Writers are normally limited to one letter in a 30-day period. No political endorsements the week before an election. No poems will be published. Letters should be typed or printed. Not all letters are published. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 16766, Fernandina Beach, FL, 32035 Email: tdishman@fbnewsleader.com. Visit us online at fbnewsleader.com