The recent changes at County Center have not been easy but they are an important first step in the redesign of local government.

I encourage citizens to go to http://hillsboroughcounty.org to read more about planned changes at the County. I also urge you to send in your ideas for consolidation and streamlining operations as we cut millions from the FY11 budget and prepare for FY12-13. The new leadership understands the urgency of making substantive changes while vastly enhancing communication and coordination with other service providers to ensure that our citizens are well served.

Property taxes will continue to go down forcing government to get slimmer. The key is to then have a plan to provide essential services - from road maintenance to child care that utilizes a unique and well considered mix of public and private entities.

I am confident that our new interim administrator is up to the job and encourage you to make your voice heard in the days ahead.

All the best - Mark