December 2008

Since my ultimate wish as an economic conservative is the economic well-being of my fellow citizens, I have outlined some of the moves that should be made at each level of government to achieve that end.

On the local level, we need to cut down on the high-priced boondoggles. Some outstanding examples include the Ocean Center in Daytona and the public Golf course in New Smyrna Beach. Didn't we learn our lesson with the mistake that is The News-Journal Center?

Categorically, government at the county and city levels can be characterized as having too many public employees and too many burdensome regulations.

The City of New Smyrna appears to be moving toward a severe financial situation. This situation could be easily corrected by declaring bankruptcy and turning the city management over to a bankruptcy referee. However, it would be much better if the city fathers could get hold of the city finances and bring things under control.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A 24-year-old man was arrested this afternoon on charges of robbing a woman at gunpoint and pistol whipping her the previous day near New Smyrna Beach.

James L. Smith Jr. faces a charge of armed robbery with a weapon for the daylight confrontation. The 33-year-old victim was treated at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach for her facial injuries and released the same day.