Columns by Mary Ann Hutton

How are nations' and states' fiscal responsibility measured? How are these fiscal responsibilities made transparent? The answers to both questions are by their credit rating. The credit rating analyzes the entities’ financial management practices, its expenditure...

The largest component to any city, county or development is infrastructure. Infrastructure is a set of necessary facilities or systems providing commodities and services for the community to enable, sustain or enhance societal living conditions. However, most...

Even though it is still suturing hot and humid, summer vacation is coming to an end for school age children. They will return to the classroom in a couple of weeks and settle into new policies, education requirements and regulations that have been passed and...

As I travel our beautiful county daily, I am reminded of the devasting effects caused by Hurricane Michael. The reminder is often triggered by traveling to an area and reminiscing about the picturesque views of graceful large grand trees or even an old farmhouse...

You might ask, how to protect and sustain our political freedom? The answer to that question is quite simple but made very complex throughout the centuries. Our political freedom is highly contingent upon our abilities to provide free, fair, and secure elections....

The FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2022 reports that Florida ranks #2 in the overall state statistics for internet crimes with over 42,000 victims and estimated losses of over $844,000,000. Real estate fraud is one of the many categories analyzed in this report as it...

The passing of local ordinances is a very broad legislative power the governing body of a county or municipality can enact. Generally, this power is executed as a measure to promote the health, safety welfare, and quality of life of the residents. Local ordinances...

As political races and debate stages heat up with so many issues, and policy decisions at stake, I wanted to find some clarity as to the acceptable activities that churches and pastors can use to influence public policy. I have often heard that churches, religious...

We have heard a lot about inflation lately. However, most importantly we have experienced this inflationary period first-hand. As the inflation rate has risen so has the cost of goods and services. This rise in goods and services takes away our purchasing power and...

Why are prescription drug costs so high? State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo stated, “The American people have been led to believe that drug costs are high so that pharmaceutical companies can continue to perform research.” “But this claim ignores the fact that...

What effect does the promotion of a policy of open borders have on the United States and Florida? The answer is simple, it places a high demand on already stressed enforcement and provider systems and places enormous financial strains on state and local governments...

As most of us celebrated Memorial Day on Monday, I would like to personally thank every member of the military and their families for their service to our great state and our great country. Freedom is not free, it is paid for by military members and their families....

Florida is ranked the third highest state in the United States for reported human trafficking cases. Florida law defines “human trafficking” as transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, providing, enticing, maintaining, purchasing, patronizing, procuring, or...

The 2023 Legislative Session provided 5 bills and general appropriations money which supports education, students, and teachers. A major accomplishment in moving Florida’s starting teacher salaries from 26th in the nation in 2020 to 9th in the nation in 2023. The...

Last week we covered how important international trade, trade agreements, partnerships and relationships are to Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella visited...

It is virtually impossible to engage with media without violent crime around the United States being a top story. High crime and violet crime areas are detrimental to local economies. It costs the local governments and the local citizens a tremendous amount of time...

Why does Florida have the 15th largest economy in the world? Governor Ron DeSantis stated it is “because our state has worked to create partnerships with other countries to create jobs and boost the economy.” That is why Governor DeSantis is leading a team on an...

When was the final language of the Second Amendment agreed upon? James Madison presented the first version, and the Committee of House of Representative provided the house’s final language to the Senate in August 1789. Then the senate modified the language and...

Florida’s legislative session will soon adjourn on May 5, 2023. With the ending so close the legislators, staff and lobbyists are all working overtime. There have been many bills which have passed both the Florida Senate and Florida House. Several bills have...

Last week Governor Ron DeSantis set an example for the remaining states to follow his lead on protecting Floridians and businesses from the far wide reach of “Big Brother’s”federal government control. Governor DeSantis announced legislation which would amend...