Suwannee Countians, it's time to speak your mind! How? By calling the Suwannee Democrat Rant and Rave hotline. The hotline never closes and is your way to let it out. You can let everyone know how you feel -- as long as you express yourself in a respectful way.

Note: In written entries to Rant and Rave, errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation are those of the authors.

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I was just curious why under the front page Suwannee Democrat you say serving Suwannee County since 1884 including Live Oak, Wellborn, Branford, McAlpin and O'Brien. Just out of curiosity, why is Dowling Park not recognized?



Thanks for pointing out the oversight. Our banner now reads as it should.

- Editor

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One way the sheriff can verify seat belts being worn, is to monitor the traffic in and out of the school's parking lots, and drop-off points. The county would make a lot of money if this were done on a regular basis.

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Does anyone ever inspect the public restrooms in the municipal buildings? Some of them are really nice, but some would not pass inspection.

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To the politician running in our upcoming city elections. I appreciate the fact that you have lived here all of your life, and that you go to church every time the door is open. I also am from here and go to your church, but this does not give you the right to ask me take your opponent's signs out of my yard. That was very rude of you. And yes, his sign is still in my yard.

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I agree with the person that said they wanted to know the qualifications. If you have lived in Live Oak, this town long enough, you find out who is related to whom and we each one have our own opinions. What we want to know is do they have the experience that qualifies them for the job. Thank you.

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The privatization of government utilities is designed to save money. Councilman Stewart, Councilman Burch and Councilman Rewis did this city a great disservice by not allowing our utility contract to go out for bid. None of them has any expertise in the field of public works.

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Noticed in Friday's Democrat that the run is on for the Agricultural Commissioner's seat, a cabinet position. The last time the cabinet members got involved with Suwannee County, we were stuck with a cement plant that no one except a few commissioners wanted. Before choosing an Ag Commissioner, take a look at that monstrosity close to the Ichetucknee River then vote for someone who cares about the environment and the farmers and not just their own personal interest or profit.

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Have you ever watched a snake crawl across your yard. He will never crawl in a straight line. Kind of reminds you of the people who designed and drew the new perimeter road or bypass west of Live Oak. There is an alternative.

A new turn lane could be built from Eva Ave NE on Hwy 90 to Mussey Ave NE. Mussey Ave NE could be 4-laned to Duval Street NE, making a left turn on Duval to Ohio, purchase real estate office on corner of Ohio and Duval for right turn lane.

All of this could be done a lot cheaper than what is now planned and still serve the same purpose.

It would prevent loss of business to all those between Ohio and the Lowes store.

We talk of grants to fix and repair our downtown buildings. Why would we spruce up downtown when we are sending traffic around this perimeter of Live Oak?

At present the planned route would benefit maybe 3 to 5% of the taxpayers while the balance 95 percent paid for the road with their purchase of gas.

Call your county commissioners before Tuesday March 16, 2010 and voice your opinion after all, you're paying for it.

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I think it's funny how in the Mayor's Corner, Friday, March 5, the mayor says "I have heard and read lately about how rates for city services have gone up and up. It is understandable that these things are said at election time." Then a few lines later he goes on and touts the gas rebate that the council passed on his recommendation. I guess "these things" are said at election time. By the way mayor, garbage pickup has went from 2 days a week to 1, but the rate is the same. Hmmm.

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We are relatively new to the area, and in speaking to someone the other day, we were told that the gas tax was raised a few years ago in Suwannee County to pave the roads. Our road is very slippery in the rain, and dusty in the dry spells. It is also heavily traveled with horse trailers and trucks. It would be very nice to have 51st Drive paved. We understand that our area has received less road paving than the Branford area. What is wrong with the Wellborn area getting it's fair share? Thanks.

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Callers to 386-208-8314 may express their thoughts, good or bad, 24/7 about community issues and politics, but not about private individuals or businesses. If you prefer, you may email your comments to nf.editorial@gaflnews.com. You don't have to give your name, and please, keep submissions to less than 45 seconds (that's about 150 words). We want everybody to have a chance to be heard. Submissions that are overly long will be discarded. If 45 seconds isn't enough time, write a Letter to the Editor. (Guidelines for letters appear on Page 6A of our print edition.)