(the moderator did not allow enough time to actually deliver this speech)

Hi, I'm Pete Theisen. I am a retired Acupuncturist. I have from time to time held various other jobs. I have an undergraduate degree in Social Work and I have worked as a Community Organizer. I have also been a business owner, owning several auto repair and refinish shops. In the late 70s I qualified as a Master Mechanic. I have extensive experience with non-profit organizations and four years on the Public Housing Staff of the City of Detroit.

What is the most serious problem facing the City of Sarasota today? Is it the problem that nearly everything the City uses comes from Out of Town? Or the problem that millionaires are again and again given huge tax breaks to “create jobs” and yet we still have massive unemployment?

Is it the problem that people hired to do all kinds of construction do not live here or even in Florida? Or the problem that generously paid City Advisors tend to give us the advise that we need more and more of their advise? Can it be the problem of transportation gridlock? Could it even be that so called “developers” generously fund candidates for public office upon whom they can depend to sell out the public interest? How about the problem that the bean counters want to ax the Police Pensions while the Police have never had Social Security?

The most serious problem facing Sarasota TODAY is one you don't often hear about. Perhaps one Herald Tribune article a year. Maybe one mention before the City Commission every ten years – hardly ever given full attention in its bleak and chilling implications.

Did the Ground Hog see his shadow this morning? If so, or if not, will there be six more weeks of winter?

Nearly all of us heat with electric, and F P and L have us facing a 30 year monopoly in any case. That and the almost 10 percent unemployment – I hope we get some Sarasota Warming.