Panelists to discuss balance between taxes and quality of life in Florida

 

SARASOTA, FL (June 1, 2007) – The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Institute for Public Policy and Leadership (IPPL) in partnership with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will host a special public policy and community forum, “Striking a Balance between Taxes and Quality of Life in Florida” on June 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sarasota Cay Club, located at 7150 N. Tamiami Trail.

 

Tom Tryon of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune will moderate the event, which will feature panelists Rex Jensen, President of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch; Del Borgsdorf, former city manager of San Jose, CA and Executive Vice President of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce; Ed Hunzeker, Manatee County Administrator; Representative Doug Holder, District 70; Representative Ron Reagan, District 67; and Dr. J. Edwin Benton, professor in the Department of Government and International Affairs at USF.

 

“Florida has long been perceived as a low tax state that offers native Floridians, new residents, and seasonal visitors a quality of life unmatched elsewhere,” said Dr. Donald Menzel, Director of IPPL.  “Population growth and rising property values over the past several decades have combined to throw out of balance the delicate connection between taxes and quality of life.  The purpose of this special community forum is to foster thoughtful deliberation on ‘striking a balance between taxes and quality of life in Florida.’”

Seating at the event is limited to 100 people and the registration deadline is June 4.  For additional information or to register for the forum, call Donna Fitzpatrick-Conard at 359-4774 or visit http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/ippl/.

USF Sarasota-Manatee is an upper-level campus for those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit. The regional campus offers the prestige of a nationally ranked research university with the convenience of a hometown campus, including classes in south Sarasota County at Manatee Community College Venice.