Strongest Survive

Have you ever seen the television series The Wire? The series follows the lives of drug dealers, drug businessmen, city council members, and the everyday drug users on the streets of Baltimore Maryland. When detectives have a difficult time catching the big money dealers they learn the best way to get evidence; follow the money.

Preston Trigg, Director of Administration and Special Projects at the Hillsborough County Tax Collector's office agrees. As young journalist he advised us that following the money is the best way to get a strong story. The Tax collectors office receives and distributes over 2 billion dollars annually. Best of all there a record of every dollar sent and received. During election years politicians are always promising to lower this tax or end that tax. Looking into a particular politicians record at the tax collector office would certainly help. Why would I trust a politician to lower taxes if that person doesn't pay their taxes or even vote. Everyday i attend class I learn more about what information is public knowledge by Florida's Sunshine laws. Being able to access such information to be a good journalist is necessary, I often wonder how difficult it is for journalist in states that don't have such laws as the Sunshine laws available to us here in Florida.

Its also important for potential homeowners to take advantage of the information available to them at tax collectors office.  Understanding property tax information can really help homeowners as the budget for their future. Homeowners can also protect themselves by viewing property tax records to see if the home they are looking to purchase is being priced over what its worth or if their has been significant damage to the home that an appraiser may have missed.

Its so important to ask questions. As journalist we can't be to shy to say "can you explain  that to me?" Its also important to talk to everyone. The secretary, janitor, anyone that people generally don't pay attention to, can probably provide you with the most information. So its important not to disregard someone because of their job status. You never know if becoming that persons associate opens the door for you to obtain a lot of helpful information.