To the Editor:
Based on what I have seen The Villages is an economic engine that significantly benefits Sumter and Marion counties and the State of Florida.
However, from my experience we are simply being under served by local businesses that work on our homes and landscape our lawns. There are simply too many instances of shoddy workmanship and deceptive business practice.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office and other state agencies responsible to protect Florida consumers are simply not doing their job.
The Florida AG established a program called Seniors vs Crime to help seniors who experienced problems with local businesses. We have this program in The Villages. I applaud the efforts of the volunteers who devote their time and energy to work in this program. Most are retired police officers, investigators and attorneys and are clearly experienced individuals. However, they have limited authority by restraints from the Florida AG. The local businesses know how to respond to the consumer complaint by simply stating they “met industry standards” or simply denying the allegation. It’s like bringing a knife to a gun fight.  Unless the local business is willing to work to fix the problem the home owner has no protection. The Florida AG needs to strengthen the ability and authority of Seniors vs. Crime. Let them do the job they need to do.
Keith Hohimer
Village of Osceola Hills
