Letters to the Editors

Allowing more units at Perrine Ranch will cause many problems

Editor: In 1998, Pasco County commissioners put a cap on the Perrine Ranch property at 162 single-family homes. They had denied Pulte permission to build more on the same tract of land, which was about 187 acres.

Now a local developer is requesting 280 homes on the same tract, which has been reduced to 150 acres because of the sale of some of the land to a church.

This turnaround, besides seeming fishy at best, will undermine the water tables, crowd schools and increase the number of accidents on Perrine Ranch Road.
-- Aldo Boselli,New Port Richey

Cars with noisy mufflers, radio blasting need specialty tags

Editor: In an attempt to control noise pollution, I would like to suggest that specialty tags be issued for those who have taken over the highways with gutted mufflers and loud boom boxes. There are noise pollution and fuel emission smells from the gutted mufflers and loud noises from the music.

To be sure, the drivers may consider this situation cool. Their choice of noise and radio reception often intimidates and frightens others. At times these noises jar windows in houses as many pass a residence. Recently, the noise of a boom box awoke our dog at 1 a.m. and we thought we had been struck by lightning.
-- Marion Jackson, New Port Richey

Responsible owners needed to curb deaths at animal shelter

Re: Unloved, unwanted and facing a death sentence, Jan. 13

Editor: This article saddened me to the point I cried and hugged and petted each of my four dogs. All were strays at one time. I have had them all spayed or neutered.

The latest county decision to cage female dogs in heat has good intentions, but it will not work to lessen all the unwanted births of unwanted puppies.

I think the best solution is to require legitimate dog breeders to register each male and female to be used as breeders, at a nominal fee. All other dogs, male or female, would have to be spayed or neutered.

Owners of dogs without licenses and not spayed or neutered would pay hefty fines. Responsible owners would eliminate the destruction of man's best friend.

Do not say you cannot afford this expense. Call PAWS. Pets are not just a possession but a responsibility.
-- Arlene Bock, New Port Richey

Salvation Army provides help, faith and hope to the needy

Editor: In my years of working with the Salvation Army, I've learned that people can live without a lot of things in life. But it is nearly impossible to live without faith.

Perhaps you can recall an instance in your own life when your faith helped you through a trying time. Or maybe you were instrumental in helping to restore the faith of a hurting friend or loved one. If so, you know just how important faith is. Without it, life can seem very empty.

If I could show you pictures of the people the Salvation Army serves you might think you share little in common with them. Most often, they're people with families like yours and mine.

They are individuals and families who ask for food, clothing, shelter or financial assistance.

Elderly men and women who seek companionship. Children who hope for a chance to spend a week learning and laughing at a Salvation Army camp and many more people just like you and me who pray for relief and comfort when disasters strike.

When Jesus asked us to help the poor and feed the hungry, he put no stipulations on wherever and whenever the need exists. And he puts no limitations on our love and compassion. Because in God's world, there are no unimportant people. That's why the Salvation Army reaches out to bring assistance and hope to men, women and children victimized by circumstance and disaster.

The Salvation Army's Center of Hope provides groceries, nonperishable food items and meals to hungry and hurting families and individuals. We offer referrals to other organizations, or vouchers for lodging at local hotels for those who need a safe place to stay. Regardless of the disaster, one of The Salvation Army's emergency canteens is on the scene, offering assistance, encouragement and relief. We provide toys for underprivileged children. We also provide food for hungry families and extra cheer to help make the holidays brighter for our less fortunate neighbors.

We help children develop their potential by organizing educational and recreational programs such as before and after school activities, summer camp, basketball and football. We offer companionship as well as opportunities to volunteer and participate in other special programs.

The mission of the Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Here at the Salvation Army's Center of Hope, it is our heartfelt desire to offer every man, woman and child the resources and encouragement needed to help restore their faith and hope for a new beginning.
-- Jeanne Coulter, manager, Salvation Army Center of Hope

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