Letters to the Editors

Commission should defend sign code

Re: Billboard deal is proving slippery, story, March 2. It is certainly contrary to our system of government when constant pressure and threats of legal action are used as tools to change or amend laws for self-interests. Such seems to be the case now as the billboard industry pressures the Pinellas County Commission to amend the county sign code passed in 1992.

Enforcement (of the code) has been delayed because of the constant threat of legal action, and I think it is time to enforce what was passed and not cave in to pressure being exerted by one powerful industry to amend what is already in place.

Stop bowing to the constant threat of lawsuits and stand up for the people's right to expect enforcement.
-- Bill Zinzow, Clearwater

Charter is a good guide for benefits

Re: Caruso's pitch for insurance loses steam, story, March 7.

I keep asking myself why this bothers me so much. I keep coming up with the same answer: A member of the City Council should not use his position for personal gain while in office.

Sure, I agree that medical insurance is expensive (I pay almost $300 monthly for my family); and I agree the members of the Oldsmar City Council should get a compensation adjustment (they have not had a raise in 14 years), but they should do it by the guidelines set forth in the city charter. Even if the charter does not address benefits directly, benefits should be assigned the same as compensation increases.

The charter states that the change will apply to the next term of office. This is designed so no sitting City Council will vote itself a raise for personal enrichment. It is my opinion that a benefit of free medical insurance is personal enrichment.

Council member Marcelo Caruso is self-employed and must pay for his insurance out of his own pocket. Just imagine the savings to his personal income if the residents of Oldsmar pay for his medical insurance only because he was elected to a council seat.

If Mr. Caruso was recommending this benefit for the future council members, I would applaud his altruism. Instead, I am forced to deplore his self-serving behavior. Call the city and tell them: "No!"
-- Dale A. Renbjor, Oldsmar

Stand up to billboard companies

Re: Billboard deal is proving slippery, story, March 2.

We are surprised by our Pinellas County commissioners' lack of support for the sign code. We would like to let them know that we:

Support Commissioner Robert Stewart in his effort to have a billboard agreement that reflects the original intent of the 1992 sign code.

Want the county to follow through with the billboard removals.

Believe that Pinellas County's quality of life requires the reduction of roadside clutter and distractions. Billboards in cities without billboards and on scenic roads should be removed first. Billboards detract from our ability to attract tourists.

That no special deals should be given to billboard companies. All signs should be treated alike.

The county has an obligation to enforce sign regulations just like all other regulations. No exceptions should be made for big out-of-state billboard companies.

We are not complacent about the actions (or lack of action) of our county commissioners. We are registered voters who vote, and we ask that they listen to those who elected them.
-- Stephen A. & Elizabeth Hopwood, Clearwater

Rate increases have been inequitable

Tarpon Springs commissioners: Although it is understood that the proposed water and sewer rates will not be dealt with until after the March 19 election, it behooves us to discuss this matter briefly to avert the same kind of inequitable treatment imposed upon us relative to the stormwater fees, which in essence is a tax no matter how you slice it.

If you carry through with the proposed rates, you will increase the city-imposed obligation upon us by 27 percent. This is unconscionable.

A further insult to our intelligence is that heretofore, the ready-to-serve charge was applied to our master meter only. Now you plan to impose that charge upon each and every unit, and we resent and oppose this to the extent that we're seriously thinking of going the legal route to keep you from doing it.

Most condo and homeowner associations run their communities on a fiscally responsible and honest, open-book basis. But the city has seen fit to impose these tax burdens on an untimely basis, which did not give us enough time to include these expenses in our budget, thereby creating a shortfall.

The disparate stormwater tax is a case in point. Predicated on what the city and consultants led us to believe our rates would be, we went ahead and budgeted for those proposed rates, only to learn that you had increased our rates about $272 per month. The real disparity is reflected in the $5.65 applying to a luxurious 6,000-square-foot home as well as to some poor widow's home that is less than 900 square feet. This certainly belies the commission's commitment to the residents that all the rates would be applied fairly and equitably.

My previous comments notwithstanding, whatever happened to your concept of gradualism and incrementalism? Why do you have to impose hammer-type fees or taxes in one fell swoop?

We respectfully request you review in earnest the impositions we speak of and come back to us with at least a modicum of compassion for those who must struggle to continue to be residents of Tarpon Springs.
-- Joseph R. LaRocca, president
Woods at Anderson Park Homeowners Association

One bike found; many still missing

I recently recovered a stolen bike from the field next to Dunedin Highland Middle School. I put "found" posters throughout the neighborhood. Since then, I have received 25 phone calls -- with no one identifying this almost-new bike. This large number of calls makes me offer the following advice:

1. Do not think that your bike is safe during daylight hours because it is in your driveway.

2. Do not think that a bike lock will secure your bike. These young thieves carry bolt cutters.

3. Check with your local police department because many bikes are recovered and sit in a storage closet waiting for the yearly auction.

4. If your child comes home with a "new" bike, please do not believe that it was just given to him.

Let's all be more aware and more responsible within our neighborhoods. Surely, we can reduce the number of stolen bikes. In the meantime, I will continue to search for the owner of this beautiful bike.
-- Anne Daigle, Dunedin

Times recommends

Today is Election Day in Clearwater and Safety Harbor. The Times printed detailed explanations of its recommendations March 1 for the Safety Harbor election and March 3 for the Clearwater election. Following is a summary of those recommendations. The polls will be open to voters from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

Recommended in Clearwater:

Seat 2: Frank Hibbard

Seat 3: Hoyt Hamilton

Recommended in Safety Harbor:

Mayor: Pam Corbino

Seat 4: Robin Borland
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