Letters to the Editors

Graduation: Save it for ones who deserve it

Re: Meaning of graduation shouldn't be taken lightly, May 24 Jan Glidewell column.

Editor: Although I often find Mr. Glidewell flip and very humorous, I found his opinions regarding graduation ceremonies in Pasco County right on target.

Why should students who are not officially graduating walk through the ceremony? When do we say to our children, "No, you haven't met the requirements. You must suffer the consequence?"

I'm sure if you asked any student who is eligible to walk through the ceremony, they would not describe it as having no real meaning. If it's "just children walking across the stage," then why are parents of ineligible students so upset that their child can't do it?

The emphasis on education should start from the moment a child walks through the doors of the school. A focus on the importance of showing up for class, completing work, and realizing that the responsibility for education lies within, needs to be present from day one.

I wish all the graduates of 2002 the best, even the ones who may graduate a little later than the rest. Life's lessons need to begin somewhere. Let's hope that this will be the toughest one they ever face.
-- Sharon Snead, Spring Hill

How can Pasco widen a road and not construct sidewalks?

Editor: Before my wife and I moved to Florida in 1985, we visited here six or seven times and I always thought of it as a hick, or backward state, compared to Michigan. When we moved here, I changed my mind a bit.

But when I look at the lack of sidewalks in Pasco, I wonder, is Florida still a hick state? How can a county widen a road like it did to Ridge Road and not build a sidewalk on at least one side of the road in the sections where there aren't any?

The people in charge always seem to goof something up when building things. When the Suncoast Parkway was built, bike paths were added, which is great. That is something a hick state wouldn't build. But there are no entrances to the path at State Road 52. Why no entrance, when they were placed at SR 54 and 50?

Don't misunderstand me. I like Florida, but there is room for improvement when it comes to adding the little touches when building things.
-- Walter Johnson, Port Richey

Secondary impact of utility systems needs closer scrutiny

Editor: I think it is commendable that someone is thinking they might need to change Pasco's land use plans. Being a Sierra Club member, and embroiled with the Perrine Ranch assault in 1999, changing the plan was what the brave neighborhood thought.

We all showed up en masse at the hearing, over 300 people spilling out of the room. Being a Realtor, and having sold homes in the Trinity area just below the Perrine Ranch land tract, I helped orchestrate the war against 45 by 100 lots being proposed. I have since said in Department of Community Affairs symposiums in 2000 in front of Steve Siebert that the state would need to stay continually involved in the process in Pasco.

The county only reviews the impact of existing developments on sewer and water systems. What I brought up to the DCA is secondary impacting of public utility systems.

Perrine Ranch for example, has existing homes that are on septic and well water surrounding the big land tract. New FEMA laws say new homes must be built 4 feet higher, which means water will flow down to older homes, and their septic drain fields won't drain.
-- Peggy Arvanitas, Seminole

Cat owners, keep pets insidethe home where they belong

Re: Trapping and dumping of cats is an outrage, May 26 letter.

Editor: It is also an outrage that pet owners let them run wild. Pet cats should be kept indoors where they are safe and out of danger.

I am a cat lover and had a pet cat for 20 years. She was never outside and therefore could not bother neighbors or be trapped by them. What is the writer thinking by letting a disabled cat with a balance problem outside anyhow? Many bad things besides neighbors and traps can befall cats left to fend for themselves: dogs, raccoons, alligators, cars, etc. They can also be exposed to disease and fleas.

Be a responsible pet owner and keep your cats inside where they belong.
-- Gerri Kostinko, New Port Richey

Maybe your neighbors don't want to share your pets

Re: Trapping and dumping of cats is an outrage, May 26 letter.

Editor: Did the writer ever think that people don't want to share her pets?

If you want animals, then I'm a firm believer that you should be responsible and control them. Then, you won't have to wonder where they are.
-- Robert Guenkel, Spring Hill

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