Letters to the Editors

Don't forget legislators' recycling vote

Editor: Would the Times publish the members of the state Legislature who voted to make recycling mandatory on a percentage basis?

Picture this: an elderly person with a cane hauling three pieces of containers to the curb; open containers attracting animals and insects. (In California they have covered containers in the ground.)

Let's vote the "aye" representatives out in November, wherever and whomever they may be.
-- Anna Liisa Covell, Nobleton

Benefits of recycling outweigh inconvenience

Editor: Idealism of recycling will result in real cost to residents, May 24 letter to the editor:

My husband and I moved to Florida four years ago and were shocked to find out that there was no curbside recycling in our area. I have been recycling since the early '80s, since I was a little girl. My view on this issue is very different from that of Mr. Tavares.

Our friends who are native to Florida thought we were crazy when my husband built a shelf in the garage to hold five blue Rubbermaid bins. These bins are elevated so that flea-infested and possibly rabid creatures cannot get at them. This is not rocket science; it only takes a few seconds to drop these items into the bin.

Give me a break, people. Get off your butts and do something good for the environment. It took some time, but we have trained our friends to put their bottles and cans in the appropriate bin. When our parents started to recycle, they too were skeptical. Now, it is second nature to them. They are proof that you can teach old dogs new tricks.

I hope that residents of Hernando County will keep an open mind and will be willing to change. There are a lot of people out there who really do care about keeping this country clean. We see them every week at the recycling depot.

There will come a day when garbage will be charged by the bag. Recycling may not be a choice in the future, so get used to it now.

Protecting the environment should be everyone's responsibility and at everyone's expense.
-- Dana Hennessy, Spring Hill

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 schoolhouse. 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

It's good to see Dr. Tellone recognized in print

Editor: Re: Top rating opens road for Tellone, May 29.

Excellent article. Dr. Wendy Tellone is here for the children. She is a very dedicated woman and one who cares deeply. It is such a pleasure to see the wonderful rating she so deserves.

Those who can't "commit" to her, due to a timing issue, can't see anything good in life even if they lived forever.

Keep up the great work, Dr. Tellone. There are many folks who really do appreciate your dedication. It's just so much nicer to see it in print.
-- Donna M. Lipidarov, Port Richey

Scientist uses the facts to quell nuclear power fears

Editor: Re: Nuclear power is safe, May 22 letter to the editor.

How fortunate we are to have scientist Dr. Keith Furr in our community helping to rationalize the misinformation about atomic energy.

It is an accomplished and tamed technology waiting for the ill-informed hysteria to subside so we can move ahead with solutions to problems unnecessarily late in time.
-- George Warren, Spring Hill

Hurricane evacuation zones should be adjusted

Editor: Re: Hurricane evacuation zones.

The evacuation zones as listed should be changed according to elevation above sea level.

My home is 6 years old, built of concrete block and stucco, and is located on a lot that is 28 feet above sea level, yet I am still in Zone A because I am just west of U.S. 19.

All of the other homes in Regency Oaks are in the same boat, even though homes that are built across U.S. 19 in Berkeley Manor that are at a lower elevation are in Zone B. This drawing of the line on U.S. 19 should be modified in some way to accommodate for this fact.
-- Irwin Rosenberg, Spring Hill

Share your views

The Hernando Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Hernando Times, 161 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601. To fax a letter call 754-6133. Send letters by e-mail (in text-only format) to hernando@sptimes.com.

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