Letters to the Editors

Voters have not had their say on Largo library

Re: Largo's planned $22-million library.

It is amazing that some of the city commissioners mentioned concerns about community support and donations and then, without blinking an eye, pulled out the checkbook.

We the people have not had our say on this price tag. You can spin your view and perspective on this issue all you want, but the fact is indisputable and you are all afraid of letting the people be heard.

I am one of the 6 to 7 percent that vote and if that is all that show up, so be it. I have made mention I am not against a new library, just this process.

People of Largo, the mayor and this commission are saying you voted for this $22-million expenditure when you voted for them. That is nothing but spin. They had no idea of today's cost back then, and apparently care not what you want or have to say about it today. Just belly up and get ready to pay.

Have we lost sight of what services the library is expected to or should provide? Is it a civic center? A disco for teens? A day care? A place to gather and mingle? A restaurant? A place for hobbies?

Maybe, but let the people decide.
-- Dale Alford, Largo

Why not give us a referendum on library?

No one is in disagreement with the fact that Largo needs a new library. The main bone of contention involves the size and cost to the city and its citizens.

The proponents of a 93,000-square-foot facility now estimate a cost of somewhere between $22-million and $24-million, which does not include overrides of an undetermined amount but would most assuredly result in a tax increase in the near future for operating costs.

With an expenditure of this magnitude, what is the down side of taking the subject to the citizens in a referendum, including an alternative for a library of lesser size and cost which would satisfy the city's needs for years to come?

The denial of a referendum can only be interpreted as an indication the proponents of the larger library are unsure the public supports their thinking. Take the issue to referendum, and let the will of the citizens be heard.
-- Howard H. Knuth, Largo

Unincorporated areas do pay for services

Re: Land annexations to tip balance of power, story, June 10.

Does Largo City Manager Steve Stanton really think his city is providing my services for free? As a former Largo resident for 28 years and current resident of the unincorporated area, I am offended by his insinuation.

I privately pay for trash pickup by BFI and the Pinellas County street light assessment. Also, the $2,168 a year property tax I pay entitles me to fire and police protection, among other services.

If he needs to make me out to be a freeloader in order to annex my property, Largo will have a long wait. I left once because of the arrogance displayed by Largo city officials.
-- Claudia Tibbetts, unincorporated Pinellas

Open doors shed light on Scientology

Re: No need to open Scientology's door, letter, June 10.

Thousands of people have availed themselves of the historic Fort Harrison open house since February; and in doing so, more and more people are getting the kind of information that they just cannot seem to get from the St. Petersburg Times.

In addition to the beautifully restored hotel, rich in the history of this city, visitors to the Fort Harrison learn about Scientology and meet the real people of Scientology, who -- like any other parishioner of any other church -- come from all walks of life. The majority of our church parishioners are active in their communities, helping others to live better lives.

Visitors to the Fort Harrison learn that Scientologists in Tampa Bay contribute thousands of hours of volunteer time in teaching people to read and learn, helping people to get off drugs (and being successful at it), as volunteer ministers during times of disaster and in the day-to-day business of living, with its upsets and problems.

What initially began as just three weeks of open house to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Fort Harrison stretched into four weeks and now, due to popular demand, is being done weekly on Sundays. A majority of the responses to this event shows that the general public not only enjoys reliving wonderful memories of the Fort Harrison but appreciates finding out about the Church of Scientology for themselves.

I invite you all to come and see for yourselves.
-- Pat Harney, public affairs director Church of Scientology Office of Special Affairs Clearwater

Sheriff's booking fee idea is ridiculous

Re: $10 cover charge at jail proposed, story, June 12.

The proposal by Pinellas Sheriff Everett Rice to charge arrested prisoners a small "booking fee" to offset expenses is outrageous. You do not charge anyone a fine and call it a booking fee. Good grief. They're prisoners being booked for jail, not customers paying admission to see a movie.

The sheriff is proposing that the money will be returned to those acquitted. Wonderful. So, the $10 is, shall we say, a deposit? Apart from the fact that this appears as someone betting I'm innocent -- and with no odds, I might add -- it also complicates the prediction of revenue for reducing expenses, which is the reason for the charge in the first place.

Under this proposal, the county won't collect from the indigent or from those who need the 10 bucks to make bail. And the really good news is that they won't place a lien on the property of anyone who refuses to pay 10 bucks. Well, that's a relief.

So what's the worst thing they can do if you can afford to but refuse to pay the fee? Send you to jail?
-- Jack Bray, Dunedin

Beach concerts a real boon to Tarpon

This is simply a letter of thanks to Times staff writer Barbara Fredricksen for discovering and reporting on the monthly community concerts at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. As volunteers, the Friends of Music on the Beach were delighted with the May 31st article in the Pinellas and Pasco editions, and appreciated Ms. Fredricksen's interest in the beach's history as well as the eclectic music series that brings all ages to this little treasure of a beach one night a month.

The city of Tarpon Springs should be commended for working with resident volunteers to make this family-friendly series possible for the enjoyment of all. This is one of those events that reminds us how wonderful it is to live here. We volunteers especially want to thank the city of Tarpon Springs, especially the staff of the Tarpon Springs Department of Public Services (Daniela Smyth, and before her, Paul Comini, as well as Dr. Kathleen Monahan of Cultural & Civic Services), for realizing what a great opportunity this is to share our community's natural and artistic resources at their best.
-- Ann Larsen, Tarpon Springs

Hats off to sheriff, county government

This is to thank Pinellas County Sheriff Everett S. Rice and Pinellas County Commission chairwoman Barbara Sheen Todd for standing up for Pinellas County.

Many cities in Pinellas have voluntarily chosen to have Sheriff Rice's deputies keep their streets safe. Some cities (including mine, Dunedin) even voluntarily chose to switch over from city police to Sheriff Rice's officers.

Why? Because city voters feel safe with the professionalism of Sheriff Rice's officers. And Sheriff Rice was recently re-elected in a landslide. Why? Because county voters feel safe with the professionalism of Sheriff Rice's officers.

Pinellas County has done and is doing many wonderful things for city residents: a marvelous countywide library cooperative system, a wonderful agricultural cooperative/urban forestry program, the county complexes of courthouses and detention centers, the county Health Department, the county emergency management department, the Pinellas County (St. Petersburg/Clearwater) International Airport, the Bayside Bridge, the Pinellas Trail, Brooker Creek Preserve and many other county parks, the county waste-to-energy electrical power plant, better wastewater treatment plants to protect Tampa Bay, the county flood protection basin plans which predated most city plans, a county environmental permitting system, and probably many others I cannot think of at the moment.

And all that with taxes that allow many United States citizens to be able to retire here.
-- Early McMullen Sorenson, Dunedin

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