Letters to the Editors

Athletes are not above the law

Editor: Re: Springstead High School athlete arrested, Aug. 14 Times:

What an appalling response from the coach. ("We hope to have him back playing soon.") He is not only rewarding, but also sanctioning alleged irresponsible and alleged criminal behavior.

I hope the School Board responds more appropriately by not allowing this kid, who has been led to believe he is above the law because he can play with a ball, to return. Send him to the alternative school where he can play hardball with the pros.
-- Beverly Fowler
Tennessee Department of Correction
Tullahoma, Tenn.

Homeowners are callous toward kids using buses

Editor: The Brookridge Homeowners Association has voted to move the kids' bus stop because a few kids misbehaved? Well, what are we going to do with the adults (older than 55) when they misbehave?

As an under-55 adult living in Brookridge, I have been shocked at some of the behavior I have witnessed. For instance, a neighbor decided to steal oranges from two trees in my yard last spring. When caught in the act with another over-55 pal she brought along to help fill the bags, her only defense was that I did not pick my own oranges fast enough.

She and I do not even speak. For a person of any age, though, these behaviors could easily be labeled trespassing and theft.

Last week, I went outside to examine some work I had contracted to be done in my yard. There was a large bush I wanted to cut back, but this same neighbor decided to help the project along. She sprayed poison all over the side of the bush, creating a yellow, wilted look that is on my side of the property line. Of course, some people might like to look at a shrub damaged in such a way, but I call it vandalism, regardless of her age.

I like most people who live here. I like being near a relative who has a chronic condition and needs my help. I even like most of the kids who live in this neighborhood, though I do not have any of my own. I just don't like one thing: age discrimination.

Discrimination occurs when a group of people treats another group badly. In this case, the discrimination is against anyone younger than 55, despite the fact that we are property owners with the same rights and privileges as the older than 55 crowd. The children, who are not old enough to own property yet, are particularly discriminated against when they are not even allowed to keep their bus stop because of some unclear act of vandalism.

If we are going to remove a group of people from an area because a few may have done something wrong, how are we going to apply this to those older than 55 who also do not know how to behave? Does this mean our whole block would have to move to other homes because one over-55 person cannot keep her behavior under control? Clearly, that would be as ridiculous to the 55 and older crowd as moving the bus stop for all the children sounds to their parents.

I'm not yet 55, but I will know how to mind my own business and keep things in perspective when I get there.
-- Michael T. Sierra, Brooksville

Pickup at Brookridge safe for children

Editor: I'm responding to some of the negative letters to the editors you have published about Brookridge.

If you drive Brookridge Boulevard from end to end, it is 4 miles. The midpoint of that is Dalavan Drive. There is plenty of safe room in the median for children to wait for the bus, and the bus can make a U-turn and return.

The families of Brookridge voted overwhelmingly a few years ago to make it a 55-and-older community. At that time, we grandfathered in all the families under 55 into the community. Since that time, we have given grandparents rights for their grandchildren to live with them.

It was suggested we get some recreational programs started for children in the community, and we could not get the mothers and fathers of these children to volunteer and help.

Most of the mothers and fathers of Brookridge children make them behave and respect other people. There are a few who don't and that is where the problem is.

We love our children here in Brookridge. They have a safer place to be picked up than the other 99.9 percent of children going to school.
-- Wilson Mumford, Brookridge

Parents should care for kids at bus stop

Editor: We have a situation here in Brookridge that never would have been created if parents assumed the responsibilities that are theirs. If a parent or designated responsible adult put the child on the bus, and was there to take the child off the bus, the children would not have had the freedom to roam the community causing destruction.

It may be only a few who do this, but it is a few too many. They have forced this new busing situation. Instead of blaming the board, why not evaluate the problem and, if you know who the troublemakers are, take it up with their parents? Why should security be babysitters?

What if that security truck is needed to lead an ambulance to the fastest route to a home where a resident has a life-threatening situation? I pay my fee to Brookridge to assure me the help is available, not to monitor children getting on and off school buses.

Times have changed and not for the better. When I raised my children, I was responsible for getting them to and from school. In addition, I was responsible for feeding them. Now our tax dollars have to do it.

Regarding the status of Brookridge, I was led to believe this is an over-55 community. That was what I was looking for. Those younger than 55 are in the minority. There are real estate brokers working in Brookridge who encourage residents younger than 55 to live here. They even convince sellers to remove the restriction that they can only sell to 55 or older. In my opinion, those Realtors are doing a disservice not only to senior citizens, but to the young families.

I reiterate what others have said: There is nothing here for children. Apparently their well-being is not as important as the paycheck. The majority in this community will always be older than 55 and that is the way I want it.
-- Jean Gendreau, Brooksville

Rape allegations hurt Spring Hill firefighters

Editor: Re: Woman accuses 3 firefighters of rape, Aug. 16 Times:

I am very upset by the article accusing three of our local firefighters of rape without evidence. In our country, we are innocent until proven guilty. I am in complete support of the decisions made to keep these three men active instead of suspending them, or worse.

Why do we not have the alleged victim's name, but we know all three firefighters' names and positions in the Fire Department? Why did she wait 25 days to file a report? Because she was afraid of one man's position? Be real. If anyone really hurts you, regardless of their position, wouldn't you want to take immediate action to see them punished?

If they did do it, then they should be ashamed of themselves and the punishment should happen, but I do not believe these men acted in such a way. I would trust each one with my life in any circumstance. This article does not change that. These three men would give their lives to save any person, and we as a community allow them to be repaid with public slander.

The article not only slanders the firefighters, but also hurts the wives, family and friends of these men. I think as a community we should take a stand for our Spring Hill Fire Rescue District and show our support until evidence shows up, the alleged victim's name is released and the State Attorney's Office makes a decision.

Let's show them the support they need. I wish to say "thank you" to all of Spring Hill Fire and Rescue's EMTs, firefighters and paramedics for the hard work they do daily. I am behind you all the way.

Also, Spring Hill residents, beware: Your fire rates will be increased if the county takes over Spring Hill Fire Rescue. Your fire taxes will be higher and response times slower.
-- Amy Brosnan, Spring Hill

Fire district needs thorough housecleaning

Editor: The County Commission recently voted to allow a referendum on the November ballot asking voters in the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District if they favored independence.

In my opinion, in view of the recent scandal involving the district, the wording of the referendum should be changed to read: "Are you in favor of a top-to-bottom housecleaning of the fire district? Yes or No?"

Independence implies that the district will make mature, professional judgments that can be trusted and relied upon by residents. The recent behavior of firefighters and fire commissioners has revealed major deficiencies in their thinking and actions.

Independence should be postponed until the evidence is clear and unmistakable that a thorough and credible housecleaning has been accomplished by an outside agency, since the present leadership is tainted and unreliable.

The County Commission also should insist that the firefighters and fire commissioners receive human diversity training, including sexual harassment and behavior management courses.

I hope these actions will repair the damage inflicted on the reputation of the district and Hernando County.
-- Janey Baldwin, Brooksville

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