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Letters to the EditorsJudge's goal should not be to break spirits© St. Petersburg Times published September 4, 2002 Editor: It surely would be a very sad day in the United States if on Sept. 11 the spirit of the American people had been broken. Yet on Aug. 28, right here in Citrus County, Judge Ric A. Howard acted as a terrorist. In his own words: "This sentence is going to break your spirit right now," he told Adam Bollenback. This writer does not think that the mission of the judicial system is to break the spirit of man but is to appropriately punish, exhort, rehabilitate, seek help for those who are at conflict with society's rules. It was a threat whose words would fall on deaf ears of any young person blessed with a full spirit. Because we as a society refuse to develop the relevant alternatives to guide young people today, I fear this kind of injustice will continue to rear its ugly head all across America. We need to look in the mirror and remember that an integral part of growth and transformation is change. A basic tenant of personal growth and spiritual evolution is that we must begin from where we're at. We adults must provide the tools and space for that growth, not break our children's spirit. I offer myself as a guide and mentor not only to the youth of our county but also to Judge Ric A. Howard.
Teen's prison sentence an egregious abuse of powerEditor: Re: Teenager's 10-year sentence creates an uproar, Sunday Citrus Times: I am writing this letter in response to Sunday's article about Adam Bollenback. If a 10-year adult prison sentence were the standard remedy for mischievous teens or teens who make poor choices, we likely would have as many prisons as we do high schools. Most reasonable people would agree that a sentence of this magnitude for such a minor offense is an abuse of judicial power but three factors make this judge's decision even more egregious: 1. The boy suffers from two forms of mental illness. Attention-deficit (hyperactivity) disorder causes teens to behave impulsively without regard for the consequences of their actions. Bipolar disorder causes teens to experience periods of euphoria followed by serious depression. Both of these conditions are treatable with medication. 2. The judge not only deviated from the sentencing guidelines but used his judicial power to commit what I consider to be one of the most heinous of acts against another human being: "to break his spirit." This harsh statement reminds me of the actions and words of slave owners during this dark period of American history. 3. Possibly the most frightening of the three reasons . . . especially if you reflect on your own childhood or are a parent or guardian of a teenager: This judge appears to have a legally defensible position. In other words, the laws are so poorly written that they allowed the judge to act in a manner which is contrary to the decency and compassion we expect, "without a legal remedy." I encourage like-minded people to voice their opinion and send a clear message to judges and prosecutors that being tough on crime doesn't mean locking up teens for nonviolent offenses. My heart goes out to the boy and his family for enduring such treatment at the hands of another.
Voter precinct changes not made clear enoughEditor: Re: Precinct changes could confuse, Sunday Times: I would like to take exception with Supervisor of Elections Susan Gill's so-called attempt to get the word out regarding precinct changes. Her biggest effort was to mail out new cards to 83,000-plus voters; I hope the other 82,998-plus had the "precinct location" on them as ours did not. Ours simply said W Homosassa Springs. When I called her office, I was told to look on the card and I would see the location printed on the bottom. After much searching, a staffer finally came up with the location. It would also have been nice for a list of the polling places to have accompanied the article in the Sunday edition of the Citrus Times if there is a fear of so much confusion.
Constructive criticism of city leaders not a bad thingEditor: Since when is it a major crime for an employer to critique those under his employ? Most everyone in Crystal River, including myself, either likes or loves Phil Lilly. An intelligent person with a varied background and definite people skills can probably do well in most endeavors, given enough time. Most people, including Phil and Carol Lilly, knew it would take time and effort to become proficient at a totally new type of job, and, yes, stressful, considering our city manager history. I imagine any of our past city managers would be stressed if they encountered hijackers at 40,000 feet. Every employer, right up to the president, gives critical suggestions and orders to his personnel routinely, without firing, quitting or recall being threatened. Constructive criticism is a must in nearly all jobs. Perhaps some of our former city managers would have lasted longer if councils had worked to improve their performances rather than just getting rid of them without dialogue or even good reason. For the councilman John Kendall bashers, with Edgar Tolle and the Citrus County Chronicle at the top of the list, note should be taken that in public or private, Kendall has never asked or pushed for the departure of Phil Lilly or Jim Farley. Along with Kitty Ebert, he has strived to make our city manager more successful and to bring our police budget more in line with the rest of the city. Before last year's election, the bashers strongly rumored that the new city manager would be ousted and the police department dissolved. Guess what? Council members Kendall and Ebert have proved that that is not their desire. Before spearheading a recall petition, I suggest the ringleaders and all concerned citizens should attend the workshops and council meetings to see what the mayor and council are really doing.
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