Letters to the Editors

Sign thefts understandable, let's move on

Editor: I have been reading about all the people trying to turn this sign issue into some felonious crime, and the impression that Ginny Brown-Waite is trying to steal the election because of redistricting.

First, what Harvey Waite (her husband) did was wrong, but as anyone has ever worked on a political campaign knows, his frustration definitely can be understood. I put up some of Ginny's signs and noticed several days later they were missing. He has put up hundreds throughout eight counties and finds many of them are being destroyed or missing. He should have had better control, but I understand his frustration.

Second, Karen Thurman got into office 10 years ago because the then-Democratic Legislature did the redistricting following the 1990 census, giving her an advantage over her opponent and stealing the election.

We need to move on and get back to the real issues facing the two very different candidates.
-- Ana Trinque, Brooksville

Vanishing signs part of campaigns

Editor: Re: Brown-Waite's visits may include stop at big house, Oct. 15 letter to the editor:

Although I initially opted not to comment on the recent incident of sign removal by two acquaintances of mine, the incredibly stupid and hateful letter to the editor from Jeff Stabins has forced me to respond.

Let me begin by stating without equivocation that removal of legally and properly placed political signs is wrong. If the incident of last week were the only one of sign removal or destruction, my anger would be even greater. That said, we must face the reality that sign destruction or removal is a common, although improper, practice by individuals who certainly should not act with the approval of a political party. As chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee, I can say that with absolute certainty as it applies to the Republican Party. I hopefully assume this is true of all other political parties.

About two weeks ago I received a phone call from the chairman of the Hernando County Democratic Party. It was an unusual communication, given the races that put us on opposite sides politically.

He talked about his concern for the removal of political signs in our county, and related that signs of both parties had been taken down. I promised that none of our people were authorized or encouraged in any way to engage in such a practice. This phone conversation took place on a Saturday.

The very next day, seven signs supporting Republican candidates were removed from my property. Not knocked down, but removed. They had been legally placed there by me. Did I draw any nefarious conclusions from these potentially related events? Absolutely not. I'm aware that as long as I have been involved in politics (many decades) these improper and sometimes illegal acts have been part of the political scene.

I repeat, I do not condone or excuse in any way the removal of political signs by anyone. Having been the victim of illegal sign stealing, I hope everyone understands my convictions. I do not, however, believe Sen. Ginny Brown-Waite should be held responsible or punished by potential voters or by hateful letter writers.
-- Frank Colletti, chairman, Hernando County Republican Party

Dole out justice for man's thefts

Editor: I lived in Hernando County about 20 years. Since I came here, I have been involved in my community's problems and in helping children to be on track and stay there.

Harvey Waite's stealing political signs is a very dirty action. It is not a good example for our kids.

My real concern is why the deputy did not arrest him. When you steal private property and you are caught, you are supposed to be arrested. Why not Mr. Waite? No other investigation was needed.

Give me a break. They make it too easy for him. Waiting for the other party to press charges? The other party wasn't there; the deputy was.

Burglary is a crime and he is supposed to be sent in front of a judge.
-- Rachael Rodriguez, Spring Hill

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