Letters to the Editors

Veterans helper deserves high praise

Editor: Re: Accusations turn kind man into a cynic, Oct. 28 letter by Deron Mikal: I am compelled to put in my 2-cents' worth. While visiting the office of Hernando County Veterans Services Officer Ken Wrinkle in 1994 with my father, I had the pleasure of meeting Deron Mikal for the first time. Our discussion led to my mentioning to him that my husband of 37 years (who was a World War II veteran) had recently passed away. Deron immediately informed me that if there was anything he could do to help, I should not hesitate to call him.

Several months later we met again, and Deron asked how we were managing with all the chores that must need constant attention on 5 acres of property with two homes. Needless to say, it wasn't easy, as my parents were (at that time) in their mid 80s. Deron very graciously offered to visit us to see what chores he and David Holland could tackle to give us a break.

Deron and David came here several times and did so much to lift our morale in our time of grief and disarray. They did a complete roof coat on my parents' patio, removed leaves from all the gutters on both houses and even assisted my father with his veterans paperwork. As if all that were not enough, Deron and David also went to my daughter's (also a widow, with a small child) to do some work on her roof. The very most we could ever get him to accept in return (which took considerable coaxing) was to sit down to dinner with us.

It's hard for me to sit back and see a man who has done all he possibly can for so many people in need of his services -- regardless of race, nationality, sex or religious beliefs -- get kicked to the curb by one ungrateful individual. We have terrorists beating down our doors, and all our county officials can do is bash this sweet old man. Just let an official of Hernando County or anyone else call me about his character. What nerve!

To Deron Mikal: Yes, it is a beautiful world, no matter what, with people like you in it. I am very honored to know you. Don't ever change.
-- Mary Ann Le Fresne, Brooksville

Fire rescue using scare tactics

Editor: Re: Spring Hill Fire Rescue independence. Here we go again. The Spring Hill Fire Rescue District is using its old scare tactics to get what it wants. This was used when the issue was flat-tax vs. ad valorem rate.

It used it again when it wanted to remain independent of the county. Voters rejected its plans, and itbecame dependent on the county. It was a good move because the county usually kept its hands off, and it provided a good check-balance of the system.

Now it's if we don't vote for itsindependence, our taxes will go up -- another scare tactic of the district.

It's been under county dependence for quite a few years, and our taxes haven't skyrocketed because of it.
-- E.H. Fontana, Spring Hill

Deputy is not trigger-happy

Editor: Re: Death outrages family, friends, Oct. 25 Times: Now that we have heard from the family and friends of John Thoma Tenison, I think it is time you hear from someone who wishes to defend Deputy Scott Lamia.

Deputy Lamia is not some trigger-happy deputy. He is a very calm and dedicated deputy. What was he supposed to do? Let Mr. Tenison run him over, or perhaps harm one of the neighbors or the children who were watching?

If Mr. Tenison was such a good man, why was he violating a restraining order that his ex-wife had against him? And why did she call the Sheriff's Office numerous times that day complaining he had been in the house and that he was deflating her tires?

Why must we bring up the past incidents of Deputy Lamia? How about all the recognition he has received from the department? Why not list them?

Why in our judicial system is a criminal presumed innocent until proven guilty, but law enforcement officials are considered guilty until proven innocent? Does that make sense to you? Not me.

Deputy Lamia was doing his job protecting the people of our community.
-- Bonnie Uehlinger, Spring Hill

Housing project not racial issue

Editor: After the shameful and totally ridiculous Hernanado County Housing Authority meeting Oct. 23 regarding the Spring Haven Apartments on Mariner, there is a crying need for further clarification. The puppet show put on by executive director Donnie Singer was such a farce, many of the comments in the newspapers were somewhat distorted.

1. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, there is a complete moratorium in the Seven Hills area because of the shortage of water. This fact has been verified by our state representatives and the DEP.

2. The Board of County Commissioners can call a special meeting and vote to rescind its approval of the bonding issue they approved last year. Whether they will actually do it or not is another question.

3. Regardless of what Mr. Singer has said, the Richman Group (aka SHA Associates Ltd.) has not been able to obtain either SAIL or SHIP funds from the county or state. No government funding has yet been made available to this group. If they had, why is the Housing Authority asking to issue bonds?

4. No one has yet answered the problems of traffic on Mariner Boulevard, where the entrance to this project will be over the crest of the hill on a blind curve. No one has commented that, by county ordinance, all gated communities must have two exits. There is only one planned for Spring Haven.

5. While it was not made public until the Oct. 23 meeting, a member of the Housing Authority stated they were not made aware of the public opposition to this project by Mr. Singer. Either they don't read the newspapers or Mr. Singer purposely keep them in the dark.

6. Last but not least, comments made by the board chairman and vice chairman alluded that the protest being made by the residents was racially oriented. The questions of race, creed or national orientation have never been brought up in any of these protests, meetings or any letter or publication. The reason the majority of homeowners walked out of the meeting was because the board was turning this problem into a racial issue.

If anything, the Wellington development is more of a mixed-race, creed and national origin group than even the United Nations. We are proud of our community and everyone who lives here enjoys the same camaraderie and friendship, regardless of where you came from or who your parents were.
-- Donald T. Hammond, co-chairman Wellington Residents Action Committee

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