Letters to the Editors

Misinformation confuses Fire Department issues

The safety of the citizens of Clearwater is a concern we all share. In September 1999 a citizens task force was assembled to identify the best way to support the Clearwater Fire Department's needs.

Our current city manager, then assistant city manager, was the nonvoting chair who sat through and heard every discussion and the issues that we talked about. The current fire chief was also a member and defended the need many times for equipment and increased staffing.

True-line staffing levels have not increased in almost 20 years, but total staffing has. The chief often said during those meetings that he preferred bringing staffing to appropriate levels. Following is a passage from the task force report (page 9):

"The Fire Task Force has reached a unanimous conclusion. Our city's growth requires a corresponding growth in our Fire Department. The demands placed on Clearwater Fire & Rescue over the last 20 years have generated a variety of needs that must be met. Our firefighters and paramedics are a dedicated group of professionals who are asking for the right tools to do their job, nothing more and nothing less. These dedicated people are willing to put their lives on the line for us. We must be willing to put the proper staffing, equipment and facilities on the line for them."

The committee met weekly for more than five months, with both Chief Rowland Herald and then-Assistant City Manager Bill Horne as members. We relied on the chief's input and believed him during those discussions on staffing.

But on April 20, 2000, the chief presented a completely different approach about the needs. This was a serious breach, misleading this task force and leading to a question of credibility about the leadership of the chief and his superiors, who had to approve that presentation.

Misinformation about the supposed increasing staffing levels continues in the press by the city, but a city leader later said of the incorrect information, "Maybe that was an oversight."

The many different positions the chief has presented have done nothing but confuse the true needs of this city's Fire Department.
-- Joseph W. Evich, Clearwater

Resident praises firefighters, not police

The Clearwater Fire Department should receive the credit it deserves. New Year's Eve we had a fire in our home. The firefighters promptly came from the beach at 8:45 p.m. -- with all that traffic. God bless them.

The Clearwater police are another story. I tried to talk to Police Chief Sid Klein twice in connection with embezzlement in my company, to no avail. I was angry about the way his detectives were handling things or, rather, not handling things.

From my experience, I believe that Clearwater should make sure that the Fire Department has all the equipment needed for its safety.
-- Dolores Fry, Clearwater

With survey, city gets what it pays for

Re: Tarpon survey on services could be done more cheaply, letter, Oct. 24.

In his letter, the writer criticized the approach and cost of consultant fees for the City Visioning Program. He basically agreed that to prioritize and get citizen opinion was a good idea. He assumed the survey would be placed in the monthly utility bill at a cost of only about $400-$500, instead of the proposed study cost of $50,000. He then asked, "Would you pay anything to participate in such a study? I wouldn't, and everyone I've asked so far has told me they would not either."

This statement causes me to question the writer's motives. I realize he was an unsuccessful candidate for two governmental positions, but I didn't believe that he would stoop to political posturing in an attempt to better his future candidacy at the expense of our city's methodically controlled progress.

Other studies by the University of South Florida are now being undertaken by neighboring cities, including Oldsmar and Seminole, with a high degree of success. Both of these cities have smaller populations and smaller budgets than Tarpon Springs.

The writer, of all people, as a recent graduate in political science from USF, should understand that basic levels of survey expertise range from the good to the ugly. We all know, that in most cases in life, we get what we pay for.

The proposed survey group from USF is spearheaded by the nationally acclaimed Dr. Susan MacManus. Other managerial and governmental experts of the highest caliber support her -- many who have more than likely attempted to enlighten the writer in his college years at USF. The independent conduct of this survey assures our citizens of results that are valid, reliable and defensible by a recognized expert.

USF has a proven track record for our community because it facilitated the city's strategic plan more than 10 years ago. Our community praised USF for its effectiveness and vision.

Long-range planning should not be haphazard, but carefully planned by capable facilitators. All long-range projects require extensive research from those with the most professional abilities. Our future depends on it. The cost of this research makes up a very small portion of our total budget of approximately $37.5-million and is necessary to chart a course for our future.

My dad, God bless him, was a simple man, but a man gifted with great wisdom and common sense. He always said to me, "Measure twice and cut only once." Comparing this to our current survey, we need to have an informed facilitator, like our local university, to clearly define the issues we need to prioritize before making mistakes.

Let's not allow political posturing or ambition to undermine our efforts to obtain input into our future in a truly professional manner.
-- Jim Archer, commissioner, Tarpon Springs

Foster family rakes in perks, flouts rules

Re: Foster kids threatened by group's childishness, Mary Jo Melone column, Oct. 27, and Foster family needs support, not stress, letter, Oct. 25.

It is commendable of the Gourlays to shelter foster children. However, they receive $405 a month per child plus state-provided health insurance (dentist, doctor), free school lunches, tutoring and other perks that biological parents have to work for.

This family and others refuse to follow the bylaws. Their attitude is "Once in, I do as I please." Of course, the board must set an example.

The American Civil Liberties Union is a sham, picking selective causes but ignoring the liberty of others to live in a community with rules and regulations and to follow them. Where I live, even a board member thinks that the rules don't apply. Other members choose not to do anything about it.

I sure can use another Walter Lucas. It has been 10 years of constant struggle, and we pay monthly dues of $107 for it.

I know I must sign my name. I am doing so, but reluctantly; I fear retaliation. If retaliation should happen, then my request is validated and I hope someone will see the need and do something about it.
-- Marie Eisen, Palm Harbor

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