Letters to the Editors

What is library for if not for free speech?

Re: Easy, elegant solution nice, but it injures free speech, Howard Troxler column, Jan. 13.

The column by Howard Troxler was right on target. Freedom of speech is always messy and unpredictable but is absolutely basic to our nation. Speakers often say controversial things. So what? What is a public library for, if not for debate and discussion of ideas of all kinds?

Just as our Americans United group should not be excluded from the library community room in Tarpon Springs, so we strongly support the right of that group in Dunedin to meet in their library community room and discuss "America's Christian Heritage."

Americans love to talk about religion and politics. Why not in a community room built by all the taxpayers?

Here's my suggestion for a library meeting room policy. Let the library community room be open to any group that doesn't hog the schedule, obeys the rules, cleans up their cookie crumbs and doesn't endanger the public welfare.

The pettiness and provincialism of these recent decisions is beyond belief. I am amazed that the citizens of Dunedin and Tarpon Springs remain silent while their leaders are making their towns a laughing stock.
The Rev. Dr. Harry Parrott Jr., president Americans United for Separation of Church and State South Pinellas chapter

Snowbirds should know water rules

But there is a small thing I'd like to voice an opinion about. Quite a lot of snowbirds are here for maybe four or five months. They live here but it seems they aren't aware of the fact that when they aren't here, we are low on water and under watering restrictions.

In the complex that we live in, every day our neighbors are out watering a yard that doesn't grow because it's winter or washing down a driveway because it's a little dusty. They don't seem to be too concerned when you say, "Try to go a little light on wasting water. What you run down the road is water we'll wish we had to drink someday."
Someone needs to make these people aware that what they take for granted all season long is a precious commodity to the ones who live here all year.
Sandra Smith, Tarpon Springs

Time to stop leveling trees

I see another lot of trees has been leveled in order to build condos or townhomes. This lot is just east of the Keene/Virginia intersection in south Dunedin, next to the soccer fields. It appears that only a couple of trees were saved, while at least two trees with trunk diameters close to 3 feet and heights of 30 feet or more were leveled.

Some of these trees were close to the lot's edge. How is this justified? Who has been paid, and how much? When will this indiscriminate leveling of trees to build unnecessary housing stop?
-- E.C. Bon, Clearwater

Thank you, Oldsmar, for quick action

Re: Rain creates holes in road, Dec. 11.

As a new resident of the city of Oldsmar, I called City Hall to advise them of a pothole developing in front of my home. I was immediately transferred to the street department. As is the norm nowadays, I left my name, telephone number and the reason for my call on the voice mail of "Terry."

In less than one hour, a highway truck was in front of my home and an employee (maybe it was Terry) was patching the hole before it got any worse. What amazed me the most was that in my former town, south of Boston, my phone call would have been returned two days later, an inspection would have been made the following week, and a crew of three or four men would have arrived the next week to repair the pothole -- which by this time would swallow all but a Sherman tank.

To the city of Oldsmar, and particularly "Terry," I say thank you and keep up the good work.
-- John F. Forry, Oldsmar

How about a lava lamp for roundabout?

I have a great idea for the Clearwater roundabout that is in need of a centerpiece: the world's largest lava lamp! Surely, we can't let Soap Lake, Wash., have this recognition over us.

I am sure the Clearwater commissioners can blow -- I mean, invest -- a few more millions in this worthy project.
-- Scott McKown, Palm Harbor

Looking for Jimmy Hoffa at roundabout

I recently moved here and was told by the neighborhood association that the big dig at the roundabout was all about looking for Jimmy Hoffa. What, if any, clues were found?
-- Robert G. Burns, Clearwater

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