Letters to the Editors

Toilets at baseball field difficult to reach, filthy

On Nov. 22 and 23, my family visited Clearwater to observe my grandson and his team play tournament baseball. The first game on Saturday was played at Tack Field on Hercules Avenue. There was a restroom available, and parking was not too far away.

However, the balance of the games played the remainder of that day and on Sunday were at DiMaggio Field on Drew Street. I am a handicapped person and found walking the long distance from the parking lot to the bleachers pretty burdensome.

The worst handicap was that there were no restrooms near the field. The portable toilets are at the entrance to the parking lot.

The most disgusting thing was the condition of the portable toilets. There were probably at least 200 people there on Saturday and about 400 on Sunday. The conditions were absolutely deplorable. How could any city allow this in a recreational park?

I have been all over the southeastern region to baseball fields observing youth activities. I have never seen conditions such as these.

I must say something is wrong in Clearwater. Do you not follow rules for the disabled? Why were the portable toilets left for the entire weekend without being cleaned, and why were there only two for so many people? And, lastly, why don't you have them near the fields for the players and observers?

I sincerely hope you can help improve the situation for future visitors and players.
-- Peter Gindl, Molino

Market determines assessment values

Re: Taxpayers should respond to ever-increasing demands, letter, Dec. 30.

In conversations with other appraisers around the United States, I am continually reassured that Florida has one of the best ad valorem systems in the country. Valuing all property at 100 percent of market value and valuing property every year are standards that really help to ensure that the values we give the various taxing authorities are, in fact, fair and equitable.

It seems that every once in a while misconceptions arise, frustrations increase and an alarmist letter hits the paper. The letter writer owns a home in St. Augustine, where he benefits from a homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes cap, which keeps his assessed value from increasing more than 3 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is lower. His property in Clearwater is a second home and, therefore, does not qualify for the cap. Although I understand his frustration with the increase in his assessment, our responsibility will continue to reflect the actions of market participants.

The writer did have a 25 percent increase in his assessed value over his 2001 assessment. However, as we explained to him when he contacted our office in November, assessed values are created by the marketplace. That is, each year's assessment is based on market information, including sales of comparable properties that transpired the previous two years. When market indicators such as sales prices increase, so do assessments. Conversely, when sales prices decline, so do assessments.

If anyone has a question about the process, we welcome questions and concerns.
-- Jim Smith, Pinellas County property appraiser

Deposit on bottles, cans would curb litter

We had company over the holidays from Maine. A comment was made about all the beer bottles and soda cans thrown on the streets, roads and Pinellas bike path. I informed my guest that Florida does not have a mandatory bottle/can deposit law (Maine does). There are, however, recycling dropoff centers for glass, aluminum and paper.

Florida could benefit from having a bottle/can deposit law. There wouldn't be as many bottles or cans thrown on the streets and roads.

When I go for my walks, I pick up at least a dozen cans and bottles.
-- Larry Zwart, Dunedin

King observance went beautifully

What a joy it was to join so many good citizens on a cold evening in Largo Central Park on Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by candlelight. The efforts by our city officials, the program participants and the attendees are to be commended. Thank you!
-- Ingrid Lanier, Largo

After firefighting career, thanks in order

I recently retired from the Dunedin Fire Department with almost 30 years of service. In that time, I have had the privilege of working in every rank within the department, including acting fire chief, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank some people who were instrumental throughout my career.

The first person would be District Chief Thomas Kitchen, who recently retired from the St. Petersburg Fire Department. Chief Kitchen was the acting fire chief for the city of Dunedin when I was hired in 1973. He inspired within me the desire to always perform to the highest level of my abilities, and he instilled a high level of confidence in performing my duties. Whenever I found myself in a tough situation, I would think of what Chief Kitchen would expect me to do, and that would always carry me through. I wish that he had become the permanent fire chief because our department would have achieved so much under his leadership and direction.

The second person would be Chief Robert Haworth, who was the public safety director for both the Dunedin Police and Fire departments. Chief Haworth demanded the highest level of professionalism of everyone within both departments and was one of the most honest and ethical individuals I have ever met.

Chief Haworth brought out the best in all of his subordinates, and you would willingly do your job to please him. He was not only a great boss but a great friend, as well. Although Chief Haworth was trained as a police officer, his guidance, direction and vision were the qualities that made him the best fire chief that the city of Dunedin has had during my career there.

Finally, I would like to thank the citizens of the city of Dunedin and our fire district for allowing me to serve you. I do not think that most firefighters feel comfortable with the designation of "hero." I was just doing my job, and it was truly an honor for me to help you. I have had one of the best jobs in the world, and aside from wishing my wife and children are proud of me, seeing your appreciation and gratitude when I had the opportunity to be involved with you in emergencies and in nonemergencies was the best reward of my job. Thank you.
-- Patrick Kroeger, retired Dunedin fire marshal, Palm Harbor

Your voice counts

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