Letters to the Editors

Seniors are vital to a healthy society

The members of the St. Petersburg Commission on Aging have participated in an examination of access to services for seniors, exploitation of the elderly, senior abuse and many other issues facing seniors today.

We have found that one of the most dangerous issues facing our elderly is the prevalence of ageism (or age discrimination).

Because of misunderstandings about aging, ageism has been creeping into the fabric of our society to the level of racism, sexism, homophobia and other bigoted "-isms."

All levels of government, as well as industry, have initiated complex sets of rules and regulations that serve as impenetrable barriers for even younger generations, many of whom don't seem to realize that lack of understanding of the daily new innovations thrust upon us can become confusing to older citizens. An elderly person failing to understand the intricacies of the "dot-com" world certainly is not a sign of Alzheimer's. Or if one's gait is slower or his/her eyesight is dimmer, that doesn't by any means indicate mental deficiency.

Many store clerks, medical caregivers and service workers tend to cast aside as undesirable those folks who have lived beyond what is erroneously considered a determined number of years and who may not be able to run the marathon or dance the rumba. In fact, St. Petersburg's Sunshine Senior Center, the first nationally accredited senior center in Florida, has many active seniors involved in computer and dance classes, Good Life Games (senior Olympics) and the AARP Foundation's Senior Employment Program, and also has a large number of senior volunteers. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program reports 211,658 hours logged by senior volunteers last year -- saving the community about $3-million! These facts reinforce that seniors are vital to a healthy society.

The Commission on Aging board is appointed by the mayor and City Council, who work through advocacy, public education and legislative efforts on behalf of St. Petersburg's seniors. We are working with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to make St. Petersburg a "Community for a Lifetime," which would enhance communication and dispel myths (such as those above) among the generations.

We invite your editors to join our efforts by writing about the evils of age discrimination and the effect it has on all generations.
-- Perkins Shelton, advocacy chairman, St. Petersburg Commission on Aging

Diversity officer needs full support

Re: Sheriff appoints diversity officer, Jan. 13.

I would like to commend Sheriff Everett S. Rice on his creation of the diversity officer position for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. This was a bold move on Rice's part. It was the right thing to do, and Cal Dennie was an excellent choice for the position.

Capt. Dennie will bring his ethic of hard work and dedication to this position. The sheriff must give him the power and authority to carry out his duties. Dennie needs to have the support of the entire executive staff and every member of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office regardless of gender, ethnic group, disability, age, religion, race, culture or sexual orientation.

We are asking all members of the Sheriff's Office and the Pinellas County community to give their support to Capt. Dennie. He is the right man for the job. He will conduct himself in a professional manner when dealing with the diversity issue that affects all members of the Sheriff's Office -- civilian, sworn law enforcement and sworn detention positions.

We know that diversity will not be an easy task, but it can be won in the end. We, the members of the Sheriff's Office, and the communities we serve will be winners. This will take creating working partnerships within the agency itself and with organizations outside. We, the members of Minority Law Enforcement Personnel of Pinellas County, pledge to give Capt. Dennie our full support.
-- Lendel S. Bright, president, Minority Law Enforcement Personnel of Pinellas County

Cities, county are defining selves

These are exciting times for Pinellas County and its 24 local governments, otherwise known as cities. Why? Because the appropriate roles and associated responsibilities of city and county governments are finally unfolding.

Cities are defining themselves by providing their residents with essential services and a higher quality of life -- and, more important, a stronger voice in governmental affairs.

The county and cities are experiencing a maturation process similar to an infant growing to adulthood. This process is most immediately seen in the voluntary annexation trends of recent years.

There was a time when Pinellas County government was the "parent" figure. The values and visions of the people of this county have changed from 20 and 30 years ago. Geographic locations in this county have their own inherently natural characteristics, valued more by some and less by others.

This is the common thread of cities:

Identity

A sense of place

A sense of pride

A place to raise children

A place to watch children play their first organized sports or hear their first musical recital

A place to see children grow through elementary years, graduate from high school and move on to the adventures life has to offer.

It all starts with the city from which they came. It becomes a part of you; it becomes a value and a part of your character, a part of your personal landscape.

The mechanism to rate a city is its ability to serve. The disjointed and fragmented conditions in the county today are not beneficial or equitable to the taxpayers. The 24 cities within the county are finally beginning to take a sensible shape and identity. The trend of voluntary annexation of lands into already established planning areas is long overdue.
-- Louis R. Hilton, Safety Harbor

Higher education didn't pay off

Re: A degree is your lifelong passport, by Douglas Spangler, Jan. 8.

I was one who spent seven years in college for two degrees that led to nowhere. At 21 I graduated with a bachelor of arts in history. After an unsuccessful stint in the Army, I completed a law degree, thinking it would do the trick. It didn't. The only job offer I ever had that would have paid any real money was a mortician's apprentice, which didn't appeal to me at all.

After failing all civil service exams, I finally accepted a minimum-wage job -- and it hasn't gotten too much better. All I have to look forward to at 65 is Social Security.

So, if you think college is worthwhile, better think twice and talk to others who have been that way.
-- Carol W. Wright, St. Petersburg

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