Letters to the Editors

Headlines should not give jitters to third-graders

Editor: You have finally evoked my ire enough to make me complain about my favorite newspaper's headlines.

FCATs evoke 3rd-grade jitters. Is this what I want a third-grader who is bringing in the morning paper to see? Or his sibling? "What a day you're going to have!"

These testings are now required by law to demonstrate achievement in reading is important. Each of us will take tests all during life, and a positive, not negative, approach is a most important attitude for success.

And this is from the newspaper that, each time I go on vacation, requests that I donate the newspaper to classroom use, rather than future credit to my account.
-- Esther K. Haskell, Spring Hill

Why lend squad cars to deputies?

Editor: After reading the articles in Hernando Times about the Sheriff's Office consuming 35 percent of the county budget, I was amazed at the cost of its operations.

I have been a resident taxpayer in Hernando County for 15 years and never really knew the cost of that agency's operation.

Seeing deputies' cars parked in their driveways day in and day out, it seems to me this is the biggest waste of taxpayer dollars. Does every deputy have his/her own car 24 hours a day?

I would think that if this is the case, many dollars could be saved if they drove their own cars to a central garage, like everyone else has to do, to reach their place of employment.

How much of the sheriff's total budget is allocated for automobile expenses?
-- Ervin Egbert, Spring Hill

Brown-Waite should speak in Spring Hill

Editor: Brown-Waite loyal to constituents, March 4 letter to the editor:

David Monier's letter complimenting U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite for her "accessibility to constituents," as seen in her recent "open forums" throughout the 5th Congressional District, apparently only applies to his hometown of Inverness, and to Dade City residents, but not to those of us in Hernando County.

Citrus and Pasco counties were provided midafternoon meetings in the middle of large population centers to meet with Brown-Waite.

However, Brown-Waite's appearance in Hernando County was a last-minute, late-night, weekday evening event held in the ghostlike empty town of Brooksville, in its less familiar City Council chambers.

Brown-Waite should have called for a town hall meeting in the heart of her congressional district's population -- Spring Hill -- and scheduled it at a decent hour and in a familiar and more accessible location, so that her many senior constituents could attend.

It appears Brown-Waite avoided planning any town meeting, except a Saturday evening dinner with her political party, in the town where most of the local anti-Iraq war demonstrations are occurring. Could there be a relationship here?

If Monier thinks Brown-Waite is being "so loyal to her constituents," then maybe he could put a good word in for us in Hernando County. We have recently requested Brown-Waite to hold a public forum in Spring Hill about the impending war in Iraq. In this way, citizens can more easily voice their concerns, opposition or support of the war to her directly. Plus, they also can hear her explanation and rationale as to why she supports the war.

This type of event, a town hall meeting, was televised on C-Span last week with Republican U.S. Rep. Christopher Shay and the residents of his district in Connecticut. If one of Brown-Waite's colleagues from her political party can do it, why can't she?
-- Brian P. Moore, Spring Hill

Hats off to Commissioner Schenck

Editor: For a change I would like to offer some congratulations to a county commissioner instead of my usual dose of criticism of the actions of most of our county commissioners.

On Feb. 26, Commissioner Robert Schenck conducted a town meeting at the Enrichment Center on Mariner Boulevard. It was a chance for taxpayers to air their views, ask some questions, offer some constructive ideas and criticize.

A very good exchange of information took place and a lot of valuable advice was offered by some very informed and intelligent people. I was very impressed.

This type of exchange is an idea whose time has come.

Among the issues discussed were THE Bus, recycling, engineering practices, county spending and, of course, taxes.

The next time a meeting such as this is held, I would strongly recommend that anyone who has an opinion, an idea or a question be sure to attend. Commissioner Schenck told us he will be holding these meetings on a regular basis.

Do yourself a favor and be at the next one. It may open your eyes, and you will be better informed.
-- William Kingeter, Spring Hill

Share your views

The Hernando Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613. To fax a letter, call 754-6133. Send letters by e-mail (in text-only format) to hernando@sptimes.com

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