Letters to the Editors

With proper management, penny not needed

Editor: How gullible do the commissioners think we Pasco residents are? Their latest try at getting the 1-cent for Pasco is a promise that the property taxes would be lowered. For how long? One year and then back to normal? Where does that leave us? We are back at square one with an additional penny tax.

If their estimates are correct that the 1-cent tax would raise $31.2-million, what are their real plans for using it? I am willing to bet that committees, etc. will get together to see how we can spend all that money.

With all of the growth that Pasco County is going through, we can't be losing money. If properly accounted for and managed, we should be rolling in dough, not looking for ways to raise more money at the taxpayers' expense. I think it is time that the county government takes an introspective look at how it is spending the taxpayers' money and finding ways to cut costs.
-- Howard R. O'Neill, New Port Richey

Will tax break equal tax increase?

Editor: A sales tax increase of 6 cents to 7 cents on the dollar represents an increase of 16.7 percent in sales tax.

May we expect a similar offset reduction in property tax? Sounds like wishful thinking.
-- Robert J. Jacobs, Port Richey

Stand up in court for a kid

Editor: Each year thousands of Pasco County's children go to court. They haven't violated the law or committed a crime. Most of them are victims of abuse, abandonment or neglect. When they are involved in a court case, there's a good chance these children, already bruised in spirit, may also become victims of the very system that exists to protect them.

Your readers can help. The Guardian ad Litem Program gives good people an opportunity to make the painful journey through the court system easier for these children. Each Guardian ad Litem volunteer will work with a special child involved in the judicial system, building a close relationship while getting to know the child's needs, fears and dreams. Guardian ad Litem volunteers provide emotional support during court proceedings and assure that the best interests of the child are served by speaking for that child before the court and social service agencies.

The Guardian ad Litem Program offers a free 30-hour training course to interested and qualified citizens. The next class will start on Tuesday, April 29 at the West Pasco Judicial Center, 7530 Little Road in New Port Richey. The training continues each Tuesday and Thursday through the end of May. For applications and further information, contact the Guardian ad Litem Program office at (727) 847-8170.
-- Marcia G. Flannery, area coordinator, Guardian Ad Litem

U.S. 19 needs traffic enforcement

Re: A safer U.S. 19.

Editor: As a retired police officer with 30 years of service, I highly recommend the following: traffic enforcement.

Officers should set up traps for motor vehicle violations and issue citations for same, such as speeding, running red lights, erratic operation of motor vehicle, etc.
-- George E. Webb, Port Richey

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule).

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. Anonymous letters or letters with initials only will not be printed.

Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright