Wanted: sofas, java, books and a place to read in peace, please
Published May 28, 2003
Editor: I have read so much lately about all of the available "big box stores" in Hernando County.
I am asking the good people of Spring Hill and Brooksville to join together and rally to bring a Barnes & Noble bookstore to our community.
A place where we can relax on a comfortable sofa, or sip a cappuccino, while deciding whether to buy the latest Stephen King or Robert Ludlum novel.
A place where the magazine choices extend beyond Better Homes and Garden and Oprah. A place where you can read in peace and not have to hear, "Thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart."
-- Lucille Mulry, Spring Hill
The facts show Brown-Waite is doing plenty for veterans
Editor: Re: Some politicians can't take criticism, letter to editor, May 19 Times.
Mr. Hilmer, who wrote in about Secretary Principi's letter on behalf of Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, claimed he didn't see how she is doing our veterans any good. I ask of him, "Did you read the letter?"
The letter, and a good look at the facts, will reveal that Brown-Waite supported a budget that increased veterans' funding by billions of dollars. How anyone calls that a cut is beyond me. Additionally, this year's budget for veterans included the highest ever one-year increase for the VA.
Secretary Principi's letter also explained how Brown-Waite, because of the long wait times at VA hospitals and clinics, worked to have the federal budget require VA facilities to report to the VA as to the number of canceled appointments and the reasons for the cancellations.
I'll also remind Mr. Hilmer and the Times' readers that Rep. Brown-Waite is working to bring an additional VA facility to the area. And Mr. Hilmer "doesn't see how" Brown-Waite is helping our vets.
Mr. Hilmer says the Bush administration won't allow any criticism to go unanswered; I say that the administration is just diffusing baseless lies and propaganda that are being spread only to malign those who are working hard.
Perhaps Mr. Hilmer is just not used to hearing the facts so plain and simple. Perhaps he's not used to hearing good news from Washington. Perhaps he's not used to being listened to, and your editors keep giving him a platform.
Mr. Hilmer says he and J.K. Anderson "are in good company." I just have to wonder whether they're lonely.
-- Louis Roca, Brooksville
Fox Chapel Middle's Wilson not one to harass anyone
Editor: Re: Athletic director again facing inquiry, May 22 Times:
This article regarded one of Fox Chapel Middle School's teachers, Christopher H. Wilson. Mr. Wilson has been one of my teachers for two years and he always respected his students. All of the people I know like Mr. Wilson, and he is not the type of person who ever threatens or harasses anyone.
I believe anyone who would say such things is just tying to start trouble - trouble for a man who loves teaching and does not deserve to be punished for something he did not do.
-- Britainy Condron, Spring Hill
Superintendent should inform parents, fire this teacher
Editor: Re: Athletic director again facing inquiry, May 22 Times:
One day I read an article that praises Hernando County Schools Superintendent Wendy Tellone about the work she has done, and the very next day I read an article about a teacher at Fox Chapel Middle School who has been suspended for a second time.
I have three children who attend Fox Chapel and have always thought it to be an excellent school. But now I'm having different feelings. What kind of superintendent lets a man teach who has been accused of things from threatening to set fire to a house to asking a student whether she's had an orgasm?
My mouth hit the floor when I read the article about Mr. Wilson. It bewilders me why I have to find out everything about my children's school through the Times. Does Ms. Tellone not think parents and children should have a right to know who is teaching their kids?
Why would she let a man who has been accused of all these things, on top of impersonating a police officer, still be allowed to teach our children? For this, Tellone is paid more than $97,000 a year and praised on top of it. Go figure!
-- Diana Clemons, Spring Hill
My teacher and coach would not do the things reported
Editor: Re: Athletic director again facing inquiry, May 22 Times:
I was shocked when I found out my teacher and coach, Christopher H. Wilson, had been suspended.
Mr. Wilson is a wonderful teacher. He would never do a thing that your newspaper reported.
-- Justin Hayden, Spring Hill
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