Editor: Considering the reaction to some off-the-cuff remarks made by me at a recent West Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon, I feel it is incumbent upon me to provide some response. First of all, let me say that if anyone was truly offended, denigrated or humiliated by my words, I apologize. My remarks were not intended to harm anyone, but were strictly said in jest, as those attending the luncheon can attest.
Furthermore, it is important to understand that I spoke only for myself, and was not speaking on behalf of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the Chasco Fiesta or the Krewe of Chasco, although I am a member of those fine community-oriented organizations.
It is also important to note that none of the aforementioned organizations can in any way be determined to be racist, nor am I. To be repeatedly accused as such by a group with an obvious political agenda is not only very unfair, but also completely untrue. A brief examination of the facts would reveal that the Krewe of Chasco and the Chasco Fiesta are chartered to honor and promote the Native American heritage of the West Pasco area, and not for the purpose of mocking.
Why would the Krewe of Chasco members spend thousands of dollars on their regalia and dress up and perform for four years now, for the sole purpose of denigrating another people? That would be beyond ridiculous. Rather, wouldn't it be more likely that we imitate those whom we want to emulate?
We love our Native American regalia and are proud to display it for the crowds. The hundreds of true Indians who participate and attend the Chasco Fiesta each year understand and appreciate that. Whenever one of the krewe members has bought an item of regalia from any Native American vendors, not once had the vendor said "I hope you're not going to be wearing that!"
Those who denigrate the Chasco Fiesta and the Krewe of Chasco have called us backwater racist hicks and have accused us of teaching hate to children. The truth is that many genuine American Indians have thanked us for helping to keep Native American culture alive for future generations, and many of the krewe's members are proud of their own tribal ancestries. The krewe consists of hard-working folks, some retired, who have a strong love for their community. They are goodwill ambassadors for West Pasco to the rest of the Tampa Bay area, have won many prizes for their parade presentations, and have helped to inform the other krewes (many of whom are community leaders throughout the bay area), as well as the audience, about Chasco and Native American culture.
The truth is that the detractors' message is tainted by the very fact that the fiesta and the krewe are endorsed and supported by the very people those detractors purport to represent. So, are they truly representing Native Americans, or do they have other motives on their agenda? We have been told that their local group is not affiliated with the national AIM organization, and that they solicit for monetary contributions yet are not registered to do so with the state, and that their leader's salary is government funded, i.e. paid by taxpayers. So it is in their interest to develop and promote controversy to ensure their continued existence, and continued funding. Before anybody should judge the worthiness of an organization's message, they should examine the organization itself.
Again, my apologies go out to those who found my chamber luncheon remarks inappropriate. But, please do not let any negative feelings about those remarks carry over to the fine community work done by the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the Chasco Fiesta, and the Krewe of Chasco.
-- Roger Michels, New Port Richey
Dade City commissioners right to stop proposed fees
Editor: The May 27 public hearing in Dade City showed that this time the system worked. It was government by the people instead of government against its people.
We have sent the carpetbaggers known as Government Services Group packing. They left with their pockets stuffed with our hard-earned tax dollars, leaving us with nothing but lessons learned. One of those lessons is that unless it is true science that requires specialization, then we don't need consultants.
Let's give our City Commission credit for one thing: Commissioners were trying to save the jobs of the men that have risked their lives for us, and that is our fire department. I respect that. And I will be saddened by the likely eventuality that they will be replaced. It is just as likely that if that happens, some of those men will just be changing uniforms that will come with immediate pay raises. That is a good thought.
The less savory aspects of the fee assessments were the taxation of churches and nonprofit help organizations, questionable street light needs, and a stormwater tax. May they never see the light of day again.
Now is not the time for finger-pointing and retribution. It is time to roll up our sleeves and tighten our belts. It is time for the community that was so effective at the public hearing to realize it is its responsibility to take a more active role in everyday government. It is the hearts and minds of our community that are our most valuable asset. We should shoulder more of the responsibility for the direction Dade City takes. The people that we elect should not be abandoned once elected. They need our encouragement and our ideas.
I would like to thank those that played vital roles in the squashing of new tax proposals, starting with our newspapers. The editors that stepped up and embodied the vital importance good journalism plays in society. The reporters who doggedly followed this story for the facts and the numbers. Commissioner Hutch Brock for standing firm and not being a rubber stamp. And to Commissioner Lowell Harris for standing tall at the meeting and firmly denouncing the plan and recognizing the will of the people.
In the end, I thank all of the commissioners for voting no to the proposed fees. There are still many hard decisions and long days ahead, but in light of recent events, I believe Dade City's best days are still ahead.
-- Mike Agnello, Dade City
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