Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
Re: County sign squad on prowl, June 1.
Editor: I certainly am incensed to read the huge headline about the sign squad. Time and time again I get the feeling we are focusing on the ridiculous and the mundane and the important issues go by the wayside. With all the cuts governments are implementing in social services, medical issues, medication and elderly issues, police issues, drugs, homeless, etc., Pasco County puts the funds into the sign squad. Really.
The quote from Kathryn Starkey of Scenic Pasco is almost laughable. I'm sure the money is available to her to purchase new signs, but what about small business, the florist shop, the little deli, the hairdresser? Does she have any idea that small business people struggle to make a decent wage by working six or seven days a week, 10 hours a day and that they are happy when someone passing by stops in to make a purchase because they saw a sign on the roadside that caught their attention.
I am in complete agreement that signs need to be secure and that they are pleasing to the eye. I think if you have a piece of junk, be it a sofa, a bench, an old car, a bike or a junk sign, it would be addressed as a code violation. It should not be a code violation simply because it is a sign.
What exactly is the difference if someone hangs a temporary banner between two races or puts out a portable sign to advertise the special of the week?
I have a vested interest in this whole issue. I am the proud owner of a yard full of signs that used to be a viable small business and now are considered junk. My investment and my right to run a business has been denied. I don't think a group of elected officials should have this power. Our government officials should be working for the people, not against them.
Re: Judge may toss suit in rape, May 30
Editor: I am so appalled by this. If this is not negligence, if this is not wrongdoing, if this is not incompetence by the police, than none exists. They are supposed to serve and protect, but they did neither in this case. As for being so stupid as to move back into her own house, where was the victim supposed to go? What happened to this woman was an atrocity. I hope nothing ever happens to me in New Port Richey, as I know who I can't count on. Shame on all involved in this debacle!
Re: Guardian ad litem
Editor: In October 2002, I took the guardian classes. I was to have an interview and then be certified.
The first week in November, I was hospitalized and then unable to drive for three weeks. The first week of December, I had a bad fall and was out of commission for another few weeks. In February, my main employee had a severe ulcer attack and was out for three weeks.
In late March or early April, I started leaving messages with the guardian's secretary. No one ever called back. Finally someone called this week and said it was six months since I have taken the class and would have to take it again.
Yes, it is seven months, but there were unusual circumstances. I cannot afford to take off work and pay someone to cover my job again.
I guess I will not be a guardian.
Re: Some good judgment shines through bad calls, May 30 editorial
Editor: You keep harping on the one time Joe Menicola made an error and lost his temper. He apologized verbally and in writing. It is time to let it rest in peace. Who among us has the qualification to cast the first stone?
As for Leo Kidd Drive, it is zoned as C3. That is commercial. Commercial for anybody and everybody and not only for one person.
The election is over. The people have spoken. I had my disappointment as well as some others. We are in a democracy. We must all pull together and work with those elected officials. Mr. Editor, the past is past, let's live for today and tomorrow.
Editor: I read with disgust the article about the killing of another defenseless animal, Kay, the beloved 15-month-old Jack Russell terrier owned by Lanny Kress. How many more articles do we have to read about the abuse and/or killing of animals before we take steps to stop this abuse?
I am appalled that our society/county government allows the abuse and killing of innocent animals to continue unchecked. When will we wake up and start punishing these offenders? Ask yourself how you would feel if Kay was your pet. What is the animal abuser going to do next for kicks? Will he graduate to beating up or killing children, women or defenseless senior citizens? What makes anyone feel it is okay to harm a defenseless animal? These people need to be punished severely.