Editor: Lee Henley's letter to the editor opposing the Penny for Pasco sales tax increase includes questions regarding the integrity of members of the Pasco Citizens Committee.
He asks if members of this committee will benefit in any way from the tax, and if they engage in any financial relationship with the government or school system.
I'll let other committee members speak for themselves, but as a member of this committee I will go on record as saying that I do not have any financial dealings with the government or school system of Pasco County and that Henley's suggestion of kickbacks to committee members reflects a deplorable manner for which to debate this issue.
Because I favor the Penny for Pasco initiative, I stand to gain financially if it passes? Hogwash, Mr. Henley. The only benefit I hope to gain is that our schools are adequately funded, our infrastructure needs are met, and the safety and security of my neighbors and fellow citizens are ensured.
My involvement on this committee is strictly voluntary. I have no designs to do business with Pasco's schools or government.
To suggest that we who serve on a citizens committee do so for financial gain is a cheap way of presenting your side of the issue. Rise above it, at least for the sake of the voters. They are more intelligent than you think, if your thinking centers around the beliefs you hold in your letter.
Some of us who support Penny for Pasco see the need for better schools, roads and government services so that the quality of life in Pasco does not decrease while its population increases significantly. Suggesting that proponents are on the take is weak.
Let's go into this election with a fair and fruitful discussion of the issues, raising the voters' awareness and rising above the bull.
Hopefully, by election day, what you are dishing out will smell better than your current fare.
-- Charlie Reese, Lutz
Public schools deserve better from lawmakers
Editor: Public schools are under attack by a venal regime waging class and gender warfare. Sordid, back room dealmaking in Tallahassee trades money for access and favor. The raid on the public treasury in the form of tax cuts, special exemptions and corporate welfare pocketed by the greedy is stealing from our children, public education and the future.
The not-so-hidden agenda to privatize public schools is under way by profiteers salivating at the thought of dominating and controlling the lives, thoughts and education of our children and eliminating elected positions such as superintendents and school boards.
It is no surprise to hear the right wing doublespeak covering their deeds knowing that they failed to provide funding to accommodate additional students. The poor and disadvantaged, most often women and children, will again be the victims, lacking the money to access privatized education.
Citizens must demand accountability, insist on funding education and stop the dismantling of our public schools.
-- Joann Ross, Hudson
Fiorentino is best choice to lead county schools
Editor: I'm writing you about Pasco County school system. I have lived here for 21 years. I worked for the School Board for 14 years. I had my kids in the system here, and now my grandkids.
I have seen superintendents Stewart, Weightman and Long, and now I hear about a possibility of Chuck Rushe from the finance department.
To me he would be more of the same thing we've had the past 30 years. The schools here in Pasco have not gotten any better.
It'stime for a change! We need teachers to take over the lead and bring Pasco County schools into the 21st century.
I'd like to see the Pasco County teachers union or the teachers of Pasco County draft Heather Fiorentino. She as a state representative and a teacher can do a much better job than others have in the past.
I'm asking her and the teachers union to help draft her to run for the job. That's my prayer for the 21st century.
-- Robert A. Martin, New Port Richey
City police department is worth the money
Editor: I recently had an occasion to call the Port Richey police for a disturbance in my neighborhood. The phone at the police station was answered on the first ring by "my" dispatcher, who was a professional and polite individual.
Two minutes later "my" Port Richey police officer arrived and the situation was immediately resolved. Kudos to the men and women at the Police Department.
If we are paying city taxes, we deserve city services. If the Police Department is scaled back to what it was in the "good old days," then let's save a few more bucks and unincorporate - dissolve the entire city and receive services from the county.
Remember, you get what you pay for!
-- Gary W. Albin, Port Richey
[Last modified July 6, 2003, 01:32:38]
