The current debacle over Lealman's fire hydrants is part of a greater problem. People want government services; they just don't want to pay for them.
Lealman has a taxing authority that is supposed to raise the money to pay for fire protection. The trouble is it doesn't have enough fire hydrants and thinks St. Petersburg should pay for them. This is the same Lealman that refuses to annex to a city, pay city taxes and receive city services.
In other words, St. Petersburg taxpayers are supposed to pay for Lealman's fire hydrants to keep down Lealman's taxes. This sounds unfair to me. It is but one example. Even in sleepy little old Largo, we have such problems.
The city of Largo provides sewer service to non-Largo residents. It even provides sewer services to those living in other cities' development districts. Even if unincorporated customers in those areas seek annexation, it can't be in Largo. So says the county. Of course, even unincorporated Largo sewer customers who live in Largo's development district have the option of refusing to annex. Sounds unfair to me.
Another problem we have in Largo is our Parks and Recreation Department. It is so great, unincorporated residents flock to our parks. The county pays the difference between what Largo residents pay and what unincorporated residents pay. This is cheaper than the county providing enough parks programs for unincorporated residents. This sounds unfair to me.
Largo taxpayers pay for unincorporated residents to use parks facilities built and maintained by Largo taxes. Largo taxpayers pay for sewer services to be used by sewer customers outside of Largo. Lealman residents want city services without paying city taxes. Does this sound fair to you?
-- Philipp Michel Reichold, Largo
Fluoride poisons water supply
Re: Commissioners like fluoride idea, June 8.
The city of St. Petersburg has already poisoned its water supply with fluoride. We voted against it years back and won, but they put it in anyway. I have read that fluoride use has a definite link to osteoporosis and bone cancer. Fluoride is a toxic substance and I don't think the government should decide what I need in my body - but they did. Who has the right to make you ingest something you don't want?
-- Florence Hyde, St. Petersburg
[Last modified July 13, 2003, 01:48:32]
