Re: Report opposes plans for two schools, Aug. 27.
Editor: According to the article, overcrowding at Fox Hollow, Chasco and Calusa elementary schools requires relocating 750 of the school district's 55,000 students to "part of a 22-acre tract" in the middle of an area peopled by assisted living facilities, nursing homes and funeral parlors. And "it's either that one or none," according to district planning director Mike Rapp, because "that's the only one that would meet safety and space requirements."
One has to wonder what part of 22 acres it takes to accommodate less than 1.36 percent of the students in the district, and if the center of senior citizen communities and facilities is really the only place in the district that meets safety and space requirements?
The article begins with "Pasco officials are recommending that the county's Development Review Committee reject plans."
Thank you, Samuel Steffey, and thank you, Times staff writer Rebecca Catalanello, for following up on this burlesque.
-- Robert H. Proctor, Port Richey
So now who will monitor cameras?
Editor: In April, I was tackled and beaten outside the Port Richey Police Department by two women.
Since both of the on-duty officers (including my husband) were on calls at the time, the only person in the building was the dispatcher who sits in a room and is unable to see out the lobby door.
When the building was originally built, wires were run to install cameras into the dispatch center that would allow the dispatchers to monitor both the interior and exterior of the department. Those cameras were never installed.
A report was filed, and I was told that the city manager was made aware of the situation, as well as the members of the City Council.
Last weekend there was a bronze plaque stolen from the front of City Hall. I stopped by the Police Department two days later, and to my amazement I saw contractors installing cameras in front of City Hall that are to be monitored by the dispatchers.
To say that I was utterly disgusted to see that a piece of metal gets immediate attention is an understatement, especially when City Hall did absolutely nothing after I was beaten on the property.
I can see clearly now what the priorities are. It certainly isn't the well being of anyone visiting the Police Department.
One more thing, since the recent politically motivated 3-2 vote to abolish the dispatch center, who is going to be monitoring all of these cameras?
-- Kristen Cabiness, Hudson
Their colors won't run from vandals
Editor: Of all the things to steal, what possesses one to take an American flag? No, not just one, but two and not just the flags, but the poles, too. Right from the wall by our front door and right from our neighbor's entrance. At least the thieves didn't drive their car through our front yard. They did our neighbor's.
Slowly, the grass will grow back. The disappearing sight of the tire's ruts will serve as a reminder as to just how low some will sink. We will replace our flags, we will buy new poles, we will display them again.
The juvenile actions of a few can never diminish the pride, the honor nor the perseverance with which we, our neighbors and our fellow citizens fly our American flags.
-- Duncan Hitchcock, New Port Richey
Many in Congress working for all vets
Editor: Recently the Times ran two letters to the editor from readers calling for lawmakers to pay more attention to our nation's younger veterans. The letter-writers were absolutely right; whether veterans served 50 years ago in Korea, or 50 days ago in Iraq, their service and sacrifice are of the utmost importance and should be honored.
Where I take issue with the letter-writers' concerns is that (1) they assume the attention lawmakers in Washington are giving to veterans' health care issues is not something of importance to younger veterans, (2) they neglect to mention the reforms Congress has enacted thus far addressing younger veterans, and (3) they insinuate that these same lawmakers should pay more attention to younger veterans' concerns because they eventually will make up a larger portion of the area's voting population.
First, several of the most talked-about gains lawmakers are making on veterans' issues will help improve the health-care system in which these new veterans will enter into upon their exit from the service. The last time I checked, health care was not a seniors-only issue. All military veterans - young and old - are eligible to enroll in a health-care system that those in Congress are working to improve.
Second, this year Congress passed legislation offering added tax benefits to military families and to help alleviate some of the financial stresses active-duty military members encounter when called to serve this country overseas, like ensuring they're not held to leases should their service be needed in a time of war. Additionally, legislation like the FY 2004 Defense Authorization Act ensures that our nation's soldiers have the resources necessary to best prepare and protect them in battle. Our nation's armed services will remain the best fighting force in the world because of staunch defenders of the military in Congress.
Finally, the idea that the two letter-writers believe lawmakers' actions are driven solely by the potential to garner votes is somewhat disturbing. I would like to believe that some lawmakers make certain decisions because they believe in what's right. Such is the case with the many members of Congress, Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, being one of them, who are fighting to ensure the promises we as a nation made to all our veterans are fulfilled.
I agree wholeheartedly that our younger veterans' causes are just as worthy as those of older ones. However, I reject the notion that all of what Congress has done to date is for the exclusive benefit of our country's older veterans.
-- Tony Covell, Vietnam veteran
Nobleton
It's time to air condition school buses
Editor: I moved to Pasco County two years ago and started driving for Pasco District Schools in October of 2002.
I cannot understand the reasoning behind the fact that there is no air conditioning in the buses that run every day here in New Port Richey.
If the people who worked in these air conditioned offices had to ride in some of these buses for the months of August and September and even October, I think they would change their minds.
-- Celeste Plourde, New Port Richey
Focus on Deerwood Academy's future
Editor: I am a parent of two children attending Deerwood Academy. My children have been at the school since day one. I can't say enough good things about this school. They have wonderful caring teachers and a dedicated staff. I'm sure the other parents and students will agree.
The unfortunate incident of the past is exactly that - in the past, and should remain there. We have all struggled very hard to keep the spirit of Deerwood alive. Similar schools have long waiting lists and are almost impossible to get into.
Other parents who would like an alternative for their children should give Deerwood a chance. They won't be disappointed.
Deerwood provides a good education at no cost to the parents, in a private school-type of setting. They have low cost before and after school care, and small class sizes which gives the special attention that children need to learn and progress. Also, free tutoring is available.
Let's move forward and not look back for the sake of all our children and the future children of Deerwood Academy.
-- Maria Govea, Port Richey
Just present both sides of issues
Editor: Do we only have one opinion of the right wing in all of Pasco County?
I am sure you can do better than the Republican "one for one, and none for all" Ann or Bill Bunting, when it comes to needing a conservative slant on Pasco education or the Penny for Pasco initiative. Represent both sides, just please let us hear from someone else.
-- George Papa, Hudson
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