Editor: I have been reading the many news articles concerning the penny tax to be voted on March 9. I must say that I am as confused as the commissioners seem to be as to the need for this extra money.
When this all started some time ago, the school district had no problem identifying how their portion of the tax would be used, mainly to build badly needed school buildings to reduce severe overcrowding that we voters all know about.
However, the county has yet to identify specific projects that it plans to use with their portion of the tax. How can the voters know how the money will be spent and determine in their minds if those projects are so badly needed to justify more taxes? It seems to me that what the county is saying is "give us the money, and we will find a way to spend it."
Evidently, the ballot question will be worded to provide for levying a 1 percent sales surtax for 10 years. Of course, we all know what happens to those types of taxes after the specified time goes by.
I believe a 10-year program of projects should be developed by the county and cities and made public before March 9 so that voters can vote intelligently on this matter. Lacking such information, I certainly will have to vote no.
-- Clement Dunkley, New Port Richey
Officers should not take frustration out on citizens
Editor: There seems to be a real problem with our police officers and their income or lack thereof. It is very unsettling to have an officer respond to call and he/she is more concerned about having to work long hours, being shorthanded and needing a second job to survive rather than the reason they were summoned.
Two examples: Many months ago, I called Port Richey Police regarding a neighborhood dispute. After pointing out to the officer that his demeanor was less than cordial and that he just simply seemed annoyed at being called, he proceeded to tell me that most officers were working long hours and needed second jobs and suggested I consider hiring an off-duty deputy to resolve my problem.
Recently, a good friend called the Sheriff's Office on a serious matter regarding her ex-husband. She was frustrated with law enforcement in general not seeming to take her safety seriously, but she was appalled at their complaints of long hours and being strapped financially.
Though neither of us disagrees that our police are underpaid and much change is needed, it is simply not appropriate for our officers to voice their complaints to the very people they are there to help and to leave them feeling less than important.
-- Susan King, Port Richey
Writer should allow slain officer's family closure
Editor: This is addressed to staff writer Chase Squires.
Why don't you stop writing the same type of articles about the tragic shooting of Capt. Charles "Bo" Harrison? Give the families an opportunity to find closure.
Mr. (Alfredie) Steele (Jr.) may have had a rough life but so have thousands of others, and they have overcome their problems.
Don't prejudice the court system either way. Just hush.
-- W.C. Byrd, Dade City
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