Editor: The letter writer asks if the penny tax opponents would prefer alternative revenue sources. One of them is higher impact fees. Short answer: yes.
Basically, the homeowners have already paid their impact fees. If the next guy pays even twice as much, tough. Besides, why should a retired couple in Holiday pay more tax when they buy clothes to pay for school construction for the young family in Wesley Chapel?
As to the increased library fees, park fees and increased permit costs - at least those are subject to pressure from voters. Once the sales tax is increased, it's a done deal, and the commissioners can do all that other stuff anyway.
I would suggest people limit their discussion to something approaching realism. The writer asks if the opponents would prefer a special assessment on property holders. What is that? What is this, one big homeowners association?
-- Ernest Lane, Trinity
Pennies to curb congestion worth it
Editor: Dirt roads and pot holes are no fun, but fortunately neither are they fatal. If the county intends to use my pennies to improve dangerous intersections, add turn lanes, widen road shoulders, fix overpasses and keep things rolling, then I am all for it. Especially if it improves U.S. 19.
The less time I spend sitting in congestion the more time I have for my family. Count me in!
-- Dawn Skalnik, Odessa
Open minds on penny tax needed
Re: Schools block literature, Jan. 6
Editor: Ann Bunting's ignorant diatribe in which she compares our school system administration to communism cannot go unchallenged.
As a retired school safety inspector, I have seen the huge improvements in the Pasco schools during the tenures of Thomas Weightman and Dr. John Long. Their professional administrative staffs have been responsible for saving millions of taxpayer dollars through nationally acclaimed programs authored and implemented right here in Pasco County. Many of these programs have been utilized by other school districts.
The need for additional school construction money is documented to the point that only one who is blind to the truth could possibly object. As many of us know, state construction funding covers only part of the need, and only after the fact. In 1977, our school system required 99 portables. That number is now closer to 400. I believe that the need for the Penny for Pasco tax is well documented to those who are willing to open their minds to the truth and who will support our county.
Even if Pasco County had zero growth, not one new resident, the need is here now. Learning is knowledge. I suggest Ms. Bunting practice what she teaches.
-- William C. Maytum, New Port Richey
No taxes, more guns: an old refrain
Editor: Ann and Bill Bunting remind me of the Energizer bunny. They just keep going and going and going. No taxes. More guns. No taxes. More guns. It's like an old 78 record that is stuck in a bad groove.
I'd be willing to pay two pennies if it would mean better education for our children and land preservation so that my grandchildren might have air and water. The Buntings seem very concerned that the Penny for Pasco will hurt the working poor. Why don't they complain about the rising gas prices? With gas going up every few days, the working poor won't be able to afford to go to work.
The Buntings should spend their time and energy working for the benefit of everyone, not just their special interest contributors.
-- Alfred Gioielli, New Port Richey
Penny tax won't exploit the poor
Editor: The premise that the Penny for Pasco will be borne by those less able to afford it is flawed. The working poor and needy do not make major purchases like cars, electronic equipment and expensive clothing. And they do not, for the most part, pay property taxes. They are concerned about feeding, clothing and housing their families and providing essential health care.
However, the citizens of a community are responsible for the well-being of the community. That includes educating the young, providing health care for the elderly and poor, paving the roads and providing essential services.
The mind-set of the current administration, both in Washington and Tallahassee, is to give major tax breaks to corporations and to the top 1 percent of taxpayers, thus transferring the burden onto the shoulders of working people and their families. This president and his brother have not united our country and state but have divided us by income.
I am ready to pay the Penny for Pasco and encourage the voters to pass this measure until the citizens can right the direction this country has taken away from the majority and toward corporate welfare and tax loopholes.
-- Alice Donovan, Port Richey
School budget demands attention
Editor: It is time to tell the facts. All the information I am giving was given to me by Chuck Rushe, who supports the penny tax and is running for superintendent.
The budget for the school system is $640,117,780 for the year 2003-04. There are 56,419 students for 2003-04. The Times and superintendent John Long cannot dispute these since I received them from his office in the form of an e-mail.
The numbers mean that we spend a little over $11,000 on each student in Pasco County. For $11,000 a year, I can almost send all three of my kids to any private school in Pasco County. It is time for the school system to treat its office like a business, not a government office.
Learn how to budget the money correctly. The money is there. The school system will be getting even more money next year, so stay out of the taxpayers' pockets, until you learn how to handle a budget.
-- Matthew Berg, Port Richey
Do what's best for the children
Editor: I own and operate Kids' Stuff Preschool in Land O'Lakes and have been in the business of educating children for 20 years. I have never regretted one single moment of my involvement with children. Every day I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work with children and see them grow and learn.
Please do not let the hostility and misinformation of the antipenny crowd sway you on March 9. Their talk is always the same. Their specialty is personal attacks and misinformation. Please do what is best for your children and on March 9 vote for the penny. Your children will be the real winners.
-- Cathy Peckett, Land O'Lakes
Convenience fee very inconvenient
Editor: I would like to advise all of your readers that if they intend to renew their driver's license in person, they will be charged an extra $5.25 for a "convenience fee."
My husband went to renew his driver's license at the new Gulf Harbors office and was told that had he mailed it in, it would be $15. Plus the extra 37-cent stamp. I understand the state Legislature passed this into law recently. So just be aware.
After you spend your money on gas to get there and your time waiting to be called, the eye exam, etc., plus all the personal medical information they request, you will wish you had renewed it by mail.
Another thing, he was also charged a late fee of $1 because it was Monday and his license was due Sunday, Jan. 11, even though the office is not open on Sunday. I am told he should have renewed it beforehand. Again, if we had mailed it in, we would be given 60 days' extension. What a ripoff!
I don't believe anyone in Pasco County is aware of this new convenience fee. Personally, I would have rather put it toward a nice lunch!
-- Barbara Nickolas, Port Richey
Don't allow pets to run free
Editor: It's devastating when an innocent animal is maimed or killed by low-lifes. When the animal is a family pet, the heartache is indescribable.
The bottom line is: It is not safe to let your animals run free. Even a dog in a fenced-in yard is not safe. Certainly, a cat with a mind of its own should not be allowed outside ever!
We're not living in an age or a society where we can trust anyone. Don't assume! Would you leave your wallet and jewelry or your children in an unlocked car, or out on your doorstep?
Stop putting your innocent dogs and cats in harm's way.
-- Michelle Marissa, New Port Richey
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