Editor: We're one of the many Aloha-serviced families with water problems.
Numerous complaints over the years have all resulted in Aloha blaming the homeowner and no water pressure problem is ever found. Recently, on our behalf, state Sen. Mike Fasano requested help. Aloha said the same thing: There is no water pressure problem, the water runs clear; both tests done at the outside pipe.
We were one of the homes to allow Aloha to test our water from the kitchen sink, after draining all faucets, and leaving the water shut off for several hours. A technician would return and draw a sample from the kitchen tap. The results always came back showing no problems whatsoever. We opted out of the testing when illness made it impossible to be without water for that long. The first thing an Aloha technician says is, "It's your water filter." We never had a water filter, an under-the-sink reverse osmosis thing nor water-softener equipment. Never.
The other thing we're told is, "You need to flush out your water tank." Most of us have new water tanks because Aloha's chemicals rotted out the originals. The black goop that comes from the faucets and fills up the drains must be the same goop that rots out our copper pipes to the tune of thousands of dollars of plumbing repairs and flooring and wall renovations.
If we could figure out a way to hook other water up to our showers and sinks, we'd do it!
Fifteen years ago we were told exactly the same thing that's being said now: Aloha knew it could provide good water if they put money into equipment. But Aloha wanted customers to pay for the equipment, and did nothing.
Aloha should not have been allowed to be the only water supplier in this area unless it had state-of-the-art equipment. Why have we had no choice but to accept inferior water?
Is there no solution to this problem? Is there no other water supplier equipped to take on this job?
-- Michelle Marissa, New Port Richey
Penny for Pasco ordinance ballot question worded wrong
Editor: The ballot question as phrased calls for a vote for or against a "One Cent Tax," Not a "1 percent tax."
Unless the voter then reads on to the lengthy proposed ordinance, which contains a reference to a 1 percent increase, you would be under the impression that a vote in favor would impose a tax of one cent on each item, not 1 percent of the sales price.
Was this done deliberately to mislead the voter, or were the county commissioners so wrapped up in their sales pitch of a Penny for Pasco tax that they inadvertently called it a 1 cent increase instead of a 1 percent increase?
At worst, it is misleading and at best, it is ambiguous which undoubtedly will lead to a court challenge if passed in its present form. In which event their faces should be red, a deep Florida sunburned red.
-- Thomas B. Dolan, New Port Richey
Penny for Pasco tax increase would be good for the city
Editor: I am getting tired of the opposition of the penny tax increase which doesn't add up to a hill of beans on small ticket items. The only affect, I can see is on big ticket items, and most of those consumers can afford the additional tax.
It seems that just about every day we are being charged more at the gas pumps, and everybody pays, but they still oppose a lousy one penny tax.
How many times do you go to a convenience store, and make a purchase, and you may have 1 to 4 cents change? I, like so many other customers, tell the clerk to throw the change into the penny dish that sits in plain view of the counter to use for those we are short a penny or two.
The penny tax isn't so terrible for all the good it will do for beautiful Pasco County.
-- Dan Sigillo Hudson
Upgrades on Penny list could be eligible for federal funding
Editor: In looking through the Penny for Pasco projects list, it should be pointed out that many of the road projects are eligible for federal aid highway funding. For example, the proposed new $22-million interchange between Intersate 75 and State Road 54 should be eligible for 90 percent Interstate federal aid funds and I would presume that the state has already included this work in the appropriate work plan.
The other major project, $13.4-million for safety improvements to U.S. 19, should also be eligible for federal aid safety improvement funds as should the improvements to State Roads 52 and 54.
Many of the smaller intersection improvements may also be eligible for Federal aid urban systems or spot safety improvement funding. There are also federal aid programs for funding bus shelters as well as bike trails providing that such proposals meet minimum criteria.
I realize that Pasco County road improvement projects must compete for available federal and state funds with other municipalities in the MPO area, but certainly over a 10-year period many of Pasco's projects might be funded without utilizing Penny for Pasco funds.
-- Clement Dunkley, New Port Richey
County commissioner's record doesn't back up his claims
Editor: I was amused to hear that Commissioner Ted Schrader feels he has kept his 2000 campaign promise to lower taxes.
Commissioner Schrader voted to increase the impact fees. Tax collections and property tax appraisals have increased during the commissioner's term. Also, the commission is advocating the Penny for Pasco, which if approved, will increase sales taxes.
Has this Republican commissioner forgotten that the Republican Party is for lower taxes and a smaller, more efficient and effective government?
-- Steve Graves, Land O'Lakes
Protecting and conserving our water is the real issue in Florida
Editor: Until we really learn to conserve our water, to control our water use and to protect our water environment, in the long run, it will not matter how much building we do! Will it?
-- Rudy Sinkovich, New Port Richey
With soaring property values, more taxes aren't needed
Editor: I had just about made up my mind to vote for the sales tax until I read how valuable property has become in Pasco.
I know my property took a nice leap last year and with all this new housing with homes in the high values and my neighborhood becoming more desirable there is no need to add a new tax.
-- Richard Warman, New Port Richey
Hunter who couldn't tell bear from boar got what he deserved
Re: Hunter sent to jail for killing bear, Feb. 14
Editor: Poor Gary McQuiston, shedding tears over the death of Nicholas, a black bear. If after 40 years of hunting he cannot distinguish between a boar and a bear behind the sights of a high-powered scope then this is a scary thought indeed. Even a 300- to 400-pound trophy boar in no way resembles a bear.
Imagine this individual trying to figure out the difference between a bear or a person walking through the woods. Instead of 11 months and 29 days he would be enjoying the excellent facilities of a cell in Raiford.
So now Nicholas is gone and there are other bears out there who should be shopping for a red hat to wear for protection against other uncaring poachers. Good investigative work, Sgt. Edward Prouty, and congratulations to Judge Michael Andrews for bringing this case to a richly deserved conclusion.
-- Barb Capodanno, New Port Richey
Apprehending hunter for killing bear was the right thing to do
Re: Hunter sent to jail for killing bear, Feb. 14
Editor: I am so glad to hear this "hunter" was apprehended. I sure don't want to be hunting in the same fields he is if he can't tell the difference between a bear and a boar. Maybe it's in the spelling!
-- Mary Voiles, New Port Richey
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