Editor: Never in my life have I witnessed a newspaper so violate the barrier that prohibits subjectivity from filtering into supposed objective hard news stories as yours did regarding the Penny for Pasco issue. But you hit the all time journalistic low with the headline that streamed across the Election Day issue, Penny for Pasco wins in terms of cash.
I understand the headline as it relates to the story, but the not-so-veiled subliminal element and its placement were not coincidental.
I must point out the questionable statement made by Allen Altman in refuting the charge that Pasco's Citizen Committee (PCC) propaganda blitz was driven by corporate money.
Altman said: "It's easy to pull out 10 or 20 contributions, but fact of the matter is we had hundreds and hundreds of contributors and it truly was a citizens-led grass roots initiative."
However, PCC's contribution records show it received not 10 or 20 contributions, but 63 donations over $1,000. Of that 63, 27 corporations, businesses and organizations gave in-kind or straight donations of $1,000-$2,000. Fifteen gave between $2,000-$3,000. Thirteen gave between $4,000-$5,000. And of the five donations ranging between $7,000 and $20,000, only one was given from a private citizen in the form of a loan.
That's grass roots giving?
And if hundreds and hundreds of contributors refers to this citizen led grass roots initiative, then it should be known that approximately 161 citizens donated, a number a bit inflated by the dozen or so citizens and families who donated more than once.
Preserve Pasco!, an environmental organization which, according to its contribution records, receives most of its donations in increments of $50 or less, also accepted 12, $500 donations and six $1,000 donations, one of which came from an engineering firm and another from Newland Communities, a San Diego based developer that is currently working on four projects in and around the Tampa area.
I think it odd that an environmental group championing land acquisition would want to take money from a developer.
In February, Preserve Pasco! received $10,000 from two conservancies, one of which, the Nature Conservancy, is a global land acquisition organization, which states it has protected over 117-million acres throughout the Western Hemisphere and the Asian Pacific.
It seems to me that a great deal of outside influence and money supported the passing of the Penny for Pasco tax and, in time, we'll all find out just what those outside parties had at stake.
-- Keith Hansen, St. Leo
Every penny counts in today's economy
Editor: As I talked to five co-workers I listened to their anger come through what they said about the Penny for Pasco. Now, all this was over a penny, you know those brown round metal discs you see on the ground but won't stop to pick up, or that change you just throw in the tray as you leave a convenience store.
Most people wouldn't think about how much it would cost them or how much taxes there were already paying or how many other times there was a tax increase. I predicted the Penny for Pasco would pass because people wouldn't make it to the voting booths (for what ever reason) or just because most people would say, it's just a penny!
We're not Hillsborough County with all the big businesses and career jobs. We're the east side of Pasco County that once was a hustling and bustling, but now is forgotten, except for the fat cats that need someone to serve them dinner, wash their car, or just to bow down to them and thank them for another service-oriented job.
I would love to be able to just keep walking without any concerns and leave the pennies where they lay or leave them in the tray, but I can't afford to. I stop and pick them up. I need everyone, just to make a living.
When I can't afford to buy something, I don't buy it. When I need to save money I cut expenditures and trim the fat. Why should government be any different?
Before any new taxes come about, we as citizens need to call upon these government officials and ask for an accounting of all the money coming in, where it is being spent, and why. Demand that they show us the money.
-- James Bandy Jr., Dade City
Outpatient clinic workers are friendly and efficient
Re: Veterans clinic in Port Richey.
Editor: I recently enrolled in the Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Port Richey. I am a World War II veteran. I was so favorably impressed with the care, courtesy and commitment shown to me by the staff that I had to speak out via this forum.
I was greeted at the door by a volunteer and my journey through the required stops and goes required at any facility was made simple and pleasant by all the staff, from volunteer to doctor.
The facility is well coordinated, the staff is excellent. Everything was anticipated and pleasantly performed.
I do not understand all the negative comments about the veterans facility in Tampa, but the Port Richey clinic is a satellite clinic and they do a service worthy of a salute from veterans.
-- Joseph Quinn, Spring Hill
[Last modified March 14, 2004, 01:05:29]
