Re: Topics to be limited at Aloha hearing, April 1
Editor: I was very disappointed with the amount of space that was spent on presenting the Aloha point of view. I have talked with many people who were planning on attending the hearing and once again present their problems with Aloha to the commission. Now they don't see a need to attend since it appears from the article that the decisions have already been made.
On March 15, the commission posted its final version of the notice announcing the hearing and its agenda, which included bringing up other options than Dr. (Audrey) Levine's proposed options. On March 24, Aloha published a notice to its customers that stated only Dr. Levine's options could be talked about. The commission's notice was signed and dated. The Aloha notice was not signed and made to look as if the commission had issued it.
The response I got from a staff member was that the staff approved the Aloha notice. So the official notice to the proceedings at this time should be the notice posted on the PSC web site on March 15.
I believe that this situation should be made clear so as not to let Aloha continue to wield its monopolistic figure over the customers.
When Dr. Levine's audit was first proposed, it was pushed aside by the commission. The office of public council offered to underwrite the audit. Aloha stonewalled participating in the audit. When the audit was finally completed, Aloha balked throughout it. Now, Aloha wants to make it the center attraction.
-- Edward Wood, New Port Richey
Mother negligent in daughter's drowning
Editor: The article about the drowning case in Zephyrhills, in which the woman charged with child neglect has sued her homeowners' association over her daughter's drowning death, is very interesting.
As a homeowner and a member of a homeowners' association board, I am aware of what an attractive nuisance is and the liability connected to it.
However, it is apparent to me that the homeowners' association took reasonable measures to preclude having one and that the mother is clearly negligent here.
-- Ernest Lane, Trinity
Woman must take blame in child's death
Editor: This is a perfect example of someone not taking responsibility for their own actions. She is the mother; it is up to her and no one else to watch out for her child. From the neighbors' accounts of the situation, she seemed to be neglecting her daughter long before she drowned in the pool.
How is it the homeowners' association's fault? When it put locks on the pool just so this would not occur. This woman needs to wake up and put the blame where it needs to go. Herself!
-- Diane Howard, Hudson
Company leaves roads in bad shape
Editor: On Jan. 12, the Suncoast Development of P.C. Inc. began construction of new water mains on Green Key Road from Oelsner to U.S. 19.
This company has left the roads in a disgraceful condition. There are potholes and areas that were filled with soil, which creates clouds of dust, covering cars and homes in this area. Residents cannot open their windows due to the dust. And much of the equipment left behind is creating an eyesore.
This is the road used to go to the beach. Is this what our visitors and residents must put up with? Take a ride and see for yourself.
-- John Donohue, New Port Richey
Praise for law enforcement long overdue
Re: His career is 33 years of good stories, March 29.
Editor: It is not often that law enforcement earns kudos with the press, so it was especially pleasant to pick up the paper and find a headline praising one of our unsung heroes - those in the local line of fire.
I had the pleasure of working with Deputy Bob Ellis during my tenure with the Sheriff's Office and came to know him well. Deputy Ellis has that unique ability to bring a smile, no matter what the situation. Much like the character of Medavoy on NYPD Blue, Bob maintained a constant upbeat mentality and was possessed of a quirky sense of humor that never failed to have a stabilizing effect on those around him. He was also one of those rare individuals: a cop who could balance family life and the job - a difficult and at times impossible task when it comes to the rigors of police work.
I wish Deputy Ellis godspeed in his much deserved retirement.
-- Barb Capodanno, New Port Richey
Sentence for ex-probation officer a joke
Re: Ex-probation officer sentenced in misconduct case, March 23
Editor: Once again the Pasco judicial system drops the ball! This probation/law enforcement officer abuses the power vested in him by the state of Florida to totally cross the line between good and evil.
He extorts sex, smokes pot and drinks alcohol with the people who are supposed to be under his supervision. This is the same as rape. If a normal everyday person commited these crimes, he would receive a maximum sentence on every charge. This guy gets a slap on the wrist.
In an era where we are supposed to be cracking down on crime, he gets a minimum sentence of four months in the county jail, two years' house arrest and three years' probation. This is not to mention the fact that after he serves his four months in jail, he will be supervised by the same people that he has worked with for the last 16 years. This isn't justice; this is a joke.
-- Janice Brooks, Holiday
Parkway project a threat to residents
Re: Suncoast Parkway II.
Editor: This project comes at a time when many occupants of homes are struggling to survive. Costs are high and conditions do not warrant this highway.
Many people will lose very much when the government removes them from their homes to make way for this highway. Many of them are elderly who are trying to manage their lifestyles with the escalation of prices for food and medication. For years, they have managed as well as they could and succeeded in doing so. But now what are they confronted with?
We are supposed to be Americans. We did our best to survive the torments that have confronted us. We took our hard-earned dollars to do our best by purchasing a home and to live as peacefully as we could. But there are those, not us, who stand to make a lot of money with this highway.
There are many factors to be considered for those who may lose their homes, such as the loss of enjoyment and the hardship that will be imposed on those who lose their homes. You say not so. Do you truly believe that you could start a new life elsewhere at any age? Not so. This highway, which will promote speeding, is not needed. Leave us alone. Life is bad enough as it is.
I have done much for my fellow man, such as making roads safer, helping our servicemen return safely so they could live with righteousness in mind. If I eat, I cannot afford to buy my medicine, and if I buy medicine, I cannot afford to eat.
I say to the government, wake up! It is you who need a new road to take!
-- Arthur A. Maiorano, Dunnellon
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