Editor: I find it amusing that superintendent candidate Chuck Rushe continues to question the motives of Republicans who question his voting record and political philosophy.
The race between Heather Fiorentino and Rushe is technically a race between two Republicans, but this really isn't true when it comes to analysis of each individual's voting record, comments and educational philosophy. Rushe supported Bill McBride for governor, criticized the Pasco Republican legislative delegation and the governor repeatedly and is supported by current superintendent John Long, a Democrat. The school employees union that supports Rushe is essentially an arm of the Democratic Party and has lost all credibility.
If it walks, talks and acts like a Democrat, it's a Democrat.
-- Jeff Lucas, New Port Richey, President, Spirit of '76 Republican Club
If you want to keep your car safe, park in garage
Editor: I cannot feel sorry for the Homeland Security agent whose automobile was broken into last week.
What are garages for? Storage of junk? All units in Lexington Oaks have two-car garages, so use them and no break-ins will occur.
-- Jim Board, Lutz
Memories of our lost loved ones aid eulogies
Re: Lives retold
Editor: Having been to services where the eulogy included stories about the deceased and writings from the family about the loved ones they have lost, I appreciated the article "Lives Retold." The many memories certainly give a feeling of warmth to the service as well as a deeper appreciation of the life that is being celebrated.
I was wondering if you were aware that the chaplains of Hernando-Pasco Hospice provide a similar service for the families of their patients. They will be there whenever and wherever they are needed: in the home, a chapel, garden or funeral home. Their services have been a great comfort and benefit to many families.
-- Paula M. Haydon, Spring Hill
Industrial zoning would ease tax, growth burdens
Editor: Residential development uses more services than it pays in taxes. Industrial development uses less service than it pays in taxes. Our county just passed a sales tax increase of one additional penny per dollar that will be earmarked, in part, to make up for shortfalls in county infrastructure.
Pasco County has half the percentage of its land designated for industrial use as the statewide average. Currently, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, chaired by Peter Altman, is proposing that industrial land, such as the Pottsburg parcels, be reclassified from industrial to residential in a time when the county is trying to balance lower tax rates with demands created by a growing population.
This year the county budget has increased 22 percent. Next year's projected increase in property values is expected to put tens of millions in the county's bank accounts. Property Appraiser Mike Wells has recently indicated that the Pasco County Commission could reduce the tax rate to offset the increased revenues based on increasing property values.
By rezoning the Pottsburg Parcel, the commission would make it even harder to balance the needs of growth. Given the new revenues through the sales tax increase and the additional funds through rising property values, Commission Chairman Peter Altman has recently been quoted as saying, "some reduction would be appropriate, but a huge slash in the tax rate would not."
It is my opinion that the County Commission can deliver a significant reduction in the tax rate if it would look beyond the current approach to rezoning of industrial vs. residential parcels. If the commission would take another look at land that is available for industrial use, such as the Suncoast Parkway area, and increase the designations of industrial parcels so that Pasco is at least at the statewide average, the tax burden on residents will decrease.
Additionally, I would suggest looking beyond merely giving incentives to out-of-county businesses to relocate to Pasco and focus on giving our existing businesses an incentive to expand. Also, remove or at least decrease impact fees on businesses that want to expand and create more jobs. By doing these things, Pasco County's industrial market may get hotter than its home market, thus taking the stress off our infrastructure needs and end the belief that homeowners need to bear the brunt of forever rising taxes.
-- Jack Mariano, Bayonet Point
Editor's note: The writer is an announced candidate for District 5 county commission.
