Re: County cleared in Nature's Watch lawsuit, story, Aug. 6.
First, I have no connection with the townhouse community of Nature's Watch. I'm not even certain where it is. But secondly, I'm strong in the belief that the residents of that community have been badly served by the ruling of Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court Judge John Lenderman.
Government exists to do those things that individuals cannot do for themselves. Thus, government provides for the security of its citizens with armies and police and firemen.
Similarly, government oversees food and drug supplies, and transportation systems and so on. And since few people are qualified to act as building inspectors, government provides that service so individuals may be assured the homes they are buying are in compliance with existing codes. Home buyers are obliged to trust in the veracity of this government function.
When government employees working as building inspectors have failed to perform their duties, then government has failed in its responsibility and should be liable for resulting damages.
Citing a state Supreme Court case as precedent for dismissing the homeowners' suit against the county, Judge Lenderman said, "This court is not free to disregard existing precedent." If precedent were eternally binding, then justice would not only be blind, but hopelessly reactionary. There are situations that demand rethinking and new decisions.
I'm quite aware that as a taxpayer I would have been sharing in any settlement the residents of Nature's Watch might have received if their suit had been successful. That would have been all right with me. There are prices for all things. Trust in government may have its price, but it is a price that must be paid.
-- Joe Dunlap, Clearwater
Just do away with county inspectors
Re: County cleared in Nature's Watch lawsuit, story, Aug. 6.
The Florida Supreme Court has upheld the opinion that local government is not responsible for the negligence of its employees, i.e. county building inspectors.
If that is the case, then I think the county should do away with the position of building inspectors. That would save money in the county budget, and save builders and homeowners the grief of inspections by unreliable sources.
-- Gail Randle, Clearwater
Religion part of our nation's foundation
Re: Religion doesn't belong at City Hall, letter by Seymour S. Bluestone, Aug. 8.
Mr. Bluestone, in your letter to the Times you commented negatively about a prayer that was performed at the Clearwater Community Development Board meeting. You took exception to the prayer-giver's assumption that members of the board are "sinners." Well sir, they are. So are you and I and everyone else. You know what I'm talking about. It's the whole Adam and Eve thing.
To see someone in board member J.B. Johnson's position ask forgiveness of their sins gives me a feeling of hope. You may not understand, and that's fine. Others do.
Now, thank God we live in a country where you have the right to voice your opinion without censorship from the government. That is not always the case with private individuals, who have the right to tell you to shut up. Some of us are tired of hearing people tell us to sit down and shut up when it comes to voicing our concerns about religion in government, schools, etc. Doesn't feel good, does it?
As far as religion in government, maybe you should do the research that I have done and uncover just how much religion was involved in our government and how much the Bible was used as a reference to setting up our government. It's good reading as well as good history.
-- Garth Bell, Clearwater
Boat slip fee increase is unfair
I received a letter dated July 22 from the Municipal Clearwater Marina, where I have kept my sailboat for three years after being on a waiting list for two years. The letter informed me that on Oct. 1 I will pay a 40 percent rate hike!
This was passed with no fanfare by the almighty Clearwater City Council, in response to a select few who complained that they could not rent a slip whenever their little hearts desired. There have been many slips open for rent in the past year as I had put in for a change in location and was offered three.
I reside in Palm Harbor all year long and would hardly call myself a transient. If the council wants to raise rates, why would it not consider a hike on the boaters who live in the area during the winter months only? Those boats are not cared for, break loose from their moorings during storms, etc.
And to add insult to injury, they will raise it again 10 percent each October until it reaches 80 percent.
-- Stephanie Abramo, Palm Harbor
Large pet birds often fly away
Re: Fine-feathered referee, photograph, July 22.
I was very pleased, as a large-bird owner myself, to see in the photograph a bird so well-taken-care-of and loved.
However, I would like to give bird owner Crystal Bruni a little advice. I was a bird specialist for a few years in a large bird department in a pet store. I have heard numerous sad and horrific stories of people who have lost their beloved birds to them flying away.
A bird can fly away because of a sudden noise or unfamiliar noises. Even if the wings are clipped, they can still fly fast, just at a lower altitude.
Large birds such as hers could live to be 80 to 100 years old. They often outlive their owners. I have my bird ready, in case of my demise, to go to a very experienced bird owner. Birds don't like change, especially a new owner. They can pick their feathers off or even mutilate themselves.
A little advice to any bird owner wannabe: The birds might not talk, might stop talking, or might just whistle. They have to be able to be a bird. They are messy, they pick and choose and throw their food. They are very expensive because of large cages, toys, and vet bills. Too much attention and they get too attached to you. If you change your schedule, they get upset. Not enough attention and they get cage bound and are mentally and physically sick. They hide their sickness because of enemies so they won't seem vulnerable.
You get a wonderful companion, but they are like permanent 2-year-olds with attitudes.
So it was such a nice thing to see a bird that is well-taken-care-of. Please, Crystal, get a harness.
-- Cindy Batton, Tarpon Springs
Dunedin should be proud of its city
As mayor of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, I want to say thank you to Dunedin Mayor John Doglione and Mrs. Doglione for their visit to our city during our Highland Games. The citizens of Dunedin should be proud of their mayor and his wife for all of the great promotion they do for your wonderful city.
Dunedin is twinned with our city of Summerside, and we here in Summerside are very proud of that fact. I visited your great city last year as chief of the games and enjoyed the tremendous hospitality from your mayor and commissioners, city staff, Chamber of Commerce members and everyone we had an opportunity to meet and spend time with.
We were also pleased to make a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Doglione on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Congratulations and best wishes from everyone here in Summerside.
My wife, Gail, and I plan to visit Dunedin next April and take in your Highland Games and enjoy your Dunedin hospitality. As you know, many Canadians visit your city because of the warm reception they know they will receive.
-- Basil L. Stewart, mayor, Summerside
[Last modified August 10, 2004, 12:00:21]
