Re: The time had come to change silly rules, editorial, Aug. 8.
When these Dunedin City Commission rules were passed limiting the time commissioners were given to speak to five minutes, I must agree it was as you commented, "primarily to muzzle Osborne." When there is complete accord in the loop on any issue, there is no need to limit dissent by imposing time restraints. I call it a "gag rule" when time limits are imposed.
This might have been more palatable if imposed uniformly, but it was not during the five years I served.
For example, did Mayor John Doglione respect this rule when he presented extensive arguments against hiring the sheriff and voted against the signing of our original contract with the sheriff? Or when he spoke against sewering 120 homes in Spanish Trails and in favor of keeping septic tanks? Or when he argued in favor of the extra turn lane in the center of town?
Regardless of the merits of any of the foregoing issues, common sense would dictate that when your representatives are considering a $60- to $70-million operating budget, the millions spent on the Blue Jays, the library, a brand new community center, a new government center, enlargement of the arts center, a new skate park - any single one of these would demand more than a five-minute comment prior to making a decision.
Any other course would be total abandonment of the sworn obligation of a city commissioner.
Thank you for your support on this issue, but where were you when I needed you 10 years ago?
-- Tom Osborne, former Dunedin city commissioner
Mall must not value bus riders' business
Re: Mall must improve bus service or face losing its patrons, letter, Aug. 11.
I fully agree with other people on the way Countryside Mall has treated us just because we do not own or drive a car because we wanted to be friendlier to the environment or because of age, health or finances.
I'm very happy with the great service the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides, but it is not always easy to do so.
To have the mall arbitrarily kick almost all the buses off their property is wrong. I guess they don't value the business we bring to them.
Don't get me wrong. I think it's a great mall and I will miss going there, but the headache is not worth it. I will take my money elsewhere, such as Tyrone Mall, even though it is farther for me to go, where they appreciate their customers.
I don't know what their problem is. I have lived in other cities with Westfield malls and they are a lot friendlier.
-- Linda Martin, Clearwater
Chamber throws support behind hotel
On behalf of the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce, I wish to inform the Clearwater Community Development Board of our whole-hearted support for the proposed Markopoulos project on Clearwater Beach.
At our board of directors meeting Aug. 3, which was also attended by many general members, we unanimously passed a resolution that we, as a chamber, go on record in support of Tony Markopoulos and his proposal for building a quality resort hotel.
This project not only appears to meet all of the requirements of Beach by Design, but it will provide the catalyst for future development on the beach.
The smaller motels and other beach businesses will benefit greatly from the increase in tourists and convention attendees that will be generated by a large upscale hotel.
We therefore urge this board to favorably consider Mr. Markopoulos' application.
-- Jack Heckert, president, Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce
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