Editor: On Aug. 11, I along with several of my neighbors had the opportunity to speak before the Pasco County Planning Commission in opposition to a rezoning request, case RZ-6229. Immediately prior to our speaking, Planning Commissioner Hugh Townsend made light of the fact that maybe he should remove himself from participating in this matter as the proponent of the rezoning was his personal dentist and he might be construed as having an interest in the outcome. While it was determined he was not obligated to remove himself, his behavior thereafter clearly indicated that he should have. One would think that if there appeared to be any conflict, no matter how real, it would be prudent to excuse oneself and remove all doubt.
Not only were Townsend's comments and questions argumentative, at one point, he usurped the chairperson's authority and started running the meeting. One of the other members in attendance had to admonish Townsend and remind him that his actions were the responsibilities of the chair. This behavior clearly indicated to those of us opposed to the rezoning that Townsend was not impartial but, in fact, was acting on behalf of his dentist by going so far as to put words in the mouths of the speakers, changing the effect of our comments.
The opinions of many citizens I have spoken with indicate there is a lack of trust in Pasco County's government. Apparently this is just another example where money or friendship is viewed as having been the determining factor, not the merits of the project. RZ-6229 proposes to put a commercial parking lot on a residential street in another residential neighborhood. It serves to increase traffic, crime and lower our property values. But because the property in question belongs to a friend of one of the members of the Planning Commission, it apparently will be approved regardless of the facts or number of residents who object. Not exactly government for the people.
-- Arthur C. Eickenberg, New Port Richey
Father must accept blame in shooting of his daughter
Re: Daughter shot at parents' door, Aug. 24
Editor: "I opened the door and saw a figure pop up and I don't even remember pulling the trigger," George Ingram, 54, told Pasco sheriff's deputies. "The gun just went off."
That idiot! Guns just don't go off. You have to pull the trigger. It's not the gun's fault. It's the operator of the gun. Get a clue and quit blaming the gun.
-- J. Scalco, Arlington, Texas
[Last modified August 27, 2004, 01:14:22]
