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Re: County takes inspection fees, but not responsibility, by Howard Troxler, Sept. 9.
The article about the situation at Nature's Watch was right on target. What a classic governmental response. In effect they're stating, "We're not responsible for the actions of our employees."
Mr. Troxler confronted the county attorney with the question: Why have a building inspection process if you don't accept responsibility for the outcome? Reportedly the county attorney laughed and stated they're performing a "public service."
The residents of Nature's Watch fail to see the humor in that question and wonder just what the "public service" was. They view it more as a public shaft.
Pinellas County needs to do the right thing, admit its mistakes, take corrective action and compensate the victims.
Re: County takes inspection fees, but not responsibility.
After following the Nature's Watch situation since the beginning and now seeing that no one is accountable, I decided I can apply for the position of county inspector.
I have no certification or degree in inspection, but obviously none is needed for this position.
By the way,who pays their salaries? Doesn't the money come from the public? Maybe one way Florida can cut fees and save money is by doing away with inspectors and their large salaries to protect the unsuspecting Floridians.
Re: Convention security: Byzantine and fruitless, Sept. 4.
Lucy Morgan went bananas, complaining that the New York City Police Department confiscated her banana while she was trying to enter the Republican National Convention. Her complaint was misdirected. It should have been aimed at the 100,000 left-wing wackos who would have disrupted the convention had it not been for the police.
There are lots of folks who demand their civil rights in order to stomp the civil rights of others. What would have been the response had her banana been taken at the Democratic convention?
Re: Protesters should get jobs, letter, Sept. 4.
The letter writer seems to believe that the protesters in New York for the Republican convention should have better things to do. He questions where they get the money to do what they do.
I wonder if he feels the same way about all the Red Cross volunteers who came to Florida to help out after the recent hurricanes. Does he question where these wonderful people get the money to do what they do? Perhaps good people just find a way to do what they feel is important.
On Aug. 27 a letter was sent to me that my homeowners insurance policy would be canceled. "We have an over concentration of exposure in your area and need to reduce the number of risks." My assumption is Hurricane Charley caused this. The insurance agency I have dealt with for 19 years sent me a letter stating the same, but adds: "unfortunately due to limited Florida markets, we have no other company with which to replace the coverage. Please contact another agent to replace the coverage . . ."
I do not live in a flood prone area, have never had a claim in 19 years, and I do not live in a mobile home. These insurance companies usually sell policies in states where the chances of claim being filed are remotely slim. If they don't have a pay out, where does that profit go? They come to Florida like carpetbaggers and the second they have to pay out, they cancel thousands of policies.
I thought the whole reason we have an insurance industry is for protection of some sort. Maybe we need to eliminate private insurance companies (including medical) and have one under nationwide coverage, not by state.
Have you called an insurance agency looking to get coverage? Try it, you won't like it!
I wish to record my warmest plaudits and sincerest congratulations to all the newscasters, reporters and meteorologists for their supreme efforts during "Frances." They were all quite superb, caring and thoroughly professional. They worked tirelessly for long periods and frequently in dangerous and unpleasant conditions.
My wife and I are British, own our own house here and are holidaying for three weeks. We are used to very high standards of television coverage from the BBC, which all your local stations emulated superbly. Alas, I have no way of writing to each to express my deepest appreciation to them for all their excellent and highly agreeable presentations of a serious and dangerous tragedy.
Will you please somehow convey the warmest good wishes from a "dumb Brit" for keeping all of Florida so well informed, educated and reassured throughout 36 hours of one of nature's greatest dramas?
Bryn Williams, New Port Richey
I live in St. Petersburg and I am deeply disappointed in our local television news.
I appreciate the fact that a hurricane was coming, but I really do not need two hours of coverage for areas outside of our area to find out what to expect.
I believe the TV news should concentrate on our area and not show hours and hours of damage outside our area. They canceled all our favorite programs, yet continued to give us information that was no good to us. Wake up, TV stations.
Re: Area wages just paced inflation in '03, Aug. 6.
There is talk of giving the teachers a raise. If anyone needs and deserves a raise, it's the police officers and firefighters. They work through all kinds of disasters. That was proven by our latest storm. It doesn't matter if it's their day off or a holiday; they are called to work and they respond to safeguard the public.
Come on, let's give credit where credit is due.
Re: Parents are key to their kids' school successes, Sept. 6.
It was most interesting and gratifying to read William Raspberry's column last Monday.
This has been my belief for quite some time. Granted, there are some minor problems in some of our schools, but the major problems with lack of education are in the homes. Not just the homes of the poor. These problems know no race, ethnic or economic boundaries.
The major problems with poor education are, poor grades and inappropriate behavior. I believe the two major causes of these problems are low self-esteem and/or little or no interest, encouragement or involvement by the parent or caregiver.
We can put quotas on class size, promote "choice" or any other program, but until there is involvement and encouragement at home little or no progress will be made.
It is long past time that politicians, judges and "activists" start acting on Raspberry's wisdom.