Re: A George Bush kind of bash, Oct. 20. Editor: After reading your article on the president's visit to our very own New Port Richey, the only thing that touched this Democrat about the rally was the action of a little boy by the name of Robert Griffin.
After the Bush supporters left Sims Park like a trash heap (how appropriate), this little hero took an empty box and began cleaning up the debris left by these so-called adults who came to hear Bush speak.
I wanted to extend my thanks to him and his mother for caring about our beautiful park when no one else did.
Maybe if we spent more time watching the actions of the children and less time trying to find differences in one another, we then may one day be a country united.
-- Raquel Vallerand, Port Richey
Wal-Mart Supercenter will mean more car accidents
Re: They may complain about store, but they'll sure shop there, Oct. 19 letter
Editor: The writer suggests that 99 percent of those complaining in Beacon Woods are more than likely to shop at a Wal-Mart Supercenter there. The writer is obviously unaware of the true meaning of countless objections, one in particular being hazardous traffic?
You know, I'm sure the writer has driven along U.S. 19 and Little Road. How many white crosses and flowers lay on the side of the road? Perhaps if I would just close my eyes to the real problem, the road out of Wal-Mart could also be surrounded by white crosses and flowers and the writer's name could be listed on one of the crosses.
That's what this is all about.
-- Estelle Rodman, Bayonet Point
Finn didn't get, nor did he deserve, a special invite
Editor: I would like to thank the local Republican Party representatives for doing a fine job of organizing President Bush's visit Tuesday. However, I refuse to let all this hard work be overshadowed by Councilman Tom Finn and his big mouth.
While our esteemed state Sen. Victor Christ and New Port Richey Mayor Dan Tipton and many others were happy to wait in line to pick up tickets, apparently Tom Finn believes that he should get a special invitation because he's better than everyone else. Mr. Finn should actually consider that the possible reason he wasn't extended a special invitation is because the Republican Party wants nothing to do with him.
He's an embarrassment to the party.
-- Scott Factor, New Port Richey
Wal-Mart will bring more problems beyond traffic
Editor: The letter writer stated people in Beacon Woods have complained about Wal-Mart but that once it's built we'll shop there.
The fact is Wal-Mart drives out all competition with cheap products not made in the U.S. We won't have a choice because they will drive out Kmart and any marginal grocery stores in the area.
Crime will rise and property values will fall. Wages paid to their workers are very low. Aren't the traffic problems at Ridge Road and U.S. 19 enough evidence of the trouble that comes with Wal-Mart?
-- Cindy Corey, Hudson
Sheriff's Office not as responsive under White
Editor: I am a lifelong citizen and a voter of 23 years I am proud to say I have a very different view from the newspaper on Sheriff Bob White. In just the last year the response I have received from the Sheriff's Office has been horrible!
Just about a month ago, my daughter and I were cut off by a vehicle. We pursued and received road rage toward us. When I called with the tag number, I was told there was nothing they could do. Then I went out and my husband received a phone call back from the Sheriff's Office with the news that the tag was registered on another vehicle across the state and they would investigate but to no avail.
My husband requested a meeting with Sheriff White and still, to this day, no such meeting has happened. Even with all that happened years ago, I think Sheriff John Short was and will always be the best sheriff Pasco has seen. He listened to the people.
-- Jamie Van Beek, Holiday
Common sense not used in installing traffic signal
Editor: I agree with an earlier letter concerning the traffic signal at State Road 54 and Starkey Boulevard. This has to be the most boneheaded decision I have ever seen. Traffic on SR 54 was bad enough, but now it barely moves during rush hour. Couldn't this have waited until the widening project has been completed?
I just don't see the sense in sitting at a red light at 5:30 a.m. when there isn't another car in sight. Come on, use some common sense.
-- Mark Wilson, New Port Richey
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