Because of an uncertain travel schedule, I decided to take advantage of the chance to vote early at the Pinellas County Courthouse. I have to say, the people who are working there during this early election process are saints. The line was long. Many of the people in line had physical conditions that made standing uncomfortable. A few voters were simply impatient and let everyone around them know it. But the staffers at the courthouse were courteous, offering to help in any way they could. They tried their hardest to make the best of a tough situation and deserved more thanks than they were receiving. So from one citizen who voted early, thank you!
-- Nancy Hart, Clearwater
"Brave neighbors' insult freedom
Why is it that the people who talk most about freedom are the quickest to deprive others of theirs?
Recently, while our brave soldiers were risking their lives to bring freedom to the Iraqis, one of our "brave" neighbors in the Spring Lake subdivision chose to walk onto our front yard and steal our Kerry/Edwards sign. Then they vandalized our car while trying to remove bumper stickers that did not reflect their views.
Freedom is not just living in a country without an insane dictator. It is also the right to an opinion. Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, an independent or Libertarian, you have a right to make choices and endorse them.
-- Dennis McNea and Ellen Mascia, Clearwater
Is this really how it's supposed to work?
Re: Stolen campaign signs.
After reading about campaign signs being stolen/removed from private property, I'm puzzled. I thought that the St. Petersburg Police Department made it very clear that you have no right to expect free speech protection on private property, i.e, see response to Uhuru action, when it concerns political, religious or holiday opinions.
If you put something in your yard that I find objectionable, I can come on your property and remove or destroy it. If you are not home, the police won't stop me.
So, if I don't like your political sign, I take it. If I don't like your Christian statue, I can smash it. If I think your Halloween goblin is ungodly, I can jump your fence and tear it up. And to our Canadian visitors, watch out for those Maple Leaf flags, this is the land of freedom and I can remove, steal and destroy those, too.
If you don't like any of this, too bad. Call a St. Petersburg cop.
-- Dale Edwards, Dunedin
Police should stand up to Uhurus
Re: Official: Police favored Uhurus, Oct. 27.
Kudos to Mr. Kriseman. It is about time that someone in this city's hierarchy stood up to this organization.
We have a mayor who is never to be found when the Uhurus are involved. We have a police chief who tells us that crimes against personal property do not rate prosecution, and we have a City Council that as a whole always seems to be quiet whenever the Uhurus stir the pot.
As a former police officer in another state, I must say that I have never heard of vandalism or destroying private property being so minor that these crimes do not warrant an arrest. This scares me. Does this now mean that if someone destroys my property, I am not protected by our police? Although I can usually be counted on for support whenever the officers want a raise, I think that if they are not doing the job, then why should we raise their pay?
Maybe it is time to move to the county. At least there I believe the Sheriff's Office would not put up with this type of behavior.
-- Edward Smith, St. Petersburg
Officer's restraint served city well
Re: Official: Police favored Uhurus, Oct. 27.
Instead of criticizing the police officer who watched the Uhurus tear down the display, let's commend him for keeping a situation from getting out of control. When the Uhurus called the media, they were far more interested in having a confrontation with the St. Petersburg police. What better way to get media attention?
Instead, the police officer took names and kept a low profile at a very explosive situation. Let's have more police officers with that kind of experience when dealing with potential trouble.
-- Polly Pierpont, St. Petersburg
Fire fee vote essential to town
Re: Fire protection fee might go to court
Thank you for the excellent article Oct. 13 exposing the attack by politically motivated citizens of Indian Rocks Beach to derail their own Fire Department. I must point out that the alternative will be default of the Fire District and the takeover of management of the department by neighboring cities. That will result in financing through ad valorem tax, as they all charge their own taxpayers a much higher rate for the large homeowners. A vote against this square-footage tax is, in effect, a vote for higher taxes.
Having researched my town through the Tax Appraiser's Office, it is obvious that most of the taxpayers of Indian Shores will save if the change passes as most condos are under the 1,186 square foot break-even point ($190 per year). I believe a search of records for Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and the mainland homes will come up with similar results. Not every home is a mansion.
-- Robert G. McEwen, Fire Commissioner, Indian Shores
Orchestra al fresco deserves support
The celebration "Concert in the Park" on Oct. 23 was a joy.
In the hour before the performance, we enjoyed the babies in strollers, toddlers running in circles, the beautiful park and waterfront dotted with a happy gathering, waiting to hear the splendid Florida Orchestra.
A special thank you to Homes by Helen, the other sponsors and many volunteers who contributed to the concert, giving the people of St. Petersburg and the surrounding area the gift of fine music.
I would like to ask the Realtors of the area to join their colleague in this gift and build the symphony a simple, permanent orchestra shell in Vinoy Park for this yearly performance. This wonderful orchestra deserves our full support.
-- Marilyn P. Lehmann, St. Petersburg
[Last modified October 31, 2004, 00:56:31]
