Party switch based on personal beliefs, not political edge
Letters to the EditorPublished February 2, 2005
My decision to change parties was one that came after much thought and discussions with personal friends. This was a personal decision that was made after examining several issues.
I have tried for many years to bring the Pasco County Democratic Party to the center. I have failed in this attempt. The party is the farthest to the left that it has ever been since I have been living in Pasco County. The party platform maintains it is the party of inclusion.
I think not. The local Democratic Party will never support a prolife candidate. Instead, candidates are forced to sidestep the issue in fear it might alienate support.
My decision to change was based on the local Democratic Party. In the articles published recently it talks of my distaste for Howard Dean's stance toward abortion. This is true, but not the sole reason for my change. I am inclined to follow my heart, and respect and value life at all stages.
I have been attacked by Democrats who say they are Christian and church going. I truly believe there are members of the Democratic Party that are devout Christians and fellow prolife supporters. However, I find it hard to swallow when my 4-year-old daughter listens to a voice mail telling her dad to go fight Bush's war in Iraq and die. This from a fellow Christian and Democrat. There are some members in the Democratic Party who are truly saintlike. Blanche Bedford and her work on the Martin Luther King street-naming issue in Zephyrhills comes to mind. I will miss her friendship and constant professionalism.
I have been told that this was done for political advantage. To this comment I laugh. I was elected to serve the citizens of Dade City in a nonpartisan fashion. I am committed to the city of Dade City and its future. The last time I checked mapping out the vision for Dade City did not require a city commissioner to be a Democrat or Republican. It requires the person to do what is best for the future of Dade City. To that I am committed and will always be.
I realize that my party change has upset a few people, but the majority of the comments have been extremely positive. To my constituents in Dade City, this is a decision I made based on my personal beliefs. A true leader makes tough decisions and moves forward. I am dedicated to serving the citizens of the city of Dade City now and in the future.
-- Steve Van Gorden, Dade City commissioner
Be persistent, you'll get cable refund
Editor: After reading Eleanor Sayre's letter regarding removal of the FLIX channel 2, I called Bright House networks requesting a credit.
I was told that to receive $10 per month for six months' credit I would have to subscribe to a digital package. This is not true! I spoke to the letter writer and she stated she was simply offered the credit.
After discussing this with Bright House, they offered the credit to appease me, as they did the letter writer.
I urge all Bright House customers to call and request their appeasement credits in exchange for losing a channel and getting higher rates on top of it.
-- Janet Zimmer, Hudson
Why does cable firm have monopoly?
I have been reading about the people who received a $10 discount on their cable bills in exchange for losing the FLIX movie channel. I just called the cable company and was told by a very rude operator I could receive a $10 discount for six months if I upgraded to digital cable.
I already pay over $48 on a $39.95 a month plan. To upgrade to digital, I was informed it will cost me $56 a month, plus tax! How much will this come out to after taxes and such?
It's time for Bright House to get some competition in Pasco County! I thought the government had a law against companies' having a monopoly. It's time for this customer to switch to Dish.
-- Nancy Morin, Hudson