Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Today's letter

What's best for the children? Safety

Re: Keystone group handed setback, Jan. 30

A judge in Hillsborough County ruled against Keystone residents who pointed out that process was not followed when the Board of County Commissioners used the need for a school in determining if a piece of land would be an appropriate and safe location. The judge says they did not underscore the issues with need - you read and tell me.

The judge said: "This consideration did not outweigh other factors the BOCC considered."

The below statement is taken directly from the commission's hearing and is addressing that the county transportation staff along with the growth management department won't support the location.

Commissioner (Ronda) Storms says: If my weight system and my scales are this way, then I put all of the criteria on the scales, and for me, I understand that our staff is saying that, you know, this is their recommendation, but on the other hand, I'm weighing, in this case, on what is best for the children, and - and to me - that's what weights more heavily, and so typically I'm very supportive of our staff on transportation issues.

Storms then voted against her own staff that normally she supports. Why? Do you think this judge was also feeling pressure in his determination now that you're reading what he read?

Are all our representatives so afraid of the wrath of voters that they will look the other way on safety and due process to simply to give us a school anywhere?

Do our residents in this county truly support placing elementary schools on failed roadways, in with commercial development, when your county transportation staff deems it unsafe? I know we do not want double sessions and overcrowding, but at what price?

A white cross at an intersection costs taxpayers very little. Unless you are the one putting it up. Think, Hillsborough. What are you asking for?

[Last modified February 5, 2005, 09:49:05]