Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Editorial misstated group's position on growth

Re : Residents can't stop growth, but they can guide it, Feb. 25 editorial

You stated that residents were asking for "a universal prevention" of growth. I have worked for months with many residents in northeast Pasco County on growth issues. An umbrella group known as Northeast Pasco Concerned Citizens, or NEPCC, has been instrumental in requesting citizen input in developing a vision for that area. While some may harbor the fantasy of no growth, that group, whose members made several appearances at the board meeting you referred to, has made it very clear from its inception that members specifically advocate smart growth and not "no growth".

It began with a petition that stated just that and that asked residents to participate in a town hall meeting with Commissioner Ted Schrader to help get a process of citizen input going. I made a statement on behalf of the group that should be on record in the minutes of the town hall meeting Sept. 11, 2004, wherein we specifically ask the county to consider using strategies that would build a sustainable community. It mentions some strategies and tools that could be used to preserve some areas without stepping on property owners rights. It ends with "We stand ready to help with the process of building this community."

This is the statement I prepared to be read by any group member who could attend the hearing you referred to. It asks for a temporary moratorium on new projects "other than presently permissible uses." That would have left the door open for projects that don't conflict with present zoning or land use designations. It only requests that variances not be considered until the overlay process was over and that should take roughly three months.

I provided your reporter, Bridget Hall Grumet, with that language before her article appeared on Wednesday. However, she still wrote that we were asking for "a temporary moratorium on construction and development in the area, except for approved projects, until the growth plan is approved."

Apparently there was some confusion about the exact wording that was used at the hearing. If my statement was misconveyed at the hearing it is unfortunate.

However, you as a writer who holds the position of editor chose not to look at the actual statement or the group's history of action. Instead, you characterized their position as "no growth," which carries an extremist connotation. It is inaccurate and irresponsible. You have a journalistic duty to make a good faith attempt to research and support your position. No statement made by NEPCC ever advocated no growth for northeast Pasco because it is unrealistic to do so. Your editorial could threaten the efforts of all of the stakeholders in Pasco County to hold a successful process.

Northeast Pasco residents must show up to make voices heard

I am writing to my fellow citizens in northeast Pasco-Trilby/Lacoochee/Trilacoochee. Now is the time for pastors, business, community leaders and every day citizens to find time to be present 4 to 8 p.m today at the Historic Courthouse, Dade City.

Public workshops are March 30 and April 19 at Pasco High School. I encourage everyone to make these meetings so you have a say in the future of your kids and grandkids in Northeast Pasco and Trilby/Lacoochee/Trilacoochee.

Car-pooling in church buses is a great way to get the voices heard.

Parents not aware of demands of driving school bus nowadays

How many more of our children must die or be injured before the school district and parents understand that the school bus driver cannot maintain discipline and drive the bus at the same time?

Our traffic is increasing every year, making driving a 12-ton school bus a full-time job. Yet, our school district and parents continue insisting that the bus driver be responsible for discipline on the bus while driving it.

Recent accidents in Hernando and Pinellas counties, resulting in the death and injury of students including children distracting the driver.

Wake up, parents! Things are different now! A Sunday drive in the country is no longer a pleasurable experience. Why? Because traffic is demanding 100 percent concentration on driving. Insisting the school bus driver keep your children safe and maintain discipline on the bus is an obsolete task. Many students no longer respect adult supervision and are endangering your children, who like to sit quietly and enjoy the ride.

Chasco Fiesta improves; Krewe of Chasco stays mired in past

Re: Indians warm up to Chasco Fiesta , Feb. 26 Barbara Fredricksen column

I agree there was a time American Indians loved the Chasco event less than it does today. In order to understand why, one has to look at recent changes.

It would have been great if the city of New Port Richey was enlightened and decided on its own to discontinue the insulting Indian pageant, but this was not the case. It took years of protesting before it was pulled. In truth, if organizers had their way, the pageant would be alive and well today.

A few years ago, there was another segment of the Chasco event that was geared toward children and sponsored by the Junior Service League. Protesters also can take credit for objecting to racist games such as "Pickpocket Indian" (a person emulating a drunken Indian), "Dig for Treasure" (imitating a burial mound) and "Pin the Tail on the Indian." Eventually, the games disappeared. The league cannot claim enlightenment in this case either.

Until Seminole Chief Bobbie Henry was brought in, the powwow was a shaggy array of vendors and dancers. Legitimate Indians left the event after realizing what a travesty it was, and some never came back.

Today there are legitimate Indian dancers and Indian vendors. Sorry, no city of New Port Richey claim of enlightenment here either.

The Krewe of Chasco is still a subject of controversy and target for protests. White people dressing up in buckskin, whooping and hollering, swishing and swaying with beads and headdress and other antics do not show respect for or honor Native Americans. A comparison of dressing up like angels is not the same as dressing up as Native Americans, a living ethnic group. Compare white people dressing up as black Sambo, and maybe one could see the issue. Again, no enlightenment here.

The press has power. It can be informative and educational. It can also get facts wrong or spin topics to bring attention away from the real issue. I would like to believe that misinformation is not intentional.

But, be assured, this coming Saturday protesters will again be on the street protesting the Chasco Krewe Float. The message? Racism is not acceptable. When will enlightenment happen?

Who cares what former City Manager Lupo is up to?

Re: Ex-manager has "a ball' without Port Richey, Feb. 27

What - no picture of Vince Lupo with a lion's head? Who the heck cares what that animal killer is doing?

What a waste of newspaper space!

Little League season opening day in Land O'Lakes was grand

The day was overcast, cold and windy, but this did not dampen the spirits of the parents and kids who were there for the opening day of Little League season at the Land O'Lakes Recreation Center.

Hundreds of families descended on the recreation center. Parents sold chances, monitored games and cooked pancakes; a carnival atmosphere prevailed. A big thank-you must go to these hard-working men and women who make this all happen. Their reward is seeing the smiles of the kids and knowing they are making a difference in a child's life.

The recreation center was definitely jumping: Soccer was played, Pop Warner football was registering for its season and Athletes Who Care touted swimming lessons, triathlon registration and showed off the new heated pool that they sponsor. One can truly say that the community of Land O'Lakes is involved.

I was happy to be part of this event. My only disappointment was in not having my two grandchildren Chris and Kenny Frosch, who are involved in baseball, see their grandmother throw out the first pitch and actually hit the glove.

[Last modified March 1, 2005, 01:11:12]