In local politics, it's the person, not the party

I read with total dismay what LaVaunne Miller, chairwoman of the Pasco Democratic Party, said in reference to Mayor Dan Tipton's switching political parties. She was quoted as saying, "They don't understand the pendulum is going to swing back. And when that happens, they can stay Republican. We don't want them back."

Maybe that attitude is why so many of us former Democrats are now Republicans. Maybe having people like Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, and so on, as the leaders of the Democratic Party has turned us away. After all, it is state and national politics that parties affect most. I feel most people vote on local elections based on the person, not the party.

I don't care about which party Dan Tipton, Elections Supervisor Kurt Browning and Commissioner Steve Simon are affiliated with. I voted for them when they were Democrats, and I'll vote for them as Republicans because of the person, not the political party.

I have known Dan Tipton for over 35 years. He has worked tirelessly for the last 33 years in the West Pasco Little League, along with many other volunteer organizations. I also know that Dan Tipton is his own man, and no one but Dan Tipton makes his decisions. So implying someone made him a sweet deal is ridiculous.

My suggestion to a recent letter writer is that when he has donated as many volunteer hours as Dan Tipton has to this community, then he can criticize. Until then, why doesn't he just say, "Thank you, Mr. Tipton, " and forget about his political party.

I doubt you'll find any parents of children for whom he umpired, coached, lined and raked the ball field, or spent hundreds of hours at board meetings and fundraisers, that asked which political party he supported before they dropped their children off in his care.

This community owes a deep debt of gratitude to all the volunteers who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of our youths. Dan Tipton is just one of many such volunteers. I say, thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Developer's Timber Oaks plan is a dangerous idea

It defies logic to consider permitting townhouse development in a closed basin. If the county commissioners were ordinary residents in Timber Oaks, they would probably pray that their government officials not entrust them to a developer with his own agenda.

I urge them to vote against these buildings, as well as retention ponds which, in reality, are likely to flood in a closed basin. They owe it to us to not employ the wishful thinking of a developer with his own profit in mind. Builders can hire experts to promote whatever position they wish, but our homes would be the ones to suffer.

I urge our county commissioners to stand up for their many constituents who love living in Pasco County. Don't sell us out!

Donations needed to put flags in public classrooms

Editor: I and Chip Wichmanowski, executive director of the Pasco Education Foundation, are seeking community support for the purchase of flags of the United States of America. The Florida Legislature passed my SB 612/HB 1757 during the 2004 legislative session which requires that all public school classrooms fly a United States flag by the start of the 2005 school year. As part of the new law, the Florida Legislature requires each school district to seek county support for the purchase of flags.

The Pasco Education Foundation Inc., the 501(c)3 direct support organization of the district School Board of Pasco County, fully supports this effort to recognize the sacrifices of those who have served in the armed forces. The foundation has been charged with raising funds to purchase flags to equip all of the classrooms for our county's public schools. While the vast majority of the classrooms have flags (many flags have already been donated), the huge growth of our school system creates a great need for additional flags. To ensure that all existing and new classrooms carry the mandated size and material of flags for the 2005-06 school year, a total of $8,000 is still needed. Contributions to this important effort to comply with state law are most appreciated.

Your support is needed! If you or your organization would like to donate to this good cause, please contact Chip Wichmanowski of the Pasco County Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1248, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639 or by calling (727)774-2705, (813)794-2705 or (352)524-2705.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and assistance with this effort.

Nature photos enhance look of classified section

I love the nature pictures at the top of the classified section. I cut them out daily.

When my 4-year-old granddaughter comes to visit, we make a nature booklet for her to take home. What a nice idea to brighten the classified.

[Last modified June 10, 2005, 01:12:14]