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We should bus all children for safety's sake

Re: A flawed ordinance for sexual predators , Sept. 11 C.T. Bowen column

I agree with you that the city ordinance in New Port Richey has flaws. I would like to point out another issue regarding the laws governing sexual offenders/predators in Pasco County.

I live 1.2 miles from my child's elementary school. Therefore, the county does not have to bus children in my area. However, sexual offenders/predators can live anywhere outside of the 1,000-foot perimeter around the schools.

Many people in my neighborhood let their children walk to school. I routinely see children who are going to be late to school riding their bikes. They are often alone and are sometimes as young as kindergarteners.

If you check FDLE, you will find that a registered sex offender whose conviction deals with a minor lives about two-tenths of a mile from the elementary school. He lives on the same street the kids are walking and riding their bikes down to get to the school. He is within his rights to live there. However, I feel that if he is going to be allowed to live there, a bus with a driver who has passed a background check should be picking up all the kids currently walking past this man's house.

What good does a law that keeps pedophiles 1,000 feet away from a school do if the kids that live within 2 miles of that school are walking right past a pedophile's house because there is no bus to take them?

Let's start busing all kids in Pasco County!

Hernando School Board needs more compassion

Re: Shelter can't have have school buses

To say I was flabbergasted to read about this is putting it mildly. What are the School Board members thinking of in this very crucial time?

These old buses, regardless of their condition, should be handed over immediately to Holy Ground when the need is so great. So they fear a breakdown, accident or injury, even though an attorney offers his professional help to overcome this obstacle? Still they refuse.

How this bunch of chumps can sleep at night is beyond me. I hope their nightmares are a continual replay of this, the greatest catastrophe to hit our United States.

Think of the innocent people, homeless, penniless, desolate, sick at heart and mind, and in dire need. Come on, Hernando County School Board, step up to the plate and play ball in a decent giving, helpful way. Your dreams will improve.

Pasco, Hernando counties lack feelings in hard times

On Wednesday, Sept. 7, I cleaned out my closet of shoes, handbags and clothes. I went to Holy Ground Shelter, and some nice young man helped unload my trunk. I called my daughter and told her about it and as her husband had just recently died, she went through his shoes and clothes and headed for Holy Ground, only to be turned away as they didn't want anymore clothes.

If you didn't want contributions of clothes, then you should have kept your mouth shut. I think it's cruel and mean not to have accepted the kindness of someone trying to help others.

Then, I read, someone tried to have some school buses donated only to have that idea jerked away by the Hernando School Board. There are times when I feel Pasco and Hernando counties are very lacking in their feelings toward others in need. Right now, I'm not so proud to be from Pasco or my daughter from Hernando.

Make efforts count when responding to hurricane

In the wake of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, everyone wants to do something. But they should consider whether their efforts are effective.

Hernando County's old school buses to be sent for auction are no longer fit for the service of its schoolchildren.

Are those buses good enough for transporting hurricane evacuees? Would the donation of five buses open the county to a liability lawsuit if something goes wrong?

It is laudable that funds were raised to buy three buses at auction.

Caveat emptor.

Bus debacle reflects poorly on Hernando School Board

It saddens me that this took place in the community where I live with school-age children.

Our school leaders chose a path of indifference. Both my kids are stunned and appalled at this decision. I try to teach empathy, compassion, kindness, and most of all, generosity.

None of which Hernando School Board members Nicholson and Malcolm displayed.

I can't explain to them why when there is an abundance of buses ready to go help and aid families in this horrific disaster, you did not step up to the plate. It's just another question I have.

I am proud to know Mr. Fagan, Mr. Wiggins and especially the Druzbicks took the bat to the plate and choose to hit it out of the ballpark.

It is amazing to me that in a matter of two to three days John and Debbie Druzbick got the buses. Families will be able to start over. Lives that are shattered will have the chance to start picking up the pieces. A chance for their children. Just a chance for some kind of normalcy.

You both have done a great thing, and I say thank you.

The facts still remain. Our School Board took a wrong turn. Big time! Look at yourself in the mirror, Mrs. Nicholson and Mr. Malcolm.

This area may be the next to be destroyed by a hurricane, and your life may be shattered and there may not be anyone to give you a ride.

[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:46:17]