Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Two School Board members held to oaths in bus vote

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times:

When James Malcolm and Sandra Nicholson took their School Board positions, they took an oath to vote in the best interest of Hernando County's schoolchildren and its taxpayers, even when the issue went against their personal feelings. (Sometimes it's not easy, but that's what one says he will do when he takes public office.)

I'm sure this request pulled at Nicholson's and Malcolm's consciences, but they stood strong and honored their oath. The homeless shelter would have best served its cause if, instead, it had come before the board, explained its cause, its intent to bid, and the need for public donations to do so.

If, in fact, Hernando County got a black eye over this, as some say, it should be placed squarely at the feet of the requesters, not Malcolm and Nicholson. They, in upholding their oath, probably stopped an avalanche of "me toos" from coming forth on behalf of Hernando County's needy.

Hernando County needs more Malcolms and Nicholsons in public office.

Turning back on others' needs doesn't reflect county's spirit

Re: Board won't give buses to shelter, Sept. 8 Times:

Sadness, disbelief, disappointment and overwhelming outrage, are all emotions I felt while reading about the Hernando County School Board's decision to turn its back on people in need. Let me say their actions do not in any way speak for this Hernando County household, and I dare say for the vast majority of Hernando County residents.

Yes, some board members voted to grant Holy Ground homeless shelter's request for the old (to be auctioned) school buses. However, collectively its request was turned down. At a time when this nation desperately needs leadership and compassion, our own local School Board failed miserably.

For a county that overwhelmingly voted for a man of compassion, this demonstration was anything but. So, if any one of you show up at my door looking for a vote next election, I will be compelled to do to you what you've done to my fellow Americans in need - turn my back and walk away.

State's insurance situation exacerbates storms' toll

It seems that Citizens Property Insurance is becoming a monopolizing vampire that is slowly sucking Floridians' hard-earned money through our exposed necks because no other insurance agencies will cover the hurricane state. I wonder if Louisiana will face a similar fate?

Gov. Jeb Bush, if not President Bush, needs to step in and do something before Florida becomes the "I can't afford to live here anymore" state.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.sptimes.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.

If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, length and accuracy. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified September 14, 2005, 02:15:34]