Letters to the Editor
Published September 15, 2005
Well, three out of seven on our Largo city commissioners (Harriet Crozier, Pat Gerard and Bay Gentry) seem to understand that the mission statement for the City of Largo ("Provide superior services that enhance the quality of life and community pride") is a goal that cannot be achieved on a shoestring budget.
Unfortunately, they are in the minority. As a result of the recent vote by the four others on the commission (Mayor Bob Jackson and commissioners Mary Black, Andrew Guyette, and Jean Halvorsen) to roll back the millage rate, Largo will either be cutting services and jobs and/or dipping into its reserve fund in order to maintain the high level of services that the city provides.
There was a time in the not too distant past when the city seemed to strive only to provide a mediocre level of service to its residents, even though it purported to be the "City of Progress." That had been changing for the better, but with this vote to roll back the millage rate, it appears that Jackson, Black, Guyette and Halvorsen favor a return to that mediocre level. (Before the vote, Mayor Jackson said that the city may have to learn to do with less.) Either that, or they are going to support a reduction in the reserve fund, which should be used for emergency purposes only.
The sad part is that this rollback will not save residents much money individually, yet the impact on services for all city residents or the reserve fund will be considerable. I may not agree with certain projects that the city funds, but the overall level of service it provides is very good.
I appreciate the foresight and understanding of commissioners Crozier, Gerard and Gentry. It's too bad that the others have caused the city a setback.
-- Michael Kirkpatrick, Largo
Clearwater working to establish senior center
Re:Clearwater seniors need center, events and Homeless, seniors more important than new bridge, letters, Sept. 9.
These letters expressed the need for Clearwater to have a senior center.
Considerable work has been done on this subject, which is not well known to our residents. Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard appointed a blue ribbon task force of 12 people to study this need and develop a plan.
This group was appointed two months ago, with the mayor and city manager, Bill Horne, helping to establish the goals for the group. After several meetings and individual homework assignments, a final report was developed. It was presented to the mayor and City Council on Sept. 1.
The mayor and council members know how important our seniors are to the city. They appreciate them and approved the task force report. Everything is being put in place at this time. Among other things, this will give seniors a direct voice to the city.
-- Dolores M. Fry, Clearwater
Neighborhood poll would show residents favor roundabouts
Re: Roundabouts pose long list of problems, letter, Sept. 2.
Many of us who live on Cleveland Street in Clearwater are in favor of the traffic-calming project that includes roundabouts. We have seen an increase in traffic past our homes since the opening of the Keene Road corridor, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
The letter writers live on Grove Street, where it is considerably more quiet during these times. I'm sure that if they would canvass their neighbors along Lake Drive, they would find most of them in favor of an attractive roundabout at Lake Drive and Grove Street. The problems the city had in the past with the Clearwater Beach roundabout have nothing to do with the smaller one-lane roundabout proposed at Lake and Grove.
I'm sure the majority of the people living in Grandview Terrace would agree their traffic-calming areas have proven to be lovely and efficient. I say, "Bring on traffic calming to the Skycrest neighborhood!"
-- Jim Ponticelli, Clearwater
In a major storm, what role would school bus drivers play?
As a "scholastic transportation specialist" (school bus driver) I was wondering what our role would be in the aftermath of a storm like Katrina. In video we saw, school buses that could have been used for evacuations were under water.
If we were in a hurricane's path, would our local leaders call us in time to move our needy population? Are we trained to handle nursing home patients? Only time will tell. We are trained to handle our special needs students, but a stretcher case would be a challenge.
I am sure that the human and physical resources that are available in the school system will answer the call.
-- John Wiser, Clearwater [Last modified September 15, 2005, 01:05:21]
