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Editorial failed to see wisdom of closing facility

Re: State should explain why facility still closed, editorial, Feb. 15.

The St. Petersburg Times' recent editorial on the state's closing of the Long Shadow Inn assisted living facility in Palm Harbor was, hopefully, based on the writer's lack of research into the issue. Otherwise, one might be left with the opinion it is the Times' editorial policy that the state of Florida should allow facilities to serve our vulnerable elderly without all employees receiving background checks, that improper employees should mix medications and that medications used in the facility don't need to be properly stored to ensure they are not adulterated or stored at improper temperatures.

The Agency for Health Care Administration, or AHCA, is committed to safeguarding the health and welfare of Floridians in the facilities it regulates and moves to close a facility only when, in compliance with the law, the agency deems a facility - due to inadequate policies or procedures - presents a threat to the safety and well-being of the vulnerable people it serves.

Last Friday, after the findings of the fire marshal during Operation Spot-Check, which was led by the Attorney General's Office, AHCA filed an emergency moratorium against the facility, which outlined the agency's investigative findings and reasons for preventing residents from entering the facility. The moratorium is a public document served on the facility and is a matter of public record. While AHCA will not comment on an continuing investigation, the moratorium speaks for itself.

Had the editorial writer performed the most basic research, he or she would have found that the agency documented the following issues at Long Shadow Inn, among others: emergency lights in stairwells not working, improper electrical wiring, staff unable to evacuate residents, staff not familiar with emergency procedures, admission of residents who do not meet assisted living residency criteria, improper background screening practices, employment of staff members that have not passed a background check even after being warned only a month earlier, preparation of medications by unlicensed staff members and improper storage of medications.

We did not rush to allow the Long Shadow Inn to reopen. While we certainly don't doubt the intentions of the managers, it is their basic responsibility to meet their licensure requirements, which are designed to protect their residents. When they met the requirements of law, AHCA allowed residents to return.

We certainly welcome criticism when it's due, even though we may not like it. But for the Times to call into question the credibility of the Attorney General's Office or AHCA when we are trying to carry out our basic responsibilities, it borders on being absurd. To the contrary, I commend Operation Spot-Check, the attorney general's staff, and the surveyors at AHCA who take their responsibility seriously. So should the Times.

Nation mourns passing of pioneers for women

Re: Meeting with woman who showed us a path to equality, Diane Steinle column, Feb. 12.

How ironic that our nation simultaneously mourns the passing of two influential and outspoken women who were dedicated and passionate about their life's work. Betty Friedan, the "feminist pioneer and revolutionist," and Coretta Scott King, "the first lady of the civil rights movement," were legends in their own time. Equal rights was the link between these two courageous women.

From the days of being shunned from newspaper newsrooms (allowed only to write about women's issues), to becoming the North Pinellas editor of editorials, Diane Steinle has firsthand knowledge of the many obstacles women have had to overcome. What an awesome experience it must have been for Steinle to meet Friedan, who helped to integrate women journalists into the newsrooms.

Let us remember to honor both Friedan and King in March during Women's History Month. And let us also hope that the torch will be passed to keep their cause alive.

One "C' person's view on lay of land in Clearwater

Re: County headquarters belongs in Clearwater, editorial, Feb. 7.

"Field of Dreams" - downtown Clearwater. Build it and they will come!

Really? The $6-million Cleveland Street streetscape project is the latest attempt to revive a downtown we lost years ago.

Downtown is comprised of three groups: "S" people (Scientologists), "G" people (government employees) and "C" people (civilians).

Every day about 7:45 a.m., as my school bus makes its way down Fort Harrison Avenue, the Hubbard College of Scientology changes classes, and hundreds of uniformed faithful change buildings. "Flag" buses and vans converge from all parts of the city, filled with the "S" people with their matching uniforms and key rings dangling from their belts to open those special doors. If the city thinks that the "S" people will support a new downtown with all the provided transportation system, housing and food service, it's not likely. Have you ever seen a uniformed Scientologist at Frenchy's or the Palm Pavilion, or McDonald's, Wendy's or Checkers?

Government employees also can easily be spotted, for, like the "S" people, they are in a hurry - always dressed in a professional manner and a cell phone to their ear. The big difference is they smile and have real discussions about life as we live it, and there is an occasional tan on these "G" people. This group represents a third of the demographic of this area. The difference is they provide their own means of transportation, and food service is the choice of the individual. Property that the church and government own is not on the tax rolls, which leaves the bill for services up to the "C" people. It should be noted that the "G" people are only downtown Monday through Friday during the day.

"C" people, or civilians, are you and me, who live, work and play either full or part time in Clearwater. We comprise the other third that the city is counting on to support the "Field of Dreams."

Calvary Baptist Church and School sold and moved to McMullen-Booth Road. Now Pinellas County government has been advised it could move most of its facilities to the Clearwater/St. Petersburg International Airport area. One would be amazed at the buildings that they own or rent downtown. Clearwater City Hall is being sold, and they should move near the U.S. 19 corridor where the "C" people live.

We "C" people would like to thank the "G" people for building the new Memorial Causeway bridge so we can go to the beach and our favorite dining establishments without encountering the "S" people.

[Last modified February 17, 2006, 02:15:35]