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Abuse of kitty should not be erased from record

Re: Archer who wounded cat gets 30 days, story, Aug. 24.

Again, thanks to the Times for its coverage of this abuse case.

I was happy to see that the judge sentenced Stephen Cockerill to 30 days in jail, that he also has to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and undergo treatment if necessary, and is not allowed to carry a weapon or own an animal during his probation.

However, I was a bit disappointed that the judge withheld adjudication of guilt. Should Mr. Cockerill commit another crime after his probation is over, there will be no record of this crime. To me, that is a crime within itself. An abuser, whether it be of animals or humans, should always carry that stigma. To me this should have been a nonnegotiable part of the plea agreement.

I also think that he should have been responsible for all medical expenses that were incurred to save the cat, Archer.

I am not one to give the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this type of behavior. Based on his sentence, all I can hope for is that Mr. Cockerill has learned that our community will not tolerate this type of behavior, and hopefully through counseling he can come to terms with what made him commit such a heinous act toward a defenseless animal.

Many thanks to all who came forward in defense of Archer, the Tarpon Springs police, the witnesses, and of course the Humane Society, which insured that Archer will continue to live out his life in a loving, nurturing environment.

Readers, not to repeat myself, but should you witness any type of abuse, whether it be against animals or humans, report it at once. This kitty was saved, but what about the next victim?

Why do folks carry crossbows in their trucks?

Nancy Dively, Tarpon Springs

Another county board would add to tax burden

Re: Two find women's board pointless, story, Aug. 22.

I have always liked County Commissioner Karen Seel, and even though I don't know County Commissioner Susan Latvala, I sure agree with both of them concerning the need for another county board.

First of all, we need more government like we need a hole in the head. The county is always short of funds for many needed projects, so why add an extra burden with another board and more salaries?

I thought we already had a welfare board, so why is another one needed to tell them what to do?

I hope the other county commissioners go along with Seel and Latvala and vote down the idea that Susan Oestreich is suggesting. All these extra and unneeded boards and commissions are one of the reasons taxes are high in Pinellas County. Let's not burden the taxpayers who are already overburdened.

Fran Glaros, Clearwater

How Belleair Bluffs chose to handle debris, contract

During the hurricane season of last year, we all remember the large amount of debris left in the wake of each successive storm that passed near Belleair Bluffs. Immediately, our Public Works Department began to clean up the city. I myself spent a day with our Public Works director sweating and lifting debris as we cleared only part of one of our streets.

It became very apparent with the extensive wind damage incurred that our city did not have the resources to clean up the city alone. Right away, we called Waste Management Inc., our contracted waste service provider. Waste Management responded quickly and surveyed our streets within the first couple of days following the storm. A price was quoted for cleanup, and as mayor, faced with an emergency situation, I agreed to that price.

The main fear at that point in time for our city was twofold. First, if the debris was not picked up in a timely manner it would pose a health threat as it decayed, causing disease and attracting rodents to the city. Secondly, more importantly, there was the real threat of additional hurricanes and high winds coming up the Gulf of Mexico. Any remaining debris left in the city could then become flying missiles and projectiles causing untold damage to our homes and residents.

Waste Management began cleaning our streets and hauling this debris away from our city. During this removal process, we, the Belleair Bluffs residents, began our own cleaning efforts and found that the amount of downed tree limbs and debris was enormous. For many days and weeks after the initial storm, we kept filling the streets with more and more debris. Eventually, the amount of work required to clear the city exceeded the initial cost estimate given by Waste Management.

As city leaders facing an emergency situation, we had to make a choice. We decided to continue the cleanup and pay the additional expenses for this emergency. Our small city of Belleair Bluffs was one of the first, if not the first, city to be cleaned and cleared of trash and debris.

None of this was a pleasant experience for any of us as we were experiencing it. Many lessons were learned by all. Ultimately, as several other hurricanes passed by our city, we were secure in the knowledge that our streets and yards were clean, clear and safe. FEMA reimbursed our city for all money we spent on the removal of the debris.

Recently, our city issued a "Request for Proposal" regarding waste removal. This request was an inquiry to find out if any new technology or methods of pickup have been developed since our initial contract with Waste Management in 1990. Only two companies replied: our current provider, Waste Management Inc., and Waste Services Inc. Both proposals were similar in nature and content. Their prices were within a couple of dollars a month of each other for very similar service.

A committee composed of Belleair Bluffs residents and staff was formed by the commission and chaired by our police commissioner. The committee weighed the submitted options and even did a poll of residents. After careful deliberation they made a recommendation to our City Commission to retain Waste Management Inc.

Taking everything into consideration, our Belleair Bluffs City Commission decided with a 4-1 vote to keep our current waste service provider. If you have any further questions or concerns I would be glad to hear from you. Feel free to call me, Mayor Chris Arbutine, at (727) 458-2148.

Mayor Chris Arbutine, Belleair Bluffs

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[Last modified August 29, 2006, 06:49:11]