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Stop whining, pay taxes and avoid waste

I'd like to respond to our new breed of neighbors' "end-the-shell-game" whining as it relates to the newer property owners' anger regarding taxes compared with the older, longtime taxpayers.

While we, the older homeowners, never felt it was fair that the newer homeowners should receive as much as a 65 percent discount in their property insurance rates that must be subsidized by much higher rates to the longtime older homeowners, we, as a group, gathered and started whining about how unfair it was.

When the newer homeowners purchased their homes, they were very clearly aware of what their costs, taxes, etc. would be. They always had the choice of going home and declining the purchase and thus avoid being in their current situation. Longtime homeowners never have this choice and will always be obliged to pay the higher taxes needed to meet the additional costs of services newer homeowners will always expect and demand.

I'd suggest that the newer homeowners stop the constant whining about others and instead spend their time trying to ensure that everyone's taxes are being used efficiently to control unjustified waste and to contribute to the overall benefit of all.

Frank Lloyd, Zephyrhills

Let's be pragmatic about shelters

Re: Cash shortfall may hit storm shelter, Sept. 14

So many questions remain regarding these hurricane shelters. First, how does anyone get there?

I propose that our officials look into the possibility of using buildings already erected that are in several different locations and easier to reach. For example, there are empty stores on U.S. 19 and Little Road and many empty Eckerd stores all over the county.

I have no idea what the cost would be for these buildings, but I think this idea is worth considering. These places could accommodate pets, food and medical centers in emergency situations.

D.G. Murray, New Port Richey

Adoption critic close to racism

Re: Wrong adopters were honored, Sept. 14 letter

The letter writer's comment of "plunking down money for a China Girl" borders on being a racist comment. That offends me more than U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite honoring the couple for their adoption choice.

I'd also like to ask the letter writer, which chapter, book and verse from the Bible did she find, "Charity begins at home"? I don't recall that one.

Last time I checked, we were still allowed freedom of choice to "plunk down" our money for legal ventures. The letter writer exercised her right of freedom of speech. Luckily for us, no one is honoring her for her narrow-minded comments.

Michelle Flood, New Port Richey

Citizens brochure makes me mad

Re: Brochure from Citizens was slick, pricey, Sept. 8 letter

Letter writer Judy Braak really hit the mark on the idiocy of Tallahassee insurance bureaucrats who have lost all touch with us in the trenches. What arrogance to think that this unwanted and really uninformative brochure would not get our attention.

I guess Citizens can raise my premium 130 percent again next year to cover the cost of publishing and mailing it. I don't know what bothers me most, the willingness to spend my premium in such a cavalier fashion or the stupidity to make such a big splash about it. Color me angry!

Corrine Patera, Holiday

Insurance? We're working on it

Re: New laws are needed to cure Citizens' failures, Sept. 14 letter

First of all, on behalf of the office of state Sen. Mike Fasano, I would like to congratulate Ginny Stevans for her ascension to the presidency of HAC Florida. This very influential group of individuals is putting pressure on public officials for homeowners insurance reform. HAC Florida is having a great impact on the debate that has taken place and will continue to take place in Tallahassee. Sen. Fasano has long made homeowners insurance reform his first priority.

As Sen. Fasano's chief legislative assistant, I have had the privilege of working to help craft legislation that addresses many of the concerns that Ms. Stevans shares. Sen. Fasano's top priority during the past legislative session was the passage of sinkhole reform legislation. He and Rep. John Legg ensured that this bill would become law, and Floridians are now beginning to see the benefits of that legislation with lower premiums for sinkhole coverage being approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation.

Ms. Stevans rightly calls for an anticherry-picking bill that would prevent insurance companies from writing profitable auto and life insurance policies in Florida if they refuse to write homeowners policies as well. During the 2006 session of the Florida Legislature, Sen. Fasano filed a bill that would have done just that. The bill, SB 1246, would have required that an insurer offer all products in Florida that they offer in other states. If an insurer refuses to do this, then the entire Florida market would be closed to it. The bill did not pass for any reason other than that it lacked a sponsor in the House of Representatives. This bill has already been filed by Sen. Fasano for consideration during the 2007 session of the Florida Legislature and any special session that might be called in the meantime.

Ms. Stevans correctly states that Florida needs to provide "real relief" to those who are being overburdened with rapidly rising insurance premiums. Sen. Fasano agrees and has been working over the summer to craft legislation that will allow counties to provide grant dollars to those who meet certain criteria. Based in part on the value of a home, the income of the family and the increase in the insurance premium, this grant program will give the homeowner actual dollars to help offset the cost of their insurance increase.

I applaud Ms. Stevans and the members of HAC Florida for their willingness to take on such a complex issue as homeowners insurance reform. I respectfully request that the membership approach other members of the legislature with Sen. Fasano's plans for the future and ask for House members to sign on to these good ideas. Without support in both chambers, these ideas will go nowhere.

Greg Giordano, New Port Richey

Parking spot judge is a disgrace

The action taken by Judge Stanley Mills to preserve his reserved parking space at the courthouse is the most reprehensible, unethical behavior that an individual, let alone a judge, can take.

The fact that he blocked the person's car for a full day is against the law. The bottom line is that two wrongs do not make a right.

I would not want to face him in court; he is a dishonor to the justice system.

Chris Tingirides, Dunedin

Campaign was pleasure, thanks

I would like to thank all those who supported me in my recent campaign for the District 5 School Board seat. I am very appreciative of those who voted, contributed and worked hard behind the scenes. It was a great race, and to receive 32 percent of the vote on my limited budget was very good; 2008 is just around the corner, and I am looking forward to it.

My congratulations to Frank Parker. I enjoyed campaigning against him. I am proud we had a clean race. It was pleasure meeting the other candidates as well and wish them the very best.

Lance A. Shortt, Hudson

Thanks for help with my house

I, too, was in the East Brown Acres fixup program. If the county hadn't come in and helped me with my house, I'd be writing you today with my roof caving in and my front porch falling off.

Yes, it took years from start to finish, but in the middle of it we were hit with four major hurricanes. From what I was told, the manpower for our project was sent down south to help the hurricane victims who had no homes.

I would like to thank Jim Grubbs, who handled my case, and everyone else who helped me get my house back in shape.

Stephene Jones, Port Richey

Thanks to 11,626 who picked me

I wish to thank each of the 11,626 citizens who voted for me in the primary election for County Court judge. I am deeply honored that you expressed your trust and faith in me.

I wish also to thank all of the volunteers and reception hosts who devoted their time and energy to my campaign. I wish to thank all of my contributors, my father and Frank K. for their profound demonstrations of confidence prior to me becoming a candidate. I also wish to thank Sen. Mike Fasano, whose belief in me was deeply inspiring. Most importantly, I wish to thank my wife, Elizabeth Blair, whose love and support sustained me throughout the campaign despite a full-time job and mothering our infant son.

I look forward to serving as a Pasco County judge should the opportunity present itself in the future.

Anthony Salzano, Port Richey

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[Last modified September 17, 2006, 22:57:14]