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The state's efforts seek fairness for Florida homeowners

By LETTERS TO THE EDIOTOR
Published September 24, 2006

I agree with your Sept. 17 editorial, A taxing problem, that finger pointing over property tax increases is unproductive. However, Florida's homeowners share my concern that property tax relief is long overdue.

In my budget recommendations to the Legislature earlier this year, I proposed a $100 property tax rebate to all Florida homeowners - a direct effort to relieve higher property tax assessments by $500-million. Unfortunately, your editorial board derided the plan in a March 8 editorial, calling it "an election year giveaway." I also recommended a 9 percent reduction in the required school tax rate that would have saved homeowners an additional $570-million, a point you failed to mention.

In times of transition, government has a responsibility to make sustainable policies paramount, and that includes scrutinizing the burden it places on taxpayers. To continue fostering our vibrant economy, this year's state budget sets aside more than $6-billion in reserves and provides $298-million in tax relief for Florida's homeowners, families and businesses - reflecting more than $19-billion in tax relief since 1999. The result is a consistent and disciplined approach to fiscal policy. In fact, local governments also experiencing revenue windfalls should consider state government's example as a blueprint for their own success: millage rate reductions, rebates and rainy-day reserves.

As property values increase in a booming real estate market, taxes proportionately increase - the result of assessed values, not higher taxing rates. And while tax cuts bring short-term relief and encourage growth, we are working to address disparities with long-term reform. This summer, I created the Property Tax Reform Committee to study and recommend long-term improvements to property taxation, including exemptions and assessment disparities. I encourage citizens to submit ideas and solutions to the committee by visiting www.propertytaxreform.state.fl.us.

The challenges presented by existing property tax policies are real. While we cannot control the value of property, we can find ways to control our tax rates and promote affordable and attainable housing. Local officials can help by following the state's example, rolling back taxes and maximizing savings for citizens.

That is not finger pointing. That is simply being fair to Florida homeowners.

Jeb Bush, governor, Tallahassee

Keep politics out of eating

Re: The politics of fat, Sept. 17.

Having walked the same path to weight loss and better health as Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, I applaud his personal success. I differ sharply with Gov. Huckabee's ideas about enforcing the gospel of thin. Government can perform certain useful health-promoting tasks, such as removing soft drink machines from schools. Legislating eating drives yet another wedge between Americans and food.

Food needs to become once again our friend. I am sick and tired of having to worry about every bite. Poor Gov. Huckabee can't occasionally enjoy some homemade cheesecake. In fact, with the correct mix of good eating choices and regular, moderate exercise, you can have that cake and keep trim, too.

The most important weapon in fighting the epidemic of childhood obesity is parents and adults who set a good example and teach children at the family dinner table to enjoy a healthful relationship with food.

Personal choices, not politics, will win better health, longer life and a trimmer America.

David A. Newsome, M.D., St. Petersburg

Sex offenders deserve no tolerance

Re For school, sex offenders a big worry, Sept. 17.

Having just moved into the area three months ago from a major metropolis, I am outraged by the state's relaxed stance on registered sexual offenders.

Who in their right mind would allow some 50 sexual offenders to live almost directly across the street from a school? Would you house 50 recovering alcoholics in a mobile home park directly across the street from a liquor store? Absolutely not. It is simply too vulnerable a situation.

Why are we, as citizens, still having to carry the burden of what to do with these sex offenders? Where are our lawmakers and why don't they make "no tolerance" the universal law against these offenders?

Why do we have to go out of our way and place our precious children on a bus to go a few blocks?

It's time to move these registered sex offenders out of our "densely populated areas" and give priority to the safety of our children rather than focusing on how to transition a sexual offender back into daily life.

A. Alexander, St. Petersburg

Looking beyond the tribal gods

Re: The pope's words inflame, Sept. 16.

Despite our ability to take a world perspective, we persist in worshiping tribal gods. Today's tribes are very large - Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc. - but they are still tribes that worship unique gods.

If a god who is interested in the entire human race - one who favors no tribe over another - were to reveal himself, herself or itself today, what would that god be like?

William Moravec, Seminole

Waking up apathetic believers

Re: I'll take a little of God A with a dash of God B, Sept. 17.

Thank you for publishing this potent item - albeit somewhat timidly way inside on Page 5 of the Perspective section. It should be on the front page!

Surely it will cause readers to stop and think about their beliefs. If the idea (or view) of God is so subjective, just who is he? Just how "real" is he? Does he actually exist?

Anything that wakes up the apathetic believer, or fires the stubborn, is worthwhile!

Abigail Ann Martin, Brandon

Celebrating the Constitution

Re: Our Constitution should be celebrated, by Bill Maxwell, Sept. 17.

In response to President Bush's declaration of Constitution Week, St. Petersburg College Downtown started what is planned to be an annual celebration. Yvonne Ulmer, executive officer of the college's dynamic new location in downtown St. Petersburg, organized an event featuring patriotic music and a most informative lecture by Judge Ray E. Ulmer on the vital importance of the Constitution to all American citizens. The students were presented with copies of the document, and Judge Ulmer discussed the most pertinent points with them.

I took my Monday evening class to the event, and the response from my students was one of real appreciation. Some of them even wanted Judge Ulmer's autograph in their Constitution booklets!

This celebration was then repeated a couple of days later for the benefit of the daytime students.

Kudos to Yvonne Ulmer and her staff.

Gigi Stengard, adjunct professor, humanities, St. Petersburg College

Stay connected with your kids

Re: Helpful ... or ho-hum? Sept. 19.

High-tech shopping carts? I'd say ho-hum! I shopped with five children and, although it was a challenge, I called it quality learning time. We made a game of shopping - "Find the spinach; it begins with an 'S,' " etc.

Children grow so fast - I wouldn't trade all those precious, connected moments for all the high-tech shopping carts in the world. Between TV, computers and hand-held games, children are already off in their own worlds too much. And I'd be surprised if the cost for these expensive movie-showing shopping carts isn't passed on to the consumer.

Smart, caring parents will keep their children connected to their world for as long as they can.

J. Briscoe, Clearwater

[Last modified September 24, 2006, 09:55:38]