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Install more stoplights, or fatalities will mount

On Sept. 11, we had another auto fatality on County Line Road between Pasco and Hernando counties. How many more do we need before the Transportation Department realizes we need more traffic lights on this road?

Between U.S. 41 and U.S. 19, there are three stoplights. We need a stoplight at Waterfall and County Line, and the blinking light at East Road and County Line could be turned into a stoplight.

I live in Autumn Oaks, and getting onto County Line is life-threatening. The trucks love County Line because they do not have to stop. The cars travel at 60 mph or more. Since the opening of the Suncoast Parkway, the amount of traffic has increased tremendously. There are more new developments along this road. Please, someone, take a look at this road.

Maryann Hardy, Hudson

Don't give up the fight to keep politics and religion separate

Re: No one wins when religion, politics mix, Sept. 24 column by Andrew Skerritt:

First, let me commend you for your candid, honest and very brave report on a subject that will no doubt stir up more controversy than you could imagine. Unfortunately, there are religious zealots out there who consider an open discussion on this subject, such as Skerritt's commentary, as a direct attack on their beliefs and teachings.

Skerritt's voice in this matter represents a refreshing breeze of pure truth unpolluted by incantations, imprecations and mumbo-jumbo pseudoreligous rhetoric. The self-anointed religious zealots who control their many forms of media use many hot-button issues of our times solely to collect vast amounts of funds and to garner immense power - power to advance their agendas and ultimately to control politicians and thus try to have our laws, courts and constitution changed to turn this (our) country into a theocracy solely under their control.

I am a subscriber to "Americans United for Separation of Church and State," which is a conduit to the reality of what is happening in America today under the influence of extreme religious leaders of both political parties. However, the preponderance of the representatives, at present, are Republican Party leaders.

Henry DeVito, Spring Hill

Retention of local businesses should be a top priority

Mike McHugh, director of the Office of Business Development, should be complimented on his economic development plan for Hernando County. His four key principles for continued economic growth are high-wage business retention and recruitment, educational resources, work force housing and business planning for the city and county.

During his presentation to county commissioners on Sept. 26, McHugh stressed the need for a highly educated work force and the availability of business-ready buildings for new business.

One goal that should have been emphasized just a little stronger in McHugh's presentation was the retention of existing businesses in Hernando County.

It seems that his report focused more on bringing in higher-paying companies but not looking at the local business community in Hernando County. McHugh should be actively contacting existing businesses in the county to retain this engine that fuels our local economy.

McHugh's economic development plan should focus on why good businesses are leaving Hernando County. One example of a business departure is Florida Metal Roofing Products, which goes under the name of Bradco. The local business, which started in Brooksville in 2003, is moving its headquarters to Palm Beach. It seems that the Palm Beach Business Development Board reached out to recruit Bradco to their county.

This example of business departure is to highlight the need for our local business development director's office to stay in touch with the needs of existing county businesses.

Hopefully, McHugh will include more emphasis on the retention of local business in his economic development plan as he formulates the goals, policies and timetables for the county commissioners.

Anna Liisa Covell, Nobleton

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[Last modified October 1, 2006, 07:14:47]