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'Yes' on amendments benefits everyone

Proposed Pinellas County charter amendments.

The issue of the seven charter amendments on the Nov. 7 ballot pits 21 cities against the County Commission over who controls what.

More important, it portrays democracy in action in that opinions of the people of Pinellas have been heard on several occasions by the 13 volunteer members of the Charter Review Commission. With a previous majority vote, the people of this county respected the wish of the CRC to extend its work for an additional 18 months.

The 21 cities currently oppose not one, not two, but all of the seven proposed amendments. They hold no regard for public opinion from the entire county as they focus their interests exclusively on their urban residents.

On the other hand, the county's interests are directed not only toward the residents of the unincorporated areas but also toward those living in our 24 municipalities.

A "no" vote on the amendments harms the residents of the unincorporated areas, while a "yes" vote benefits all the residents of the county.

Arthur Hebert, Largo

We all pay county taxes; one area gets advantages

"Contract" might give Lealman protection Oct. 8

What is wrong with our Pinellas County government? Our county commissioners give the unincorporated area called Lealman a new fire station, new parks, the County Connection Center/Community Center, and now County Commissioner Calvin Harris says the Lealman area should become a contract city.

Then the rest of the unincorporated area will pay higher taxes, just like an area being annexed into a city, and the new projects that the Pinellas County citizens paid for will belong to that city!

Wake up, Pinellas County citizens, and see the handwriting on the walls. We all pay county taxes, and now this one area gets all the advantages. We used to have a fire department that served our community, but now it belongs to the city of Seminole.

If I want to use Seminole recreation facilities, I must pay and get the fee returned from Pinellas County. Even the sheriff's community officers are only serving the Seminole area. How can our unincorporated area even get traffic control around our three nearby schools?

Our Pinellas County government is failing most of its citizens, and we all need to remember that when we vote on Nov. 7.

Dorothy Book, Largo

Even with penalties, library service a bargain

On Oct. 11, a letter appeared from a library patron who was upset that she was charged full price for a damaged book (Library book math makes no sense).

Library patrons check out more than a million items per year. A public library card is an agreement between the library and the borrower that the borrower will treat materials with care and return them on the date they are due. The only time the library asks for money is when something is returned late or damaged, or when the item is lost.

The patron stated that she did not think it was fair to pay full price for a damaged book when the book was available online for a cheaper price, and she suggested that the city could save money by finding vendors that give discounts.

The library has contracted with vendors that supply material at discounts ranging anywhere from 10 to 40 percent, depending on the item.

When material is lost or damaged, the library charges full price to the patron rather than the discounted price, to help cover the cost of processing and handling. It is, in essence, a penalty where the cost of the material serves as a guideline.

Some libraries even add an additional flat-fee penalty on top of the replacement cost. St. Petersburg Public Library has opted not to add that sort of penalty.

Every year the residents check out more than a million items for free, as long as they abide by the rules. The value of these items (at an average of $20 per item) is more than $21-million annually. A public library card is truly one of today's best values.

Mary S. Gaines, library director, St. Petersburg Public Library System

Tying a dog outside is torture for some breeds

"Warm, fuzzy gift to ease the pain Oct. 15

I feel very badly for Sondra Ann Stabler, for the loss of her beloved Pomeranian, Mikie.

I was attacked by a large dog while out walking my smaller dogs, and the fear of their loss made me ill. While I applaud the generosity of the individual giving her a new puppy, I would question the circumstances that led to her dog's death.

If I read the article correctly, apparently her dog was tied outside the front of her house. This left her precious dog vulnerable to any predatory actions, whether by vicious dogs or tormenting children. Toy breed dogs were bred to be companions and lap dogs. They want nothing more than to be with you. Tying them up outside is torture.

Sherry Goodyear, St. Petersburg

Why can't smokers keep their butts in their cars?

That's it! I've had it! Rarely does a day go by when I don't see someone throw a cigarette out of a car window while driving here in Pinellas County (not to mention the occasional emptying of the entire ashtray).

I've witnessed this for years and keep asking myself this question: "How is it that smokers think it is acceptable to toss their butts out of the window, littering our streets?"

I've pondered and pondered and, as yet, I have no answer. I was hoping one of your readers who smokes could help explain this. There's got to be a reason.

Jim Whidden, Palm Harbor

[Last modified October 21, 2006, 17:48:26]