No secrets in plan to fund boat slips
By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published December 27, 2006
Re: What will slips cost taxpayers? letter Dec. 15.
No secrets in plan to fund boat slips
Frank Spatuzzi, author of the referenced letter, has questioned whether the proposed downtown boat slips will be constructed at taxpayer expense. He wrote that no bottom line has been stated as to costs to taxpayers. He also implied that the city of Clearwater has been less than forthcoming with the details of how the project would be funded. He stated that no mention was made of the financing for this project in letters written by me to this newspaper.
In fact, much of this information was mentioned in two letters I previously submitted that were published Sept. 14 and Nov. 8. Both reference how the city intends to fund the slips. Discussed in these articles were user fees, grant applications to help fund the project, a contingency fund, inflation and bond rates, etc. The Community Redevelopment Agency will also make contributions that would offset taxpayer expense for the project.
In this environment of citizen concern for high taxes and insurance rates, it would not be prudent to blindly support a project that would burden the public with increased taxes. The city of Clearwater has been very open about project details, how it plans to finance it and how the debt would be repaid. Its finance director has required city staffers involved to provide estimates of revenue and expenses rather than to back into a number so it looks good to the public. Outside consultants have been used to verify construction costs and potential revenues to ensure they are realistic.
All one has to do is go down to City Hall and request the information. There have been public forums conducted regarding this project and programs on C-View Channel 15 that discuss the project and how it might assist in improving the boating access situation and revitalize downtown.
All five of our City Council members are proponents of this project for a reason. They understand the facts and the benefits that can be derived from such a project. They support it because they are informed, not because of any personal gain.
All citizens are encouraged to take the time to become acquainted with the details and facts of this project rather than rely upon someone else's opinion, including mine.
Yes, I am a proponent of the downtown boat slips because I have studied the facts and believe the project will be positive for the city in many ways. As Mr. Spatuzzi stated, I am a businessman. Being such, I evaluate projects with costs and benefits in mind.
Unlike many municipal projects where taxpayers take on the burden of the expense, this project is one where the users (boaters) pay the majority of the expense while the entire city, including its citizens, downtown businesses and visitors, enjoy its benefits.
In my mind, this is a no-brainer. It will benefit the city for many years to come.
Frank Dame, Clearwater
Re: Santa visits Florida on Solar Express, story Dec. 21.
Santa has always adapted to state
The charming story about children's ideas of how Santa gets around in Florida brings back memories of my childhood in Miami and the unique way Santa "arrived" there.
The Miami Biltmore and the Roney Plaza hotels had an autogiro to ferry guests between the two hotels, so just before Christmas the kids of Coral Gables were invited to the Biltmore golf course to greet Santa's annual arrival - in the autogiro! It was not only a unique experience for us kids, but perfectly logical from a Florida point of view.
For those who wonder, the autogiro was the forerunner of the modern helicopter. (Note your previous story on Santa's helicopter arrival at the Albert Whitted airport.)
Rev. John B. Kelley, Clearwater
Your voice counts
You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.