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Today's Letters: City management boggles the mind

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published April 23, 2007

As I predicted, it's all-out mutiny on Clearwater Beach. Among my sources, even the most ardent defenders of the city are stunned by the insanity of Phase Two of Beach Walk.

I'm not even to going to list the examples of mind-bogglingly bad planning that define this fiasco, I'm just going urge you to go down to the beach and see for yourself.

The potential for litigation is very high, and any lawsuit-related work stoppage will result in the project lapping over into a third spring break. Brilliant!

Clearwater has the most beautiful beach in America, one of the most beautiful water settings, and a beautiful "hilltop" downtown setting. But, beauty is a product with a high intrinsic demand that masks the actual quality of the product's marketing.

For example, a beautiful woman may be a twisted sociopath, but her phone will always keep ringing.

That's Clearwater. Intrinsic demand for its beautiful location masks the abject stupidity of those who manage it. The fact that people want to buy the beach "product" is not vindication of the city's efforts, any more than the beautiful psycho's phone ringing is proof of her normalcy.

If anything, it is the fact that, despite the incredible beauty of the Clearwater product it is in such shambles, that proves the incompetence of city management.

Dave Spath, Clearwater

Re: Stanton has noble reasons not to sue letter, April 20

'Noble' reasons? That's doubtful

Perhaps I shouldn't laugh, but I could not help myself when I read the letter suggesting that Steve soon to be Susan Stanton is declining to sue the city of Largo for reasons of "honor."

Particularly amusing was the notion that he did not want to put his family through an "emotionally draining lawsuit."

If Stanton does not sue, it will be for reasons more self serving, such as the likelihood of losing or endangering future work. After all, Stanton is the epitome of all things self-serving. You don't have a sex change because you think it's in the best interest of your friends and family.

Although I see his future employment more likely to include reality television than city management, it seems a reasonable conclusion that anyone willing to send a 13-year-old son to school to explain why he has two mothers probably would not hesitate to do anything he wants, positive or negative.

See you on MTV, Susan.

David Fraser, Clearwater

Re: Stanton has noble reasons not to sue

Recklessness, not bravery

The reasoning the letter writer gives for declaring former City Manager Steve Stanton "noble" is really convoluted.

She claims he shows bravery for taking hormones, because doing so is venturing into unknown medical territory. While what he does with his body is his own business, it is hardly noble to be reckless and experimental with your health.

Do we not preach to children and teenagers to do just the opposite?

Jane Edwards, Largo

Re: New school programs are welcome additions editorial, April 19

We need more fundamentals

I applaud the Times for taking a stand regarding planning for the future of our children. I am a parent of a fundamental school student and can attest firsthand to the benefits.

I recently wrote the School Board and superintendent and asked what the plan was for expanding fundamental schools. Pinellas County has the top-ranked elementary school (2006) in the state: Tarpon Springs Fundamental. Curtis Fundamental Elementary School ranked seventh. Should we not replicate this award-winning formula so more of our children could benefit?

Dr. Wilcox responded immediately. He stated "We do not have any plans for adding additional fundamental schools in north county at this time."

Lorelei Keif, 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.

[Last modified April 23, 2007, 00:21:12]