Today's Letters: Budget properly for protection

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published June 3, 2007

It's amazing that in planning a community we look at roads, schools, water, utilities, etc., but shouldn't the planning process include how to properly protect the citizens?

Do planners review with the Sheriffs Office the intent to add thousands of people per square mile? Was Sheriff Bob White asked about the number of new patrol cars, officers, support staff, etc., to cover this increase in population? It's ridiculous to believe for one second that a budget equivalent to 1999 is sufficient to protect its newfound citizens. Give us a break!

Safety isn't measured in dollars. How do you place a value on appropriate reaction time to a serious crime in progress? If I were in trouble I'd like to know there were sufficient deputies in the area to respond quickly enough to ensure my safety and continued well-being. How about the peace of mind in knowing we are well-protected. How much does that cost? Let me know and I'll pay my fair share.

Mike Campbell, Wesley Chapel

Don't call police for everything  

Paper delivery just won't stop May 31 letter

I mean no disrespect to the letter writer. I understand his frustration. However, what does he expect a police officer to do about a newspaper being delivered to his home? If he has not received any relief from those he originally complained to, then he must go higher within the company. This was not a police matter.

Yes, you are a taxpayer, and you absolutely deserve protection and police assistance when it comes to matters of protection and the law. The deputy did not provide you with the outcome you desired so you have chosen to put him in a negative light, which I do not agree with. He gave you his card out of respect, because you stated you would speak to Sheriff Bob White regarding the matter.

It amazes me that when an officer is given a call for service and it's not a police matter, the citizen wants to threaten the officer with calling their boss. I see this every day, I am also in law enforcement (civilian). Calls like this take away from the real emergencies these officers must face on a daily basis.

Nonpolice matters such as this are what drives up officer response times and keeps them from focusing on the real priority issues. The answer for everyday hassles should not be "I'll just call the cops.".

Tammy Schuck, Port Richey

Thief stole more than a motorcycle

I am a U.S. Army officer serving in Afghanistan. I have been deployed for 23 of the past 25 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I was home for a short time in November and December including Christmas.

While I was home, I purchased a Suzuki motorcycle for my 11-year-old son. It was my way of making up to him for lost time. Because I had to return to Afghanistan in early January, he was able, with my assistance, to ride his gift once. I returned to the States in early April for what was supposed to be three months. Unfortunately duty called and I had to return to Afghanistan 2 1/2 weeks after coming home.

I had hoped to teach my son to ride and enjoy time with him, we never got a chance. The time was too short and because the motorcycle had been idle for so long it needed maintenance and I never got the time to take him riding. I promised him on leaving that I would teach him to ride when I returned.

Unfortunately that will not happen. Someone went into my garage, knowing I was away, and stole my son's motorcycle. I talked to my son on the phone and he was heartbroken.

This letter is intended to somehow reach the thief who stole a gift to a son from a father who has not been able to be there for him including his move to junior high school, his first football game, his basketball games, and just to help him when he needed it. I want to thank the thief for breaking my son's heart and making my homecoming, after serving my country, and defending his ability to get into my garage, much less fulfilling. I hope you enjoy the opportunity you stole from me and my son to reconnect after being apart for so long. Enjoy your gift.

Lt. Col. Alan Klyap, New Port Richey

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[Last modified June 2, 2007, 19:14:08]