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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Phillies benefit local economy

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published June 7, 2007

Phillies trip is still on for mayor, council story, June 1

As a former elected official, I couldn't help but sit in amazement - or was it amusement? - as I read staff writer Mike Donila's article. During my nearly six years on the Clearwater City Council, I came to realize that the primary qualities necessary for the job are not knowledge, passion and common sense. No, what you really need is thick skin and a great sense of humor!

Why? Because in the eyes of the St. Petersburg Times, you will rarely do the right thing.

A few years ago, Dunedin city commissioners were chastised by the Times for their efforts to maintain a quality relationship with the Toronto Blue Jays because the Blue Jays were footing the bill for their annual trip. Now, Clearwater officials are equally portrayed for using city funds to show appreciation and gratitude for a 60-year relationship that contributes millions of dollars annually to the local economy.

What the article did not accurately portray was that there were also 40-some members of the Clearwater community on this trip at their own expense to show their support for the long-standing relationship. I was honored to be one of these participants, as I am still a property owner and taxpayer to the city.

Citizens were always telling me that the city needed to run more like a business. Well, a successful business understands that you must spend money to make money. The $4, 700 spent to say thank you and maintain a healthy relationship that returns millions in annual revenue would be viewed as a no-brainer to any business.

I know there are some very difficult budget issues facing the council in the near future. They were on the horizon before I left. But the citizens of Clearwater must understand, even if they won't admit it, that $4, 700 is not the difference between losing a recreation center or library branch. The $4, 700 would maybe keep one of those facilities open for about a week. But the loss of the economic impact of someone such as the Phillies in the community could have that kind of difference.

If the Times staff disagrees with my contention that the Phillies and Blue Jays are valuable contributors to our local economy, and rather believes it is unnecessary to maintain and strengthen these relationships, then I challenge them to do so publicly and offer valid reasoning.

I still enjoy reading the Times online daily, but I much prefer to read the news that they report rather than create!

Hoyt Hamilton, Smyrna, GA

Levis Avenue's lone holdout story, June 3

So, do schools need to close or expand?

On the front page of the St. Petersburg Times for June 3 was an article headlined "School closings likely, " which describes how some county schools must close because of the declining number of students in Pinellas County.

On the first page of the North Pinellas Times section for the same date is an article headlined "Levis Avenue's lone holdout, " describing how eminent domain is being used to take personal property to expand public schools in Tarpon Springs.

I must be in the twilight zone! This is the essence of ironic humor. No wonder I like this newspaper!

Gary Washer, Tarpon Springs

City's sprinklers waste water

Do the watering restrictions only apply to homeowners? On the afternoon of June 3, I drove past the intersection of West Bay Drive and Missouri Avenue only to see the city of Largo's sprinklers running. Tropical Storm Barry had caused rainfall all morning. Why were the sprinklers on? I understand that it is probably reclaimed water, but there is no reason to waste any type of water when we are in a shortage.

B. Morton, Largo

No more Stanton stories, please

May we please see the end of the coverage on "Susan" Stanton?

The continuing coverage is getting old. Let's get on to bigger and better things. You have worn us down on him/her.

The article on the Seabird Sanctuary was great. We can use more good news stories about our local charities.

Eva DeHart, Palm Harbor

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 June 7, 2007, 00:04:21]