Today's Letters: Utilities need local regulator

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published June 24, 2007

County regulation of utilities is bad idea June 20 editorial

Having sat through the County Commission discussion regarding the county taking responsibility for the regulation of private utilities, your editorial was about as irrational as most of the commissioners who opposed such action.

I don't believe that the county will ever be able to purchase the private water utilities that operate within the county. If seven years ago they were able to purchase two of the 27 operating in the county, what makes anyone think they would do any better now?

It was proposed that they exercise their legal right to take over the utilities by eminent domain. What makes anyone think that said approach would not end up in the court system for years? Then when it is over, the price would probably be more than the county wants to pay. The utility has nothing to lose taking the case to the legal system, since the customers would pay for the utility's legal expenses through a rate case before the Public Service Commission.

What we really need is an overseer for the local private utilities. Currently, the Public Service Commission is utility-friendly and has been for the past 11 years that I am aware of. A local regulator would be a giant step forward for the customers of these state-created monopolies. The customer would have a stronger voice regarding the abuses by these utilities.

The state of Florida has not been the stern regulator, and in many cases has let the utility lobby have its way.

Edward Wood, New Port Richey

Judge's comment crossed the line

Judge Siracusa crossed the line with his statement to Luis Frias, when he stated he hoped [immigration and customs] would take a look at this and deport Frias. Judge Siracusa displayed a lack of professional ethics, in my opinion. The courtroom is not the proper format where one should express one's personal opinion when fulfilling one's obligation to remain unbiased and perform one's civic duty. Mr. Frias and his family have been put through enough without having to hear further ill wishes from our judicial system.

Mr. Frias and his family have been an asset to our community. He has brought life and revenue into our area. His store in downtown Dade City has provided a great service to the community and the improvements he has made to the buildings that house Del Carmen have created new life in a once-dying area.

As for the issue of his citizenship, I feel, based on his history, he has proven himself to be a very productive member of society and a great example of the American dream. He has given back more to his community and to this country through taxes and other revenue than most legal Americans do in their lifetime. The very same tax dollars he has paid in over his 20 years in this country have gone to support various government programs, some of which I am confident have been abused by legal Americans who are generational welfare abusers.

It is my opinion that the original investigation and charges against him were trumped up and bogus. The only mistake he made was that of the license issue, something I believe could have been addressed and handled in a much better way two years ago. The past four months could have been completely avoided. Instead, Luis Frias and his family have had to endure false accusations, financial hardship and the strain of being separated from one another. Precious time they will never regain.

It is my hope and prayer that he will not be bitter but become better through this ordeal. I sincerely hope the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will take a strong look into this case and at this man, and I am confident when they do they will find a man who has been a wonderful asset to his community and who deserves the opportunity to fulfill his American dream.

Andrea Marshall, Lacoochee

Fireworks should wait for July 4

It's the third week in June and the holiday season has begun. For the next 30 days or so our mornings, afternoons and evenings will be interrupted by explosions and noise. What could they be celebrating?

Lighting off fireworks every day diminished the luster of why we celebrate Independence Day. When July Fourth eventually comes around, you have to wonder what these people are actually celebrating.

Edward C. Johnson, New Port Richey

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[Last modified June 23, 2007, 22:22:58]