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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Let residents have vote on preserve

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published June 26, 2007

Re: Board weighs control of lands story, June 23.

I applaud Pinellas County Commissioners Calvin Harris, Ken Welch and Ronnie Duncan for listening to the concerns of their constituents and for understanding the reasoning behind those concerns.

I give a huge thumbs down to the remaining commissioners, but especially Commissioner Susan Latvala, who seems to think the public doesn't have the intelligence necessary to make a decision on water issues in Brooker Creek Preserve in an emergency.

I think she's selling the public short. The Penny for Pinellas referendum passed, didn't it? And when politicians wanted to get rid of Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, the citizens responded overwhelmingly that they wanted to keep their airport.

Just like with Albert Whitted, Pinellas County citizens want to make the decisions on what happens in their parks and preserves. St. Petersburg had the wisdom to tie any disposition of waterfront property to a public referendum and it has worked splendidly for many years. Pinellas County would be smart to follow suit in formulating charter amendments for our parks and preserves.

Don Margeson, St. Petersburg

Require a vote on land changes 

Re: Board weighs control of lands story, June 23

A referendum reflects the majority vote and the will of the people. The county commissioners sell the citizens short when they believe that the people cannot comprehend or vote for what is best. They are circumventing the public by creating exceptions in the proposed ordinance that would restrict the sale of county parks and environmental lands.

The fact that the commission would have to "sell" future charter changes to the public is one of the reasons why it is the proper vehicle for lands of critical concern. Changes should not be done lightly or quickly and they should be understood and agreed upon by the public after careful deliberation and review. Is it so wrong to take the time to educate the public so we can make an informed choice?

I cannot comprehend one instance that would require timely action by the commissioners that a referendum vote would dangerously delay.

The commissioners have made remarks that they resent the state meddling in their management of Pinellas County government. I have to wonder if they also resent the citizens' involvement when I hear their comments about needing flexibility as their justification for an ordinance rather than a charter amendment.

Changes to our environmental lands may be necessary in the future, but let's make sure the changes reflect the needs and understanding of the citizenry by requiring a referendum on all changes. Let's proceed cautiously and deliberately before we affect our sensitive natural environment. Omit the exceptions in the proposed ordinance and put this commitment to our future in a charter amendment.

Thomas Brookes, Palm Harbor

Ordinance would give carte blanche 

Re: Board weighs control of lands story, June 23

The proposed county ordinance allows the county commissioners to execute "the sale, transfer, conveyance or dedication of any interest in any property of critical concern to another governmental unit for a public purpose, as provided in Section 125.38, Florida Statutes, if the public purpose is consistent with the natural resources and recreation and open space components of the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan, and the approved management plan for the respective property of critical concern."

What county officials are not telling us is that most of the environmentally sensitive properties don't even have an approved management plan and that the management plans are approved, periodically reviewed, and changed by the County Commission!

So if the commissioners wanted to have active recreation in Brooker Creek Preserve, all they would have to do is write that as one of the goals of the management plan, which is currently under review. Ball fields would now meet the approved management plan goals. The people do not officially approve the management plans, the county commissioners do.

By adopting this ordinance, we are giving the commission a blank check.

Lenny Kuhn, New Port Richey

Walk near water to help the birds 

Re: Birds live where you play story, May 26

Thank you, staff writer Theresa Blackwell, for alerting the public to the plight of the flightless chicks on the beaches.

Last month I was checking the south end of Caladesi Island for nesting birds, and my heart went out to a family of snowy plovers. The two adults were desperately trying to keep their three flightless chicks together as they ran back and forth depending on which way the joggers and beach walkers were going.

It will help the chicks to avoid exhaustion if joggers stay closer to the water at this time of year, even though that's where the sanderlings are busy feeding.

Nancy Ogden, St. Petersburg

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 25, 2007, 22:30:36]