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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: City Commission needs fresh faces

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published August 8, 2007

Re: Vote costs hundreds of jobs story, Aug. 7

As a Largo resident, I've seen members of our City Commission pursue short-term solutions at the expense of long-term value. It seems we have had too few members able to see the bigger picture. That needs to change.

Rather than increase jobs, short-sighted members of the Largo City Commission vote to save pennies and squander dollars. In addition, they send a message to the citizens, business community and other agencies that once again we will use myopic thinking to pursue a narrow-minded agenda.

Rather than treat people fairly, some commissioners will allow employees who have performed and were rated highly to be dismissed after 14 and 31 years of service.

Rather than being the example and leader in open communication, the commission fills the city manager position without public participation.

Rather than thinking progressively, some think cutting taxes and services is what government is about.

We have an opportunity to put some new names and faces on the City Commission, not more of the same old thinking. The voices not sullied by too much time around City Hall - new ideas, not old criticisms - should be heard.

James O'Gara, Largo

Re: Dunedin city manager praised story, Aug. 4

This was not the time for pay raise

I am appalled to see that a 5 percent raise totaling $6,450 has been awarded to Dunedin City Manager Rob DiSpirito after six months on the job.

Please understand that I am not questioning the assessment of his work. In a different year, this would probably go unnoticed.

However, at a time when the city is laying off employees and forcing them to take pay cuts, this seems entirely inappropriate.

Even if it is in the contract, it does not send a message of fiscal responsibility to find funds for an increase in the salary of a new top official at the expense of many employees who have been serving our city faithfully for many years.

They have been told that the money is just not there, and they will have to live with a decrease in wages and in their work level, which may negatively affect other benefits both now and in the future. Some of them must go out and look for other jobs when other cities are not hiring.

This action will result in even lower morale among our city workers, which is always a sensitive issue for any organization.

"Delightful Dunedin" is losing some of its luster, perhaps because of seeing it through tears of frustration.

Nell Thomas, Dunedin

Re: Oldsmar budget brings no pain story, Aug. 3

Belt tightening can go smoothly

So the city of Oldsmar has reduced its annual budget by more than 10 percent, going from about $35.9-million this year to $31.9-million next year, and City Manager Bruce Haddock says "things could have been a lot worse."

It does not appear that vital police and fire services will be compromised and the city will survive just fine with an alternative water supply project moving ahead, city employees getting their raises and a fire engine getting refurbished.

What this tells me is that 1) local governments can effectively and efficiently tighten their belts without compromising essential services, and 2) given how easy this cut was, there is probably still more fat that can be cut.

This article should serve as a lesson to other local governments. Rather than harping on the gloom and doom of reducing their spending, they should spend their time and effort doing what Oldsmar has done: Focus on getting rid of nonessential services and assets and everyone wins, especially the taxpayers.

Walter "Bruno" Korschek, Palm Harbor

Re: Online survey too complicated letter by Martin Altner, Aug. 2

City dedicated to hear from public

After reading Mr. Altner's letter, I felt compelled to share with all Clearwater residents the dedication we have to gaining meaningful public input.

First, the survey he referenced is not a city survey, but one distributed by the Clearwater Downtown Partnership, an independent group with an interest in downtown affairs.

Over the last two years, the mayor and City Council have placed a priority on gaining public feedback, expanding efforts through a monthly online poll (accessible at www.myclearwater. com), monthly breakfasts with residents, a new "youth in government" initiative, e-mail news service, Town Hall meetings, focus groups and, of course, the city's annual Citizen's Academy.

In fact, it's easier than ever to provide feedback and get answers through the city's Web site. Just go to www.myclearwater.com and click on "Contact Us." The Citizen Issue Tracking System provides an easy online interface to express concerns. You can even submit certain items anonymously, if you'd prefer.

There are still a few days left to submit your application for this year's 10-week Citizen's Academy. If you'd like to learn more about the services that your tax dollars pay for, this is an excellent chance to get hands-on knowledge about your local government. Just go to the Web site and click on "Latest Information" to learn more. It's that easy.

Doug Matthews, public communications director, City of Clearwater

Verbatim

"If it's good enough to double fines in construction zones, it should be good enough for residential neighborhoods where kids play and people aren't expecting speeders. I think everyone understands that our primary job is to secure the safety of our residents, and if people are speeding in neighborhoods, then kids die."

State Rep. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, who plans to file a bill in the Legislature that would double fines for those caught speeding in neighborhoods

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 August 7, 2007, 22:56:32]