Today's Letters: Homeowners must think twice

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published August 20, 2007

Scout troop good idea for area Aug. 17 letter

I am not against the Boy Scouts. It is a fine organization with many successful, well-established troops. There's one at St. Mark's on State Road 52.

As a director, my concern is the Beacon Woods Civic Association and the homeowners. I don't think it's right for the association to approve activities that exclude any homeowners for any reason. I questioned if it were even legal to approve activities that exclude homeowners based on belief or nonbelief in God, or their sexual orientation. Our attorney has said it is not.

Even if we can legally approve such groups whose policies exclude atheists and homosexuals, is it appropriate? Approving one such exclusionary organization means we have to approve others.

Liability is also a problem. Unlike regular corporations, the civic association cannot simply declare bankruptcy. Home-owners would be assessed for uncovered judgments. An experienced troop leader who spoke to our association said he knew well the Pasco leader who was arrested and never suspected him of being a predator. If he couldn't, how can we?

Our insurance does not cover activities off our sites. Our lawyer is reviewing the organization's insurance. However, it's not just about insurance. It's about the responsibility of caring for children. We can and do offer activities for young people on our facilities.

Background checks don't detect uncaught predators. Homeowners would have to screen prospective troop leaders. Are we really going to have homeowners wondering if other homeowners are gay to exclude them? What about drinking problems?

The question is not whether the Boy Scouts is a good organization. It is. The question is whether a proposed activity is appropriate or even legal for our homeowners association.

Ann Bunting, president

Beacon Woods Civic Association, Bayonet Point

Cold shoulder for folks needing rides Aug. 17 story

Family, veterans should step up

I read this story and it tugged at my heart. I looked in the phone book for Kathleen Ambrosio to see if I could help her with rides to the doctor and the store. There was no listing for her, but there were seven listings under the surname Ambrosio in the New Port Richey phone book. Are they related? Are they forgetting to check on their mother? She's been crying for three days.

As for Mr. Kuhn, he needs to contact the Veterans Administration. Also, on Bartelt Drive in Holiday, there are three service organizations: the American Legion, the VFW and Amvets. On any given day there will be a lot of Mr. Kuhn's retired brothers at arms occupying the bar stools at these fine establishments. These veterans and their auxiliary posts are always helping underprivileged kids and the downtrodden. It seems to me they should find the time and love in their hearts to help a disabled American combat veteran.

Tom Karcher, New Port Richey

Buy new buses, expand service

Let's get new buses now. They are always breaking down.

Also, let's have bus service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. People can go to the stores, movies and mall, and eat out. You can increases the fares for everyone. People will pay more to get to work on time.

Pauline Williams, New Port Richey

[Last modified August 19, 2007, 21:10:11]