Today's Letters: Ticket on first day of school is unfair

Ticket on first day of school is unfair

Aug. 20 was my son's first day of kindergarten. I had to fill out forms and get records for immunizations and health physicals. I went to orientation and met his teachers and shopped for all his supplies and the teacher's wish list, too! I felt pretty good letting go of my youngest son, and putting him in the hands of people I did not know.

At 8:45 a.m. I arrived at John D. Floyd Elementary and it was pandemonium. Cars backed up for miles, no parking, no one telling us where we are allowed to park.

My heart pounding, I parked my vehicle in front of the school, where others also have. I did not see a no-parking sign. All I saw was my son's terrified face because of the first day of school.

I walked him to his classroom and I met his teacher. I left in tears (which I expected), only to return to my car and find a parking ticket. First day of school and a parking ticket? How cold can the Hernando County Sheriff's Office be? A warning? Oh no, just another cost added to the first day of school, and more tears for me.

I honestly did not know I could not park where I was. Give a parent a break! Thanks, J.D. Floyd and Sheriff's Office, for a first unforgettable day of school. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Patricia Fasano, Spring Hill

Market slides but house value rises

My house in Rolling Acres is now appraised at nearly 20 percent more than it was last year. How can this be? That is a ridiculously high increase.

All I've heard for months is that the cost of housing is decreasing. Why not mine? Even with the new lower millage, my taxes have increased.

Why am I not surprised that Hernando County is taking whatever actions necessary in order to continue its business as usual? When I see Department of Public Works employees out laying sod, I know we're not in for any decreased spending.

Hernando County needs to hire local contractors to work on all aspects of maintenance. When I see sod layers with full benefits and retirement plans, I know why my extra 20 percent is direly needed. Like I said, it's ridiculous.

J.M. Daniel, Spring Hill

'Gone wild' pain? Let official speak

Re: If Hernando County Commissioner Diane Rowden feels she and her irresponsible, free-spending cohorts are being mischaracterized by the Government Gone Wild seminar, and that the organization is giving out misinformation, then why doesn't she enlighten us as to the truth?

Michael Dosie, Spring Hill

Critics speak for common people

In response to Diane Rowden's comment about the critics of Government Gone Wild. The people of the United States know this government, from the bottom all the way up to the president's office, are bought and sold by the rich. So maybe it is a good thing there is someone looking out for the common people of this country.

Edna Englund, Brooksville

[Last modified August 28, 2007, 21:15:09]