Today's Letters: Mary Aiken was a dedicated official

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published September 13, 2007

Re: Surprise winner kept friends, foes in stitches, Sept. 11 story.

Mary Aiken was truly a remarkable and an outstanding commissioner. A member of MENSA, she was one of the most intelligent officials ever to serve the county and because she thoroughly studied the issues, she was able to ask tough questions that otherwise might not have been asked.

She was an outspoken advocate for the elderly and less fortunate, and her votes on critical issues confirmed it. Her environmental vision and courage caused her to introduce Florida's first-ever countywide Brazilian Pepper Eradication Ordinance. This ordinance has been enormously successful and has been an inspiration for other counties.

Brazilian peppers are the "trees from hell." The seeds are distributed by birds and they spread like wildfire. They are easily Florida's most intrusive plant and one of our worst environmental nightmares. Mary Aiken's common-sense solution of required eradication by individual property owners was fair to all and has essentially solved the problem. Without enforcement of her landmark required eradication ordinance in surrounding areas, the Weekiwachee Preserve would now suffer rampant infestation. She deserves far more recognition for this major achievement than she has received.

Mary Aiken was an original. Her wit and wisdom were an inspiration to seniors and proved that, yes, older folks can effectively contribute to county government. She didn't take herself seriously, but she was extremely conscientious about her job and responsibilities.

Her many friends and admirers will miss her greatly.

Joe and Polly Bennett, Hernando Beach

Re: Speak now to help hold down taxes, Sept. 7 letter

Tell commission what's important

Hernando County Commissioner Jeff Stabins has asked for ideas from the public about our thoughts for ways the county budget can be cut. Not all who care about the county and are looking for our taxes to be cut take the time to seek out our commissioners and give them input. He has let the readers know he is open to hearing from us and cares about public input.

We thought at the time that he was leaving himself open to a lot of negative comments in the letters section. Now, having read the responses, we see that he is mostly getting arrows shot at him rather than the input he was seeking.

His letter has shown us that the commissioners really do want public input and are open to hearing from us. Our only negative comment on the letter was we would have liked to have seen published similar letters from the whole commission stating they are looking for input.

The e-mail addresses for all of the commissioners are published in the Hernando County Commission's Web site. We will use those addresses for our specific inputs to the commissioners.

Commenting on a different topic, we are totally opposed to the rapid destruction of eastern Hernando by unneeded development. Others have discussed the topic well in this public forum.

In addition to what others have written, we would like to address some parts of water usage by these new developments. In the land-use meetings developers constantly tout they are going to use reclaimed water for the public's benefit; however, this reclaimed water will be used only to help keep the new golf courses a lush green.

We are told the new developments will be hooked to a dedicated public water system. This ignores the private wells that new residents may put in to keep their lawns green, and the overall strain that decreased forests and increased population puts on our underground water.

Please, commissioners vote to keep these lands beautiful, save our water, and not to add large numbers of hew homes to an already over-developed housing market.

Thank you, Commissioner Stabins, for reminding us that if we want things done the way we want them to be, we must make the effort to communicate with our elected officials.

Larry and Judith Simpson, Hernando Beach

Have a problem and don't know where to turn? These numbers should help you reach the right person or agency. Unless otherwise noted, phone numbers are area code 352.

Automobiles

To report problems with new cars under the state Lemon Law, call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Lemon Law Hot Line toll-free 1-800-321-5366.

Civil litigation

Small Claims Courts: Hernando, 754-4207. Free legal services for qualified, low-income residents: 796-7238. Lawyer referral services (Florida Bar): toll-free 1-800-342-8060. Hernando courthouse switchboard, 754-4201.

Contractors

Having problems with a contractor? In Hernando, call the building department at 754-4109.

Dogs and other strays

Hernando County Animal Control, 796-5062.

Electric service

Hernando county residents, excluding Brooksville and surrounding area, should report problems with their electric service to Withlacoochee River Electric Co-op, 596-4000. Brooksville residents, served by Florida Power Corp., should call 544-6223 or toll-free 1-800-700-8744.

Food

Restaurant complaints should go to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 3725 W Grace St., Suite 520, Tampa, FL 33607, (850) 487-1395. Grocery store complaints should go to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, toll-free 1-800-435-7352.

Health care

To report abuse, call the Abuse Hotline toll-free 1-800-962-2873. Complaints about quality of care or bills from hospitals, nursing homes, ACLFs and home health care facilities: Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403, toll-free 1-888-419-3456.

Landlord-tenant disputes

For disputes about maintenance or security deposits involving an apartment with five or more units, (no individual housing), and for problems with hotel billing, write the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, 1313 N Tampa St., Room 106, Tampa, FL 33602. For a free copy of the Florida landlord/tenant law, call toll-free 1-800-435-7352.

School system

Hernando County School Board: 797-7000.

The Times/Hernando

Circulation problems, including missed papers: (352) 796-4456 in Hernando County. News coverage in the Hernando area: (352) 754-6101.

Water and sewer

Brooksville Utilities Department customers call 544-5400 during business hours and 754-6818 after hours. Hernando County Utility customers may call 754-4037.

[Last modified September 12, 2007, 20:20:40]