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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Dunedin's mayor is out of line

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published September 18, 2007

Legislator fights land deal story, Sept. 16

I agree with state Rep. Tom Anderson's comments on why the city of Dunedin should not purchase the Weaver property. Rep. Anderson is expressing comments of many concerned citizens opposed to the purchase.

Dunedin Mayor Bob Hackworth claims foul, that he isn't playing fair. "It's completely inappropriate political influence," said Hackworth. He further added that Rep. Anderson's remarks were insulting and appalling and was taken aback that he would secretly make an effort to deprive Dunedin citizens.

Let's roll the calendar back to the May 3 Dunedin City Commission meeting. Several requests were made at that meeting by the commission concerning the Weaver property. Vice Mayor Deborah Kynes suggested a public meeting for input; Commissioners Dave Eggers and Julie Bujalski said the city needed to set up a process; and Commissioner Julie Scales wanted discussion on the open dais with public input.

Mayor Hackworth took all of this under advisement and went out on his own to contact the Trust for Public Land. Hackworth blindsided the City Commission and the citizens of Dunedin. He made, and still makes, the Weaver property a personal issue. I consider Mayor Hackworth's methods inappropriate and am taken aback that he secretly went behind the commission's back to get what he wanted.

Bottom line is, Mayor Hackworth does not set the rules. We, the citizens of Dunedin, handle that job by whom and what we vote for.

David R. Pauley, Dunedin

Legislator fights land deal story, Sept. 16

Whose land is it?Where's money?

I applaud state Rep. Tom Anderson on his wisdom about the proposed purchase of the Weaver property.

It seems to me we need to first find out if J.C. Weaver really owns all that land. Some say Dunedin or the county owns some of the parcels. Do we want to be buying our own land?

Regardless, I think the price is way out of line, and where is the money coming from?

At a time when Dunedin is laying off workers, we're planning to spend millions on property we can't maintain. We can pave a lot of streets or shore up some stormwater damage with that kind of money.

Let's all join Tom Anderson at the ballot box in the proper election and get our wisdom back on track.

Dave Thomas, Dunedin

Religious group has a dark side letter, Sept. 13

In defenseof Witnesses

It's interesting reading letters from "former" Jehovah's Witnesses. They indicate exactly why they're no longer a member of the organization and it has nothing to do with it being a cult. It has to do with selfishness and pride.

The information Tina Newhouse gave in her letter to the editor shows that she never understood the guidance of the congregation. When someone chooses to disassociate from the congregation, they do just that. Family still talks to them, friends still treat them like members. But if they start speaking against what is clearly taught in the Bible, or start promoting false beliefs not supported by the Bible (Christmas, secular holidays, birthdays), then that's when they would be considered apostates.

The only group that practices shunning is the Amish. If you choose to disassociate with us and try to tear down our spirituality, then of course we'll stay away from you (1 Cor. 15:33). Any church would encourage the same.

She clearly puts family above her relationship with God, because she wants the warm fuzzies without bearing the responsibility of her actions against God. If she has been deemed an apostate, then she needs to fully understand the definition of the word, how the Bible speaks against it and why any spiritually minded person would avoid people of this type.

By writing things that are clearly wrong, she shows why she's no longer acceptable company for her family that continues to hold the Bible as the final authority in their lives.

Anyone who is interested in more information can check out the extremely objective and fair documentary Knocking (www.knocking.org). It was directed by the son of a Jehovah's Witness. If you'd like more information on the organization itself, the basis for our beliefs, and the teachings that are contained in the Bible, please visit www.watchtower.org.

Phillip Ramirez, Jacksonville

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 September 17, 2007, 21:47:38]