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Today's Letters: Sheriff's budgetis a first priority

Letters to the Editor
Published September 21, 2007

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Sheriff's budgetis a first priority

In the Saturday and Sunday editions of the Hernando Times, we had some fine coverage of the budget situation as it currently exists. Saturday, the headline was that the "Commission gets the message." In my opinion, the commission did, indeed, get a message but it did not sufficiently grasp the core issue that city and county governments must address.

This is a defining moment for Hernando. We must cut through the political theater and hyperbole and decide: What are our wants and what are our needs? Like most, I want fine libraries and parks. The critical issue to consider, however, is: What do you need as a community?

I would argue that we need quality law enforcement and fire-rescue services. Sheriff Richard Nugent is a well-educated professional. Do not allow politics to enter into his vital role in the county.

I urge the County Commission to conduct a needs analysis for the purpose of identifying the critical services to be provided by the county. In the end, the primary role of any governmental entity is to provide for the safety of its citizens. When any of us call 911, the Sheriff's Office will respond, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fund Sheriff Nugent fully so he can continue to provide exceptional law enforcement service.

This incredibly important debate has no room for platitudes or political grandstanding by our commission or senior county management.

Jeffrey Harrington, Spring Hill

Fasano is wrong; sinkholes exist

Contrary to Sen. Mike Fasano's many recent comments about sinkholes not existing, quite the opposite is true in Pasco County. There is a reason Pasco is the "sinkhole claim capital" and it is because it has the most sinkholes. Whether or not homeowners continue coverage, one thing is certain; sinkholes will continue to occur.

Homeowners should be advised to continue their coverage because not to do so only leaves coverage for the rare occurrence where there is a complete collapse, which occurs in less than 1 percent of all cases. Not having coverage will diminish the value of their home. Also, their mortgage holder may require coverage.

It is amazing to me how little the public understands this issue. Insurance and real estate agents do not understand and are of little help. Fasano's misinformation only will hurt the very folks he is supposed to be protecting. A better solution would be to reform the property insurance industry in Florida, but that would require courage from all of our legislators.

I believe Fasano has backed himself into a position he cannot extricate himself from. When he realized the current insurance law that was passed in special session was a disaster for his district, he changed his tune and called it "choice." His advice to homeowners to drop their coverage is cynical and not supported by the facts. He is putting lipstick on a pig.

John Watson, Brooksville

A ban on pit bulls would save lives Sept. 17, guest column

Before slamming pit bulls, read up!

I would like to know just how much research Ms. Kousathanas has done on the pit bull breed. Her column is just crazy.

Is she aware that pit bulls are not one breed, but three? Is she aware that even pit bulls that are bred to fight also are trained to be affectionate to people? Does she know that bull breeds score better on temperament tests that the general dog population? In 2004, the American temperament test society showed the American pit bullterrier scored an overall temperament rating of 83.9 percent, compared with the 77 percent score of the general dog population.

Pit bulls are very stable, intelligent and highly trainable. They are very loyal. Many pit bulls serve as therapy/service dogs. America's first war dog was a pit bull.

Maybe Ms. Kousathanas should do some more research on the breed before condemning all pit bulls. Any animal can be aggressive. Most attacks are provoked, but we never hear about that. I have never been bitten by a pit bull, but I have been bitten by a miniature dachshund and a chihuahua.

The owners are the ones who make an animal bad. How stable would you be if you were chained to a tree 24/7? The responsible owners and their pets should not be punished for all. A pit bull ban is not the solution; education is.

Christine Russell, Spring Hill

Impressed with Springstead High

With all the talk regarding magnet schools in Hernando County lately, I would like to brag about my daughter's high school.

She is a freshman at Springstead High School and last week my wife and I attended their open house. Boy, was I impressed with the caliber of teachers!

My daughter is in many freshman honor and advanced placement classes, and all her teachers put on wonderful presentations for the parents. I was excited to hear the high expectations these teachers have for their students. The teachers complimented the parents on the fine job we have done raising educated, considerate children. All her teachers were excited to be teaching at Springstead, and it showed.

James Bennett, Spring Hill

[Last modified September 20, 2007, 20:38:07]

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