Today's Letters: Losing records is serious business

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published September 30, 2007

As a citizen of Port Richey, I am extremely concerned about the lack of transparency in our city. The city clerk and the city manager are accountable for the integrity, accuracy and maintenance of public records. The clerk, according to the Charter (5.01), is the "custodian of all records, documents and papers" and is "responsible for the records retention program in accordance with state law." Someone must be held accountable for lost documents.

Days before the forced resignation of former City Manager Vince Lupo, I personally witnessed several city staff shredding office paperwork that filled at least 16 large trash bags. When I asked if this was an unusual day, one worker giggled and stated, that it was "a very unusual day."

Losing critical public records is inexcusable and perhaps illegal. I would presume that the city manager, fully aware of the seriousness of these kinds of losses, has already begun a thorough investigation of the disappearing documents and is ready to hold people accountable for any wrong doing. To do anything less is not acceptable.

If he cannot accomplish these basic tasks, he should immediately elicit the support and help of the FDLE, which may rapidly see that this most recent mysterious disappearance is only the tip of the iceberg and only one symptom of a deeply ingrained cultural disregard for the integrity and transparency in this city.

Alene Burke,Port Richey

Fasano wrong on sinkhole coverage Sept. 25 letter

Not all can afford sinkhole coverage

Obviously, the contributor to letters does not need the choice of going without sinkhole coverage. Those who live in sinkhole alley and listen to the plight of the people know that a vast majority of the people cannot afford to carry homeowners insurance - with or without sinkhole coverage! The bill that Sen. Mike Fasano and Rep. John Legg fought so hard for gives people the choice to go without sinkhole coverage and be able to afford homeowners insurance to protect themselves and their homes from all other occurrences of loss.

Those who can afford to pay the high premiums cannot feel the plight of the less fortunate who are on fixed incomes, low wages or just having a hard time making ends meet because of high insurance premiums, taxes, gasoline costs, day care cost, etc., which all keep rising faster than their income.

There are a multitude of very complex issues which must be addressed before more meaningful reform can be achieved. It will require a vast increase in public awareness of these many issues, and a strategic and systematic approach toward a responsible, harmonious collaboration with the insurance industry and legislative bodies, etc.

And yes, it is obviously best that we each fully educate ourselves before making any such decisions regarding our property insurance coverage. Having these available options are, for many, providing some measure of relief for the time being. The state needs to better inform the public on how they can save on their homeowners premiums in other ways. There are other options available to the citizens of Florida that are not communicated to the people by the state or the majority of insurance agents.

Fasano, Legg and other legislators have spent many long days advocating for the residents of Florida on this and other issues that affect our quality of life. We may not live in a perfect world in which everyone gets what they want, but this has given many Floridians a meaningful option and is just a first step toward more changes we can all work toward to reform the inequities in homeowners insurance and taxes.

Wil Nickerson,Holiday

Super exemption is rolling the dice Sept. 23 letter

Exemption could be best we ever get

For years now almost everyone has been complaining about skyrocketing property taxes. Many consider it the biggest problem they have.

In response to this, the Legislature has come up with a solution, not perfect, but the best anyone can expect under the circumstances. The super homestead exemption bill, if enacted, provides immediate relief for prospective home buyers and those who have been in their homes a short time. For long-time homeowners, they have the protection of opting for the Save Our Homes limitation, and this may be the best route for them.

The writer of the referenced letter, along with others, cite what may happen in a worse-case scenario six or eight years from now, if they elect the super homestead exemption. They may possibly be correct, but so what? It's the best they are ever going to get and they can worry about that six or eight years from now.

I sincerely hope the super exemption bill passes in January. If anyone thinks cities or governments are going to lower or even maintain the status quo on taxes, they are living in a dream world.

Bill Bravick, New Port Richey

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule). Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668, or by fax to 727-869-6233 or go to www.tampabay.com/letters/.

Fill out the form to supply us with your personal information, the subject line, and type your letter in the space provided. You can also cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer. When you are done, hit the button that says "Submit My Letter."

[Last modified September 29, 2007, 21:08:25]