Today's Letters:

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published October 14, 2007

Attorney rumor bill buzzingOct. 7 story

Speak up aboutattorney selection

I think it's time that the residents have their say about the selection of the next Pasco County attorney.

I've had several occasions to work with Barbara Wilhite and have found her competent and knowledgeable in the state and county laws, ordinances, etc. We need someone who will not side with the developers in the majority of cases.

We've been fortunate to have Robert Sumner at the helm since 1999, and I'm sure Mrs. Wilhite has learned from his expertise. I'd hate to see the county commissioners select a puppet of the Pasco development community. In the past few years, many ordinances have been tweaked or initiated all to the betterment of our residents. I'm sure that if the development community representative were leading the attorney's office, ordinances like the sign ordinance would be watered down so much they would be useless.

We've got an excellent board of county commissioners and can only hope they make the right call.

Jim Turtle,Holiday

Officials do take a stand for people

All too often, developers trample on individuals and communities. For example, a proposal by D.R. Horton Developers would have thousands of heavy construction trucks cruising through the out-of-date streets of the Estates of Beacon Woods, a peaceful community riddled with sinkholes.

Residents of the estates met with Horton representatives whose cavalier attitude became apparent when they told us "we will put our trucks through and make a profit and we're proud of it." Therefore, we appealed in good faith to our public officials for protection against an impending disaster. Although we do not oppose the development of land adjacent to our community, we do not want our neighborhood to be destroyed in the process.

Of course we are aware that at times some of our representatives are influenced by the tremendous influence of national developers operating in local areas. Thus, it is with great satisfaction that I can report the independence and wisdom of Pasco County Administrator John Gallagher and the Development Review Committee. Gallagher and the DRC responded positively to our reasonable request for an alternate construction entrance designated for Horton's proposed project. And we understand the DRC's imposition of this condition for approval as democratic government in operation.

We in the estates are grateful to Gallagher and the DRC for doing the right thing. Personally, they have reaffirmed my confidence in representative government, and I am a professor emeritus of political science. Big business interests do not always trump those of ordinary residents who voice their opinions, pay their taxes, and vote.

Richard S. Hillman,Hudson

Why not a marketfor our town?

A farmer's market in New Port Richey? What a great idea!

I've gone to St. Petersburg's on Saturdays with my daughter who lives there. When we were in Santa Fe, N.M., we visited their successful one as well. It was all fresh farm produce, cut flowers, house plants, baked breads, and even homemade sauces and treats, with sampling that was fun. They also sold free- range beef. A woman had created some beautiful cards for sale with pressed flowers as decoration.

What a wonderful way to enhance our downtown. I, for one, will be there, and I'll invite my friends from Tampa and St. Pete to come.

Lilyan Dayton, New Port Richey

Thanks to worker who told of abuse

First of all, I do feel for the families of loved ones at New Port Inn. How many of them lost their lives due to neglect? Well, New Port Inn got caught because of a brave employee stepping up and speaking out.

My husband was put in another home and within four days, his recovery started going down to never recovering again. I tried to find a lawyer who would help me put an end to the abuse. They just didn't care enough to check it out.

My husband fell out of bed twice with no report and no examination. He became dehydrated due to lack of fluids and food. This nursing home was the beginning to the end of his life as a father, husband and a great man. But no one would help me stop the problems and concerns I reported.

So kudos to the employee who stepped up at New Port Inn.

Jamie Van Beek, Holiday

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[Last modified October 14, 2007, 00:21:17]