Today's Letters: Builders wield undue influence

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published October 16, 2007

I read with great interest the article concerning a small group of developers and builders who met to discuss the replacement of the county attorney. They want, one attendee put it, to have a county attorney who would be friendlier to his interests.

I am of the opinion that the Pasco Builders Association would agree. What is the Pasco Builders Association? It is a group of builders, developers, planners and legal advisers; many do not live in Pasco County, nor do they have their main offices here. They have built many houses, made their profit and left the citizens of this county to foot the bill for roads, schools, parks, libraries and law enforcement.

We do not need a fox to watch the henhouse. We need to insure the continuity of the policies of the present county attorney and county administrator operating under the County Commission.

I have noted in past election years that the builders, developers, etc., are heavy contributors to the campaigns of some of our county commissioners. This board needs to know that it is the citizens who elect them, not the developers' dollars.

Wake up, taxpayers and let your commissioner know your feelings.

M.L. Phillips,Trinity

Rules must apply to developer too

Local developer Joe Borda, who has been the principal builder in the Gulf Harbors and Gulf Landings area for more then two decades, is again demanding that Pasco County allow him to have his way under what he and his attorney call vested rights.

Regardless of the fact that new rules, guidelines and laws have been introduced and upgraded in the effort to protect the community as a whole, Mr. Borda still thinks the rules need to be set aside as his attorney stated, that he should not be bound by height limits, rules governing wetlands, right of way, parking, landscaping, environmental studies or mandates for neighborhood parks.

This arrogant and pretentious man has, for all the 10 years I have known of him, shown contempt for the citizens of this area as well as the county of Pasco with his attitude that rules and laws need not be applied to him or to what he wants to do.

I would recommend that all citizens that can, attend the Oct. 23 commission meeting in New Port Richey. The intent would be to impress the commission to demand that all of today's rules be applied when it comes to Mr. Borda's intentions.

James W. Coakley,New Port Richey

Grief's grip still holds tight Oct. 7, story

No disrespect in pizza display

To all who have followed my son Terran's story over the years, thank you for your valued support and thank you to the St. Petersburg Times for keeping our child's memory alive.

It was my hope that by doing this story, others who lost children would know their feelings were not so strange and they were not alone. I am sorry to those who were shocked to see pizza on Mrs. Roe's headstone and see it as disrespectful to her daughter who visits Mrs. Roe and whom I know.

My deepest sincerest apology to her if I caused her a moment's grief in sharing with her mother my son's celebration. The cemetery to me is a place of peace, a place where I go to be alone with Terran and talk to Terran. While his soul is gone, his body remains there and I feel close to him there.

I am sorry if this caused anyone undue stress or pain because they thought I showed disrespect to anyone's loved ones.

It was never my intention. Everyone grieves differently. No one follows a pattern in grieving a beloved child like Terran. It's the hardest road I have yet to travel in my life.

It is wonderful to know there are those who share my grief. Terran was my life and is dearly missed by his entire family and friends. Those who knew him and those who were touched by him are forever changed by this wonderful human being.

Kim Robinstein, Port Richey

Let sun shine on Saturday market

Congratulations to New Port Richey on the decision to have an open-air market on Saturday mornings in downtown.

My husband and I drive to the St. Petersburg market on Saturdays to enjoy the atmosphere and of course the fresh vegetables and flowers. It will be so nice to just stay in New Port Richey and avoid the drive.

The draw for us is the produce, and the fun of having something wonderful to eat from the vendors. Being able to sit down and enjoy the live music is just great. The market creates an atmosphere of friendliness and happiness among the people. I notice people chatting and being friendly while they are enjoying the market.

Please don't make the mistake that the St. Petersburg market made: When they chose their location they forgot one thing - sunshine. You walk around the market freezing until the sun comes over the buildings. It can be quite uncomfortably cool.

I am hoping that New Port Richey will encourage food vendors of international cuisine to set up at the market and offer more than hot dogs and fast food. A carbon copy of the St. Petersburg market couldn't go wrong here. We are so pleased that the outdoor market is coming to New Port Richey. That is much more exciting than another Starbucks opening.

Carmela Moore, New Port Richey

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[Last modified October 15, 2007, 20:42:16]