Today's Letters: Bureaucrats help at crucial time

Bureaucrats. I hear the word all the time, usually in a negative sense. But what is a bureaucrat?

As I waited to get done what I had to do, I talked to them. I found out that they, like the rest of us, have children, grandchildren, supported breast cancer research, were or were not interested in gardening, cooking or camping. Most of all, they were compassionate, caring and professional. I didn't have to wait long hours, nor was I treated with cold disdain, so often associated with people who work in county and state offices.

My reason for having to go into the county offices was that my husband at that time was very ill. A short time later, he died, leaving me with a paperwork nightmare. It was only through the efforts of the good employees of Hernando County that I have been able to make sense of it all.

I thank them and bless them for their help and kindness.

Nancy (Mrs. Ronald) Teunis, Brooksville

Ginny's business mailing troubling

I received a document from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite promoting meetings that she is conducting in the area to provide updates on Medicare. The document was sent through the mail as "Official Business," but it promotes Medicare Advantage, which, to me, is a private enterprise that should not receive free postage or the endorsement of the congresswoman. I hope you will look into this.

Richard Ritchie, Spring Hill

Motorists ignore no U-turn signs

I am glad that two "no U-turn" signs have been erected at the intersection of Cortez and Mariner boulevards. However, not many drivers are taking heed or paying attention to them.

Hernando County could issue lots of traffic tickets by surveying that intersection every day. The infraction is very dangerous for drivers turning east onto Cortez from Mariner, as well as the drivers making the U-turn.

Ronald Phillips, Spring Hill

Thousands of gallons wasted

I would like to share a situation with you that I believe is of utmost importance. I have contacted the Southwest Florida Water Management District in regard to an individual who moved here and clear-cut 5 acres of land to plant palm trees.

These trees are spaced approximately 4 feet apart. Picture it: That's a lot of open area between trees.

These are being watered by an open sprinkler system across the entire 5 acres. Again, open-head sprinklers watering 5 acres of sand. How many tens of thousands of gallons are being wasted? When I contacted the water district they informed me they could not make him use mister heads or any other type of efficient water delivery system. They informed me it was up to the individual what type of delivery system is used.

How can this be? How can this be allowed and at the same time ask you and I to turn water off while we brush our teeth?

Who will replace the wells in the area that this individual may suck dry?

John Patrick II, Spring Hill

Your voice counts

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[Last modified November 29, 2007, 20:27:33]