Todays Letters: Apathetic act by elected officials

The dredge project in Port Richey has been the subject of many headlines, opinion and most of all, many of our tax dollars. It has been more than a decade of misinformation, mismanagement and extremely costly process.

The Port Authority Board had been at a loss to correct the path of destruction the project seemed to be taking. Until lately. The board, with a group of citizens who formed Citizens for Proper Dredge, has gotten the project under control by replacing the current project manager, who has cost the taxpayers over a half-million dollars without producing any measurable results.

This is probably one of the foremost issues of our small town. However, Mayor Richard Rober and Council members Nancy Britton and Steven O'Neill didn't find it important to attend the interviews of possible new consultants last week, after a group of citizens spent many hours scheduling the interviews. Their lack of community concern and involvement is appalling.

This is not about the dredge. This is about our elected officials ignoring their responsibility to acknowledge the issues at hand and watch out for our tax dollars.

This will be discussed Tuesday at the council meeting. If any one of them has the audacity to ignore the opportunity to change the way this city has mismanaged one of its biggest projects, shame on them and their apparent apathy.

Political change takes time. Take the time to change it in April.

Amy Scott, Port Richey

Blame falls on Realtors, lenders Jan. 15, letter

Amendment 1 has variety of benefits

I am writing in response to a recent letter to the editor concerning the role of Realtors in the current property tax crisis. As a Realtor and the owner of a local real estate business I have seen many changes (ups and downs) in the real estate market over the past 15 years.

Unfortunately as a Realtor I cannot control the market as the previous reader claimed. The price that any home sells for is determined by the market and not by any Realtor. I can only react to the market conditions and try to do the best for my clients in their desire to buy or sell a home. In doing this I am often talking to lenders, not as partners, but as an adversary questioning the validity of the loan the buyer is receiving. Concerning real estate commissions, many people do not realize that Realtors cannot fix the commissions because it is illegal under the Anti-Trust Law. The commissions vary depending on the current market conditions and services offered.

I, as well as all other voters, can do something to ease the current property tax crisis and stimulate the real estate market along with the current economy. We can vote "yes" to Amendment 1 on Jan. 29. With Save Our Homes portability, a homeowner can move anywhere in the state and take the tax savings they have earned with them to the new home. You will always keep your Save Our Homes cap and your homestead exemption. This will allow people to move as their needs change and not be trapped in their present home because they could not afford the increase in taxes if they lose their current Save Our Homes savings.

Cynthia Armstrong, New Port Richey

Vote yes on Amendment 1

If you're getting a piece of the pie, i.e. public employees and elected officials, vote against the Amendment 1 tax proposal. All others vote for it.

Most of us vote ourselves tax increases (Penny for Pasco) and decline tax reductions. Around the corner is a nickel-for-nonsense tax which should prove a sure winner.

Let's keep up the good work. Between taxes and insurance, we can vote ourselves right into the poor house.

Daniel Depoalo, Hudson

Snowbirds not getting fair shake Jan. 16, letter

Snowbirds can't have it both ways

The letter writer asks, as a snowbird, what is the justification and rationalization for him not receiving Florida's Homestead Exemption? I assume he does do not claim Florida as primary residency.

If that is so, then he is nothing more than a long-staying vacationer. Yes, you pay sales tax and eat in restaurants but so do I. Only I do these things 12 months in the year, not just six. Why should you reap homestead benefits the same as a full-time resident? Where is your auto registered? Again, most likely in another state.

You can't have it both ways my friend. Either you are a Florida resident or you're not, and the homestead tax exemption is for Florida residents. Consider yourself fortunate to have the means to enjoy both a winter and summer home.

If you want the homestead exemption then change your residency. Otherwise, quit whining.

Jerry Blomgren,New Port Richey

Snowbirds not getting fair shake Jan. 16, letter

Residency is key to exemption

There's a reason snowbirds don't qualify for homestead exemption: They aren't homesteaders.

Their residency status disqualifies them from lots of things: They can't vote in Florida elections, can't hold public office, don't qualify for resident tuition at the state colleges, etc. Plus, they aren't here all year paying the other taxes the rest of us pay.

Mister snowbird, think of it this way: Legally you're a tourist. We exploit for whatever we can shake out of your jeans. There is no qualitative difference between you and visitors who bunk in Mouse World hotels.

James B. Johnson, Port Richey

Snowbirds not getting fair shake Jan. 16, letter

Whining won't help snowbirds

The writer is complaining about the unfair homestead tax exemption. He has stated that he pays 7 percent sales tax, well everybody in Pasco does, too.

He stated that he eats in restaurants every day, I don't know any Floridians who can afford to eat in restaurants every day. They're saving their money for insurance and taxes. He stated that snowbirds should get the same treatment as the permanent residents. He is crying that he can't vote to change things and that the Legislature is being selfish in its actions.

Well, it must be nice to afford two homes: one up North and one here. But here's a solution to your problem. Sell that home up North, come down here and claim residency. Then you will be able to claim a homestead tax exception, pay higher insurance on your home, higher insurance on your auto and then you can vote for those incompetent legislators who we all have to put up with.

Welcome back, snowbird.

Dave Trump,Holiday

[Last modified January 19, 2008, 20:34:54]