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Todays Letters: Make recycling mandatory

Letters to the Editor
Published January 29, 2008

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Costly to recycle, cheaper to bury Jan. 22, letter

What a negative letter regarding recycling! It is quite obvious that the writer doesn't care about the environment, since he wants to bury our trash rather than recycle it. Doesn't he know how many years it takes for plastic, cans and bottles to disintegrate?

He states all the negatives about recycling, rather than the positive ones. Yes, it may cost us a little extra, but landfills and incinerators cost big money which will be passed on to us. We will pay one way or the other. And how many landfills and incinerators can we build? I'm sure future generations will not want to be building a home and living on top of a former landfill, would you?

I believe that the county should make recycling mandatory. Some people just won't bother unless they are required to. It's kind of like the seat belt law. Many people wouldn't buckle up until they realized they could be fined for not doing so.

My husband and I recycle and can't believe how much we have in our blue bag every two weeks, and sometimes we have two bags. I also try to conserve water so I rinse several recycle items with the same water or use dishwater when I'm done. By being conscientious about recycling, our regular trash is reduced significantly. In fact, we could probably have one weekly trash pickup and one recycle.

We need to make recycling mandatory to help the environment and get the job done.

Alma Heidt, Hudson

Health official's work appreciated

Dr. David Johnson, Pasco County Health Department director, has focused his efforts to create a list of doctor specialist referrals for Pasco's indigent patients. This important effort will augment the primary care site currently being built in Hudson. Although most minor medical problems can be treated by a family practitioner or generalist, specialty referrals can be difficult when patient needs go beyond the primary care setting.

It is helpful if the burden for these referrals is shared by the medical community. I am hopeful that with issues of liability resolved thanks to Dr. Johnson's efforts and the cooperation of the county, more physicians will come forward and assist in getting care to the growing number of uninsured in Pasco County. State Sen. Mike Fasano must be given appropriate credit for his efforts to make the shelter/clinic a reality for community residents.

I encourage all local physicians to volunteer, accept indigent patient referrals and support the efforts of Dr. David Johnson. The alternative is to answer calls in the emergency room for these patients when their conditions are at their worst and most difficult to resolve.

Dr. Johnson's task is challenging, for the current frustration level for physicians is high as the ranks of the uninsured increase. However, it is a challenge that the medical community together must meet. I encourage all Pasco physicians to contact Dr. Johnson through their local health department office and participate in the effort to get equitable care to our uninsured residents.

Marc J. Yacht, M.D., Hudson

Phone charge with no consent Jan. 18, letter

Billing, service issues? Tell PSC

I read with interest the letter about the recent telephone bill. The writer said she didn't recognize a particular charge on her phone bill, though it might be unauthorized and advised others to carefully review their monthly telephone bills. It is unfortunate that she had this experience. I appreciate her wise advice and want her and others to know that the Florida Public Service Commission can assist with utility billing and service problems.

Florida's residents deserve accurate utility bills and the PSC's job is to ensure that customers receive quality services at the right charge. If it is discovered and proved that a company is wrongly charging its customers, the commission will take appropriate enforcement action.

We also provide information to help residents better understand the charges that appear on their bills. For example, the PSC's Navigating Your Phone Bill brochure outlines the charges that may appear on a residential phone bill. Another brochure, Fight Back Against Cramming, explains what customers can do if they notice unauthorized telephone charges on their phone bills. Both brochures and others are available on the PSC Web site, www.floridapsc.com, in the publications/consumer brochure link at the top of the home page.

I invite the letter writer and all residents with concerns about their telephone bills or other utility matters to call the commission's toll-free line, 1-800-342-3552. Or, write to us at Florida PSC, 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399. We're here to serve you and to ensure that Florida's regulated utilities charge accurately for the service they provide.

Matthew M. Carter II, chairman, Florida Public Service Commission

Suspended teacher deserves back pay Jan. 15, Andrew Skerritt column

Arrested teacher should be fired

After passionately defending suspended teacher Shawn Bingham, I wonder how Skerritt feels now, after learning that Mr. Bingham was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

The license had been revoked for 60 months because of habitual traffic offenses. His suspension from school was related to a wallet he found in the school gym, and which was missing $75. He did not take it to the lost and found, and that was a violation of policy.

It seems to me that this man has no regard for the law and should be dismissed from the Hernando County school system.

Bruce Miller, Spring Hill

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

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[Last modified January 28, 2008, 21:03:57]

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