Letters to the Editors

A way to reduce traffic accidents: Follow the rules

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 17, 2001

Editor: Did you know?

1. It is perfectly acceptable to use the ashtray in your car (which came as standard equipment) instead of the side of the road.

2. It is perfectly acceptable to bring your brain along with you while driving.

3. It is perfectly acceptable to play your music at a reasonable volume while driving. If we want to listen to your music, we will tune it to that station.

4. It is perfectly acceptable to drive a car while not talking on a cell phone. (Put down the phone and drive.)

5. It is perfectly acceptable to drive while sober. If you simply must drink, please leave the driving to someone else.

6. It is perfectly acceptable to allow adequate driving time to reach your destination. If you leave a little bit earlier, you won't have to drive like a NASCAR champion.

The last time I knew "speed limit 45" meant that the highest speed allowable by law in that area is 45 mph until notified otherwise.

7. Having your turn signal on does not give you the right of way. Responsible lane changing and foresight are encouraged.

8. It is perfectly acceptable to look at the signs on the side of the road and obey all traffic laws.

Let's face it, driving is not rocket science. The instructions are posted on the side of the road for all drivers to observe and obey. The taxpayers spent millions of dollars so the signs could be posted. We can all drive using the same laws and greatly reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities, as well as insurance rates. We forget that in this country where everyone has rights, we also have responsibility to obey the law. If we relinquish our responsibility, we may forfeit our rights as well.
-- David A. England, New Port Richey

Criticism of nursing home outsourcing was misdirected

Re: VA outsources valuable jobs at nursing home, Jan. 12 letter.

Editor: As a veteran and personal friend of both state Rep. Mike Fasano and state Sen. Jack Latvala, I am dismayed at the comments made by Bill Martin, the writer of the letter. Mr. Martin's criticism of both Fasano and Latvala, and his comment that "politics continue to prevail and the veterans be damned!" shows how short his memory must be.

One of the first, if not the first, issue that Mike Fasano began working on after his election to office in 1994 was to secure a state veterans nursing home for the Tampa Bay area. Its eventual location in Pasco County was due to the hard work and dedication of Fasano, Latvala and others committed to serving the veterans who have given so much of themselves to our community.

Rep. Fasano has explained to me his limited support for "outsourcing" certain positions (kitchen staff, groundskeeping, etc.) within a veterans nursing home located elsewhere in the sate. His support is only for the outsourcing to be done on a trial basis. He has stated that as long as the quality of patient care is not sacrificed, he would support the Department of Veterans Affairs' greater outsourcing plan. However, he has repeatedly stated that he would not support the plan if the quality of patient care is in any way reduced or jeopardized by outsourcing. It is safe to assume that if dollars can safely be saved, more veterans can be served.

For Mr. Martin to question Fasano's judgment on this issue after Fasano has repeatedly responded to Mr. Martin's inquiries is beyond belief. I know of no other local state legislator who has done so much to advocate for and protect the rights of veterans. I encourage Mr. Martin to reconsider just who should be the target of his criticism.
-- Roland Quinn, Port Richey

Dictating soda students can drink sends a bad message

Editor: Considerable sums are being promised to school districts in exchange for exclusive vending contracts. It is deplorable, but I understand that the need for refunds is a strong motivator. One does come back to the questions, though: What about the lottery dollars? And furthermore, what of the state, federal and local taxes and funds, plus the soon-to-be-enacted impact fee? Educating our children is certainly a priority, and the funds should be forthcoming from the state and the local property taxes. Soda contracts are all wrong!

The district administration should rise above the temptation. Look at the message they send: "Okay, kids, teachers, parents, volunteers, you want to drink sugary, carbonated drinks, then you will drink what we say!" The Pasco School Board signed an exclusive privilege to Pepsi, so no one dared to bring a Coke for lunch. They say, "Don't accept donations of soda unless they are Pepsi products!"

To add insult to injury, some schools enforce it and some don't. I have seen a school employee bring Coke to a student event. And I have been told that in a different school even pencils with Coke ads are not allowed. Cafeteria equipment was removed because the ice coolers bore advertising from a competitor.

It should not be an option for the school district to dictate a certain brand of soft drink. When students and adults gather at the school for a game, a club meeting or program, they should not be obligated to buy a certain brand of drink or bring only that brand on campus. It is embarrassing and demeaning to have to hide a drink in a generic mug or camouflage it. Or, worse yet, to have to throw it out because the bottle bears the wrong logo!

Caps, bookmarks and other incentives from competitive companies are forbidden. It is a poor exercise of authority and should be stopped. Is this really the way to teach? Is this the concept of community-friendly schools in action?
-- Alberta Beversdorf, Port Richey

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule).

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. Anonymous letters or letters with initials only will not be printed.

Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668.

The Pasco Times web discussion forum is at www.sptimes.com/pascoforum.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright