Letters to the Editors

Letters: Author of letter knows about disabilities

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 23, 2000

Re: Judging disabilities based on looks is not smart, letter. Feb. 21.

I wrote a letter published Feb. 14 (With weak laws, anyone can get a handicapped parking permit) to complain about illegal use of handicapped parking permits and the lack of enforcement. That letter caused several subsequent writers to justify their use of the permits.

The first letter was from a lady who said she had bad knees and hips and was "overweight." I would suggest, and I'm sure her doctor has already done so, that she do more exercise to help correct her knee and hip problems, namely that well-known exercise of pushing yourself away from the table. Her knees and hips will definitely feel better after a while.

The latest letter was from another lady who claimed to have a disability called "weak left side." I have been a doctor since 1951 and have looked in all my pathology and diagnosis texts and have never heard of such a condition, nor have any of my physician friends. She must be the only one with this condition.

Her last sentence was the final reason for me responding in this letter. She states, "I'll be waiting to change those weak handicapped laws when the writer becomes disabled." Well, lady, your wait is over. I have been a paraplegic for 24 years.
-- Dr. James Bardsley, Madeira Beach

Mail-in ballots require better service

Re: One issue tilts Clearwater toward mail-in ballot, story, Feb. 13.

A mail-in referendum ballot may be a good idea, but how long would it take for the ballots to reach their destination? Recently, it took seven days for priority mail to reach me from Washington state. Last week, it took four days for a priority letter to reach Washington that I mailed from Clearwater.

There is supposed to be a two-day guaranteed delivery on priority mail. What is wrong with the Clearwater post office?
-- D. Delp, Clearwater

Rules for storage unreasonable

I and several neighbors who recently purchased lots in Clearwater have been surprised and hurt to find that since the purchase, the city has changed or amended building codes. These changes have an impact on our plans of establishing a home environment.

Specifically, we purchased residential property with adequate setback space allowing for storage of lawn care equipment, a boat, an extra vehicle or a workshop. Recently the city has levied a size limitation not to exceed 5 percent of appraised living floor space. On the average 2,000-square-foot home that equates to a 100-square-foot (10-foot by 10-foot) structure.

I don't feel this is reasonable. What is not considered is the available lot size, neighborhood environment and intended use. I have over one-half acre with a 2-year-old house at 3,616 sq ft. including garage. That restricts me to a 180-square-foot (approximately 10-foot by 18-foot) auxiliary building, less than 2 percent of the available lot.

I have a small aluminum fishing boat, extensive lawn equipment and several power tools. I have talked with building contractors and home improvement businesses and all agree that code is too restrictive.

I would like to see the "code makers" address this issue.
-- Harold L. Timm, Clearwater

Exploitation of workers unjustified

Re: Dunedin Library's "management problems" aren't problems at all, letter, Feb. 17.

If a survey states that over 68 percent of employees are dissatisfied with top management at the library, I would hardly call that a few disgruntled employees. The lack of compassion for the library workers by the letter writer is bothersome to me.

There may be a trend for doing more work with fewer people, but that never justifies exploitation of any work force on this planet, especially when the workers have no recourse. The worst-case scenario to this is sitting on this survey for many months without the results ever given out to the commissioners, employees or citizens who support the library with their tax dollars.

I am deeply grateful that there are many good people in this community who care for our library workers and want what is best for our great town.
-- Karen Weibel Burton, Dunedin

Changing lease rules in charter unwise

Re: March 14 Clearwater referendum on proposed charter amendment.

I oppose this proposed change. It would allow city property deemed surplus to be leased for an unlimited number of years. The present charter permits a 30-year lease, with a 30-year renewal. Even 30 years is a long time. I do not believe that any sitting commission can see that far into the 21st century.

I fear a longer period would lock Clearwater into intolerable leasing arrangements that could be both a future burden and a financial imposition on citizens. The two entities that would immediately benefit from the change may be worthy of extended leases. However, the door would then be opened to whatever else would be requested.

I recommend defeat of this charter amendment. However, I also suggest to the commission that the amendment be rewritten to accommodate a separate referendum for each of the two specific entities cited: the Clearwater Country Club and the South Beach Pavilion. Let their needs be evaluated by the citizens without opening doors to the whole world.
-- Jan Regulski, Clearwater

Before it's too late, save beach

Look out, Clearwater Beach! The same people who brought you the "merry-go-round" are preparing to force another eyesore down your throats.

City Manager Mike Roberto and his staff are busy jamming 15-story condominiums onto North Beach. In the process he will deprive property owners of their rights as provided by the Constitution -- all of this to benefit the developers and a few wealthy condo owners.

Ask yourself: What is Roberto's motivation? Is he planning a concrete curtain for North Beach a la Marco Island or our own Sand Key? Of course he is! Would the concrete curtain benefit the people of Clearwater? Of course not.

Speak up, North Beach and all others who care. Speak up while you can still see the beach. Remember, confiscation of real property for other than public use is criminal.
-- Harold Holmes, Clearwater

Clearwater is Scientologists' city

I avoid downtown Clearwater because of the Scientologists. I will even take Myrtle Avenue as a north-south route rather than have to view the Fort Harrison Hotel and their latest growth across the street from the former hotel.

Clearwater is their town. We might as well admit it. City Manager Mike Roberto is their lap dog.
-- Davanna C. Kilgore, Ozona

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