Northpinellas: Principal's tough week might have been tougher

Regarding the Carwise Middle School principal's personal views of having a tough week because he had to suspend two students who were "good kids that made bad decisions." One student brought a knife to school and threatened another student, and the other made a suggestion that he wanted to bring a bomb to the school. I would like to know how the principal's week would be if these students followed through with their implied intentions? (Police said) Andy Williams was also "joking" when he brought a gun and killed two students in his school last week. I bet the principal of that school wishes he had the chance Carwise principal John Leanes had.
-- Kevin Cregan, Palm Harbor

Principal helps make school a safe place

Re: "Zero tolerance' leaving zero options, March 10 story.

I was pleased to see your article about the principal at Carwise Middle School, John Leanes.

My daughters are in eighth grade there, and I have had the opportunity to witness this man in action. I think some principals make the mistake of thinking they have to present a super-tough image for discipline's sake, thereby putting a wall between themselves and the students. Mr. Leanes has perfected the balance of firmness and accessibility.

As recently as last Thursday, I watched him interacting with students as they went to class, and I know every child he spoke to felt he really cared about them. This compassion and accessibility is the best way to avoid school violence because the students feel they can come to him when they need to.

I feel very lucky that my girls ended up at Carwise, because Mr. Leanes has made it a safe and positive learning environment. He deserves our praise.
-- Betsy Clarke, Oldsmar

Leaders lack respect for public

Re: Omni protesters bid to be heard, Feb. 21 story.

Kudos to staff writer Deborah O'Neil for her article. She was correct in stating that there was "little reaction" from county commissioners -- that is, until the television broadcast went off the air. Then there was quite a stir as most commissioners hurriedly exited the room so they didn't have to keep facing the people they are elected to represent.

Commissioner Calvin Harris' anger reached a boiling point as residents made another futile attempt to speak about their concerns.

It was appalling to hear the contempt and condescending attitude in the voices of interim County Administrator Gay Lancaster and County Attorney Susan Churuti whenever they spoke to the group asking to have their voices heard -- the same people who pay their salaries, the taxpayers. It is also obvious that the salaries that are paid to the county commissioners are a waste of taxpayers' money, as it is only Commissioner Harris who makes the decisions for everyone.

Since Commissioner Harris seems to make all the decisions in regard to the 119th Street to 16th Avenue extension and the Omni Center project, he is the one responsible for destroying the lifestyle, integrity, continuity and safety of the Taylor Lake community. He has refused over and over again to give the residents as equal a voice as the Ridgecrest community, even though the improvements to their community have a negative impact on surrounding communities.

The public officials are obligated under law to represent and protect the welfare and safety of all the public. Where is our representation? It's no wonder that the commissioners, most of all Commissioner Harris, do not want to face residents and answer questions.
-- D.J. Eslick, Largo

Pillage of waterfront must be stopped

It is no coincidence that once the Clearwater downtown redevelopment referendum was settled, the second stage of the plan was to assault the beach and any remaining developable waterfront property along downtown Clearwater.

Do you remember when Mayor Brian Aungst, the commissioners and their development cronies stated that the referendum would be our "last chance" for years to obtain a developer to again be interested in downtown development? It was virtually the next day when George de Guardiola and others were offering alternative downtown plans.

Assault II was also being planned at that time to rape Clearwater Beach and the downtown waterfront with high-rise construction. Our mayor, (former City Manager) Mike Roberto and the rest of the boys saw to it that height restrictions on said waterfront property were overturned in favor of high-rise condominiums and hotels.

There are billions of dollars waiting in the wings to pillage our remaining low-rise waterfront, just like the billions spent to build the concrete fortresses on Sand Key. Of course, there are those who favor this rape of the waterfront; they are the wealthy who selfishly reside there and the array of business people who benefit at the expense of the majority who can no longer see beyond these walls of concrete nor are we able to get around them because of the walls and paid security to keep us out. At best, there are a few public rights of way and Sand Key Park where you get an excellent view of the monoliths.

And to those of you who live on the gulf in North Clearwater Beach, there are many small, older properties with owners just waiting for the opportunity to cash in and even your hotshot views and way of life will be obliterated. Economic maximization of land values is the controlling factor in Clearwater government, overriding the wishes of the less-monied majority for more modest, low-rise development with concern for the ecology and water conservation. In reality, it was economic greed and dominance that created the giant homes along North Clearwater Beach and Island Estates, where there is a monopoly for the rich and virtually no real access or amenities for the majority who do not live in these areas.

Why is it, Mr. Mayor, that there is a three-story home currently being constructed on El Dorado Drive with permits allowing it to be built just 4 feet away from the roof lines of the next home? We are supposed to have zoning and building codes in place to prevent these types of fire hazards, especially in a wind-prone waterfront area.

Step up, Mr. Mayor. Do something positive to stop this rape of our waterfront. You are a hard worker, but now it's time to work hard for what the majority really wants done. You were wrong on the downtown referendum and you are wrong on this.
-- Peter L. Richard, Clearwater

Odd how we embrace sports heroes

A military officer recently shared his views on the death of race-car driver Dale Earnhardt and offered a commentary regarding the death of the seven servicemen who died about the same time in a helicopter crash in Hawaii (Perspective needed regarding Earnhardt, March 4).

He went on to say that Dale Earnhardt, for whom an entire nation mourns, died trying to win a race for fame, glory and a trophy; he is offered a hero's send-off and will have his name etched upon their minds forever.

The seven servicemen died while training to defend the rights, privileges and freedoms from which an entire nation benefits. They leave behind little children with whom they will never enjoy a baseball game and who will grow up with only a faded memory of who their fathers were. Yet how many of us can recite the name of just one of them?

It's odd how we treat our sports heroes with respect and dignity, but those who make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of all are too soon forgotten.
-- Len Vivolo, Clearwater

Mother will treasure roses from son

Thank you for printing the article about Jason Eaves' shopping spree (Hour's shopping fulfills the wish of ill 12-year-old, Feb. 28). What a nice story!

His mother must be very proud of him. I'm sure that she will treasure the red roses in the copper vase for the rest of her life. Real flowers fade away, but the plastic ones will last forever as a reminder of her son's generosity.
-- Phyllis Dietsch, Largo

How about a roundup on roundabout?

I would like to make this recommendation to the Times that a regular feature be added to the Sunday edition: a weekly and month-to-date report of the police activity at the Clearwater Beach roundabout.

By keeping this daily civic problem constantly before the taxpayers, maybe -- just maybe -- it might get serious and effective remedial attention from the City Commission.
-- Hal H. Ebersole, Clearwater

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