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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 14, 2001
Re: Road to controversy paved with poor plan, March 9 editorial.
Editor: I am a homeowner in Tanglewood Terrace, and I am not opposed to the streets being resurfaced or the price for "resurfacing only," which would be in the price range of $500. I am, however, opposed to all the extras the city wants, for example: sewer grates, dips, speed-calming plans, sidewalks and trees. These are the items we do not want or need.
City Hall is combining the resurfacing costs along with the unnecessary extras. If this is what officials want, they should obtain separate bids for the resurfacing and the extras.
In the Spring Lake subdivision, residents paid $437 each, in Heritage Lake Estates their cost was less than $700 each, and finally, residents of Spanish Moss Drive paid less than $690. Why should we pay $1,300 to $2,200? Yes, these subdivisions are in the county, but the city residents pay more taxes. Why should we pay for the higher costs of resurfacing?
We Tanglewood Terrace residents are tired of being called crybabies. The city isn't asking us for a fair share; they are causing hardships for all of us with frivolous extras and frivolous spending.
-- Anna M. Bully, New Port Richey
Editor: U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman's "prudence" in regard to her desire to have an agreed-upon budget before "doling out tax breaks" is a far-too-typical politician's method of operating. Politicians love to set up programs first and then figure out how to pay for them, usually by imposing taxes.
Despite her contention that it is better to "plan first . . . like any responsible family would," I contend that a truly responsible family or business should first and foremost figure out how much income it has. Then, and only then, plan how to spend it.
The reason that politicians love to "plan" first is because, unlike the responsible family or business with finite limits on revenue, legislatures can tax and tax and tax as long as we let them. The potential for new revenue is limited only by how closely we monitor their desire to fund all things for all people.
The mix of needed projects and programs, unneeded projects and programs, altruistic projects and programs and out-and-out special-interest giveaways is a concoction that our Congress needs our constant guidance on. Our first guideline should be: "Here is how much money we are willing to let you manage for us. Now, spend only that amount and give the rest back!"
-- Thomas J. Fallon, Lecanto
Editor: A bright light has gone out in Pasco. She was Leanne Rowan!
She had a constant, contagious smile, and it was obvious that she enjoyed being with people, any people. She was a fierce competitor in Special Olympics.
She will be sorely missed by those who knew her well and those who knew her only slightly.
Have fun playing with the angels, Leanne!
-- Ann Vitson, Port Richey
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