Letters to the Editors

Object to smut, not to Christian book display

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 12, 2001

Editor: Re: Christian books raise eyebrows, May 27 Citrus Times:

I thought this country was a democracy. I would like to see Barbara Burke do something moreconstructive for society than trying to stop a Christian book display at a public library. I am a member of society and I happen to enjoy Christian books. I borrow books from my church library so that I don't get a book that I object to or offends me.

Barbara, why don't you object to the smut in the libraries instead of good, clean books that can only uplift the morals of this country?

Our church has had prayers for you, Barbara. My prayer for you is that your heart will be changed to do good for your fellow man.
-- Miriam H. Lapham, Dunnellon

Industry is misleading home buyers

Editor: Every generation is difficult historically. Times, of late, have been hell for many. Citrus County offers all who come a sanctuary of peace in many ways. Most I've met so far are from another state or area and have purchased a new home with their life savings, mostly retirement investments. These homes are intended to be the last purchased in their lifetimes, and this a place to retire and die.

Along comes the real estate developers and sales people. I understand everyone needs to work and make a living. But I do have a problem with the method in which money is made around here. People complain about violence on television, bad music idols our teens listen to, crack cocaine, rape and robberies in our towns. Stop and look around you. What are these land developers and sales people doing? In my opinion, humanity is robbing itself blind, raping potential buyers of their futures and dreams.

I am almost certain that the real estate businesses in this area know exactly where the second phase of the Suncoast Parkway is going. I would not think, due to the cost, that the Florida Department of Transportation is going to change the route of the parkway chosen in 1996, which is detailed on the maps available at the public library for all to see. This is information that I don't believe is being given to potential buyers.

In the spirit of disclosure, which is regulated to a degree, why is this not a mandatory action on the seller's end? I feel the industry, as a whole, is deliberately misleading buyers about the parkway and not disclosing all that is pertinent to make a reasonable decision. If most of the buyers knew exactly where the proposed path for the parkway was, you know they would not buy. A lot of people appear to be making a lot of money by not disclosing information. Due to this non-disclosure, people spend their life savings on a beautiful home that may be destroyed by the parkway in a matter of time. Those responsible know what they are doing.

I understand there were public meetings to notify residents of the proposed parkway. All that is fine and dandy, but wait -- people at the meetings, a high percentage of people, did not approve of the parkway and said so. Why should a governmental body bother holding a public meeting to learn what the public thinks about a publicly funded project if they are not going to listen anyway? Another waste.

I strongly believe that people living here don't want the parkway built and have nothing personally to gain. I can only see those I believe to be carpetbaggers coming here, raping our land, killing our wildlife, removing us from our homes, destroying any security we have found, laughing all the way to the bank and simply moving on through north Florida until the entire state is destroyed. Why doesn't the ordinary citizen stand up and say "No!"?

Rape is not pretty; don't be a knowing bystander.
-- Kay Girard, Lecanto

Treat employees professionally

Editor: Instructional and educational support personnel are constantly held to high standards. They are held accountable to the state statutes that affect everyone and those that are specifically designed to address educational personnel, professional standards, district policy and public scrutiny. Their personal lives are spread on the front page of the papers when they err, while those of other professions are overlooked or covered up.

Instructional and educational support staffs are held accountable for more than most professions, yet they are not provided one of the most basic professional courtesies. They are not provided with a reason when they are not recommended for reappointment because the administrator is not required by statute to do so. Often there is no warning. Individuals have been given outstanding evaluations and praise until the annual appraisal day. This is far from acceptable professional treatment for professionals held to such high standards.

We all know there are people in all educational classifications that would be a greater asset to their profession if they were mentored and assisted in reaching their maximum potential by their administrators, rather than led to believe they are doing a good job and then released without explanation.

This is not professional treatment. This is being treated like second-class citizens.

In a time of a critical teacher shortages, teachers and other educational staff are being let go without justification. They are led to believe for up to three years they are doing an outstanding job, then find out they are not recommended for reappointment. They have not been reprimanded for infractions, they have not been offered professional assistance opportunities to strengthen weak areas. In fact, they have never been told that they are deficient in any way.

Several years ago when then-Superintendent Pete Kelly terminated Assistant Superintendent Tom Maher, Bill Sheets wrote to the newspapers about the "NEAT" procedure. It consists of:

N = NOTIFY: The administrator will tell the employed there is a deficiency.

E = EXPLANATION and EXPECTATION: The administrator will explain to the employee the nature of the deficiency and the performance level expected.

A = ASSISTANCE: The administrator will tell the employee where information can be obtained to help the employee improve, and/or will provide other forms of assistance as appropriate.

T = TIME: The administrator will define for the employee an appropriate time frame for improvement to occur before disciplinary action/termination takes place.

It is time to hold the superintendent, the School Board members and all administrators accountable for not doing their jobs and allowing such unprofessional terminations to take place. Good teachers and other educational employees are being terminated without cause because administrators are not following a set plan, but, in many cases, acting on whims.

It is time for the superintendent, and the School Board members to NEAT-en up this mess several of their administrators have created. If they can't, then maybe the voters can elect qualified individuals who can.
-- Pam Pate, Lecanto

Glidewell's progressive voice lauded

Editor: Re: Let us pray -- but we'd better do it her way, May 28 Jan Glidewell column:

My friend, who lives in Inverness, sends me Jan Glidewell's column from time to time. I really enjoy reading them, but he outdid himself on this one. I rolled on the floor laughing. It certainly hits home.

I live in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. From time to time the public scolds in my community get offended over something or other and start a big brouhaha that brings the news media with their satellite trucks and sometimes even law enforcement to keep the peace. With us, it's usually the public library that is targeted. But given the people we have on our school board, I feel it's only a matter of time until something happens in that area also.

I commend you for adding a progressive voice in these times when we are being drowned out by the noise of those who understand neither the concept of separation of church and state, nor what democracy looks like. Keep up the good work!
-- Sharon Porter, Cincinnati, Ohio

Decision on utility bills is a disgrace

Editor: Re: Appeals court denies water bill refunds, June 5 Times:

I think if the people of Sugarmill Woods and Spring Hill owed Florida Water Services money, they would have us all in court.

I think it is a disgrace that they can overcharge people and get away with it. Where is the justice? Shame on the courts for this.
-- Joan Panarello, Homosassa

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