Letters to the Editors

The time has come for us to stand up for the environment

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 13, 2000

Editor: Stewardship is the issue! Before elections you hear many platitudes and promises. After elections comes the true test. Another one of those tests occurs at 7:30 p.m. today at Port Richey City Hall adjacent to Publix. The issue is whether we protect our environment, safeguard our water, prevent pollution and protect our citizens or do we let one small business, which would pay very little taxes, ruin our city.

It's a simple issue. Do we allow 2.66 acres of a hump of higher ground in a wetlands be rezoned from A-l to C-3? All around, in a yet to be defined wetlands area, are ponds, puddles, swamp and wildlife. There may even be endangered species trying to exist here, who knows?

A ride down Siesta Lane reveals a dump at the east end. A tragedy within a city with new visions and new hope for the future. We have a new Super Wal-Mart being built, a new City Hall on the drawing boards, a new bike/jogging trail and a new city park (which has had a lot of money spent on it). Now we are making room for an open burn pit in our tiny city.

If you don't smell something fishy about this issue you soon will smell something smoky.

Who will protect city residents and our small town from this tragedy?
-- Edward E. Schultz,Port Richey

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