Letters to the Editors

Thirsty counties must work out water problems

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 22, 2001

Editor: We (Pasco County) have water problems, thanks to Pinellas and Hillsborough County. We have been fighting this problem for years. Some of our present and most of our past county commissioners have probably been at the height of frustration over this water war when some judges ruled water was not regulated by political boundaries. That prevented our commissioners from stopping the proliferation of wells and well fields across political (county) lines.

It is quite evident that Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have created the water shortage, and not simply the growth that has taken place in Pasco. Take into consideration all the water that Pinellas and Hillsborough counties had pumped from Pasco wells over the past 25 years. That's what has been the major cause of our environmental degradation to the formerly rich central Pasco County lakes and wetlands. They have jammed and crammed nearly every inch of Pinellas County with some type of development with absolutely no regard for their northern neighbor's natural resources.

So now we are coming to a critical point of solving our water problems. There is no question we must develop additional and alternative sources of drinking water. Desalinization may be one of our best solutions. I'm not sure; it's not my field of expertise. However, I am sure of one thing. It is not fair for Pasco County to pay for the problems Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have created. Pinellas and Hillsborough counties should have developed desal plants, long before now, to support their insatiable "thirst" for growth.

These desal plants should have and should now be funded by the users who created this problem in whatever method they (Pinellas/Hillsborough counties) choose, not the taxpayers of Pasco.

Sadly, it's not really the fault of most of the present Pinellas and Hillsborough County commissioners, as most of this problem was created years ago. But it is their job to admit the past mistakes of their predecessors and pay to solve the problem they created. I read where Jerry Maxwell of Tampa Bay Water said something to the effect of, "Pasco County is the big winner in this deal."

First, Mr. Maxwell, let me say that the people of Pasco certainly don't feel like winners, and I was proud that County Administrator John Gallagher challenged you on that statement. We didn't all just fall off the "turnip truck" yesterday, and we would hope you could show a little more respect than to think we would be naive or stupid enough to believe that! There are definitely losers in this deal, and they are the property owners, residents and taxpayers of Pasco County.

The bottom line is desalinization is probably our best solution. Pinellas and Hillsborough counties take about 80-million gallons a day from Pasco -- compared with 20-million gallons a day we use for our county. Before we pay anything, replace the 80-million gallons a day with desalinization.
-- John R. Grey, New Port Richey

Fasano works for all people

Re: Ties to governor help protect pet projects, June 19 C.T. Bowen column

Editor: Your column aptly illustrates the clout state Rep. Mike Fasano has in Tallahassee. Without his personal intervention there is little doubt that Gov. Bush would have vetoed even more of the good projects our legislator was able to get into the state budget. However, your comment about Rep. Fasano prioritizing seniors over "kids who can't vote yet" was uncalled for and unnecessary.

Perhaps you did not notice that due to Rep. Fasano's sponsorship the Eckerd Youth Alternatives program will once again be fully funded by the state for the fine services they offer to our local schools. Operation PAR's Adolescent Intervention Center will also be fully funded in the next budget because of Rep. Fasano's support. The Florida Youth Conservation Corps will continue providing education and vocational training to students interested in transportation/road-related employment.

For yet another year, services to both seniors and young people have been funded by the state of Florida. Rep. Fasano's attention to advocating on behalf of all Floridians despite their age groups demonstrates his commitment to bettering the lives of all people. Perhaps that is something your paper should keep in mind.
-- Roland J. Quinn, Port Richey

Newspaper was unfair

Editor: Once again a St. Petersburg Times reporter slurs the name of the nudists of Pasco County. To refer to Paradise Spa as anything other than a for-profit sex den is a slap in the face to all members of our area's nudist community.
-- Larry Bowser, Hudson

Commissioners ignore voters

Editor: Who needs county commissioners? We don't, especially Pasco County commissioners, who rarely vote in favor of the people and for those who elected them. Most times their vote goes to developers, money contributors, or their own personal choice.

Whether the subject is the water shortage, overbuilding or a scenic problem, the voters' feelings are ignored.

Commissioners should be looking for new water, not depending on rainfall and/or restrictions to solve the shortage. Natural gas can be piped in; why can't water? Pinellas County "Water Cop" says Pinellas people can wash their car any time they want. Hey, the water comes from Pasco, right?

To add insult to injury, after a major impact fee for schools, commissioners want extra money for parks, libraries, police and firefighters and a sales tax to be specially named so that the voters will swallow it while federal and state governments try to return tax money.

I suggest term limits plus semi-annual performance reviews in the form of open town meetings. Meanwhile, I hope we can find a new form of government.
-- Harry O. Svendsen Jr., Holiday

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule).

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. Anonymous letters or letters with initials only will not be printed.

Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668.

Also, the Pasco Times Web discussion forum can be found at www.sptimes.com/pascoforum.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright