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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 1, 2001
Editor: I was just wondering what, in the world of big business, the owners or major stockholders would do if they found that their employees were wasting hundreds and thousands of dollars. If one or more employees were spending money over and over again on projects knowing the original project was a waste of money to begin with, and this was done with full knowledge of the waste, yet they say, "Let's do it anyway."
You and I know they would be terminated fast.
Well, the city governing body of New Port Richey has been doing this over and over again. It seems they haven't a clue as to what is going on, nor does it seem they care.
The amphitheater was moved twice and put back in its original place. We paid for engineers two or three times on this project.
The church was put in the wrong place and facing the wrong way.
The Jasmine draining project requires replacing a pipe that does no good with two pipes that the engineer admitted will do nothing to solve the problem. This will be the second time we pay for engineers.
The street assessment issue required paying for engineers, a designer and who knows what else. It was put out for bids. Wait, let's change our minds and add some stuff we forgot at additional cost.
I call for the resignation of Mayor Brenner, Council members Finn, Chittum, and Miller, City Manager Seeber and City Attorney Morrison. These people have shown they haven't got a clue as to what is going on in this city. With their ignorance comes the cost of hundreds and thousands of our tax dollars.
-- John DiGiorgio, New Port Richey
Editor: Thank you Commissioners Simon, Mulieri, and Schrader for your courage in voting against the proposed multiple service taxing unit (MSTU), which would have been devoted to the acquisition, improvements, and maintenance of parks in Pasco County. Most residents would agree that playgrounds and ball fields are needed in Pasco County, especially in the eastern portion, where there is a higher concentration of younger families. Those residents who attended the commission meeting very capably presented their case.
However, the MSTU, as very hurriedly proposed, would have unfairly burdened taxpayers in unincorporated Pasco County without the benefits of full knowledge of the plan or a say in the matter. No provision was made to include taxpayers in incorporated areas of the county except on a voluntary basis.
As Commissioner Mulieri pointed out, the primary and secondary priorities included a marina, several clubhouses, and some pools. No mention was made of any ball fields until those facilities had been achieved.
Perhaps it would be wiser to prepare a plan that would better serve the needs of the county, educate the citizens about it and outline which financing would best pay for the plan, so the voters can decide. We did it for the parks and libraries that we now have and I think we can do it again for more parks.
-- Alice Donovan, Port Richey
Editor: After reading a very compelling article concerning New Port Richey Council member Tom Finn putting his money where his mouth is and generously pledging half of the needed $2,000 that it would take to place the church in the location originally designated by the City Council, I deceded to rush down to City Hall with my checkbook in hand and add to the kitty. But there was a glitch.
The City Council apparently has to approve the acceptance of the money. They are sending my check back to me. Of course, the West Pasco County Historical Society, of which I am a life member, phoned me to request that I redonate the money to restoring the church and enhancing the grounds.
I have no problem with that, only I feel that the grounds would be better suited if the church were facing in the original designated direction and this issue was not swept under the rug so quickly. I cannot understand the resistance to allowing the 25-foot move.
Someone erred on this project and rather than have the city pay or fight the architects to foot the bill, let's just allow the generous people to do it. Move the church with no further finger pointing. There should be no reason to delay this obvious decision.
-- David A. Henry, New Port Richey
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