 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Letters to the EditorsTrustees objected to cost of project, not menorah
© St. Petersburg Times, Editor: In response to Donna Zupco's letter (July 27), I wish to remind her that I serve on a District Tax Board of Hillsborough County along with eight other trustees. We work under an ordinance of Hillsborough County for the maintenance of Northdale Boulevard and are responsible for spending tax money. Apparently my statements at the board meeting were not stated clearly as to the meaning intended. I was referring to the cost and the fact that never before had $8,000 been spent for Christmas decorations. Never did any trustee have any derogatory feelings about the menorah. It was strictly the cost of the project that sparked the discussion of for/against the display. Indeed, I do represent every person in Northdale well when it comes to the spending of their tax dollars, which is my only function and reason for serving on this board. I try to see that their tax dollars are spent wisely and well, and $8,000 for Christmas decorations is not wise spending; especially since beautiful poinsettias and icicle lights bring joy to the heart at a fraction of the cost. I wish to inform you, Donna, that a Christmas tree has been termed a religious symbol for the Christian faith by the Justices of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in a case brought forth by the American Center of Law and Justice in 1989. I wrote the ACLJ in disbelief and they replied, "Yes . . . this is the legal ruling today." That case is: County of Allegheny vs. ACLU (Name change to Justice from Union, now ACLJ) Greater Pittsburgh Chapter 492 U.S. 573, 109.Ct. 3086. This ruling means the Supreme Court said the Christmas tree, with or without star, any Christmas tree anywhere, is equal to the Nativity scene as a religious Christian symbol. As far as the word "horrified" goes: In my dictionary among the many meanings are dread, dismay, shock, distaste and even a sentence, "(the tax rate was horrendous)." I was talking about taxes, which is the function of this board. So were the three who spoke to me concerning the cost of $8,000 for Christmas decorations. At tax time we think nothing at using the word horrible in reference to taxes. Even as I write this, three trustees on the board are ready to ask for a raise of the tax cap for Northdale citizens' property tax.
Share your viewsWe invite you to share your opinions on local issues. Readers may write letters to the editor, which will be published in the North of Tampa section of The Times on Fridays or Sundays. Send them to Letters to the Editor, The Times, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618; or e-mail them to northtampa@sptimes.com. Please be sure to include your address and phone number for verification. We are also interested in guest columns from residents about issues of concern to the community. We reserve the right to edit columns for accuracy, clarity and length. If you are interested in submitting a guest column, call Marlene Sokol at 226-3467 or John Hill at 226-3379.
Gardening answers If you have a question about Florida gardening, we'll try to answer it. In North of Tampa, local gardening correspondent Mary Collister will provide tips on how to garden successfully in Florida's climate and how to solve problems you are experiencing in your home garden. Mail your questions to Gardening Correspondent Mary Collister, The Times, 14358-B N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618, or fax them to 226-3352. Please leave us a phone number in case we need more information.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times |
