Letters to the Editors

Commissioner has a bad idea and bad timing

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 27, 2001

Editor: We have a leash law to control out-of-control dogs, and now we need one for out-of-control county commissioners. After reading yet another stupid idea from Commissioner Peter Altman, I'm glad that I have the Times delivered so I have a bag to throw up in.

Altering the Penny for Pasco idea goes in line with the babble that Mr. Altman comes up with each week, but the reasoning behind the timing is appalling. While the rest of the nation is mourning and donating time, money, blood or whatever is needed, Mr. Altman thinks it is a good time to take advantage of the residents of Pasco.

If political suicide is what he is trying for, he has taken care of that. If he continues to come up with ways to rob the people, he may as well put on a ski mask and do it right. I do wish that there was an election in April, but only to vote him out of office.

I have some suggestions for you, Mr. Altman. First, look in the mirror and present your ideas to the person looking back. If the facial expression and the sick feeling in your stomach is the same as the county and its commissioners, keep the idea to yourself.

While you are looking at that person, remember he is here to help and serve, not take and make things worse.
-- Dave Scavelli, Hudson

Leaders should tighten belts for a change

Editor: Are you wondering what you can do to help in this time of tragedy? I have a suggestion.

Stop being complacent and become directly involved in the decisions made by your representatives. Take this opportunity to educate yourself about the laws and statutes they are passing, not just at the federal level but (even more important) at the state and local levels.

Your local district representative's job is to represent you. How can he or she possibly do that if you don't make your concerns known? Sitting back, as some surely have for too long, has directly contributed to the many pressing problems and asinine political correctness we are suffering from.

How many of you reading this also read the Sept. 19 article Leader: Public is in mood for taxes and were incensed by what you read? How many of you called Commissioner Altman to make your outrage known? I did call his office and politely made my concerns known to his staff. Mr. Altman was not in, but he did call me back just hours later.

We amicably discussed our disagreements and debated differences in how we are all individually dealing with the aftermath of this recent tragedy. Both of us admitted that we are grasping at straws in this time of grief as we want and need to help the victims and their families but don't know how. Therefore, we may say or do the wrong thing, but we realize that our hearts are in the right place.

I let him know that I expect all of the commissioners to tighten their belts for a change, that I am tired of being asked to tighten my belt, and that I will take the extra penny on the dollar and stimulate the economy in a way and form that I see fit (such as giving it to the American Red Cross) and do not expect my representative to decide where to spend it. I also disagree with an across-the-board 5 percent raise for county employees, but instead favor merit increases.

Let me clarify that the across-the-board increase should apply only to firefighters, police officers and emergency workers, as they deserve all the help they can get. They also deserve an infusion of funds to bring them to a sustainable living wage, as they are the civilian equivalent of America's military personnel, all of whom proudly serve and selflessly put their lives on the line for every single one of us.
Donna Munsen, New Port Richey

Altman hasn't seen a tax he doesn't like

Editor: Let me get this straight. The economy is going to hell in a hand basket. The stock market is crashing on our 401K plans. Terrorists are flying planes into our country's skyscrapers and Commissioner Altman wants Pasco County to raise the sales tax from 6 to 7 percent as its patriotic duty!

Commissioner Altman has not seen a tax that he doesn't like. Remember his name, voters of Pasco County, the next time you're in the voting booth. County commissioners should consider taking money out of the tourist tax slush fund that they don't know what to do with except for building tennis stadiums, and use it for Mr. Altman's pipe dreams. Or hire the County Commission a therapist, because this is craziness!
Lee Getter, New Port Richey

Another tax proposal? Vote him out

Editor: Peter Altman, in his infinite ignorance, once again proposes a tax on the pretext that it will help our economy, which has been devasted by the terrorism on our country. This man seems to grab at any straw to propose additional taxes on our citizens. Next election he should be voted out along with his socialistic ideas.
-- Any Antunez, Hudson

Don't judge a book by its cover

Re: Man assaulted after remarks,Sept. 21.

Editor: Who does Ted Koran think he is to judge a person by appearance? Hasn't he just contradicted what he was trying to say when he says, "They are skinheads. They don't make any qualms about how their looks are making a statement." In reference to their shaved heads and tattoos, Mr. Koran, read your statement again and tell me who is living a double standard!

I have very dear, law-abiding grandsons who have shaved heads, tattoos, and yes, even earrings! Are the earrings an extra minus in your judgment? One is in the U.S. Army defending you, me and yes, even skinheads!

There are many athletes, talk show hosts and other professionals who share maybe more of the unusual attributes you mention, but they should not be categorized as skinheads. You should weigh your words before putting your mouth in motion. As you yourself stated, "There's no need to blame an entire race for a few bad people."
-- Joanna Brown, Gower's Corner

Resident hates government, mail carrier

Editor: We have a person in Hudson who hates the government, the post office and the mail person. He has graffiti on the trash cans and the mailbox, which is not very nice for our grandchildren to read or us either, for that matter.

I think the postmaster should send the hater one letter to either clean up the trash cans and the mailbox or receive no further mail. We have very nice mail carriers and they should not have to serve anyone who has degrading things on his mailbox.

The person now has an American flag out on the box, but the graffiti is still there.
-- Frank Magarahan, Hudson

Memorial crowd stands tall for America

Editor: An elderly couple shuffled by lugging two folding chairs. Youngsters waved flags while marching to imaginary drums. All came, young and old, to pray, mourn and comfort one another. When we sang the lyrics "I'm proud to be an American," tears flowed freely. As the night ended, candles flickered, but the spirit of the 3,000 people there never wavered. Pasco's people "Stand Tall for America" now and in the future. Rep. Heather Fiorentino is to be commended for organizing this memorial.
-- Pat Mulieri, county commissioner

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