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Letters to the EditorsPlan now to avoid growth problems
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 22, 2000 Editor: Re: Take a look south to fear what Citrus may become, Oct. 15 column by Greg Hamilton concerning development along U.S. 19 in Crystal River, and Objections to "big box' regulations need not deter passage of proposal, Oct. 15 Citrus Times editorial about the proposed Citrus County ordinance addressing "big box" buildings: Thank you for both of these articles. They were most enlightening. In all parts of Florida I have seen so much poorly regulated development in places that never should have been developed, it makes me wonder. Citrus County is at the threshold of tremendous growth. Now is the time for the County Commission to put in place ordinances that will help protect us and future generations from problems such as congestion, ugly buildings, abandoned strip malls, vast expanses of paved parking lots, etc., which now afflict other areas of the state. It will require a lot of hard work and a strong backbone because the building industry will oppose anything that might possibly add to the cost of construction. This is a very short-sighted view. A visit to communities that have enacted such measures shows that attractive surroundings enhance and maintain property values. This, in turn, makes such a community a more desirable place to live. Hopefully, the commissioners will heed the advice of the county planners.
Action needed to protect rivers from pollutionEditor: Re: Chassahowitzka needs help with its drinking water, Oct. 8 Citrus Times editorial: I totally agree with the editorial. But I feel the state Departments of Health and Environmental Protection needs to take another big step in checking other rivers in the state for the fecal coliform bacteria and viruses. Right here in our area we have three other rivers that have many homes on the rivers, all with septic tanks. Every year thousands of people swim in the Crystal River, Rainbow River and Homosassa River. I'm sure some of these homes have defective septic tanks running into these rivers. Steps should be taken to start working toward getting all these homes connected to a sewer system. I realize that at this time there are no sewer systems to service these areas. But if we sit back and wait until these rivers get into the same shape as the Chassahowitzka, it may be too late. Right now Lake Rousseau has a slime covering on it that they say is caused by runoff from people living on the river. Experts say there is nothing they can do to correct this so the matter will continue to worsen. I realize this project would be extremely expensive and will cause a financial burden to some, but the longer we wait, the more it will cost. Steps and plans should be taken to correct these problems before these rivers get in the same shape as the Chassahowitzka.
"Times' didn't tell whole story about Tom MullinsEditor: It is a shame and a loss that the people of Citrus County were not given the opportunity of reading about a man of good character, Tom Mullins, candidate for superintendent of schools in the primary election. Instead, an article in the Citrus Times shed a negative light at the eleventh hour and did not tell the whole story. Tom is the kind of man who built America, a man of courage, a risk-taker who believes in the American dream. Like most entrepreneurs, he has tried to build many businesses. Most succeeded, some failed. It is not in the failing that is the test of a man, but in the getting up, shaking off the dust and rebuilding again, as Tom has done. The Citrus Times should have printed that Tom built power plants on the West Coast and was invited by the Chinese government to build co-generation plants in China. This $30-million project was under way when students demonstrated for democracy in Tiananmen Square. American banks blocked business with China and Tom suffered sudden and catastrophic losses. The Citrus Times should have printed that Tom built again, using his experience with federal regulations. Tom served school districts all across the country, specializing in cost-cutting methods to meet federal mandates. He save hundreds of thousands of dollars for school districts, including Citrus County, which had to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Citrus Times cited tax liens and creditors during 1995. This was during a short period of tight cash flow and all debts were paid fully soon thereafter. The Citrus Times should have printed that Tom Mullins presently has an excellent credit rating, enough to finance a lovely home and a business in Citrus County. The Citrus Times should have printed that Tom saved many lives as a deputy sheriff on the voluntary search and rescue team in San Bernardino, Calif. Tom shared a scrapbook with the Times staff showing newspaper clippings of his rescue activities. The Citrus Times should have printed that the unemployment income they revealed was for a brief period, while he was a full-time caregiver. His mother has Alzheimer's disease and still lives in his home, and his mother-in-law was in hospice care in his home and died holding his hand. Also, at this time, his wife, Caren, was recovering from major surgery. Few men would have taken on this burden with such dedication, compassion and strength. The Citrus Times should have printed that Tom is extremely experienced in consulting with schools on budget issues. When Tom raised concerns about the low reserves in the district's account, it was from experience with more than 400 school districts. The Citrus Times should have noted that Tom agrees that the budget is stable now, but knows that money came primarily from a state windfall intended for teachers' salaries and recruitment. The financial management style of the present administration must change to avoid the same problems in the future. Tom has always spoken truthfully with the press and fully cooperated with reporters. Nearly half of the voters in the primary election supported Tom Mullins and Chris Becker as candidates for superintendent. Both called for change and accountability in the superintendent's office. Tom Mullins and Chris Becker now have urged voters to choose Ansel Briggs to fulfill that vision.
Group says thanks for support of charity eventEditor: Rails to Trails wishes to express our sincere thanks to all our sponsors for their support of the 6th Annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride held Oct. 8 on the Withlacoochee State Trail. Your generous contribution of money, goods, and time helped provide the needs to make possible a successful event that was enjoyed immensely by the participants. There were 858 cyclists who came to Inverness and enjoyed a great day of biking. The weather was perfect and the 593 out-of-towners left with a good impression of the trail and our community. We are proud of the growth of our bike ride, and it could not have been accomplished without community support. This support is vital for the success of events sponsored by non-profit groups. The proceeds from the ride will be used toward the building of a much-needed picnic pavilion on the trail at the North Apopka Trailhead. We hope you will use the trail and enjoy the improvements you helped provide.
Christmas in September was a rousing successEditor: The Pilot Club of Crystal River appreciates the help of sponsors who recently supported its successful Christmas in September Arts and Craft Show at the National Guard Armory in crystal River Sept. 30. The Pilot Club of Crystal River was chartered in 1978. The service focus of the club and Pilot International is brain-related disorders. The Pilot Club of Crystal River has been an integral part of the Alzheimer's Memory Walk held each year in Citrus County. The proceeds from the Christmas in September fundraiser benefit such organizations as the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA), Alzheimer's Association, Boys and Girls Club and student scholarships.
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