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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 19, 2001
Editor: C.T. Bowen's Nov. 11 column reports "the tale of two cities, dysfunction is the theme." Bowen writes about two notorious politicians who have recently made quite a name for themselves. I would like, at this time, to comment on just one.
To be honest, during this past week, a friend of mine asked if I read about Menicola. Menicola who? Little did I know that after reading the Times article I would find myself writing this letter.
So, to make a long story short, I want to extend a courtesy to Joe Menicola. Because of our moment of fame, I know exactly who you are!
C.T. Bowen states the loser is the public. This is partially true, but, it goes deeper than that. I feel sorry for Menicola's son (age 30 something) who is all grown up and certainly didn't need daddy's intervention, verbal or otherwise. A bit embarrassing, don't you think?
I wonder what the future holds for this politician. Will all be forgotten down the road? Will some thoughts linger on forever?
Joe Menicola? Yeah, I know him. Wasn't he that councilman from Port Richey? Whatever happened to him?
-- Estelle Rodman, Bayonet Point
Editor: If my recollection is accurate, the St. Petersburg Times (read C.T. Bowen and associates) recommended to the voters of the city of New Port Richey that we cast our votes for Mr. Finn for City Council. Not once, but twice (as well as other council members).
Dysfunctional, it would appear, is in the eye of the beholder!
-- Earl Klema, New Port Richey
Editor: This was sent to Joe Menicola.
"I am sure you are aware of why I am writing. I ask that you consider this letter in your future actions. The Pasco Republican Executive Committee after a discussion of your actions based on the St. Petersburg Times articles of the past week, voted 37 to 16 to have me write this letter.
"Your position as city councilman of Port Richey is nonpartisan, but you are an elected official. Although you are not currently a precinct committeeman on the Pasco REC you have been a member in the past. We have spoken at a number of Republican functions. You are proud to let people know that you are a Republican, as you should be. Therefore, your actions should be held to a higher standard. Based on the transcripts published by the Times, your actions were not in keeping with the high standards our committee holds for our elected officials.
"I do not wish to stand in judgment of you, but rather in council to you. As the chairman of the Pasco REC, allow me to take the lead and apologize to the public for actions that are not in keeping with high standards we as Republicans should maintain.
"These standards are high and not all may wish to maintain them. For those of us who wish to call ourselves Republicans we will rise to those standards. If we fall short, we must acknowledge, apologize and correct the short fall. Any questions, feel free to call me."
-- Hugh C. Townsend, Chairman, Republican Party of Pasco County
Editor: I have had some interesting and disturbing comments lately since the articles involving Mr. Menicola of Port Richey have been appearing.
I had phone calls local and also from New Jersey regarding his behavior. This has also happened in the past, as our names sound similar. I have not been involved in the city of Port Richey for years.
My wife and myself have had problems in the past running for office and people confusing the names without matching faces or learning who is who and has led to negative comments against us thinking we were them.
Hopefully, the public will become aware that Joseph Mastrocolo is not Joe Menicola!
-- Joseph F. Mastrocolo, New Port Richey
A Nov. 14 letter from Laura Violante from New Port Richey should have stated, "They will benefit from the rewards that come from their commitment and desire despite the complacency that has crept in Gulf High's program over the years. However, my hope is that we let the courage of this year's senior football players inspire the needed change for those who will follow."
Another word was substituted for "complacency" due to a transcription error.
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