Letters to the Editors

Tennis plan not the best alternative

Editor: Almost $6-million is sitting in the tourism treasury and individuals with a financial interest are looking to spend it.

Feasibility studies have already been done. How much did it cost for KPMG to do the first one?

Mr. Dempsey and some commissioners are still pushing for the tennis stadium, which most taxpayers are against because of the additional money needed for access roads, etc. No matter how much hype these gentlemen put out, Pasco will never become the sports mecca which will bring droves of tourists to the county. I call upon other readers to send suggestions to the Times on how to spend the fund. There has to be a better solution than sports.

Personally, I've always thought that a wave generating swimming park would bring more tourists for longer periods of time rather than tennis.
-- Joseph King, Hudson

Turkey bowl a waste of much-needed food

Editor: With reference to the article of a turkey bowl held at Wal-Mart in New Port Richey, was there anything wrong with these turkeys?

Were they given away to the needy after the turkey bowl? If it's no to both questions, why were they used and not saved for all the needy families y'all claim will not have a Thanksgiving dinner?

What a waste of food.
-- Mary Voiles, New Port Richey

Family's lawsuit shows greed, lack of morals

Re: Family of Ridgewood student sues

Let me get this straight: The family of a Ridgewood teen who died after being shot by a "friend" is suing the Sheriff's Office for not protecting him! This has to be the height of blind greed and complete lack of morals. Nowhere in the Constitution are the people of this country guaranteed to be protected from street criminals, let alone accidents, by local law enforcement agencies.

Your article states that the lawsuit claims the victim's "civil rights" where violated by the sheriff! I have never heard of a more ridiculous accusation. It is so absurd that the argument must be summarily dismissed as soon as possible so the taxpayers' money is not wasted on such nonsense!
-- Tom Arcand, Wesley Chapel

Excellent judgment used in picking judge

Re: Pasco's first black judge is appointed, Nov. 16

Editor: I just want to state how proud I am of Debra Roberts, our newest appointed county judge, and Gov. Jeb Bush for having the courage to make the appointment. We are extremely fortunate to be blessed with many capable judges already serving us in Pasco, but diversity is also extremely important to our judiciary system.

The last female judge on the bench in Pasco was Judge Glisson, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in 1995. To many attorneys who practiced before her she was, and continues to be, sorely missed. It is a breath of fresh air to see another female appointed to the bench, and even more so that she is the first African-American judge in Pasco.

I have had the opportunity to work directly with Ms. Roberts in my capacity as a hearing officer on traffic cases. I have found her to be personable, capable and hardworking. I have no doubt Ms. Roberts will serve us well in the judiciary.
-- Chuck Kalogianis, New Port Richey

Editor's note: Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper has been on the Pasco bench since her election in 1984. Marsha Glisson was the last female judge assigned full time to west Pasco.

Official's son lucky that no one was hurt

Editor: While I agree that Joe Menicola's tirade was totally uncalled for, and he should be held accountable for his actions, everyone missed the point. His son was caught speeding!

That is the true problem! Why is there a speed trap there? And why has it been there for years? His son should have been well aware of the possibility of it. My dad has lived off Washington for years. Why is there a speed trap there, because everyone speeds!

Mr. Menicola let me ask you this. Since your son is 32 years old, is it safe to say that this child of yours may have small children? What if your son lived off Washington Street, and one of your small grandchildren chased an errant ball into the street? That person that may be speeding is not able to stop in time. So they hit your grandchild. If they are going 10 miles over the speed limit, what do you think it would do to that child? What if they were going 25 miles over the speed limit? Do you think the chances of that child living are 100 percent?

The fact is, your son is 32 years old and should act like a responsible adult, and stop calling daddy to bail him out of a speeding ticket, and take the consequences! My 21-year-old daughter is leaving Dec. 1 to go to the Persian Gulf to fight in the war. She is 11 years younger than your son and is a more responsible adult. Tell your son to grow up. It would have been a lot worse for him than a speeding ticket if he would have hit and killed someone.
Leslie E. Todd, Holiday

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