Letters to the Editors

We need a senator who understands our county's needs

Editor: I've been reading with interest the recent articles dealing with the role Pasco County's legislative delegation will play in the redistricting process. It is my hope and expectation that all members of our delegation will support the creation of a Senate district that will primarily represent a majority of Pasco County residents.

Our existing senators are all based in other counties. As a former chairman of the Pasco Republican Executive Committee, I understand the political process. While all of our senators are fine individuals, it is obvious, if one looks at their respective districts, that their first allegiance is and politically has to be to the county where their population base is located.

Right now, no senator lives in Pasco County. Our county has grown to the point where, regardless of the political affiliation of the person who may be elected, we should have a Pasco based senator.

It is disappointing to see how the redistricting process has become mired in political deals over who will be the next Senate president.

I would suggest that our local legislative delegation needs to put those political concerns aside and put the needs of our country first. I encourage every Pasco resident who would like to have one senator working full time for our county to contact the members of the legislative delegation.

New district lines will impact our county for the next 10 years and perhaps beyond. Do not hesitate to let our local senators and representatives know that Pasco County needs to have a senator who lives here, understands our concerns and will fight for us each and every day.
-- Roland J. Quinn, Port Richey

Drivers must obey rules to reduce accidents on U.S. 19

Editor: I have watched with much interest the letters concerning traffic on U.S. 19 and have concluded that not many people obey clearly marked traffic signs and signals -- especially speed limit signs and red lights.

The speed limit is clearly posted at regular intervals as 45 mph. This is the maximum, not minimum, that one is expected to drive and be within the specifications of the law. If this is not true then the laws and signs should be changed.

U.S. 19 is a good six-lane road with good turn lanes. There is a heavy flow of traffic, therefore a slower speed limit. It is not to be used as an interstate at 60 and 70 mph. People must understand this and drive as such if there is any hope of ever reducing traffic accidents.

Another thing that is a very regular occurrence is running red lights -- not yellow, but a red light that could have been obeyed.

Also, there are habitual lane changers -- ones who will pass you on the left, cut back directly in front of you and then to the third lane. Such driving must cease before traffic conditions will get better on U.S. 19.

If everyone would follow all laws with only necessary lane changes, we would get a better flow of traffic.

From observing the driving on U.S. 19 and reading the accident reports, it is clear that not all, and perhaps not even half of the accidents and problems are caused by senior citizens.
-- Raymond D. Corbett, New Port Richey

Here's your chance to share your opinions with a state lawmaker

Editor: I would like to thank all of the people who took the time to respond to my 2002 pre-session survey. The information obtained from the surveys will be extremely useful to me during the upcoming legislative session. A representative form of government works most effectively when the representative of the people is in touch with the needs and concerns of the people.

Unfortunately, due to fiscal constraints, I was only able to mail a limited number of surveys. If there is anyone in District 46 who did not receive a survey and is interested in filling one out to provide me with their views, please feel free to come by my office at 6231 Grand Blvd. in downtown New Port Richey. Your opinions are important and I greatly appreciate your willingness to share them.
-- Heather Fiorentino, State Representative, District 46

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.

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