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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 15, 2007

Resource Management

Regarding "The $40 Million Question" (Metro, Nov. 8):

Amid the overheated rhetoric of county commissioners who should know better (kids have only two choices: crack addiction or baseball? Really!), here's another plan:

After school hours, most elementary, middle or high schools have open recreation space. Drive past a few schools and you'll see lots of vacant fields. A computer program could easily identify vacant or off-season fields and allocate availability to whatever leagues need space. A single Recreation Department employee with a cell phone on-site could monitor usage and keep order.

The greatest expense would probably be insurance, which would require some creativity for county usage of school property. Still, it's not likely to cost anywhere near $40 million.

Instead of blindly plunging into yet another construction project using an old model, commissioners would do better to move sensibly toward efficient use of existing properties with creative thinking to solve any arising problems. Isn't that what resource management is all about?

GEORGE MEYER

Tampa

Serving On Boards

Regarding "Blair Seeks Ferlita Apology" (Metro, Nov. 10):

It seems that the Hillsborough County Commission gets more involved with their personal conflicts than what seems best for its constituents.

Rose Ferlita should have had another term or two on the Port Authority Board for the continuity it brings to the decision-making process. Brian Blair should probably be on the Sports Authority since Jim Norman has made a career of being on that "plum" assignment, and I am sure others would do just as good a job.

As for the Florida Sunshine Law, it should be reviewed since many of those who are to abide by it seem to get around the original intent. With cell phones, e-mails and other new technology I am sure violations occur on many authorities, boards and committees throughout our community.

JOE VOSKERICHIAN

Tampa

Start Working Together

I had hoped that the era of bad will and the circus-like atmosphere that permeated the Hillsborough County Commission came to an end with the election of new members to serve. Their positions are in service to the people of Hillsborough County, not their own egos.

In reading the report, it appears that Commissioner Ferlita made a general statement of fact! The last I looked at the makeup of the commission, she is the only woman on county commission. Commissioner Blair seems to be offended by this fact for some reason and appears to be taking this personally. With all the pressing economic issues before the commission, time is best spent looking at cost-saving measures and budget items instead of getting into a public bully session with another commissioner.

Crying over the loss of "Championship Park" is unbecoming of a county commissioner. They are here to work together, not be divisive, and remember that they serve the people of the county, not their own self-interest.

FRANK POPELESKI

Seffner

Try School Naming Rights

Regarding "Keep Partnership Or Go With Iorio?" (Northeast, Nov. 10):

The article states the Hillsborough County School Board is torn between keeping the name of the MOSI Partnership School and changing it to honor the late John Iorio, an English teacher at the University of South Florida and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio's dad.

Some would say that naming a public school does not cost the taxpayers a penny. I think naming a school - or other public facility after Mayor Pam's dad is a wonderful honor if he was the most deserving. But let's be honest, this honor is for Mayor Pam, not her dad.

It is obvious that naming rights of public facilities has become more of a way for our elected officials to pat each other on the back, than to honor those most deserving. Since this is the reality, why not start making money on this deal instead? Let's put the naming rights up for rent for 10 years at a time. Use the money to help buy things for the students in the schools. Remember the students?

JIM McKENNA

Tampa

Coverage Was Lacking

I would like to question why so much media attention was given to the Ironman event on Saturday, but the Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk received much less. Could it have something to do with tourist dollars? Eventually, heart disease will touch everyone or someone they love. The more attention brought to preventing this cruel disease, the better for everyone.

My brother received a heart transplant on Aug. 5 and is doing awesome thanks to research and advances made in the field of heart disease. I guess it's true what is said. You never really understand the urgency of something until it touches you personally.

SAMANTHA TODD

Tampa

It's All About Money

Regarding "New Look Rays" (front page, Nov. 9):

I don't like the new Rays hat. It is all about money. The Rays management doesn't make enough dough at the gate, so they change the uniform. The colors should have been azure blue and the original hat design should have remained. The uniform is fine, but the hat stinks!

GREGORY DONOGHUE

Bradenton

Rays Are Dangerous

Here's the new story for the "Rays," They dropped the "Devil" because it was bad and went with rays of light, which kill thousands of people per year with UV. Bet they didn't consider that, huh?

DEVIN JOHNSON

Wesley Chapel

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