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Pasco Letters to Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 18, 2007

Hold Builders Accountable

I'm not an environmentalist but have lived in nearby Carpenters Run for close to 20 years, and I'm thoroughly disappointed in the lack of action by both the county and Southwest Florida Water Management District related to the ongoing pollution of Cypress Creek.

Despite promises and signed agreements by the developers to prevent the creek from being polluted during construction, it has been discovered, reported, filmed and legally documented that pollution by construction runoff is occurring.

The response? "We lack the authority to enforce the provisions in the agreements." And, of course, the developers have no intention of absorbing the expenses to "honor" (oxymoron) the commitments they obligated themselves to in what was supposed to be a legally binding contract.

I understand the implications of an increased source of revenue for the county and increased employment opportunities for the area, but where is the accountability of those who will realize their profit first? What good are impact fees and "strict" construction regulations if no Florida government entity is strong enough or will not enforce their own legal contracts with the developers?

Additionally, this area is a natural flood plain, with natural runoff going to the creek. Soon the "natural" runoff may include oil from vehicles, waste residual from mall tenants and any chemicals used to "beautify" the mall and surrounding area that will break down.

Water resources in this area are already stretched, as Pinellas gets Pasco water and Hillsborough County depends on the southern flow of water from Pasco. Now a water resource recognized as an Outstanding Florida Water is in danger of total ruination because of the lack of fortitude, desire or effort by the involved government entities.

Northern developers love to develop down here because they get to leave when they're done. Residents and native wildlife get to live with the trash they create and leave behind.

I hope the new tenants have good flood insurance when the big rains come. It floods now because it is supposed to. What structures, commercial or private, are going to flood as a result of the development? We can always go on the word of the developer since we know they will honor their commitments.

MIKEL POLLARD

Land O' Lakes

History Lesson

Regarding "Much-Anticipated Read," Nov. 12:

Arthur Hayhoe's criticism of Tom Jackson's column, "Here Comes Our Local Socialist," (Nov. 4) and defense of socialism explains a great deal about his obsession with gun control.

Socialism is pure government control of a society and, in the real world, has nothing to do with democracy. It has to with collectivism, which is the de-emphasis of the individual for the good of society collectively.

Socialism is the bridge between capitalism in a free society, with a strong emphasis on the individual's freedoms, and communism, which completely ignores the individual by legislating every citizen's behavior. In socialism, it is the government that is king.

Our country was created by overthrowing the king of England, who represented ultimate government power. In its birth, the United States acknowledged the power of the people and made government subservient to that power. Our system is a democratic republic.

Our country recognizes the inherent rights of the individual, including the rights to self-defense and to keep and bear arms. Socialism and communism do not recognize any individual rights. They deny entirely the rights to own property and keep what a person has earned.

Hayhoe is welcome to embrace whatever political philosophy he chooses. Thanks to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, he has that freedom. If he could only understand the true meaning and purpose of the Second Amendment, he'd have a fine insight into our system of government and the dignity of the individual that is expressed therein.

LEE HANSON

Hudson

Fair Compensation

Regarding "Contract Talks Set With County Attorney Choice," Nov. 8:

Considering a recent Tribune editorial stated that the firefighters' union in Pasco County needs to "water down" what is due them, I find it rather funny that I read this in the same paper. All we firefighters are asking for is fair wages compared to surrounding departments. Not too much to ask.

But the article about setting contract talks with the new county attorney states: "Commissioner Ted Schrader also has asked Personnel Director Barbara De Simone to find out what surrounding counties pay their chief attorneys so that Pasco may make a competitive offer."

Perhaps an explanation is due taxpayers of Pasco County. Why does the person who provides legal protection to the county and county commissioners need to be compensated fairly and the men and women who protect the lives and property of the public don't?

RICK SOMEILLAN

Lacoochee

Insurance Savings

I recently opened my Citizens Property Insurance bill hoping to see a significant reduction in my annual premium. If I told you it felt like Christmas, you would know the smile that went across my face.

Last year our insurance bill skyrocketed to over $6,000. I called my insurance agent, who worked with me to increase my "deductible" and drop "full replacement value." This brought my premium down to $4,400.

This year I took advantage of opting out of sinkhole coverage, and my new premium is a very affordable $1,700.

I would like to thank my state senator, Mike Fasano, for all the hard work he did to reform our homeowner's insurance crisis. Excellent job, senator. Keep up the good work.

MARK VIDA

Hudson

Livened-Up Park

As a member of the team that built and operated Crews Lake Park, I'd like to offer my appreciation to Pasco County's new Parks and Recreation director, Rick Buckman.

On a recent trip to Crews Lake Park, I discovered a wonderful improvement - a volunteer-driven model train project. After years of inactivity, it appears that Rick has Crews Lake Park and its staff on the right path.

What a great improvement. Thank you, Rick!

JOHN BURT

City of Mount Dora

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