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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2007

Tree, As In Christmas

The consensus of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce not to promote an event as "faith-based" slipped in the censorship of the word "Christmas" from its first "Holiday Tree Lighting" coming up Saturday in a Pasco County park.

Upon speaking to two members of the chamber, I was shocked to experience such unfriendly and condescending speech. My inquiry was appropriate, in that the event was discovered just last week when I read my chamber e-mail newsletter, which insulted me with this quote: "Remember this event is all about giving back to the community and we look forward to having many of you participate and join us for such a historic moment!"

Truly, this is historic, ignoring all history, even the birth of Christ in the name of the tree!

Being that we are a member of the chamber, I inquired about that decision.

One member stated it was the rule of the park to abstain from any reference of religion.

The other member stated it was the decision of the chamber board to be "politically correct." I asked this member if he were to take a poll as to whether it would offend the majority of the demographic population if the tree was called a "holiday tree," versus a Christmas tree, what he thought the outcome would be.

He stated: "This is a conservative Republican community, so I already know what they think." Interesting. How can it be "giving back" to a community if its tree is censored by a minority? If anything, the community has been ripped off by this event.

Christmas without a Christmas tree is as absurd as a Santa Claus on a Jet Ski. This event is under attack by an elite few from the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Some are numb enough not to care. We keep Christmas in our heart, right? No matter how it gets bumped, dumped, censored or defamed. But it must stop here for me. A Christmas tree is being censored in a community that was named after John Wesley. It seems no one really knew about the Rev. Wesley enough to understand what he stood for.

The Christmas tree removal and censorship issue was addressed by the American Center for Law and Justice in 2004 in Pasco County, and Christmas trees were returned to public buildings. The case addressed that the tree was not a religious symbol; it was secular. I would not be offended by the Menorah, but I would not call it a lamp so as to not offend some religious group just to be politically correct.

This issue of this tree is one to educate with - to educate that America was founded upon Christian symbols, biblical references and moral integrity. Would you stand for the founders or agree with the select few of the Wesley Chamber of Commerce in all ignorance to freedom of speech, religious freedom, democratic rule and historical truth?

We remain one nation under God, being edited as we speak.

"Merry Christmas to one and all!" I agree with Tiny Tim on this one.

PAUL BURDICK

Wesley Chapel

Aloha, Aloha Utilities

On April 4, 2006, the Florida Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement between Aloha Utilities and the customers of the Seven Springs Service Delivery Area. The agreement came after many months of negotiations between the PSC, Office of Public Counsel, the customers of Seven Springs and the utility.

The existing case which resulted in the agreement was begun in 2001 when Aloha filed for a rate increase. Due to the ongoing presence of black water in Aloha's system, customers protested attempts to receive that rate increase.

One key element of the settlement is the agreement by the parties that it is prudent for Aloha to implement a new water treatment method - anion exchange - to address the current problems that stem from the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the water. The agreement was signed by members of the Better Water Now organization on behalf of the customers of Seven Springs.

Pursuant to the terms of settlement agreement, territory deletion proceedings were voluntarily dismissed by the commission. However, the agreement and the commission order which approved it expressly provide that if the commission finds probable cause that Aloha has violated its obligations, the commission can initiate an enforcement action against Aloha.

In short, if the commission determines that Aloha is not proceeding in good faith to complete the anion exchange project within 24 months, the commission can commence an enforcement action against Aloha, including the imposition of substantial fines and amending, suspending or revoking Aloha's certificate of authorization to provide water and wastewater services to the public.

Nineteen months after the agreement was approved, the customers are no closer to receiving the clean, clear water they expected to receive after completion of the settlement agreement. Based on its most recent progress report, Aloha Utilities is at least one year behind schedule, with the likelihood that additional delays are on the horizon.

With a healthy amount of skepticism based on Aloha's long history of delay tactics, I did have a glimmer of hope that with the legal threat of deletion or revocation looming, Aloha would comply with its end of the settlement agreement. It is becoming increasingly obvious, however, that Aloha continues to either make poor business choices or just does not have the drive to fulfill the agreement.

As the PSC is aware, I have long been a proponent of Pasco County taking over Aloha Utilities' franchise. Aloha is not fulfilling its commitment to its customers or to the PSC. I respectfully request that the commission consider re-initiating deletion or initiating revocation proceedings against Aloha Utilities.

It would be unfair to the customers to wait any longer, nor will it serve any purpose to continue extending legal proceedings that appear to be heading nowhere.

MIKE FASANO

New Port Richey

Share The Season

The holiday season is here. Don't let the rat race get you down. Sit, relax and think about the reason for the season.

Instead of buying Cousin Tom another tie that he will never wear, why don't you provide a food basket for an entire family?

Instead of giving Grandma another knick-knack for her to dust and you to inherit, why don't you help us buy a prescription for an old person trying to live on $800 a month in Social Security?

Instead of buying more stuff for people who already have more stuff than they need, why not help us pay an electric bill for a single mom trying to support her kids on a poverty-level salary?

Instead of suffering from shopping stress, why don't you help Christian Social Services provide groceries to a family suffering from the stress of a lost job? A donation of only $25 will provide a family with the entire Christmas dinner - everything from the ham to the apple pie.

Our doors don't close when the holiday season has passed. Christian Social Services is available year-round to meet the many needs of our less fortunate neighbors. A donation of any amount will assist us in spreading the love of Jesus Christ to thousand of people in 2008.

We will send a greeting to your loved one informing them of your precious gift to the least, the last and the lost of our community. Please keep us and those we serve in your thoughts and prayers.

JACQUIE PETET

Land O' Lakes

Hometown Supporters

I am writing in response to an article in the Nov. 14 Suncoast News which recapped the Pasco Development Review Committee's decision to pass the site plan for the State Road 54/Grand Boulevard Wal-Mart. I'm glad this project finally passed the DRC.

I was one of the Wal-Mart supporters present, and I was wearing a "Wal-Mart Yes!" sticker. Contrary to an opponent's opinion, my residence, as well as those of several other supporters in the crowd, is right here in Pasco County.

I hope the Pasco County Commission will avoid sending the Wal-Mart project back to the DRC again. We're ready for the affordable shopping opportunities that Wal-Mart offers.

BOB KENNEDY

New Port Richey

The writer represents District 11 in the Florida Senate. The writer is executive director of Christian Social Services of Lutz & Land O' Lakes Inc., 5514 Land O' Lakes Blvd., P.O. Box 783, Land O' Lakes, 34639.

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