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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2007

Hardheaded Teenagers

Regarding 'Scooter Driver Dies In Westchase Crash' (Metro, Sept. 27):

After hearing about the car accident involving Alonso students that killed a man on his scooter, I was gravely reminded of my past experiences in high school.

Alonso was definitely not alone in its many reckless drivers, but it was always dangerous to so much as walk through the school's parking lot. Students routinely screamed, sped and left skid marks without an ounce of concern. Many times administrators would yell at the students as they flew by, but rarely did they have an impact.

After I realized last year that one of my own friends found speeding as fun and innocent as many, I also learned that trying to talk sense into teenagers is an uphill challenge. He didn't listen to me until the countless speeding tickets came. Luckily, he is still alive, but not everyone is as fortunate.

ADAM ALVAREZ

Tampa

Raise Driving Age

It greatly upsets me to hear of another fatal accident due to careless driving. It seems that every week now, more teens are being killed or involved in these accidents. I feel that the driving age should be raised due to adolescent and careless drivers that feel they are invincible. The result of putting this into effect will save more lives.

I am also a student attending Alonso High School. Several minutes before this event occurred, I too was driving on Country Way Boulevard. Luckily for me, I had just avoided the fatal crash, but it frightens me knowing that the accident took place so close to my home and school. Also, it could have been me that was hit and possibly injured.

JENNA GREEN

Tampa

Try A Driving Contract

Tragically, last week an innocent man lost his life on a Hillsborough County road due to the reckless behavior of a teenage driver. Earlier this summer I witnessed a teenage driver in Westchase lose control of his vehicle under what appears to be similar circumstances to the recent accident. In that case, the driver took down a utility pole, but no one was injured or killed.

While an argument can be made for raising the driving age, there are plenty of responsible teenager drivers who would be harmed by such legislation. I believe a better choice for parents and children is a teen driving contract which thoroughly spells out expectations, limits and, most importantly, consequences. There are a myriad of these contracts available on the Internet.

CAROL W. EDLER

Tampa

More Than Football

Regarding ''Sport for the Brain' Students Test Their Metal In Robot Contest' (Metro, Sept. 30):

Thank you for reminding your readers that high schools in our area do actually engage in activities other than sports. The article on the 18 area high school teams competing to design, build, program and demonstrate a machine robot was not only encouraging and stimulating but, most important, gave recognition to student endeavors too often swept away by the deluge of words and pictures on athletics.

The primary purpose of high school is to teach kids to think, to reason, to learn that will prepare them for a lifetime of living. The fact that a high school may rank as a football or basketball powerhouse does not add any importance to learning.

HARRISON R. JOHNSON

Sun City Center

There Is No Drought

In her article 'Swiftmud Extends Emergency Withdrawals' (Metro, Sept. 29), Yvette Hammett states, 'the region remains in drought conditions.' There is no drought. As a previous letter writer stated, the region is one and a half inches above the average rainfall for 2007. That is not a drought.

The problem is that the Friends of Developers, otherwise known as the Board of County Commissioners, has allowed rampant development without the infrastructure, such as adequate water supplies, to support the demand so present citizens have to 'conserve' so there is enough of the product to meet the demand. What a charade.

It is interesting that on the same Metro page is an article headlined 'Developers Raise Money for Blair, Hagan' by William March. These are two of our county commissioners. Guess where their votes will go when it comes to developers' interests?

KENNETH R. LOWE

Sun City Center

The Man For The Job

Regarding 'Tampa Bay Water Needs Open, Resourceful Leader' (Our Opinion, Sept. 29):

I could not agree more with your editorial on the importance of finding a Tampa Bay Water leader with a record of effective management skills and the ability to gain the trust of the community.

We are lucky to have such a person in the name of Pick Talley, former Pinellas County commissioner. Since leaving the commission, he has carved a tremendous reputation as the leader of the Pinellas County Utility Department. Throughout his career, he has proven to be a man of integrity and an effective communicator.

I cannot think of a candidate more suited to step into this critical leadership role and have the ability to contribute immediately.

BILL SLIPPY

Wesley Chapel

Vaccine No Guarantee

Regarding 'Schools: Tighten Meningitis Shot Law' (Metro, Sept. 27):

While the death of the student at the University of South Florida is tragic, it should not be used as an excuse to violate individual rights. No vaccine is 100 percent effective or 100 percent safe. As an individual, I should have the right to decide, based upon the facts, what medical procedures I choose to accept.

Your article on this event suggests that students refuse vaccination either because of neglect or cost. Perhaps some of these students and their parents have, as I, looked at the data and come to the conclusion that this vaccine is not for them.

RALPH DAVIS

Tampa

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