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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

Costs Are Still Low

Regarding 'Quarterback Needed In Transit Drive' (Our Opinion, Oct. 14):

Your editorial repeated a misleading and dated accusation that 'residents here spend more of their pay on transportation than in almost any other city.' While one advocacy research group produced a document with that claim several years ago, more detailed analysis and newer data provide a clearer picture of actual transportation spending in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

More recent data from the U.S. government Consumer Expenditure Survey indicate that our area actually had the lowest spending on gasoline and oil - a better measure of the amount of travel - than any of the other 24 metro areas surveyed. Data over several years consistently rank gas and oil expenditures in this area as among the lowest of the sampled cities. What had boosted transportation spending in our area in earlier years was higher than average spending on vehicle purchases. This has since declined significantly and in 2004 was well below national averages.

Yes, we need to improve transportation, but our spending for travel is not out of line.

STEVE POLZIN

Lutz

Time To Pay Fair Share

Regarding 'Developers Pay To Extend Road' (Brandon News & Tribune, Oct. 17):

Thanks to Brandon Development LLC for their contribution.

I have an idea of where to come up with more money for this connector road.

Several years ago, the County issued permits to Richard Mulholland's company to develop the property south of Causeway Boulevard and west of Providence Road. Part of the requirement for said permitting was that the developer would make needed improvements to Providence Road.

After the permits were awarded, the developer then applied for, and received, a variance, which allowed them to sell a certain percentage of the project before the improvements had to be made. Experts at the time predicted it might take 10 years to reach that percentage. The county commissioners agreed to this, even though the county traffic engineers said these road improvements needed to be made right away. The road was improved and the public paid for it!

Since I'm sure Richard Mulholland's company has now developed, and sold, a large percentage of the aforementioned parcel, I think they should now 'pony up' and pay their fair share.

R.O. McCORKLE

Brandon

Make Roads Cycler Safe

Regarding 'Truck Hits, Kills USF Cycling Team Founder' (Metro, Oct. 23):

My onetime marathon running partner, Eric Sandler, the courageous coach of young triathletes, often encouraged me to ride with him and on occasion in the relative safety of Forrest Hills we rode together. We often talked about the lack of safety for bicycle riders provided in this state where safety can't be allowed to slow the growth at the added cost of sidewalks or cyclists lanes. Well yet another rider has died.

I say talk to your state legislators and county commissioners and prevent another needless death.

As for the young man whose death I am utilizing as a reminder, my sympathies go out his family and friends as well as to all who've fallen before and will fall again, as it could be my family or my friends mourning as his certainly are.

JOHN C. FOLLMAN

Tampa

Observe The Rules

It is with great remorse I learn of the tragedy involving Joshua Kuck. I fail to understand the prevalent practice of experienced cyclists ignoring the rules of the road, traffic signs and signals.

I have ridden enough to appreciate the pain of starting and stopping when your pace is really moving. However because my old car does not idle very well is it OK for me to run stop signs and red lights because it's inconvenient for me to stop?

I hope this tragedy saves a future life when some cyclists will acknowledge that to be granted the privileges of the roadway deserves a respect of the rules that govern their use.

BOB McCONNELL

Lithia

Not Very Businesslike

Regarding 'Approved County Transit Proposal Saps Sales Tax Fund' (The Tampa Tribune Oct. 17):

Taxpayers, let's do the math. The Community Investment Tax was to generate over $4.7 billion in its 30-year life. In a previous Tribune article, it was pointed out that the money generated by the tax was to be spent in five-year increments.

On Oct. 17, the County Commission obligated $500 million for roads which should be funded by gas taxes. This leaves $250 million to spend in the remaining 20 years. However, the sheriff wants that $250 million balance now to build a new jail.

Other projects funded by the CIT include $27 million for the art center (appropriated by Tampa), $17 million for the history museum, and don't forget the $7 million paid for the museum plans that will never be used because the design was too elaborate. That totals $51 million for private not-for-profit use.

Now, let's summarize the math: $4.7 billion divided by 30 years equals zero dollars divided by 20 years.

Congratulations to our local city and county officials who say they want to run government like a business.

TINA COURNOYER

Tampa

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