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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

Warming Will Be Short

Regarding "The Iceman Cometh" by Thomas Friedman (Other Views, Aug. 6):

Friedman recently accompanied researchers and officials from the University of Copenhagen, the United Nations and Denmark on an ice-drilling expedition in the Arctic.

The results of years of ice borings reveal that from 200,000 to 130,000 BC there was an Ice Age - 70,000 years long; followed by a shorter 15,000 year warming period; followed by another Ice Age of over 100,000 years. We are now in a short 13,000 year warming period.

Friedman wrote, "Remember: The earth is usually an ice ball."

Apparently, an Ice Age is again coming, as renowned scientist Carl Sagan showed in a two-hour PBS special only 25 years ago. The Polar Ice Cap will cover New York City according to the program, and Sagan's unanswered question was, "Where is the food going to grow for a vastly increased human population when the ice caps expand again?"

Why are we spending huge sums trying to prevent this very short period of global warmth?

PATRICK SEERY

Ruskin

Carey Rebuttal

For the past six years I have worked hard serving the citizens of Hillsborough County as a judge. I have rendered fair and impartial decisions based on the facts and the law, not politics. I care deeply about our community, and I have made a difference in various ways including providing free legal services to the poor prior to becoming a judge and tutoring underprivileged youngsters.

I hope voters will look at this race carefully and consider that those who are in a position to know best - the lawyers who have practiced in my courtroom and other leaders in the community familiar with my judicial service - believe I deserve to be re-elected. That is why I have been endorsed by 24 current and former presidents of the Hillsborough Bar Association as well as Sheriff David Gee, Public Defender Julianne Holt, county firefighters, Police Benevolent Association and the Federation of Labor.

I have served with honor, decency, integrity and been ethically above reproach. I ask voters to make an informed decision based on the facts, not negative campaigning.

J. KEVIN CAREY

Tampa

A Case Of Looting

Regarding "Police: Locksmith Takes Food, Liquor From Bennigan's (Metro, Aug. 1):

I am a public locksmith, certified by the Associated Locksmiths of America. I can open the front door to your home or office in almost the same time frame as you, but I don't need a key. I have access to confidential materials and tools not available to the general public. For this reason you may slow me down, but you cannot lock me out. Due to the privilege trusted in me, I should be held accountable for my honesty at a level higher than that of my neighbors.

I am enraged by the actions of the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. I too am owed much money by Bennigan's sister company Ponderosa, six months past due. Should I just take what I want because I can?

STEVEN S. WYMAN

Plant City

Hanzel Rebuttal

I am Peter Hanzel, candidate for Pasco County School Board, District 2. On Aug. 2, The Tampa Tribune wrote that of the three candidates running for school board, I had "the strongest background in education" and agreed that I was "impressive." I want to provide the intelligent voters of Pasco additional details about my candidacy.

My experience has been diverse; living in several states has afforded me the opportunity to observe different school systems. I am now retired. To review some of my goals:

1. I advocate that all Pasco County School Board meetings be televised.

2. I encourage Jr. ROTC be available at all high schools.

3. We must continue to prepare students for college and need to extend our vocational training/trade and agricultural programs.

4. I will draft an attendance policy for school board members.

I believe I am the most qualified candidate because I have taught in a variety of learning environments: public school, military settings, junior college and adult education. I have been a teacher, a supervisor of teachers, and have established vocational training programs.

I am not tethered to any special-interest group; my objective is clear, and that is to represent all residents. I want to use my experience, knowledge, and skills for the betterment of Pasco County School System.

PETER HANZEL

Wesley Chapel

Schmidt Rebuttal

The term you'll probably use is "sour grapes," but to thousands of voters in northwestern Hillsborough County, the more appropriate term seems to be "outrageous."

Clearly, the Tribune can and does endorse whom it chooses, but it was a sad and disgraceful omission to dismiss the goals I stated to you of improving student achievement, of bringing consensus, ethical decision-making and responsible use of our tax dollars back to the District 1 seat, with the dismissive remark of "Well, who doesn't?" I have to wonder.

Teachers, administrators, parents and all citizens of our county were taught a regrettable lesson by your choice. They learned that no matter what economic hardships we're experiencing, an elected official gathering $50,000 worth of frequent-flyer miles on the taxpayers' dime is OK with you. They learned that government in the sunshine needn't apply to elected officials if they happen to be friends. They learned that a public official needn't learn the basic rule of public service, and I stress that word "service." This lesson of service is not one my opponent has adopted.

By endorsing an unrepentant Susan Valdes, the Tribune surrendered its claim to editorial integrity.

DAVE SCHMIDT

Tampa

The writer is candidate for 13th Circuit Court judge, Group 7. The writer is candidate for Hillsborough County School Board, District 1.

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