TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 15, 2008

Dogs Need Their Space

Regarding "More Dogs Down And Out" (Metro, Aug. 7):

Thank you for alerting the public to the tragedy of local dogs dumped by their financially stressed owners. Sadly, many of these dogs could have happy, loving homes if not for the shortsighted practices of Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, one of the subjects of your article. Their overly strict rules prevent lots of caring, responsible dog owners from adopting.

We had a golden retriever for 18 wonderful years, and when she passed we wanted another one. Of course we would rather rescue than purchase, so we spent two hours filling out the application for this rescue group. We would have taken a mixed breed of any age. They turned us down because we have a doggie door. They will only give dogs to people who keep them indoors.
Golden retrievers are sporting breeds that live to run, jump and play. It is cruel to put them in cages or tiny rooms for many hours a day. We've always believed that if you don't have dog-friendly fenced property, get a gerbil.

DEBRA HEDDING

Lutz

Take Control Of Kids

Regarding "Teens' Tragedy Gives Curfews Credence" (front page, Aug. 9):

What a tragedy. It's time for parents to say "no" to their children. Every generation pushes the limits. The fatal crash where two teenagers were killed and two teenagers were seriously injured should compel parents to discuss those limits.

Florida allows 15-year-olds to obtain a learner's permit, but with limitations: Operate a motor vehicle during daylight in the first three months and only until 10 p.m. A licensed driver at least 21 must be seated in the front. Why was this teenager allowed on the road at 12:09 a.m. without an adult?

What were four teenagers between ages 15 and 17 doing out at that time of night? A friend of the teens said, "We all stay out late; we all like to hang out with our friends." This is irresponsible on the part of the parents.

Take control and do what's best for your kids. They don't know what's best for them, only you do.

JOHN BEHOFF

St. Petersburg

It's Been Done Before

Regarding "Self-Promotion Clear On Ballot" (Letter of the Day, Aug. 13):

The letter writer must be new around here. We out here in the 'burbs well remember some years back when our own barely known elections supervisor, Pam Iorio, suddenly loomed larger, both in name and face, via official elections office correspondence.

Like the letter writer, we were "bugged," and sure enough, it wasn't too long before Supervisor Pam became Candidate Pam. Buddy Johnson is merely following a suit already legitimized by the now Mayor Pam, who proved it to be an effective and worthwhile strategy.

If I lived in Tampa with Tidmore, I think I'd be more bugged that my city was still filling up with water every time it rains.

R. M. SCOTT

Valrico

Conroy Rebuttal

My name is Terri Conroy and I am running for Pasco County commissioner, District 3, as a Democrat.

I'm not a disgruntled former employee of the county's traffic division who was arrested for DUI as my Democratic opponent is. I am a single, working mother of two daughters and former business owner who has worked hard to make Pasco a better place to live. Through business, my children's education and my faith, I have been involved in our community for almost 30 years because I wanted a better future for my family.

I am running for county commission for the same reason. I believe the commission should represent the people of Pasco, but they are nothing more than rich land owners and millionaires who are out of touch with the real needs of the citizens.

They don't care that the bus lines are basically useless; they never need to ride the buses. They don't care that our libraries cut services; they never need public access to computers to find a job, or use a county pool to relax with their kids.

I don't claim to have all the answers, but I am willing to work together with you to find the solutions to the many problems that face our county and that have faced our county for over 24 years.

TERRI CONROY

New Port Richey

Mitchell Rebuttal

Every day I see our people struggling to survive. I see it at the gas pump and the grocery store. I'll fight to reduce gas prices by cracking down on oil speculators and oil company collusion. I've investigated the oil industry before; I can do it again.

I'll always remember the soldier I met whose legs were shot away. I know how important it is bring our troops home safely and take care of our veterans. I help with dinners for our severely wounded soldiers and give them legal help. I am the only candidate in this race who has commanded troops in war.

I'll always remember the woman I met who got sick, lost her job, lost her house and was homeless for two years. I know the importance of accessible and affordable health care. I'm the only candidate in this race who has taken health insurance companies to court for failing to pay claims.

I'll support ideas that benefit the people of District 9 whether they come from Democrat or Republican. A good idea is a good idea.

BILL MITCHELL

Tampa

The writer is a Democratic candidate for U.S. representative, District 9.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT