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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

A Strong Role Model

Regarding "What's The Hardship: Fame Or Front Line" (Our Opinion, Jan. 24):

It is not often we find individuals such as Tony Dungy willing to support the good in mankind and give to others without question. Dungy is an inspiration and a strong role model. The power of Dungy doing the right thing for the right reason - and at the right time - has always brought a positive influence to our community.

He organized a father-son alliance to encourage fathers to be positive role models. He has given words of motivation to students in our community. He has provided hope to some who have none. He has written a book, "Quiet Strength," which shows how you can win in the game of life with some very encouraging principles that have helped him when he has had to face some of his toughest storms - storms a parent prays never to be faced with.

He followed the district special assignment application process and has chosen a public school he feels will best serve his family.

DENYSE RIVEIRO

Tampa

Football, Not Academics

Every administrator, teacher and student who attends Gaither High School should be insulted that Tony Dungy claims his son is attending Plant High School because of the academics.

Gaither High School, which is the school that his son should be attending, offers excellent academics. Is Dungy saying that it doesn't? Let's get real here. At least be honest. Dungy sent his son on "special assignment" to Plant because of the football program.

A Christian man should be more forthcoming.

CHRISTINE WALLACE

Tampa

Welcome, Eric Dungy

Your article questioning the fairness of Eric Dungy's special assignment interested me. If he was not the son of such a famous person, would we even be having this debate?

I live in the Plant district, am a Plant graduate and have a daughter who graduated from Plant and one presently attending. I have seen numerous students who have used illegal addresses over the years. We also have an older, remodeled home to allow my children to go to Plant.

I guess what I am saying is that I value limiting the special assignments as much as anyone, but applaud the Dungy family for going through proper channels. Based on your article, approximately 41 percent of special-assignment students are accepted into Plant, and I welcome Eric as one of them. If he is anything like his father, I am sure that he will be a nice addition to our school.

LISA NEHRIG

Tampa

Where Is Money Going?

I think there is a real problem with what is happening to our special-needs children in Hillsborough schools. I am a mother of a 13-year-son with autism. I know that the school district gets funding for him in the amount of some $38,000 just to have him in the school. These children bring in large amounts of money and yet are put in old trailers in the back of the school with no computers, no supplies, nothing.

My child needs a one-on-one aide and they have told me no one wants the job because the schools pay them minimum wage and no benefits. So where is this money going? I have also told them that I am looking into a special school for children with autism and the teacher agreed that it would be a great idea, but then had to retract that because the school district will not give that money to another school.

The way I look at this, he is in a very high-priced day care were the school district is keeping all the money for these children.

MELISSA BIDDLE

Valrico

Caller Deserved Better

Regarding "The 911 Disconnect Creates Dangerous Gap" (Other Views, Jan. 24):

As a 911 operator for Tampa Fire Rescue, I was stunned and quite frankly appalled by the experience Kris DiGiovanni had with Hillsborough County 911. One of the first things I was taught was that we don't hang up until help is on the way. At TFR, we are trained to anticipate these calls and have the numbers of most local and state agencies at each position to ensure fluidity of care and a rapid response.

I personally have had many callers that were out of our jurisdiction and can not fathom that the operator she got didn't help get her to the right agency; after all, our job is to help, not harm.

Calling 911 is the first step to getting help and this caller, as all callers do, deserved better service than she received.

THERESA FELTS

St. Petersburg

Victim Deserved Better

Regarding "911 Call Lost During Mom's Kidnapping" (Metro, Jan. 23):

What is wrong with people? Denise Amber Lee was screaming in Michael King's cousin's driveway and he did nothing? He should be charged with accessory to murder.

A woman sees King beating Lee in the car and makes a phone call; I would have run him off the road. This whole thing makes me sick. Does no one care about anything but themselves any more?

I wish that King's death could be as slow and terrifying as hers was.

RAYMOND GREENLEE

Riverview

For Party Members Only

I'm tired of independent voters trying to choose party candidates. Primaries are for members to choose the candidates to represent the party in the general elections. Only a party member may represent a party in the general election and only party members should be allowed to choose them.

If independent voters want to vote in the primary, they should register with a party or start and support their own party!

BOYD MELLOR

Venice

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