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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 2, 2009

Wind Protection Needed

A new law that was effective Jan. 1 requires homeowners to install wind protection for windows and doors if they are insured with Citizens for a value of $750,000 or more and live within the wind-borne debris zone.

In order for them to retain insurance coverage with Citizens, the protection must meet the Florida Building Code, which allows plywood, shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors.

This law makes sense for Florida taxpayers, because if hurricane losses are greater than the reserves of Citizens, the Florida taxpayer picks up the tab. Strengthening windows and doors reduces losses by 39 percent. The homes affected by this law are the costliest and riskiest homes in the state. By protecting their openings, homeowners reduce insurance premiums, and the Florida taxpayer is not holding the safety net in the event of a disaster.

Just last week Sen. Michael Bennett, who finds himself within the requirements of this new law, decided to tack a reversal of this law onto Senate Bill 2100.

We at PGT Industries oppose this reversal for several reasons. It could be said we (as a maker of windows and doors) stand to gain because of this law, and in some instances this is true. However, we do not gain anything with purchases of plywood or shutters. We employ almost 1,000 people who are Florida taxpayers. Our customers are small to medium business owners in Florida who are also taxpayers. We are the taxpayers who make up the safety net.

There will be another hurricane to make landfall in Florida. Protecting the costliest homes in the riskiest parts of Florida helps protect all the taxpayers.

ROD HERSHBERGER

Venice

Layoffs May Hurt Service

I am not sure if laying off workers in the clerk of court's office is a good idea. I had to file a motion at the clerk's office in August 2008. I arrived at the courthouse at 4 p.m. and was told by a worker at the counter that it was too late in the day and that the workers in the department that I needed had already shut down their computers.

Gee whiz, if the workers need to stop working and shut their computers off at 4 p.m., what time will they need to stop working when there are fewer workers?

SANDY ALLESS

Tampa

Stop Mall Madness

Citrus Park Town Center has masses of ill-behaved teenagers loitering there. I experienced that Friday. It is so bad that I won't go back to that mall in the evening.

It's a nightmare for me to see sheriff's deputies babysitting the children of the poor-excuse-for-parents whose complacency lets their kids hang out. Our police have better things to do.

The mall management may be motivated by learning the lost sales they are experiencing by ignoring the situation. I won't be back until efforts are made to disburse the madness, which we used to consider illegal loitering and/or illegal assembly.

If management really considers this a "town center," get some activities going that bring out the adults and parents of these adolescents.

MICHAEL ZMISTOWSKI

Tampa

Guardian Cuts Will Hurt

I liked the article "Three Little Words" in the Views section of Sunday's Tribune. Ashley Rhodes-Courter's book details her journey through "The System" (also known as Dependency Court). She also tells how the person that helped her the most was her guardian ad litem, an unpaid volunteer.

The GAL program tries to help all of the children in "The System." They do this with staff advocates, case coordinators, attorneys and a few supervisors.

Paid staffers handle the cases initially and usually handle 30 or more cases. The case coordinators assist the volunteers with their cases and reports.

This is a very cost-effective program because of the extensive use of volunteers. It is also the only program dedicated entirely to advocating for the children.

Although this is a cost-effective program, it is not without some costs to recruit, train, motivate, supervise and retain the many volunteers. Unfortunately, the Legislature now wants to cut the guardian's budget by 23 percent. This would reduce the staff available to help children and support volunteers.

Why is it that the politicians always seem to want to cut the programs that work?

I know these are tough budget times, and tough choices must be made. It is a shame that the Legislature will cut services to children before they will even consider a temporary penny increase in the state sales tax or even do away with some of the ridiculous tax exemptions (luxury boxes at stadiums comes to mind).

LYLE JAEGER

Riverview

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. Text should be original and no longer than 150 words. By making a submission you agree the Tribune may edit the letter for length and clarity and publish it in any medium. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Mail to P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601-0191 or e-mail without attachments to tribletters@tampatrib.com.

The writer is CEO of PGT Industries. The writer is a case coordinator for the 10th Judicial Circuit in Bartow.

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