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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 1, 2009

Aero Park Isn't Safe Or Reasonable

I have to respond to the FAA spokesperson in the (Jan. 28) article ("Federal Study Requested For Tampa North Aero Park"). I did contact the Aero Park owner and was told by Charlie that he couldn't (wouldn't) do anything about the planes that fly over my house that is situated at least 700 feet north of the direct flight path. So much for that suggestion. And the assertion that we're operating in one of the safest periods in aviation history is at best laughable. We've had two crashes (one fatal) here in Wesley Chapel in the last four years. The next one could be into one of the 2,500 houses that surround the airfield. Let's face it: The airfield serves less than 100 people and puts upwards of 7,500 people at risk. How safe or reasonable is that?

WILLIAM H. KUCH

Wesley Chapel

Hold Our Elected Officials Accountable

I am responding to a statement made by Dade City Commissioner Steve Van Gorden in the article, "Van Gorden Pays For Election 'Mistake'"(Jan. 24).

I did file a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission in February. I was dismayed at Mr. Van Gorden's statement, "The funny thing is, she supported me in my first two races." He added, "We had a falling-out during the last campaign."

In 2004, I was invited to a political fundraiser for Mr. Van Gorden at a friend's house. I did make a contribution at that time. I did not work on his campaign, nor did I assist in his 2000 campaign. What really bothered me about his statement was the alleged "falling-out." We had no falling-out. It never happened. I know Mr. Van Gorden well enough to say "hello," "How are you?" etc., and that has been the extent of any conversation.

For the record, I examined the paperwork on all the Dade City Commission candidates. This was not the first time I have filed an election campaign complaint, and it probably won't be the last. It is up to the public to hold their elected officials accountable. What is sad is that 500 other Dade City voters did not file complaints. Perhaps they, too, will be more aware from now on.

JEAN MCNARY

Dade City

Tax Dollars Aren't For Luxury Vehicles

Recently, on State Road 54, in stop-and-go traffic due to road repaving, I noticed and admired a late model, glossy white Ford Explorer SUV with dark tinted windows, shiny chrome wheels, white wall tires, etc., and, no doubt, all the interior "bells and whistles."

On the door was the Pasco County government logo, with a "Traffic Operations" decal, a yellow county government tag (No. 33322) and a roof mounted, "emergency" light bar.

Some public employees do need vehicle transportation to perform their duties. But the county's purchase of a luxury SUV (no doubt the driver's "take-home" car), is a criminal misuse of our tax dollars.

And, in a display of public employee arrogance, the driver turned on his "emergency" lights, drove into and down a barricaded lane at high speed past the stopped traffic. Minutes later, I saw him parked in the median casually chatting with a repaving worker.

So much for Pasco's "budget crunch" and our elected officials who whine about it.

P.J. CORR

Wesley Chapel

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Have something to say? Submit a letter to the editor and let your neighbors know what you think about issues affecting the community or whatever's on your mind. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Please include your name, where you're from and a phone number. Most letters will run on Sundays. Send your thoughts to:

Letters to the Editor

38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills FL 33542

E-mail submissions to

jscullin@tampatrib.com.

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