TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

Super job

Congratulations to Dick Beard and the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee. Super Bowl XLIII and all of the festivities surrounding the big game was an enormous success. Everything was top notch. From the hotels to the restaurants to all of the volunteers, everyone went above and beyond to pull off a fantastic celebration. We here at the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee tip our hat to you.

No detail was overlooked. No request too big or too small. It's obvious your planning was meticulous, which was reflected in the tremendous media coverage. I especially want to recognize all of those in the law enforcement community who handled this enormous event with incredible professionalism. They are important partners in this effort.

Finally, to the residents of the Tampa Bay area: You made all of us feel welcome and left us with great memories, and for that, you should be very proud. You set the bar high and we can't wait to see you in South Florida next year for Super Bowl XLIV.

RODNEY BARRETO

Miami Gardens

Too Much Noise

In response to The Tampa Tribune front page story Tuesday on the B+ grade given to Tampa for hosting the Super Bowl: Family members who stayed in downtown Tampa for the weekend had their stay marred by blaring noise from car stereos. It happened every night. It was so annoying they attempted to change hotels both Thursday and Friday nights but couldn't find another hotel. Finally, on Saturday, they stayed with me to get away from the noise. Laws are on the books against such behavior, but are not sufficiently enforced.

My family agreed that despite the great entertainment, dining, and hospitality, this single factor will prevent their return as tourists. It's a shame law enforcement allows this problem to continue. Other cities enforce such laws. Until we do, expect tourists such as my family members to not return.

DAVID JOHNSTON

Clearwater

Mistakes Do Happen

Perhaps folks should not be so quick to condemn Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner for not paying Social Security taxes. I could have been among those pointing fingers, but it happened that years ago when I worked as an engineer for a start-up on a consulting basis, I had a complicated life, so even though I paid income taxes on $44,000 earnings, it didn't occur to me that I was now self-employed and should pay Social Security tax.

As soon as I was aware of this, I wrote the Social Security office twice for advice, but received no answer - probably because I was so close to retirement. The additional tax would have netted me a larger retirement income. Consequently, the main concern I would have about Geithner is not that he's a crook, but that he may not be good at multitasking.

YOLANDE KERSEY

Tampa

A Tax Break

This is in sharp-stick-in-the-eye category: Someone should submit and sponsor the "Tim Geithner Tax Treatment for All" bill, a moratorium on tax penalties or even audits while Tim Geithner is in office.

ERNEST LANE

Trinity

Disappointing Picks

President Obama stated in his speeches that he would not have any lobbyists in his administration and he would have transparency in his appointments.

His Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner failed to pay past taxes. He admitted his mistake and paid his back taxes. Obama and the Democratic Senate approved his nomination. Tom Daschle, another appointee, had problems with his past taxes and, despite Obama's support, withdrew. Gov. Bill Richardson, another Obama nominee, withdrew after he was a subject of an investigation.

If Treasury Secretary Geithner was a Republican nominee he would be immediately removed from consideration by the Democratic Congress.

STAN LOBODINSKI

Tampa

Forget Bipartisanship

The media tell us that President Obama should continue to seek bipartisan support for the badly needed economic stimulus package. Nonsense. The president will get nowhere trying to appease the Republicans in Congress.

Look at the GOP senators and representatives who remain in Congress. There are no moderate Dwight Eisenhower types left. What remains is a collection of hard-core right wingers from safe GOP districts, mainly in the deep South. And what they offer is nothing more than warmed-over Reaganism and other failed ideas like additional millionaire tax cuts.

We just had an election - remember? And what the American people voted for is strong progressive leadership and bold action without apologies.

SCOTT COCHRAN

Tampa

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. The 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 phone number. Mail to: P.O. Box 191, Tampa, FL 33601-0191. Or e-mail without attachments: tribletters@tampatrib.com.

Also, read and participate in the Tribune editorial board's blog, "Thinking Out Loud," at www.tboblogs.com/index.php/thinkoutloud/categories....

Rodney Barreto is chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT