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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 8, 2009

Consider Facts On Aero Park

I would like to present some facts in response to Mr. Kuch's (Feb. 1) letter regarding safety at Tampa North Aero Park. First off, I am a pilot and a supporter of all airports, including Tampa North Aero Park. Secondly, I believe in basing opinions on all the facts rather than conjecture.

Therefore, I would like to present the facts regarding Tampa North Aero Park. A records search of the FAA incident database and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation database revealed a total of 14 incidents at Tampa North since 1985. Of those, only three were off the airport property, and one of these was an aircraft that had an engine failure while at cruising altitude near the airport and landed on I-75. Tampa North was not the intended destination; it just happened to be nearby when the engine failed. This leaves two incidents off the airport property in 24 years. In my opinion, this appears to be safe and reasonable operation and use of the airport. Hopefully, other citizens can review the facts before forming a negative opinion about the safety of Tampa North.

CHRIS KOUTRAS

Land O' Lakes

Airport Was There First

I am totally fed up with people who build or buy near an existing airport, then whine about the airport being too close. Look at aerial photography from 1974, and you'll see NO homes other than those associated with the airport - and NONE off either end of the runway. Bottom line is, since the airport was there first, if anything should be removed it should be the homes. Or at least the owners should be taught the meaning of "buyer beware." Next these people will want the taxpayers to put up those ugly sound-barricading walls to "protect" them from I-75 noise, which also predates their homes.

KEN MCLAUGHLIN

Zephyrhills

CVS Policy Reflects On Store

The CVS store located on Mansfield and County Line Road has shown its true colors. Despite the closeness to recreational areas, day care center and schools, (CVS) now has beer in its store. Meadow Pointe residents who are against this anti-community snub should give them the same consideration they gave us. CVS' "smoke and mirrors" policy could reflect back on them!

RAYMOND KOBASKO

Wesley Chapel

Better Ideas For Stimulus Package

I am deeply concerned by the activities of our lawmakers in Washington. I am proposing two ideas they ought to consider:

•On the stimulus program, we already have in place S-2021, the "Build America Bonds" program established in 2007, for corporate and individual investors. This program could be expanded to enable ordinary Americans to purchase bonds similar to class EE or I savings bonds in denominations of $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000. This proposal has the potential to raise $2 trillion over a two-year period. Thus, all Americans could participate in our country's future by saving money sensibly. The key for success is vigorous promotion of this program.

•GOP lawmakers are proposing, for a limited time, that the federal government guarantee mortgages to stimulate the housing market. This proposal would only benefit real estate speculators. A better plan would be for the government to negotiate with banks and private lenders who already are exposed to huge losses from foreclosures. These subprime mortgages could be rewritten, the principal negotiated downward to fair market value, adding the unpaid payments, without fees or penalties, to the principal. A federal guarantee would be beneficial to millions of Americans, banks and lenders, at a savings of hundreds of billion of dollars.

ARNE GUSTAFSON

Hudson

Budget Woes Due To Amendment 1

This letter is in reference to the (Feb. 1) letter written by P.J. Corr of Wesley Chapel regarding county vehicles.

I am a government employee and disagree with what this individual states about county vehicles. The county has drastically cut down on the use of "take-home" vehicles. Has it ever occurred to the citizens of Pasco County that the county commission is in the (budget) predicament because the citizens are the ones that voted for Amendment One a year ago?

I hope homeowners in Pasco were happy with their so-called "discount" on their property taxes. It wasn't much. But the results of voting for that amendment are everlasting. Thanks to that amendment, the largest employer of Pasco was not able to give pay raises, as the cost of living keeps rising. My suggestion to P.J. Corr: There may be things you do not know. If you think you could do a better job, run for county commission.

KIMBERLY ZINSER

New Port Richey

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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