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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 22, 2009

Classy Departure

Well, George and Laura Bush arrived at the White House eight years ago with class and dignity (despite the nastiness of the Gore campaign and the pettiness of the outgoing Clinton administration), and they left with class and dignity (despite the childishness of the hecklers at inaugural events).

We can only hope that the Obamas will bring the same class and dignity to the White House.

RAY KELLY

Spring Hill

Poor Treasury Nominee

Timothy Geithner, President Obama's pick for Treasury secretary, admits that his failures to pay taxes for 2001 and 2002 were "careless, avoidable mistakes."

He also goes on to say that "they were unintentional" and "he should have been more careful."

We are in an era of unprecedented chaos in the economic world and cannot afford mistakes, careless or otherwise. Why on Earth would this man be put in a position to fix the nation's financial crisis when he can't even keep his own finances straight?

KATHY LANE

Lithia

Describe Castor's Plan

After we have spent so much money bailing out banks, bailing out the homeowners sounds like a good idea, but we must avoid subsidizing irresponsible behavior, and expecting those who exhibit good behavior to pay for it.

You said in your editorial, "After Bailing Out Banks, Don't Forget Homeowners" (Our Opinion, Jan. 20), that an approach like that of Rep. Kathy Castor makes sense. I wish you had told us what it was. "Investigate each situation individually and apply consistent standards" is self-evident and doesn't provide any details.

ERNEST LANE

Trinity

Turn Signals

Kudos to Cindy Conti for her letter (Views, Jan. 18) recommending that the police give tickets to those who do not use signals when changing lanes. Now, if we could only get all the traffic police themselves to do it!

I heartily endorse the idea of drivers of police cars habitually doing these things first, then giving at least warnings, and then tickets to those who don't.

DALLAS TUTHILL

Sun City Center

Just The Way You Are

Based on Walt Belcher's article "On The Hunt For Mr. Right" (GETAWAY, Jan. 18), Whitney Casey's "The Man Plan: Drive Men Wild - Not Away" would have to be a funny book.

It's not difficult to find a man, when a woman is in her child-bearing years. However, if a single woman is older and average looking, she may want to consider improving her attitude and personality. Quitting cigarettes will increase a woman's options.

Since Casey is an ex-jockette and formerly married to a jock, she seems to indicate that men want to marry a jock. Granted, some men would rather hang out in the locker room and pop each other on the buttocks with a towel, but there are also men who want a feminine woman.

If you're the reason God made mini-skirts, then you will definitely get most men's and some women's attention. However, men do want a woman who knows how to dress appropriately for the occasion.

Women, be yourselves. Don't be a walking false advertisement. Someone will like you just the way you are.

Merely, Mr. Right

J. D. WRIGHT

Land O'Lakes

Careless Reporting

I must respond to Steve Otto's column, "For Sports Authority, Trimalchio's Feast" (Sept. 16). Otto's commentary on the budget item approved by the Tampa Sports Authority's executive committee for catering at the Super Bowl is short on facts and very misleading.

The TSA board of directors, comprised of elected officials, business and community leaders, is responsible for overseeing the management and operation of numerous public sporting venues, including Raymond James Stadium.

The TSA has worked with the National Football League, the Super Bowl Task Force and many others to ensure that the Super Bowl will be a great success for the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa Bay community.

Otto failed to clearly point out several key facts while writing his column. Any TSA board member who chooses to attend the Super Bowl must pay the full face value of the game ticket ($1,000).

The TSA's executive committee voted to select the least expensive catering package available through the NFL's vendor only after it was determined that no other option existed and catering was required. The executive committee also voted that no additional expense would be incurred by the TSA.

I wish that Otto would have taken the time to attend the TSA budget meetings last summer when the board spent many hours debating the proposed budget, sought cost-cutting measures and ultimately voted to substantially cut the TSA budget, while still meeting the TSA's contractual obligations to its tenants.

I trust and respect my fellow TSA board members and I believe that their reputations should not be tarnished by careless reporting.

VINCENT MARCHETTI

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....

The writer is chairman of the Tampa Sports Authority.

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