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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 29, 2009

Thorny Public Policy

Regarding "Florida Governor Should Veto Florida Forever Suspension" (Our Opinion, Jan. 27):

Tribune editors have in recent years lost sight of the state's proper role in the acquisition of public lands. Between wildlife preservation and management, water resource management and federal lands maintained by the state, Florida manages over 5 million acres - a number that keeps climbing.

Yet, every time editors want to set aside another parcel, the call goes out that it's irreplaceable pristine wilderness that must be preserved. In fact, much of it is worn-out forestry land. Ditto for mining, ranching, citrus farming and sugar-cane production lands.

The use of imminent domain is well established; similarly, the outright purchase of hard assets for a specific public benefit, such as building hospitals, roads or prisons, also can be a beneficial role for state government. But to simply buy private land, much of it having rather questionable retail value, for the purpose of preservation alone becomes a bit thornier as public policy - even more so when so many appropriate public needs are being cut by the budget ax.

JIM PARKER

Lakeland

Protecting Our Water

Regarding "Governor Should Veto Florida Forever Suspension:"

I agree wholeheartedly. All your comments were right on the mark. Everyone should read this.

Once a suspension is in effect, the program will never be regained. Where will we be if developers build on critical springs and land that protects our water supplies? Think about it.

Which is more critical - the supply of potable water or the alternative? No question, it's water. Without it, people would have to leave the state, and all kinds of bad happenings would occur.

We have to keep "Florida Forever."

MAXINE HAMMOND

Land O' Lakes

Where Was Board?

Our two children attend Plant City High School. While my daughter will graduate this year, my son will begin his junior year in August. According to the proposed boundary changes, my son will be zoned to attend the new Strawberry Crest High School.

My husband and I attended the community meeting about the proposed changes Monday night. We were very disappointed that there were no school board members in attendance. Although we were assured our comments and concerns would be taken to the board, I am appalled that not one member had the courtesy to come hear the comments in person.

I can only speculate that if this meeting had been about boundary changes to Plant High School in Tampa, both the school board and media would have shown much more interest. It is apparent to me that the eastern part of the county is not as important.

MOLLY HARLOW

Plant City

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....

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