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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 2, 2009

Two-Party System

Regarding "Strip The Party Politics From Supervisor Post" (Our Opinion, Feb. 25):

Voters have the right of full disclosure. Supposed nonpartisans at a local agency run and say they are, but the majority is deeply involved in their party's local, state and national politics.

Are they truly nonpartisan when they endorse and campaign only for fellow Democrats? Are they truly nonpartisan when they travel to national political conventions? Are they truly nonpartisan when only party operatives work for them on the trail and in office?
Nonpartisan elections hide from the voters who the candidates really are. If candidates want to be nonpartisan, drop their party affiliations. If voters want a nonpartisan officeholder, vote for that nonaffiliated and really nonpartisan candidate.

Good or bad, we are a two-party system. That system must apply from dog catcher to president. Anything less is a ruse to mask a candidate's true political leanings that confuses voters to think the candidate is something they are not - nonpartisan.

GENE WELLS

Tampa

Have A Plan B

Regarding "Reaping The Poison Fruit" (Carl Hiaasen, Other Views, Feb. 21):

Hiaasen, a Florida native, sounds like a recent arrival to the Sunshine State who expected the government to provide all the amenities enjoyed elsewhere. While his points are well-taken, he ignores poor personal planning as a cause of the discomforts he describes. Simply put, if you move into an area have a plan B and/or a strong social safety net to carry you in tough times.

It is not the fault of natives and long-time residents if there is an element of the population that moves from place to place with no clear aims and limited skills. It is also a fact of life that areas with lots of retirees aren't usually enthusiastic about funding certain activities, like public education. While it might be a shame that Florida is not the ideal paradise that it could be, real estate developers did not force people to move here.

I would like to see a study that examines the relationship between frequent moving and deteriorating neighborhoods. If you come here just for the sunshine and don't prepare for anything else, you get what Hiaasen describes.

LEONARD MARTINO

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.

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