Letters To The Editor

Unappreciative Of Art

Regarding "Your Name Could Adorn Tampa's Art" (Metro, Dec. 22):

What has the Tampa Museum of Art done to Daniel Ruth? His column was nasty. Is this supposed to be a sense of humor?

As a member of the Tampa Museum and a past president of Friends of the Arts, I took great offense at his column. Obviously the editors of the paper did not, or they would have asked him to tone it down.

This is a critical time for the arts in Tampa, and, a city of this size should have an outstanding building to house their collection. The referred to "pots and pans" are known worldwide. We should be grateful to the late Joseph Noble for letting us have his collection of Roman and Greek antiquities.

I think Mr. Ruth owes us all an apology for writing a hate column that can only hurt the future of the Tampa Museum of Art. I am sorry that he does not appreciate art. It is his loss.

SUE SUTKER

Tampa

The Spark For Growth

Beginning with a thought, new things are created, developed, designed, built, invented or conceived (unfortunately the latter sometimes happens without thought or plan). As a thought grows, more creative ideas are added. In the past when the Tampa Museum of Art was created, the potential development did not have the needed support or drive from us who live here in order to assist in its growth. Perhaps a new location and added interest - despite Daniel Ruth's derogatory column - will create the needed spark.

CARYL MATHIS

Tampa

Council Did Right Thing

Regarding "Hyde Park Plan Clears Hurdle" (front page, Dec. 21):

I live in Hyde Park, one block from Old Hyde Park Village and was delighted to see the Tampa City Council do the right thing by passing the plan for redevelopment of the village. I have lived in Tampa for over 72 years and remember the village in its heyday with the streetcar running through and a place of activity.

We seem to get stuck in this historical frame of mind about Hyde Park, forgetting that most of these homes were built after 1900 and do not compare to places like Philadelphia, New Orleans and Savannah. Historically speaking, Tampa has an old hotel built around the turn of the century that houses the University of Tampa and a football team that will forever be remembered for losing 16 straight games in 1976.

The Tampa City Council needs more of the likes of Mr. Miranda, and thanks to the other three members who voted for the project.

L. DENNIS CRAIG

Tampa

Why Only City Jobs?

Regarding "Council Hits Privatizing Jobs" (Metro, Dec. 21):

Another article concerning the possibility 100 City of Tampa workers may be dismissed. This is only the beginning of the newspaper, radio and television articles we shall see on this topic.

As someone who has experienced the loss of a job, I can attest this is a personal tragedy for each of those employees and their families. However, where is the public outcry when private interests fire, lay off or dismiss hundreds? Why are these 100 public workers more important and deserving special attention than the 750 Home Depot employees who recently were notified their jobs were being terminated?

EVERETT FINNIGAN

Port Richey

Don't Let Music Die

Regarding "Fitness Pushed To Head Of Class" (front page, Dec. 18):

I attend Williams Middle Magnet School. This article was brought to my attention during my orchestra class. My class and I were told that if this bill is passed, some programs from year-long courses will be eliminated. We were told that the most endangered courses are the music programs: orchestra, band and chorus.

I do not think that the elimination of the music programs would be fair to students because of extra physical education. Many students have extracurricular activities outside of school. When asked, over three-fourths of the members in orchestra and band at my school participated in some sort of sport after school. To participate in an orchestra outside of school, you have to pay an enormous fee. The free experience of orchestral music will be lost to many students who cannot afford the rentals and participation costs. Music can also provide college scholarships. Many students climb out of poverty with music.

Music classes provide a brief break from the core classes, but are still challenging and engrossing.

ALISON CHOI

Tampa

Gambling With River

Regarding "Protecting The Alafia River Is In Hillsborough's Best Interest" (Our Opinion, Dec. 15):

I applaud the Trib's support for Tampa Bay Water's effort to raise the water classification of the Alafia River. Although I am in favor of protecting drinking water resources, will reclassification lead to increased withdrawals from the Alafia? Tampa Bay Water has already been granted permission to temporarily increase withdrawals from the Alafia River above approved minimum flows. I believe they will eventually ask to do this permanently by supplementing the natural flow of the river using reclaimed water. This will be a very risky move!

Many scientists believe that augmentation using reclaimed water will pose serious environmental and health risks. Not only does reclaimed water contain levels of nitrogen detrimental to Tampa Bay, it also contains numerous contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and traces of personal care products. I don't think we should gamble with the health of our river or our citizens.

As a single act, Tampa Bay Water's request to reclassify the Alafia is certainly in our best interests. I hope this isn't a prelude to more ominous plans for the Alafia.

BOB MINTHORN

Gibsonton