Readers' comments on business news

Electric vehicles

True costs yet to be determined

The politically correct followers are all touting the production of hybrid electric and the all-electric vehicles; their basic concept for saving on the use of energy is fair.

There are some questions they seem to be avoiding, such as: Where is the electricity to charge these vehicles coming from? What is the value cost when compared to the current petroleum vehicles? How does the operator of an electric vehicle charge the vehicle away from home if the all-electric vehicle can last for an average of 100 miles?

The most important questions no one talks about are these: What happens to the batteries in the electric vehicles when they wear out or break down? How do they get recycled, other than in China with little or no pollution controls? Who is going to recycle the batteries and what is the cost to the consumer and the environment to recycle them? When these questions are answered, the question is: What is the overall cost compared to our current system of vehicles?

I do not wish to show favoritism toward the petroleum industry, but until these questions are answered with intelligent and safe solutions, I feel a moratorium should be placed on the manufacturing, sales and use of electric vehicles.

For saying "oops" tomorrow is too late. The damage is done and has created one more problem.

Adolph F. Panella Jr., Valrico

Home price slide likely July 27

The bright side is affordability

There is no doubt that the "bottom line" in real estate is heading for the basement and all the while getting deeper. On the flip side, owning a home is becoming more affordable and a reality for some. Folks were getting too used to the inflated and unrealistic prices — which, in my opinion, no one should have paid.

In the process, lots of folks made lots of money during those good times. The way I see it, though, is that homes are once again returning to realistic prices. And with that, my hope is that property taxes will become more realistic and affordable, as well.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater