Debate grows testy on staffing of fire trucksJune 13
Chief needs to rethink his numbers, entire mission
I have one question for St. Petersburg fire Chief James Large: How much did you sell your self-respect for?
To say that even if he had the funds he would continue to put two men on a ladder truck is a disservice to both the public and his firefighters. He claims he puts 15 firefighters at the scene but conveniently omits how long it takes for all of them to get there.
The ladder truck's function is to start entry and search of a building. It is impossible to do this with just two men, as the initial three minutes of a fire are critical to both rescue and fire suppression. St. Petersburg needs to re-evaluate its firefighting procedures and perhaps choose a chief more in tune with the public's needs.
Francis J. Bernard, Tierra Verde
Vandalism may close skate park | June 17
Beach police must step in
The vandalism by skateboarders at the community center park in St. Pete Beach is intolerable. It's reported that "almost every day the area is trashed, trash cans thrown over."
The Police Department is just south of the community center complex, so why haven't arrests been made? Why didn't the police zero in on the misbehavior that's almost at their doorstep? The Police Department should not move with glacial slowness, but swiftly, to apprehend these vandals who are a menace.
The community center park also seems to be a target of opportunity for those evildoers. As such, this area must be manned by determined defenders — dissuaders of disorder. Massive arrests by police would solve the problem.
Robert B. Fleming, St. Petersburg
Rain barrels hold promise
My new rain barrel from the Pinellas County Extension Service went into operation the other night. In the morning, when we checked it, it was full to the brim.
I painted a pretty picture on it and it sits by my front door and collects water from a small portion of my roof. This water is perfect for washing cars since it does not spot. It will be great for the lawn and plants.
Everyone who has a house with rain gutters could put a barrel out, just like in the old days, and go green.
Why can't the city have rainwater containment facilities and utilize all that free, clean water?
Gloria R. Julius, St. Petersburg
Share your views
Letters for publication should be addressed to Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. They can be sent by fax to (727) 893-8675 or through our Web site at sptimes.com/letters. They should be brief and must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.
News
