Nature Coast Technical High's cell phone ban unfair to students

School's cell ban unfair to students

I am a student at Nature Coast Technical High School. I took the FCAT last year and scored exceptionally well. I gave up my cell phone before the test and did nothing wrong. Most everyone did nothing wrong, but now we have a cell phone ban at my school. Twelve students, most of them weren't even in my grade, decided to be stupid during the FCAT last year, and now because of them we can't bring cell phones to school. If they are visible at any time, even lunch they are taken away. I think this is a little overdramatic.

A few people started texting before the test was "officially" over and now the student body as a whole is being punished? Why should the policy punish the many for the crimes of a few? It makes no sense. You think just because we can't have cell phones those few students will care? It didn't stop them during FCAT. Why should it stop them now?

The only thing it is accomplishing is to make things even more difficult for the other students who did nothing wrong. I think the principal is just responding to the media pressure. Yes, we had the majority of students break the cell phone ban. That doesn't mean my school is full of a bunch of cheaters like I've heard some people comment.

I'm a good student. I love my school. If you have a problem with this county then get out already. I'm tired of the comments from single-minded people who view things with the bias of: Well, my child goes to Springstead.

We are all just kids trying to figure out how to grow up. We are no different and no worse than you were at our age, but the world outside is different. Technology will present problems. But, growing up in this world, it is reassuring to have a cell phone in case something goes wrong. If you read the newspaper I'm sure you know it does go wrong, frequently.

Mary Parlett, Spring Hill

Good try Crist, but taxes still high

I received my notice of proposed property taxes from the Hernando County taxing authorities. The information on the tax notice tells me that all the time and effort devoted by Gov. Charlie Crist to reduce my tax burden was wasted.

My taxable value was $18,777 less for 2008 than it was for 2007, due to the additional exemption that Gov. Crist was able to get enacted. My total tax for 2008 was $137.02 more for 2008 than it was for 2007 if the taxing authorities use the same budget for both years.

Thanks, governor, for trying but, you just can't get around those bureaucrats. They have been doing it to us for too long.

Hubert Hurst, Hernando Beach

Judge's wife, firm gave little to cause

I want to clarify the statement, made by the Times in its Aug. 18 article regarding my campaign financing, which read: "His campaign is supported financially by the Hogan Law Firm and Mary Scaglione, the wife of Hernando County Judge Don Scaglione."

The article is correct that my campaign has received a campaign contribution from each of these two persons. However, any perception that they may have contributed large financial sums to my campaign is incorrect . As disclosed in a previous campaign contribution filing as required by Florida election law, the Hogan Law Firm contributed $250 (half of allowed amount) and Mary Scaglione contributed $100 (one-fifth of allowed amount) to my campaign. My total campaign contributions are $12,558.

In addition, one must remember that Florida election law and the canons of judicial ethics prohibit any contribution to any election campaign from a judge. Consequently, any contribution from a judge's family member should not be construed as a contribution to or endorsement of my candidacy from the judge.

Michael Lamberti,

Candidate for 5th Circuit

judge, Group 3

Spring Hill will miss Morty

I was in Massachusetts when Bob Kanner notified me of Morty Miller's death. Many pleasant memories came to mind concerning Morty and his many contributions to Spring Hill.

Morty was very effective as an officer in the Spring Hill Civic Association in the 1980s and '90s. He oversaw the deliberations of our Architectural Review Committee, which prevented many contractors from violating our deed restrictions. He was especially vigilant of the County Commission and never backed away from presenting his views on matters affecting Spring Hill.

He and his late wife and my wife and I went out to eat several times. He could eat a pound of pasta and never gain an ounce. I eat a quarter-pound of pasta and I gain 2 pounds. Morty kept his slim figure throughout his entire life.

Spring Hill is indebted to Morty for his work as a volunteer on behalf of our residents. I, for one, will miss him.

Nick Morana, Spring Hill