FEE WOULD PUNISH THOSE WHO RECYCLE

I have not heard anything more coming from the Pasco County administrators on the proposed revamping of the recycle program.

For 19 years, I have recycled via the blue bag and, on my own, taken newspapers to the bin, plastic bags to the grocery store and egg cartons to Publix. Thousands of Pasco residents do it. Far too many do not. Shame.

Now, if this law passes, then we will be penalized with higher tipping fees. We will pay for something we have done right along on our own and for free!

And you know something? Probably, 75 percent or more of those not recycling today will not recycle afterward. Of the more than 20 houses on my street, four or five recycle now.

Has the county heard: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink?

Fred W. Cannock, New Port Richey

Stealing signs stifles free speech

When I went to bed Wednesday night, there were three political campaign signs in my front yard. The next morning when I went to get my paper, they were gone. Now I realize the value of the signs is not much, nor would I waste the time of our Police Department to try to find the culprits. There is one thing though that bothers me.

Someone, and I don't know who, is making an attempt to silence my political views and curtail my freedom of speech. This person or persons illegally removed from my property three signs. They contained the names of, in alphabetical order, Mike Agnello, Curtis Beebe and Steve Van Gordon. These are the three candidates I'm supporting in the upcoming Dade City election, and by placing their signs in my yard, I am trying to convince others to support them, too.

While I haven't changed my mind about whom I'm going to vote for, it might appear as if I have. What the intent of the people who did this was I don't know, but by removing the signs, they have created the impression that I have changed my mind. That is certainly not true.

I have no idea who did this, nor am I accusing anyone; however, my neighbor across the street has the political sign for one of the opponents of a candidate I am supporting. This is a fact. It was there Wednesday night and it was still there in the morning. I'll let people draw their own conclusions.

William Dennis, Dade City

Congress waiting too long to act

I am irritated by the total number of requests I get in the mail from senior citizen groups asking for money to help Congress promote the passing of HR 368, the Notch Fairness Act.

I estimate that I receive an average of one letter per week and if I paid the minimum requested it would be over $500 per year. Who is helping whom?

What is Congress waiting for? Does it want us all to die before acting? I would judge that between 60 and 70 percent are dead already.

If you should read this, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, maybe you could help correct this injustice. Time is a big factor since the youngest in the group is, or will be, 82 this year.

L. Russell Allen, Holiday

Park program deserves praise

On March 2, my 4-year-old grandson and I attended Park Awareness Day at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. Congratulations to those who set up and volunteered for the day. They were so helpful with all the projects.

There were so many attractions for the children to do. It was a great afternoon of fun.

Pam Laskley, Port Richey

Sumners boosted CARES benefit

On Feb. 28th, CARES held its annual benefit honoring retired County Attorney Robert Sumner at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club in San Antonio. Mr. Sumner was toasted by Martha Barnett, Billy Brown, Hjalma Johnson, Dr. Marcellino Oliva, Barbara Wilhite and Ted Williams.

We would like to thank everyone who helped to plan and who participated in this event: the toasters, the planning committee and the attendees. We especially want to thank Mr. Sumner for lending his name to this benefit which raised over $50,000 that will be used to support CARES home care for the frail elderly, CARES senior enrichment centers and specialized support services.

CARES takes pride in providing badly needed services to older adults in our area. However, two-thirds of the persons requesting custodial home care to remain safely and independently in their homes do not receive it because of a lack of funds. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Sumner's support and participation in this event, we raised funds to provide assistance to truly needy seniors.

The CARES board, staff, volunteers, business partners and contributors sincerely appreciate the contributions of time, effort, skills and money that made our annual benefit a success. And, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to Robert and Marlene Sumner.

Mary Giella and Lowell Harris, CARES benefit chairmen