LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Environmental Stewardship,

Offshore Drilling Can Coexist

In "Oiling The Opposition Machine," Hernando Today reporter Tony Marrero questioned the environmental impact of resource exploration near the Florida coast. However, thanks to improved technologies and updated safety exercises, environmental stewardship and offshore energy development can co-exist.

When Hurricanes Rita and Katrina lashed the thousands of oil platforms along the Gulf of Mexico, no significant amounts of oil spilled into the sea - a testament to the industry's innovative technologies and numerous safety exercises. Florida currently ranks third among all states in total energy consumption, yet produces less than 1 percent of all U.S. crude oil. Allowing access to the resources beneath Florida's coastline would create more domestic supply, more American jobs and pour millions of dollars in royalties into the state's economy. And through it all, Florida's scenic coastline and lush mainland would remain pristine.

David R. Mica

executive director

Florida Petroleum Council

Tallahassee

Vote For Democrats

Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate demonstrated once again why we must vote Democrats into office.

The bill that was voted on would have extended expiring provisions of the Medicare program to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low income benefit programs and maintain access to care in rural areas.

These are the programs that are important to those among us who are most in need and are least able to influence our legislators with generous campaign checks.

Every single Democrat in the Senate voted for the bill, but every Republican, save eight, voted against it, causing the bill to fail by one vote.

That crucial yes vote could have come from our own Sen. Melquíades Martinez, or from any of the other remaining 39 Republicans, but they seemed uniform in their allegiance to their special interest benefactors.

While electing a Democrat to the White House will be a huge step in the right direction, we must also see to it that we elect legislators at all levels of government whose loyalties are with the working folks that ride THE Bus, with the injured veterans who are denied medical discharges and with the families of our brave soldiers who are fighting in an unnecessary war.

This November it is up to us!

Steve Zeledon

Ridge Manor

Public Schools Need

To Tighten Their Belts

Enough is enough. It is not only we retirees on a fixed income, but the average working person who is stretched to the breaking point. We must live within our means, and so must the public school system.

People are leaving Hernando County because of high taxes and low wages. Yet the school administration has been the recipient of a 40 percent increase in revenue over the past several years. They want to build another $40 million to $50 million high school and want more millions for a K-8 school while the pupil population has declined and may continue to decline. In time of financial uncertainty, this is irrational, bordering on foolishness.

We need to cut out the one-half percent school sales tax for construction, passed in a time of a false economic boom. Citizens of Hernando County need tax relief in this period of financial downturn.

School administrators need to tighten their belts to make a leaner organization, not let it out to grow fatter and more wasteful. Cutting many cushy administrative positions would save money and give us a break.

I suggest we place a moratorium on building new schools until we can determine the state of Hernando County's population and economy.

Nick Morana

Spring Hill

Ban Cell Phones

In Schools, Vehicles

School will be back in session before we know it, and I think one rule on the list should be no cell phones in the classrooms. They do not belong in the classroom. Our teachers are trying to teach and students are there to learn. They can be taken away if caught using them and picked up after the school day.

Another thing we must do away with is talking, texting, etc. while driving. We might as well drink and drive because that is how people drive while on their cells. Hands-free should be a law as soon as possible. In both cases, "use it and lose it."

Penny Holding

Ridge Manor

Plan For Future

Every morning when I read the paper, someone wants to eliminate something. It seems no one thinks ahead. Granted, this state is facing a crisis right now and will for the next few years. Hernando County Commissioner Dave Russell seems to think taking down THE Bus is going to be an answer to a maiden's prayer. On one hand, the commissioners want to get rid of THE Bus; and on the other hand, are telling them a railroad should be included in future plans. That would make it cheaper to go to work in Orlando or Tampa.

I'm a railroad person. Grew up in a village smaller than Brooksville, no conveniences; but we had a bus to take you on a train into New York to work at a job that was nonexistent in my hometown.

All cities in Europe have trains. Japan has a train that speeds like lightning.

As difficult as times are for all, we must think of the future. I advised you once before, take a course, Economics 101, and read the "Mercantile Theory" over and over.

Helga Curtis

Brooksville