LETTERS: Kudos for six lanes; plus, see how one resident thinks bottle clubs will stimulate economy

What are your neighbors talking about now?


  • By
  • | 9:42 a.m. December 8, 2015
  • Palm Coast Observer
  • Opinion
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Six lanes complement Palm Coast ambiance and character

Dear Editor:

Let me be among the first to congratulate the city for the fine job of expanding the Palm Coast Parkway. Although not quite complete, we now have a clear picture of the finished product, and it's very impressive. Most important, you can already see the positive effect on midday traffic.

The safety fencing on the overpass is nicely done, and the new lighting fits in with Palm Coast's character and ambiance. The new trees, shrubs and ground cover from Cyprus Point/Boulder Rock to Florida Park are especially attractive thanks to our professional landscape architect and his team.

This new highly visible "gateway" to our city will surely impress visitors and prospective business investors.

I must add that the redesigned shopping plaza is also well done and much welcomed. It appears to be well designed with attractive architecture and fairly easy access and egress. All in all, a great job by the city — its leaders, planners and operational staff.

Mike Cocchiola

Palm Coast

Palm Coast Parkway: a job well done

Dear Editor:

The Town Fathers deserve a big “Thank You” for these improvements. The aesthetics for both roads are beautiful, and the traffic movement on Palm Coast Parkway is far and away better than when there were two lanes.

I have always been a proud to be a part of Palm Coast, but I am even more so since these improvements have been completed. Great job to all.

Thomas McMullin

Palm Coast

Local governments serve themselves, not the people

Dear Editor:

I am relatively new to the area, but, in the two years I have lived here, the two governments which supposedly represent the people really have their own self-interest at the top of their agenda.

It is easy to see that total change is needed. First, the City Council demonstrated its concern for democracy by not permitting a review of the City Charter. What do they have to hide? Why the total disregard for the democratic process?

However, they are quite eager to give themselves a 200% salary increase. I want a job like that.

They just purchased two fire trucks for a small fortune and yet the fire chief says that most of the calls are for ambulance service. He wants control of the ambulance service.

Palm Coast seems to spend more money on landscaping and pretty grass than people’s needs.

The constant bickering between the two governments leads anyone with common sense to ask why they are all getting re-elected.

I am in favor of eliminating the city of Palm Coast and letting it fall under the governance of the county. Think of all the money that would be saved, all the duplication of services that could be eliminated, and the County Commission is already overpaid and underworked, so no pay raise would be needed.

Government has become so far removed from everyday citizens. If you are wealthy, belong to an influential group or yell and scream a lot, you probably will be heard. I, like most of the people I know, are not in those categories.

We are coming into another election season. It no longer is the average citizen who can run and win because the process has become so tainted. Everyone divides along Democrat or Republican lines, and usually that means little can be accomplished. The city, county and School Board, along with sheriff and many other elected officials, should be non-political because the goal used to be service to the people.

I study the issues and vote in almost every election. Most of the time, I am very frustrated with government. It is because the same incompetent people or those with friends with money get elected. Start with change here locally, and no one knows what could happen. Democracy is dead: Long live the king.

Larry Pulos

Palm Coast

A modest proposal: Allow bottle clubs to stimulate economy

Dear Editor:

I think that "bottle clubs" in Palm Coast are a great idea, a real win-win! It will stimulate the economy here!

First, you have more booze sales from the booze stores and rent collected from the landlord.

Second, it will give people a venue to get anger off their shoulders, through the many arguments and fights that will more than likely happen as people get drunker.

Third, it will keep some people more physically fit with the drunken brawls that will surely happen.

Fourth, it should generate extra revenue at the Emergency Room at Flagler Hospital because of the injured, not-so-fit losers of the brawls.

Now comes the real benefits, if the country plays its cards right! You station several sheriff’s cars close to the exit of the club! They pull over as many vehicles leaving for any reason at all, such as no complete stop, or anything. I am sure the police know them all. The DUI rate will skyrocket, generating a revenue stream for the bail bond company, revenue for the city, state, county, with the fines leveled.

Generate an extra stream of revenue for the attorneys and the insurance companies, as they double or triple your rates, and if business is real good, maybe an extra sheriff may be in the works, too? It's a grand idea to help stimulate the economy in Flagler.

We should look at least having two clubs, one on each side of town. Just think of all the benefits!

Nothing good happens at 2, 3, or 4 in the morning!

Dennis Talbot

Palm Coast

On proper display of the U.S. flag

Dear Editor:

It is very heartwarming and patriotic to observe so many residents and businesses flying the U.S. flag. I only want to mention a couple of basic rules to follow when displaying our flag.

Never display the American Flag if it is ripped, torn, tattered or faded. Never fly the flag at night unless, it is lighted. Take unserviceable flags to Veterans of Foreign Wars or the Disabled American Veterans, and they will willingly dispose of them in the manner prescribed by law. Both of these organizations can be found in the Flagler County telephone directory or the online White Pages. You can Google them for their locations and hours.

Again, my sincere thanks to all as a veteran and proud citizen of Palm Coast and the United States of America.

Orville W. Troesch Jr.

Palm Coast

 

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