- April 24, 2024
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It’s time to get rid of the red light cameras
Dear Editor:
It is time for the mayor and City Council to get rid of the controversial red light cameras.
I've attended meetings and directly asked if the city had ever done safety surveys on the intersections where the cameras were placed, and all I got was a canned reply of "research has shown blah, blah, blah.” They never give a direct answer. Why don't they just answer, "No. We haven't done any safety surveys”?
It really comes down to money collected, and I just don't believe them when they deny it. And there is a type of extortion when you are told the fine will more than double if you try to appeal the ticket. I think this is highly illegal.
I have not received a ticket — yet — but I am sure that day will eventually come.
Thirteen states have already outlawed the red light cameras, and there are more that are considering it. Several cities have tried using them and, in ever increasing numbers, are having them removed.
When will the Palm Coast City Council realize that they made a mistake? Will it take a referendum? Or will it take a removal from office to achieve what the majority of the residents have voiced?
Richard Schaefer
Palm Coast
Tips for growing a business successfully
Dear Editor:
The Grace’s Place article touched a nerve, and I decided to answer when the owner says, “There’s a lot of little things that I need somebody to come in and help me with.” This could be your help.
If I were to succeed in any business, this is how I would proceed (numbers are just samples):
Before I take over a business, I’ll hire 10 people. Even the dishwasher must have a high school education. GED is OK, but a few courses in college will improve their chances of hiring. The pay will be the general pay in the area and the kind of business.
I’ll explain to the workers that I need $100,000 gross income a year to survive. If the income reaches $200,000 or more in a certain number of years, 60% ownership of the business will be mine as the owner; the other 40% will be divided among the 10 workers. Fair and just.
Segundo Gudino
Palm Coast
Fight animal abuse; tell your representative you support House Bill 637
Dear Editor:
It's everywhere, and no one is talking about it: animal abuse.
I'm sure most people will say that it's not so bad; after all, we love our pet. Well, the truth is that there is dog fighting, crush parties, starvation, puppy mills and healthy feral cats being euthanized rather than neutered and released to sanctuaries, and it's all happening in Flagler County.
Currently, in Florida, many animal abusers are never incarcerated, even for the most horrendous acts of cruelty.
But Florida Rep. Travis Hutson has filed legislation that can help stem the cruelty. House Bill 637, among other measures, asks for mandatory sentencing for those that intentionally injure, maim or kill a companion animal. This bill goes to the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee on or after March 3.
If you really care about the many abused companion animals in Florida, please call one or more of the committee members and let them know. Mahatma Ghandi said it best: “The greatness of a nation, and its moral progress, can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Let our representatives know that we want Florida to be great.
Diana Brown
Palm Coast
Litter bugs cost the rest of us money
Dear Editor:
Recently while traveling on Belle Terre Parkway between State Road 100 and Palm Coast Parkway, I commented to my wife how great the landscape looks. I also noticed a city worker riding a golf-type cart, picking up litter.
It is a shame and sad that people that litter have no pride in our city. I once noticed, while waiting at a red light, the car in front of me open the car door and empty his ashtray onto the road. I blew my horn to alert him that what he did was wrong. He did not only give the bird, but threw a cup out. One has to wonder: Do these people also do the same thing at home or their yards?
One good thing is it gives someone a job, but it also costs the taxpayers and the city money.
Hey, litter bugs, it’s your tax money, too, being wasted. Think about it: How would you like people coming by your house and throwing trash all over your yard?
James L. Motta
Palm Coast
