Letters to the Editors

Residents should fight proposal for incinerator

Editor: Do the residents of Ridge Manor, Ridge Manor West and Sheman Hill, know that the Hernando County Commission is considering approving a portable air incinerator in Ridge Manor? The incinerator would be used to burn trees and other debris from construction sites all over Hernando County.

According to Bijan Behzadi, a licensed professional engineer, wood-burning incinerators are a serious health threat because they release dangerous cancer-causing gases such as carbon dioxide into the air that we will breathe. Those with asthma or allergies will be at grave risk for our health.

If this incinerator is approved, we will have smoke and soot in the air all the time. We will have soot all over our cars, our yards and inside our homes when our windows are open. Those of you living near the Wal-Mart Distribution Center will be at the greatest risk, as the incinerator is to be installed on that property along Kettering Road.

In addition, it is projected to add up to another 12 trucks per day down State Road 50 on their way to Kettering Road and the incinerator. The commissioners are going to revisit the proposal at their Jan. 28 meeting. I implore you to contact our county commissioners by phone, fax, e-mail or letter to stop this proposal. Go to the meeting and let your opposition be heard.

Our environment, our property and our health are at stake. Don't delay and allow them to spoil our neighborhoods.
-- Cecil T. Salmon, Ridge Manor

Decision by deputy saved hostage in holdup

Editor: Re: Steak n Shake robbery:

I would like to commend Lt. James Blade of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office for his quick thinking, not to mention his sharpshooting expertise. He not only saved the life of Mr. Sylvers, the hostage, but probably many other patrons and employees in the restaurant.

Many people do not realize that a police officer usually has only a split second in which to make a decision in a dangerous situation. There is no time for debate or second opinions.

No police officer likes to take a life, regardless of the circumstances. But, unfortunately, sometimes it is the only recourse. I'm sure Mr. Sylvers would agree.

Thank you, Lt. Blade, for taking one more dangerous criminal off the streets.
-- Loretta Pizzo, Spring Hill

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