Downtown Clearwater Redevelopment? - Now that voters in Clearwater supported development of about 129 boat slips at the downtown Clearwater waterfront, perhaps it is time to revisit the redevelopment of Harborview Center.
Harborview Center was once intended to become a self-supporting small, multi-purpose convention center with some shopping via Stein Mart, etc. Due to construction modifications and runaway construction costs, the city project became pricy and not as functional as once planned. Stein Mart received a favorable rental contract and larger conventions found the support pilings at Harborview Center an issue. Nevertheless, Harborview Center served a purpose for much needed Clearwater meeting space.
Private/public deal?
Why not. With a new downtown marina/boat slips project perhaps a new development project at Harborview Center could help spur downtown Clearwater business. After all, when the Stein Mart lease comes for renewal, does anyone believe they would pay an increased rental fee?
Largo Outsiders - Largo citizens are incensed that non-Largo citizens are becoming a part of the Steve Stanton side show.
Special interest groups representing gay and lesbian rights have been active in Web sites, mailers, protests, and other letter writing campaigns to help Steve Stanton retain his job as Largo's city manager regardless of his upcoming sex change operation.
At least two Largo city officials, Mayor Pat Girard and Commissioner Rodney Woods, support retaining Steve Stanton after he becomes Sue Stanton. Other city officials have disagreed and support removal of Stanton. Attending Largo meetings where Stanton is discussed could only be described as a carnival side show atmosphere. Imagine seeing a six-foot tall transvestite, with a full wig and face make-up, saying in a deep voice, "I'm here to support Steve Stanton!" What a message to the family-oriented people of Largo.
Why would Pat Girard and Rodney Woods support this carnival atmosphere?
Attention to support of the liberal, far-left San Francisco agenda.
Moderates and conservatives would have held a second city council vote and Stanton would be looking for another job as Sue Stanton. (With a most gracious salary and benefit package compliments of hard-working Largo people.)
If Steve/Sue Stanton can retain his/her job in Largo after the manner in which his/her sex change was disclosed, then what could be next?
How far left should Largo bend at city hall?
The people of Largo must be prepared to send a message in the next city election. It is time for Pat Girard, Rodney Woods and their liberal politics to go.
Same for others who follow their ridiculous lead.
Largo deserves to remain a family-oriented community.
Intent To Smear - Why would a local newspaper have an agenda to smear U.S. Congressman Bill Young regarding VA hospital problems?
If you have read certain negative articles in a local newspaper regarding perhaps the most honest congressman in Washington D.C., Bill Young, you begin to wonder what could be behind such a smear campaign. After all, Congressman Bill Young did more to care about VA hospitals than most every other elected official in Congress. In fact, when the VA mess was going-on during the Clinton administration, where was First Lady Hillary Clinton (except to seek national healthcare at a price the nation could not pay.) No, the VA mess dates back many years and just about any elected official could have been named as the person responsible.
But, Congressman Bill Young? No, it is merely an agenda to unelect the good congressman from Indian Rocks Beach. In fact, the literary smear agenda became more obvious when the biased and unbalanced article about the congressman proclaimed that a Democrat might win the congressional seat by beating Congressman Young.
Not likely to happen.
There are only two things stopping this distorted thinking from happening:
1) Bill Young is still the favorite son of his election district and,
2) Several strong Republican candidates have been waiting for years for Bill Young to retire.
Former Sheriff and State Representative Everett Rice would clearly be considered a frontrunner for the open seat . . . if it ever occurred.
Bill Young? At least one more term for an honest politician.
Top General Says It's Immoral - Top U.S. General Peter Pace recently said that homosexuality is immoral. This statement, of course, drew the ire of gay and lesbian groups from across the country. One gay and lesbian group said there are over 65,000 gay and lesbian US military troops now serving in the US military.
Under Bill Clinton a U.S. military policy of "don't ask, don't tell" was implemented as the standard to be used by military leaders in dealing with homosexual soldiers. Thus, and as long as the person did not practice homosexuality while on duty, no one could ask if a person was a homosexual.
Apologize?
General Pace is not apologizing.
The result?
He will be ridiculed by the liberal media and liberal politicians. Can you imagine if a politician like Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) or Hillary Clinton (D-NY) was Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces and supervised General Pace? The good General would have been fired. Think about this when you vote for liberals.
Wrong Message To Youngsters - Muscle hormones--steroids-- banned growth stimulants are things used by some athletes to cheat the system.
Actor and body-builder Sylvester Stallone was recently caught with banned growth substances in Australia. Stallone, better known as Rocky Balboa, just shrugged-off the matter as a "mistake." Of course, he will likely pay a high civil fine to Australian officials (plus legal fees.)
Wrong message to youngsters.
At his age, 60, Stallone is in tremendous physical shape. However, people wondered if he took muscle enhancements in order to better look the part of "Rocky." Now, the answer is clear, he likely did, and probably does, take banned substances (such as those he recently found in his possession.)
Young people should understand that growth enhancements are dangerous and hazardous to one's health. Just look at former NFL football players who died or currently have heart problems. Same for former body builders. Young athletes must be wary of people who encourage steroids or other banned muscle stimulants. It is banned by medical doctors for good reasons.
Want to look good?
Work out with trainers who know how to best develop the body. Say no to drugs. Stallone was wrong to use such things and just shrug it off like it was no big deal. It is a big deal and he should be one of the leaders in setting a good example for young people.
It is amazing what some of the Hollywood stars do in order to appear younger than their actual years. Face lifts, body tucks, muscle enhancements, hair transplants, etc., etc., etc. What the heck is wrong with aging gracefully?
Enjoy A Free Press - Advertise in the Gazette. Further, many thanks to the folks who voted in the Gazette online (clearwatergazette.com) recent polls.
