SHARE:
Readers
I refer with anger and utmost chagrin to the article "Skunked" in the June 1996 issue of Florida Trend. I had the distinct impression that my selection of reading material had descended to the lowest level of tabloid journalism as I read the caption under the picture of the secretary of the DEP (I'll spare you my comments on the shallowness and bias of the article).
John D. McKinnon must not be allowed to degrade the quality of journalism expected from a responsible publication such as yours. His journalistic talents (or lack of such) can add no value to the serious environmental issues and debate with which Floridians must wrestle.
Upon reflection I think you'll find that you owe the secretary of the DEP an unreserved (and well-publicized) apology. Don't be overcome by pride - go ahead and just do it!
Joe Bakker
Tallahassee
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The heading for the June
issue's Tallahassee Report was in poor taste. Whether you agree or disagree with Secretary Wetherell's philosophy toward environmental regulation, she should be treated with respect. I would be surprised if you would use the word "handicapped" or other adjectives to headline an article when referring to someone who has physical characteristics that are outside the norm. I think Secretary Wetherell deserves an apology.
To give credence to Linda Young in the article is also an insult to Secretary Wetherell. I was working on a sewer expansion project for Lanark Village in the early '90s which Ms. Young opposed. The project would have eliminated many septic tanks in the area. I invited Ms. Young to visit our office to review the benefits and details of the project. Ms. Young attended the meetings but was not interested in the improvements the project might provide for the environment. Her only agenda was to prevent the project so further growth would not occur along the coastline. I believe Secretary Wetherell and most business and government leaders in Florida recognize that growth will and must occur for the good of the economy and the citizens of the state. We can have growth that is controlled by "ecosystem management" and I believe that Secretary Wetherell is doing her job.
Larry M. Bower, P.E.
Executive Vice President
Baskerville-Donovan Inc.
Pensacola
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Intense reaction to a mild
article must be amusing. I am referring to Virginia Wetherell and Fran Mainella's ganging up on you over the June '96 piece "Skunked." They provoke recall of the oft-used phrase, "Methinks ye protests too much."
Amusement aside, you could do your readers a favor. Whenever letter writers use the term "I feel" (Wetherell) or relapse from scholarship to the use of "should" (Mainella), the communication is unworthy of appearing in the print media. The use of the word "feel" is a level of expression associated with the tactile senses. Employment in lieu of intellectual sense is to acknowledge nonsense. This is a condition a high caliber publication avoids. Additionally, prescriptively addressing an arguable issue ("should") is descent to an emotional vantage point and intolerable to rational debate. Perhaps your editorial staff has paternalistic properties and is willing to be benignly indulgent. If that is the case, then I shall be, as you, mildly amused.
Robert J. Thomas
Tallahassee
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Agriculture
In 1977, while living in Florida, I was inspired by an article appearing in your periodical in the October issue ["Money from Thin Air"].
I began research in nitrogen-fixing because of this article and was successful in achieving great results so that now I have a natural replacement for chemical fertilizer. This has been proven by tests all over the world by universities, governments and farmers.
George Sarantakos
E-2001 Internazionale, Ltd., Dallas
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Discrimination
The headline for John McKinnon's report on the legal climate for employers in Florida was misleading ["Retailers Beware!," June 1996]. Although major retailers may currently hold the spotlight, virtually all workplace claims of discrimination are subject to long, costly litigation.
Following a successful pilot program in California, the American Arbitration Association released nationally on June 1, 1996, a comprehensive set of procedures for the mediation and/or arbitration of employment claims. Numerous employers, representing diverse industries and services, have begun to offer their employees access to fast, affordable and fair processes to resolve claims through the association's 37 offices nationwide.
During the formulation of these procedures, our non-profit association contributed to a fairness protocol which was developed by representatives of both employees and employers. Unless a company's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program conforms to that protocol, we will not administer claims arising therefrom.
Although not a panacea for either side to an employment claim, the reputation of ADR to resolve claims and avoid "tremendous investments in discovery" continues to grow. This is a welcome celebration of our 70th anniversary.
Mark Sholander
Regional Vice President
American Arbitration Association
Orlando
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Land Management
I read with interest your June cover story on Senator Bob Graham and his success in passing Florida's landmark Growth Management Act of 1985. While the article points to flaws in the act, I find the state's growth management process both effective and largely positive. To say that the act relies on "bureaucracy and red tape" ignores our on-going efforts to fine tune the process based on the feedback we receive from local governments. One innovative growth management project to come from this legislative session is the Sustainable Communities pilot program. This program will identify and reward five communities that demonstrate successful development practices through affordable housing, limited urban sprawl, protection of wildlife and the efficient use of land.
As Florida prepares for the three million people expected to enter our state over the next ten years, growth management is of paramount importance. There will be conflicts as we go forward; however, I believe our current growth management process is guiding the state toward a well-planned future for our citizens.
James F. Murley
Secretary, Department of Community Affairs
State of Florida
Tallahassee
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Correction
With 480 licensed beds, South Miami Hospital should have ranked 24th in the Top Rank Florida list of not-for-profit hospitals in the July issue.
