Open GREEN Space
Dear Editor:
There are those opposed to growing a useless, privately owned wasteland into an industrial park and open green space.
Why?
The residents want to rid themselves of the vermin and snakes from their lawns.
The city applauds the 1,500 jobs the project will create along with $1 million in tax revenue it creates yearly.
Turning a useless, privately-owned weed factory into a project that includes 47 percent of the land into open green space and a lake at the builder’s expense is a sensible move.
The only dissenters don’t live in the district.
The residents want the project. The commissioner of District 2, who represents the residents, wants it.
What is the real problem?
If the city doesn’t grow and create more commercial taxes, the burden falls on you, the citizens of Deerfield Beach, to make up what we need. Do we really need more taxes?
Bernie Parness
3074 Harwood F
Deerfield Beach
RE: Observer Letter, June 27
Dear Editor:
Concerning Mr. Dix’s comments that I have a biased self serving opinion regarding our fire department. No one wants a bad inefficient fire department, however, our fire fighters are paid well above the national standards of income. Firefighters work only part of the week (although 24 hours shifts) and hold down other jobs in many cases. I am shocked to see that we do not even meet the national standards in response time. I see the fire department ( I respect all of those fellows) bringing a giant fire truck plus an ambulance to condos, when a lady calls and says she fell off a chair. There are hundreds of wasted trips (they can justify as one can justify anything) where you do not need a fire engine. This merely justifies increased salaries and pensions. Pensions allow a firefighter to live a life of luxury when most people have to survive on Social Security. The average salary of a fire fighter is $62,800 plus enormous benefits. A Captain’s salary is $101,612, a Lieutenant $90,039.32, a fire fighter/paramedic $140,644,00 and it goes on and on. Confirmation on the Internet. The pensions are beyond belief compared to most American pensions. The average income for Florida residents is $39,256. I wish the average American had the kind of pension allotted to retirees of our Deerfield Fire Dept. I am as concerned for the safety of our people as anyone else.
Dr. Charles Laser LLD/HC
Deerfield Beach
