- April 23, 2024
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Dear Editor:
The City Commission of Ormond Beach sets a high bar for foolishness and wasting time as they explore the issue of creating a ban on the use of plastic straws in Ormond Beach. It has apparently been decided that there will be no enforcement or penalty for violations. Mayor Partington made it clear that "Nobody wanted to create a straw police and have code enforcement ... for using a plastic straw." Well, he got that right. But, if you have an ordinance and don't enforce it, why have the ordinance at all? Oh, I get it, our civic leaders feel it is their responsibility to educate and enlighten us. Nuts to them!!! There are plenty of places where we plebs can turn for education and enlightenment, and city hall is not one of them. Susan Persis, the driving force behind this ordinance, is now "dumbfounded" by the proposed changes to make the ordinance "smaller and smaller," and thinks the suggested modifications will make the city look bad. Ms. Persis is wrong. What makes the city look bad is the spectacle of the City Commission spending time, AND MONEY, on matters that are far removed from their essential purpose. I don't mind them wasting their time, but I do object to their wasting our money to pursue a flight into fantasy land.
Alan Hovey
Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
There was a recent ranking of the Top Ten School Districts in Florida. Volusia Country was nowhere to be found on that list. We lived in Ormond Beach for 16 years and watched one politician after the other from both parties gain seats on your School Board. Far too many of them never stepped a foot in a classroom, but they sure knew how to work the system and get elected. So where's a real Voc-Tech High School for your children? And you are paying these people almost $40,000 a year with expense accounts and trip allowances? All they do is spend their time fighting your teachers' rights to a decent salary. Why not make that School Board position a volunteer one? Then watch how many of them stay on. Hey, we now live in St. Johns County, which happens to be number one on that list. Volusia County taxpayers have deserved a far better School Board and school system for years. I hope you eventually get it.
Chuck Wadro
Ponte Vedra
Dear Editor:
We are disappointed that the Ormond Beach City Commission removed Styrofoam from its plastics-ban on city premises. Polystyrene foam is one of the most toxic substances. It contains styrene and benzene, suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins that are hazardous to all life – including humans.
Regarding Styrofoam medical products, we would imagine an exception could be made. We would encourage the vendor who spoke at the 8/20 meeting to consider healthier alternatives to Styrofoam.
These toxic materials are being used worldwide, and it’s important to change the direction of single-use plastics.
Ken and Julie Sipes
Ormond Beach
