DeSantis makes it harder for families to feed children this summer

DeSantis puts politics above children

In the Herald-Tribune on May 19, we read that Gov. Ron DeSantis said “No” to supplying children from low-income families with federal aid in the form of meals over the summer (“Disputes hit food, health efforts”).

The governor’s rationale is that state and federal food programs and charities provide enough and will continue to fill in any gaps.

I volunteer in a Sarasota school where children are happily presented with meals during the school day. How can DeSantis in good conscience take summer meals away from these hungry children?

He is a father, but obviously has never been involved with young people who may go without nourishing food.

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Charities such as Second Chance Last Opportunity will continue to provide groceries for those in need, but they can only supply a limited number of families.

What type of man is this governor who puts politics and finances above the basic needs of children?

I’m ashamed and deeply disillusioned.

Alice Blueglass, Sarasota

Build tiny home community in Sarasota

I read the article May 19 about tiny homes (“Sarasota developer is using tiny homes to address the housing crisis, but not here”).

This is something we really need in Sarasota. I know at least one person who desperately needs something like this, and I hope Sarasota County can come up with a new zoning code to allow such small developments as this.

A small community with lots of green space is a wonderful idea. It would provide affordable homes, and it would alleviate the flooding impact caused by the loss of green space elsewhere.

John Ramsay, Sarasota

Ziegler column only adds to divisiveness

In response to “Bridget Ziegler is still very good at being very phony”: Why? What was the purpose of Opinion Editor Roger Brown’s column May 20 about Sarasota County School Board Member Bridget Ziegler?

It seemed so unnecessary and so divisive. I thought we were trying to get over being mean to each other.

Like so many, Bridget may need more kindness than we could ever imagine. Her children certainly do if you’re looking for a reason to be nice.

Did Mr. Brown invite Bridget to join him at a coffee shop to discuss her situation and her background? We all have reasons for who we are.

And, OK, before you and your readers label me, I am an 87-year-old married man. A veteran who volunteered at age 17. A retired engineering manager. Politically independent.

My only agenda is kindness.

Will DeLong, Sarasota

Put heads in sand or work on saving planet

The two big headlines on the front page May 17 said it all.

One on climate change: “Florida could see historic storm levels this year.” One on climate-change denial: “DeSantis signs bill deleting climate change from Florida law.”

What’s next? Maybe a headline that declares, once again and based on medical science, that smoking causes cancer, followed by another headline declaring that the Florida Legislature has passed a bill to build smoking lounges for students in schools?

Suffice to say, only the ignorant would, at this point, given the scientific knowledge we have amassed on climate impacts, deny the fact that we are experiencing changes in the climate caused by humankind, changes that could be countered by humankind if we were to set our minds and hearts to work on it.

We have a choice: Put our heads in the sand, living only for our moment, or face the facts and get to work on changes that will save the planet for our children and grandchildren and generations beyond.

Bob Clark, Venice

Governor’s appointments purely political

It was with interest that I read Roger Brown’s column May 20 regarding Bridget Ziegler and why she should not step down from the School Board, and I couldn’t agree more because the governor does not appoint based upon knowledge and skills but political leanings (“Bridget Ziegler is still very good at being very phony”).

Our governor has made several horrible appointments, and his worst was the recent appointment to fill my position as the supervisor of elections in Manatee County.

Ron DeSantis wanted Satcher off the Manatee County Commission, where he knew nothing, but put him into a job that requires some knowledge of how to run an election – a job that is much more involved that filling in a bubble.

To appoint someone with as little knowledge as Satcher as supervisor over someone like my chief of staff, Scott Farrington, who has 20 years of experience without a single poor election, is absolutely perfect proof that our governor makes poor choices and for the wrong reasons.

So, yes, I agree: Ziegler should stay on the School Board rather than risk a DeSantis appointment to fill her seat.

And I hope every registered voter in Manatee County will vote for Scott Farrington. Yes, experience matters.

Michael Bennett, Bradenton, former Manatee County supervisor of elections

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: DeSantis puts politics over feeding hungry children