Voice of the people (April 28, 2024): Why are Polk County trash collection fees going up?

Why are trash collection fees going up?

Maybe our fine county commissioners can enlightened me. I know I went to Polk County public schools, so my math may not be that great, but I'm just not understanding why my solid waste fees are going up over 63%.

If I'm understanding correctly, they are doing away with recycling and will now only be coming to our neighborhoods twice a week instead of three times a week. Yet I'm supposed to believe that because of fuel costs and labor costs my rates need to be raised.

You will be using less fuel and have fewer man hours, also less wear and tear on the vehicles but I will still need to pay more. Is this some kind of new math, shrinkflation or Bidenomics? Please commissioners enlighten us because enquiring minds would like to know.

Drew Adcock, Homeland

Voice of the people (April 21, 2024): US crackdown on TikTok is about security

A vote against Ukraine, a vote for Russia

I note with chagrin that our local Republican representatives to the U.S. House as well as both Florida senators all voted against providing aid to Ukraine, a country that by all reports desperately needs weapons to survive.

Denying aid permits the Putin war crimes to continue with murders of numerous innocent civilians and the destruction of a sovereign country. Do our representatives really think that Putin would stop after the conquest of Ukraine, or that other countries such as China would not be encouraged by U.S. passivity?

The electorate deserves an explanation for these votes beyond obeisance to Trump's proclivities toward Russia. Ronald Reagan, who labeled Russia as the Empire of Evil, would be aghast to witness what has become of the Republican Party.

Robert Chapman, Lakeland

Voice of the people (April 14, 2024): What made America great? 'We,' not 'me'

Sad times? Revealing times

A friend of mine recently referred to the present day in America as, “sad times.”  I corrected him by replying, “they aren’t sad times, they are revealing times.”

Donald Trump and his Republican party have put together a coalition of Americans that consists of the poorly educated, the ultra-wealthy, the angry, the depressed, the faux-religious, bigots and racists. They believe that is the right combination of American voters to win an election in the United States.

What’s revealing is that a significant number of Americans fall into one or more of those categories. Is it enough to win an election? For the sake of our country and our democracy, let’s hope not.

Gary Hoover, Lakeland

Voice of the people (April 7, 2024): The state of Lakeland's roads at Sun 'n Fun time

Freedom chipped away, starting with reproductive rights

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent developments in Florida's reproductive healthcare landscape.

It is evident from voter trends and petition signatures that Amendment 4, designed to protect abortion rights before viability or when necessary to safeguard the patient's health, is poised to pass by a significant margin this November. Floridians have spoken loudly in favor of preserving their reproductive freedoms.

However, this optimism is marred by the perplexing actions of Florida's Supreme Court. On the same day that Amendment 4 was approved for the ballot, the court also approved a 15-week abortion ban, slated to be followed by a six-week ban commencing on May 1. This means that women in Florida will be denied access to healthcare services that they may be able to access again as soon as January.

Such a glaring inconsistency begs the question: How can this not be viewed as a direct affront to the women of Florida? The notion that Florida is a bastion of freedom is increasingly being called into question.

It is crucial that we hold our institutions accountable for their actions and demand consistency and respect in matters as fundamental as reproductive healthcare rights.

Jo Shim, Lakeland

Voice of the people (March 31, 2024): A church's political machine in Lake Wales

Partisan politics undermine voter initiatives

Mr. Anderson does a great job of distinguishing between political and partisan [Taking the initiative: It’s political, but is it partisan? April 7].

Where I part ways with Mr. Anderson is in paragraph 7: Citizen Amendments that take a lot of money and man hours. Once the amendment passes, our state legislators change or disregard the amendment.

First is the 2018 constitutional amendment for felon voting rights. I hold the state responsible for no central site that shows completion of all requirements.

Second is 2010 amendment on congressional district requirements. Our Republican elected officials have fought this amendment from day one.

Stop political parties from picking primary candidates and let everyone vote in the primary. There are  many ways to change the law.

Ann Weeks, Lakeland

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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice (April 28, 2024): Why are Polk County trash fees going up?