Miami Beach Officials Surely Can Find a Better Solution 

[Re: “Lean Times,” by Ben Torter, published July 10.]

I hope what I say is not too copious for what appears to be the diminutive comprehension of members of our City Commission and others within the city administration. In a tourist-oriented community of 100,000 people, such as we are, the very strength and safety of the city is found in its police department, fire department and lifeguards. While the city has to cut $14.5 million from its $230 million budget, these are areas which should not be part of the reduction.

From the moment a policeman puts on his uniform, his life is in peril — never knowing what deadly circumstance he may encounter in a day’s work. With firemen, the situation is very much the same. Danger and death are part of the job. Lifeguards on our beaches are also the stalwarts of public safety.

I wonder how much could be cut from the budget if we went to a four-day work week for our 3,500 city employees? How much would be saved if more policemen were put on bicycles, thereby not using expensive gasoline in patrol cars? I wonder what it costs the taxpayers to operate the Bay Shore Golf Course on a yearly basis. Perhaps the SunPost will find out for us.

On the question of sick leave for firemen, one would think that from smoke inhalation, coming into bodily contact with bleeding individuals and other situations, this would almost be an expected situation. Have we not witnessed enough confrontation with domestic violence and other happenings to realize that our police department should not be taken for granted or understaffed? How many people have our lifeguards rescued from rip currents and other dangers in the past few months?

I for one say: No cuts in police, fire or lifeguard departments to find $14.5 million in the shortfall of our budget. I am sure our city manager and other erudite members of our city administration can find better ways out of this financial situation.

Ronald C. Rickey

Miami Beach

Can I Get the Same Deal as the Marlins? 

[Re: “Broke and Blind,” by Cynthia Archbold, published July 17.]

I always wanted to own a parking garage. Will the city build one for me, let me charge any amount I want and then allow me to keep all the revenue? Sounds ridiculous, but that is what the city is doing for the owner of the Marlins. Cynthia Archbold, could you please include how all our officials voted on this disaster-waiting-to-happen so I know whom to vote for in the voting booth?

Gayle Durham
Miami Beach

Thanks for Drawing Attention to Inhumane Prizes

[Re: “Pageant Protest,” by Angie Hargot, published July 17.]

On behalf of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, I would like to commend the SunPost for featuring information on many horrifying fur industry practices in your recent article “Pageant Protest: Animal rights organization objects to ‘inhumane’ prize for Miss Florida USA.”

Currently, there is no federal law to protect the millions of animals killed every year for their furs, and 85 percent of the industry’s skins come from factory fur farms. Conditions in these unregulated facilities are inhumane at best, ensuring a life of agony, defined by constant confinement, rampant abuse and painful death for their victims.

Fur is far from a “green” fabric. Factory fur farms wreak havoc on the environment by generating tens of thousands of tons of fecal waste annually, which contaminate waterways and pollute the air. Furthermore, the amount of energy needed to produce a fur coat is approximately 20 times that needed to produce a fake fur garment. Once produced, furs are not biodegradable because of the chemical treatment used to prevent rotting, causing further environmental contamination.

There is nothing beautiful about the fur industry. With many warm and elegant alternatives to fur available, there is no need and no excuse for the brutal murder of millions of animals in the name of fashion.

Amanda Burk

Fort Lauderdale

Fur Industry Bites Back

[Re: “Pageant Protest,” by Angie Hargot, published July 17.]

Ms. Hargot,

Your recent article on a protest against natural fiber fur (and for synthetic, petrochemical-based clothing) featured quotes by Nicolas Atwood, who is the representative for the Bite Back illegal action Web site. The U.S. mink farmers take offense at Mr. Atwood’s comments. Animal cruelty is immoral and illegal, but, beyond this, it makes absolutely no business sense since quality pelts depend on the care given to the mink by the farmer. The mink farmers are proud to contribute to keeping Miss Florida USA warm this winter in her lovely natural fiber fur, along with billions of others around the world who choose real fur over synthetic fibers for so many reasons.

Teresa Platt
Fur Commission USA

Thanks, Mr. Braman, for Standing up for Us!

[Re: “Extra Innings,” by Cynthia Archbold, published July 24.]

Kudos to Mr. Braman for his fight on behalf of all of us in Miami-Dade. Miami city officials have a penchant for white elephant projects (like the Miami Arena, etc.). The only reason they don’t want voters to have their say is because they’re afraid we may actually be awake and vote with a resounding “no.” While all over the state (and all over the United States, actually) everyone is bemoaning the lack of taxes from lower property values, our esteemed leaders decide to give a pass on the team paying taxes. If the city were a business, I guarantee you this deal would never have been negotiated. But, since it comes out of the taxpayers’ money, why not? Why not saddle Miami taxpayers with yet another sweet deal that doesn’t benefit anybody but the team and the politicians? If this stadium is built, we can expect to read stories in newspapers about the addition of another white elephant project a few years from now.  Maybe there’s money to be made having a White Elephant Tour listed in your Calendar section.

Vivian Rodriguez
Miami