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Suncoast Pasco News

A Higher Duty

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FROM A READER

Published: January 3, 2009

Editor:

I would like to pose a few questions for Richard Ortiz, the Pasco County code compliance manager, regarding the Elisha Ministries homeless camp, in Hudson.

What is more important for the county, offering shelter to homeless people, or waiting to get permits that are simply pieces of paper? Isn't a person in need of shelter more important?

Mr. Ortiz has been quoted as saying he appreciates the work Elisha Ministries does, "but we have our duties as well." Isn't his duty watching out for the people of this county? Or is it just writing code violations, fining those who are helping their fellow man and taking them to court to waste time and money that can be better spent on helping those who are homeless?

Has Mr. Ortiz been homeless and does he know how it is to have to sleep in the woods so that law enforcement doesn't cite you for vagrancy? Does he know the different ways that people become homeless? Is he aware of the homeless statistics in this county?

Thank you to the Rev. Jeff Fries, the founder of Elisha Ministries, for all his hard work. Nobody is exempt from homelessness.

Norma Vazquez
New Port Richey

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