Colombian Coal Burned by JEA

A case was made that there is a 23-year-old commitment to the Landing. How long does it take for a failed business model to be recognized? Residents and workers support our downtown establishments, not the other way around.

Just how is this a good decision for Jacksonville taxpayers?

This doesn't even pass the smell test. Jacksonville deserves better management, better leadership and certainly better decision-making than what is being displayed.

GARY FIERRO
Jacksonville

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Is it needed?

Here's a question for the mayor and City Council: If you were told you could get for free a service you now pay for, would you take advantage of that opportunity?

According to a recent Times-Union article, the services of the Human Rights Commission, which cost Jacksonville taxpayers $1.3 million a year, are offered by the state and federal government.

Persons with a complaint about discrimination can file a claim and have it addressed without using this city office.

Aside from political correctness, what is keeping our city officials from eliminating this redundant board? Budget cuts need to be made; this type of agency should be the first to get the ax.

If you agree, contact the mayor and your council member. They probably answered that first question incorrectly.

ANN BARRETT
Jacksonville

KUDOS TO WEBB
From ex-mayor

I would like to compliment Council President Jack Webb for the way he has shown great leadership with his appointments to the City Council's Finance Committee.

Webb has put the city's best interest before the usual human instinct of getting even.

He has chosen very qualified members of the council to be members of this crucial committee.

Webb has done the taxpayers a tremendous favor, and all of the citizens of Jacksonville should be grateful to him.

JAKE M. GODBOLD,
former mayor,
Jacksonville

COLOMBIAN COAL
Burned by JEA

When you turn on your coffee pot in the morning, do you know where the electricity comes from?

In Florida, much of it comes from Kentucky, West Virginia and foreign coal. Florida spent $1.56 billion importing coal in 2008 alone, according to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

And nearly 20 percent of that came from Colombia - most of that imported by JEA.

Using coal to produce electricity is a drain on our local economy.

We'd be better off if Florida had policies that spurred local renewable energy development and ramped up efficiency programs.

Renewables and efficiency create local jobs and lower utility bills. Cutting our dependence on coal also can prevent thousands of premature deaths annually and help curb global warming.

We have enough solar, biomass and other renewables to supply over 20 percent of Florida's power needs by 2020, which could displace two-thirds of the coal-based electricity we use now and put 50,000 people to work.

Florida could cut electricity use annually by 1 percent and save ratepayers over $240 million year over year.

It makes sense to import coffee from Colombia, but why import coal to the Sunshine State? Let's help employ our neighbors installing solar power here in Jacksonville, and maybe we'll start off the day with a cup of Colombian Joe brewed with power from the Florida sun.

TOM LARSON,
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy,
Jacksonville