Here is why I love my Tesla | Letters

Is an EV battery or gas tank cheaper to refuel | Perspective, Aug. 13

In response to Michael Coren’s question, whether an EV is cheaper to fuel than a gas car, the answer is “yes.” My Tesla costs about 4 cents a mile versus about 16 cents a mile for a gas car, if you charge your EV at home. Using a Tesla supercharger on the road will cost about 10 cents per mile. To compare them on a 3,000-mile road trip makes very little sense as few would take such a trip rather than flying when you add in the cost of lodging and your time. Vacation car trips are typically under 500 miles. If you do take a cross-country road trip, many hotels have free chargers on site. If you do charge your EV at home before leaving, the first 300 to 400 miles would be at the 4 cents per mile rate. A Tesla Model 3 costs $25,240 (with the $7,500 rebate). The average cost of buying a car in the U.S. is about $43,000. If you drive 12,000 miles a year, you will save about $1,500 per year on fuel and another couple hundred dollars a year on oil changes, etc. When you compare total cost of ownership, the EV is the least expensive choice. In addition, it almost always has better performance, is safer and easier to own (haven’t been to a gas station since 2015). There is a reason most EV owners would never go back to an internal combustion car.

Eric Berke, Dunedin

Is an EV battery or gas tank cheaper to refuel | Perspective, Aug. 13

Michael Coren’s article comparing the cost to fill up with gas with the cost of charging an EV misses one thing. The cost of gasoline includes state and federal taxes, which are used for maintaining the transportation infrastructure. EVs don’t pay this, but the owners benefit. It is likely that legislators will need to come up with a way to get EV owners to pay a fair share of highway maintenance. This will erode some of the benefits of EVs.

David Hagan, Tampa

Pinellas County needs fewer cities | Column, Aug. 13

Columnist Frank Hibbard thinks Pinellas County needs fewer cities, but I disagree. I even think the time is right for another referendum for Clearwater Beach to succeed from Clearwater to create another city. I believe that all the small towns in Pinellas should keep their local control even if Hibbard thinks it is less efficient and economical. I, for one, doubt it is.

Peggy Boyer Coffey, Belleair

Doctors hesitate to ask about patients’ immigration status despite new Florida law | Aug. 11

With new laws requiring hospitals to ask about immigration status, abortion restrictions and bans on gender affirming care for minors, it is clear politicians have tremendous influence on the health of Floridians. Health issues are at stake in every election, and communities that are more likely to vote are also more likely to have their voices heard on important issues affecting their health. Recognizing the important relationship between voting and health outcomes, students at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine are participating in the Healthy Democracy Campaign, a nationwide competition among health professional students to register their peers and their patients to vote. The nonpartisan campaign is spearheaded by Vot-ER, a nonprofit organization dedicated to integrating civic engagement into health care. A majority of of unregistered eligible voters aren’t registered simply because they have never been asked to register. This is a powerful opportunity for health care providers to engage their community and work toward better health for all Floridians.

Jennifer Caputo-Seidler, Tampa

Democrats want to take on Anna Paulina Luna in 2024. But they need a candidate. | Aug. 10

I read with interest this article on the upcoming challenge to U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna in Pinellas County. Elections aren’t just about past performance, but the evolving dynamics of the electorate. While GOP gerrymandering might have rigged Pinellas’ political landscape, it’s presumptuous to claim a party has “no chance” to win. Luna’s past victory and alignment with former President Donald Trump may resonate with some voters, but far from all. Her focus on issues such as UFOs, guns and censures during her time in Congress has raised concerns among moderate Republicans. All talk. No results.

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On the other hand, Pinellas County’s 225,000 Democrats are mobilized and invigorated under new leadership. We are engaging with voters, discussing the party’s stance on important issues such as Social Security, quality public schools, equality for all, health care, sensible gun laws, climate change and a living wage. Our focus is on addressing the concerns that matter to the community, not on UFOs.

Luna can expect a challenger and will keep relying on billionaire-funded super PACs like Club for Growth. Meanwhile, Nikki Fried, the new chair of the Florida Democratic Party, is on our “Take Back Florida Tour’' including an Aug. 23 rally in St. Petersburg.

Jennifer Griffith, St. Pete Beach

The writer is chair of the Pinellas County Democratic Party.