Defends Olivo

To the Editor:

In response to Mr. Gonnella’s recent letter to the editor, it was interesting that he just had to toss in the name of a candidate, Peter Olivo, a bona fide war hero, just for the sake of criticism.

Of course, had Mr. Gonnella actually used facts, his letter may have been seen a little clearer by many in Osceola County. Mr. Olivo ran for county commissioner in District 5 against Bill Lane and was defeated by approximately 200 votes, or less. Afterward, Olivo did file to run for another commission seat but withdrew as he did not reside in that district, (3). That’s it, Mr. Gonnella and everyone else. It seems Mr. Gonnella just had to toss in Peter’s name just for the sake of complaining. Sad. Many people who do not know Mr. Olivo, like Gonella, would be surprised to learn that when he joined the armed forces, he wasn’t even a U.S. citizen. Didn’t matter as he chose to join and fight for “his” country. During a firefight in Viet Nam, Peter was not only shot by the enemy, he was also blown up by a land mine, causing him to lose both of his legs. This “non citizen” didn’t allow himself, or his spirit to simply die and fade away. He fought to recover. It was during his recovery that his general came to his bedside and in a stern voice stated to Peter that he was aware Peter was not a U.S. citizen. Of course, Peter thought initially, he might be in trouble for something, but instead, the general gave Peter his citizenship on the spot. If Gonnella wants to criticize Peter Olivo for anything, perhaps he should place himself in Peter’s shoes, or better, his wheelchair.

Peter has, over his lifetime, married a wonderful woman and has two beautiful daughters, all who support him. Also during his life, Peter has been very successful in the business world and has personally developed orphanages, one in Viet Nam and the other in Haiti, and is considering developing another where needed. Peter Olivo is a good man, by anyone’s definition and is certainly qualified, with his business background, to run the office he seeks. Further, Peter has worked steadily at Disney for more than 20 years. That alone places him above his opponent who has collected a public check for many years, as does her son, another politician, who hasn’t held a private sector job at all, as far as I am aware. That really doesn’t matter because it doesn’t to Peter. For a man with so many difficulties, Peter is doing so much better than most of us because of his positive and can do attitude. Mr. Gonnella would be better served if he, himself, would check himself for the reasons he would have even mentioned Peter’s name in his letter and consider an apology for his insensitivity. However, just like Mary Jane’s ridiculous politically motivated and insulting poll, no one will expect any apologies coming from anyone. Unfortunately, over the years, here in St. Cloud, some people have decided to forego kindness and respect for simply bad mouthing someone, with or without facts.

Mark Rosenbauer

St. Cloud

Misleading letter

To the Editor:

Reading the letter to the editor this past Saturday (Oct. 27), I was appalled at all the misleading and non factual statement that were made.

In regards to Peter Olivo going from one race to another, this is not true. Mr. Olivo lost his race by a few votes to Mr. Bill Lane. Shortly afterward, he filed to run for county commissioner and withdrew after the race became a district race rather than at large. Mr. Olivo withdrew because he did not live in the district.

As far as Peter looking for a paycheck, let’s look at the facts Mr. Gonnella.  He is a decorated war hero that has been getting a check from the Veterans Administration. Mr. Gonnella, you, your wife and the rest of your children combined aren’t making what he is. He’s also been working for Disney the past two decades.

Mr. Olivo, also has an orphanage in Viet Nam and one in Haiti. What do you or the Arringtons have or have done for anyone?

Now, let’s look and see who is looking for a paycheck.

The last time I checked, it was Mary Jane Arrington. She has been getting paid by our taxpayer dollars for approximately 20 years.  Where has she worked other than Osceola County government?

Her son, Brandon, is 37 years old and never held a private sector job. Oops, did I say that?

You bet I did. This is all true and factual.

So now please tell me who is looking for a paycheck and who has been living off taxpayer dollars.

Mr. Gonnella, with all due respect, pull your head out of the sand look up and see the daylight.

Tony Ferentinos

Kissimmee