Wednesday, April 8, 1998

Vindictive DA

Actions speak louder than words -- especially District Attorney James Eidson's firing of Crime Victims assistant coordinator Laurie Beck. Typical Abilene? Or typical political? Or just typical Eidson vindictiveness?

Regardless, last Thursday's action was a power play of personal revenge for an employee who did exactly what was correct in the recent bitter DA's race -- she stayed neutral and did her job, superbly. Now she's a victim in need herself with no support -- unless it comes from you, the public.

Having just retired back home to Abilene after an absence of 35-plus years, I refrained from voting for either candidate based on only what I read or heard. I now wish I had gone with my gut feeling and voted for Sandy Self. I'd bet she wouldn't have "cleaned house" of all the assistants who publicly supported Eidson. But now we know why they did so. They knew feared for their livelihood if Eidson won.

Let's cry out loud and start a petition to impeach him and keep her. If Abilenians can produce a mass of ridiculous editor letters regarding Knockers and crape myrtles, surely you will be flooded with righteous letters now of true value.

Is this how Abilene repays someone who takes a previously rote job and knocks herself out "making a difference" in actions that not only take a great toll on her as an individual but impact an entire community with fair play and positive results?

Let's keep Laurie. We need her -- and others like her.

PATSY ENGLAND

Tuscola

Highways vs. streets

I am happy we are getting some money from this highway bill that the House just passed. However, the $11 million we are receiving does not need to go to the expansion of a two-mile stretch of the Winters Freeway.

There is not enough traffic in Abilene, even during rush hour, to warrant the expansion. I do agree that the pedestrian walkways need to be built (more than one, actually).

The problem that needs to be addressed with this money is the streets inside of Abilene. We have some of the worst streets I have ever driven on. I am sure I am not alone in thinking it would be ridiculous for me to try to align my car because I would get no more than a mile down any road in Abilene and the alignment would be out again.

The only roads I actually like to drive on are South 1st and Judge Ely. I am happy the city has decided to work on South 14th, but it is only a drop in the bucket. All of the streets need a great deal of work, and the $11 million would go a long way toward accomplishing this.

I love this city, but I can't believe the streets are in such bad shape.

BRYAN ALSTON

Abilene

Via e-mail

Taken with the zoo

A few weeks ago after hearing of the plea the Abilene Zoo was making to raise money to purchase a giraffe, our grandson Jonathan Lewis, 7, and his sister Kate, 5, decided they wanted to do something for this cause.

Jonathan talked to his dad and came up with an idea. So the next day, when their baby-sitter, Charlotte came, he told her. Charlotte asked Jonathan and Kate to go to their bedrooms and see what they could gather up. They found some jewelry and small toys they had outgrown. So off went Jonathan, Kate and Charlotte for donations. They came home with about $10.

Jonathan and Kate visit the zoo quite often when in Abilene to see their grandparents and enjoy it.

Their Paw Paw, Nana and MeMa were proud of their effort and concern.

Jonathan and Kate live in Lubbock.

RAY & ANNA LEE LEWIS

Hawley