Monday, April 13, 1998

Beck's claim denied

Former Victim's Assistance Coordinator Laurie Beck's claim that she was fired because she didn't publicly support James Eidson is ludicrous!

As a former county employee, I know everyone who works in the DA's office, and many of them did not publicly support him, either. They have not been fired; therefore, her claim just does not wash with me.

Also by Beck's immediately running to the newspaper with her story speaks volumes.

Eidson needs to be able to trust the people who work in his office beyond a shadow of a doubt. Evidently they were many doubts about Beck's trustworthiness.

And once again I am disappointed in the Abilene Reporter-News. When did getting fired make the front page? You guys need to get over the fact that the candidate you endorsed did not win and quit the smear campaign. We are all getting really tired of this. Please, start reporting real news.

REBECCA SLATE

Abilene

Via e-mail

Why choose Buster?

On your April 5 article, "Corky and Buster": At first glance I enjoyed reading what seemed to be a light-hearted story about the two gentlemen opposing each other in the Democratic runoff for precinct 2 county commissioner.

Then I turned to your editorial page and read your endorsement for Tarpley because "he's better suited to provide the vigorous representation needed by residents."

A second glance at your story made me wonder how in the world you came up with this endorsement. Did I miss something in the article? Do you have additional information on the qualifications of the candidates that might be useful to voters who don't really know anything about them? Does the word vigorous in this context have something to do with age or physical ability? If so, you obviously haven't followed Corky around lately.

A third glance, and I'm getting a little angry. Not because I mind the nature of the story, which was a relief after all the stone-throwing in some of the other races and not because I endorse one over the other, but because you would have the gall to offer an endorsement at all without informing the voters what it is based on.

Does this mean Buster won the popularity contest with you for this "runoff race vital to future government"? Did he bring you a dozen doughnuts, or did you just pull a name out of the hat?

VIRGINIA PIRRAGLIA

Merkel

Johnson for court

It's decision time again for us folks; namely, going to the polls to cast our vote.

We have an opportunity to express our opinions by voting. one runoff election of great importance to us is that of judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals.

We have the choice between a person who has been and will continue to be an extension of the police state or a woman who has had vast experience in the real world and has had to work for a living -- that woman being Cheryl Johnson, who is the only candidate who is a board certified expert in criminal law.

It's time to get folks on our Court of Criminal Appeals who can judge fairly and with an open mind and not folks with a preconceived notion to further government involvement in our lives.

JOE PELTON

Abilene