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http://www.heraldsun.com/opinion/hsletters/
Pure entertainment
I've always enjoyed Durham's political theater. The newly formed Committee to Recall Nifong-Elect Cheek has dramatically increased the comedic value of this year's race for district attorney.
The team of Beth Brewer and Tom Muellenbach are the virtual Abbott and Costello for this year's election season. Rather than spending their time and resources finding a viable candidate for the DA's job, their goal is to elect a guy who doesn't want to run, in the hope that if he wins, this guy (who, by the way, isn't qualified for the job) doesn't acept the job so that the governor can appoint someone to replace the guy the governor has already appointed. Folks, it just doesn't get any more entertaining than that.
LEO RADEK
Durham
August 20, 2006
Committee to recall Mike Nifong a blessing
Bravo to the Committee to Recall Nifong. Vote Cheek! What a unique alternative to solving the sad situation in which we find ourselves.
Using a simple google search I found this committee's Web site (www.recallnifong.blogspot.com). Their "Dear Friends and Neighbors" article is a must read. It is obvious whoever wrote this article truly loves and hopes for a better Durham.
We believe this election is what the Durham that we love is about and, as such, requires a true and full measure of consideration by each of its citizens. We ask that Durham show, not only to Mike Nifong, but also to Gov. Mike Easley and to the nation that watches, that Durham cares, that Durham has pride and, most importantly, that Durham has a voice.
Having just turned 18, the upcoming election will be my first. To this committee I say you will hear my voice. Thank you for all that you're doing!
ALEX STEELE
Durham
August 19, 2006
Monks a better choice
Elections are all about having a choice. So it is great news that Steve Monks has announced he will run as a write-in candidate for district attorney. He will give voters a better choice on the November ballot.
Since County Commissioner Lewis Cheek says he will refuse to serve as DA, even if elected, and many voters are dissatisfied with District Attorney Mike Nifong, Durham citizens are left without a winning choice between those two candidates.
Gov. Mike Easley appointed Nifong the first time. Now if Cheek were to win more votes than Nifong, the governor will again appoint our DA. Why would voters expect his second appointment to be any better? What would prevent the governor from reappointing Nifong? What a dilemma for Durham voters!
If voters were dissatisfied with the governor's choice before, doesn't Durham deserve to choose who they consider to be the best candidate? It's really embarrassing to think that Durham needs someone else to choose (or appoint) our DA for us! We need to elect our own DA and Monks is far better qualified than either Nifong or Cheek.
Monks' name won't appear on the printed ballot for district attorney. There will be only a blank line for write-in. So let's all write-in Steve Monks, the best candidate. Let's elect the better-qualified candidate who truly does want to offer Durham a choice!
MARILYN FLANARY
Durham
August 19, 2006
Berating commanders
I could not believe my eyes when I read the article about Chief Steve Chalmers and his command staff berating district commanders in front of a news reporter.
What kind of management practice is this? How did they make these district commanders look to their officers? What effect will this have on the community and the officers? Will people be unlawfully detained, searched and have their property seized in order to keep the chief from coming down hard on the officers? Will someone get hurt? Will officers and the city be sued?
This is not the Chief Chalmers I know. This is not the Chief Chalmers of which Police Department employees speak so highly.
Chief, say you were misquoted.
Say it ain't so!
WARREN BECK
Sunset
August 19, 2006