Letters To The Editor

Thu., Nov. 11, 1999

VETERANS

You’ve earned enduring gratitude

I had the privilege to find out what World War II American soldiers meant to ordinary people in Europe one day in 1984. I was traveling alone, hiking near the village of Badgestein, Austria. I bumped into another hiker on my way up a local ridge. We decided to hike together. Our beautiful day and majestic scenery suddenly turned ugly as a thunderstorm swept over us. The lightning, thunder, hail and rain left us scared, wet and cold.

Once down and safe, Franz, who was staying with an elderly aunt in the village, invited me to dry out at her home before continuing my travels. She was surprised to find Franz and a stranger on her doorstep, dripping, so he explained our adventure. Unexpectedly, out came the red carpet: dry clothes, a delicious dinner, a place to sleep that night and breakfast. They took me to church and drove me miles to my hotel. Overwhelmed by their generous hospitality, I had to ask why they were going so far out of their way. The reason was beautiful.

In 1945, American troops had liberated this Austrian valley. Those were great days for the villagers. Nearly 40 years later, by helping an American stranger, this dear lady had found a small way of showing her appreciation. I was so proud and grateful to be associated with our troops. I had the privilege of discovering a place that still honors the efforts and sacrifices of American soldiers.

Thank you, veterans. Your wonderful legacy continues. Carolyn Kuehn Jacobs Spokane

Memorial needs business support

Our auxiliary has made a donation of $250 to the fund for the memorial to veterans to be placed at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. This display case will hold memorabilia from The Wall That Heals exhibit as well as mementos placed in memory of veterans from other wars.

While the Arena board finally agreed to placement of the display case, no financial assistance was provided. Therefore, the exhibit is being funded totally by donations. Total cost is in excess of $25,000, and only a small percentage of that has been raised. One of the suggestions was that each veteran in the area should donate $1 and that would cover the cost.

Veterans have already paid the price far too many times. It is shameful that we should expect them to pay the price again, for a memorial to their sacrifices.

We challenge the businesses of Spokane to meet our donations. There are many enterprises that profit as a result of the functions held at the Arena and this would be a wonderful way to thank the veterans who ensured their right to operate in a free country. Donations can be made at the Global Federal Credit Union. Esther Westlake, on behalf of Spokane Unit No. 45, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary

Remember our heroes today

Five years ago, when I retired from my work in Seattle and relocated to the Inland Northwest, I transferred my American Legion membership to Post 143 in Post Falls. While spending much of my free time at this post, I have become acquainted with many veterans who’ve fought in battles in Desert Storm back to World War II. Many of them left parts of their bodies in foreign lands. All have left part of their youth over there. They fought for our country in places like Vietnam, Korea, Panama, Granada, Anzio, Belgium, France, Germany, the Pacific Theater, Africa and the Aleutian Islands.

Today, please take a moment to thank God for the likes of our American veterans. And, if possible, fly our flag in remembrance of heroes who gave their all for America. Don McCormick Post Falls

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Chertok obviously not qualified

I am shocked at Alan Chertok’s attempt to return to public life in Spokane. As a lifetime resident of Spokane, I take offense at Chertok’s thinking that after living in Spokane for a year and holding one failed job, that he is qualified to run Spokane. Do you want someone running Spokane who has to learn on the job?

By his comment, “I’m still a real political neophyte learning what I can about my adopted city and state,” he admits that he isn’t qualified.

Don’t forget that while he was the police chief he compromised the serial killer task force investigation. This is the same man who, when given a two-week leave of absence while accusations against him were being investigated, could not adhere to the stipulations of that leave and was forced to resign. Is this the kind of man we want running Spokane?

Chertok fooled the city manager and was hired as chief of police. He apparently thinks he can woo Spokane again and hold a public office.

I encourage the Home Builders Association to take a good hard look at the real Chertok before making any decisions to recruit him. Denise L. Gilmore Spokane

Chertok’s got some nerve

It must be more of those self-proclaimed “East Coast mannerisms.”

I found very interesting the Nov. 6 story in which Alan Chertok claimed Spokane to be “my city.” If my memory serves me correctly, he’s the person who arrived in Spokane in July 1998 to be the police chief and only lasted nine months. Didn’t he then leave Spokane for a temporary job out of state for a period of time? Now, 16 months later, he is possessive of Spokane.

There are people who have lived in the area for decades and proclaim Spokane as “my home” but are not so pretentious as to lay claim to whole the city.

Hopefully, special interests will pitch him for county commissioner. With his proven leadership skills in Spokane and his longevity in the area, he would be easy competition for a good candidate to run against for political office. Brian K. Jennings Cheney

EVENTS

See scientists demonstrate skills

Parade Magazine this last Sunday had a very good article on chemists, and a sidebar on National Chemistry Week. The magazine is of course national in scope. However, it might interest some people to know that the Inland Northwest section (the Spokane section) of the American Chemical Society participates every year in National Chemistry Week.

This year, Gonzaga University chemistry department faculty, staff and students will give chemistry demonstrations at the Children’s Museum, downtown Nov. 13near Nordstrom. It will run all day Saturday .

While our section is the second-smallest in the nation, it does have 92 active members, most of whom live and work in the general area of Spokane. We can be found teaching high school and college, in government agencies and in many local industries around the area.

There are at least three student affiliates in the area, at Gonzaga, Whitworth and Eastern.

I encourage you to bring your grade school-age kids to the Children’s Museum this weekend and see our local scientists in action. Dennis DeMattia, secretary/treasurer Inland Northwest Section, ACSN, Spokane

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