Letters From the Issue of Thursday, September 20, 2007

It's not like ASU has a spotless record, and neither does Erickson. But let's pretend for a second that this hasn't already been talked about. Let's pretend this is actually new news. It's obvious you're running out of things to knock ASU for.

How about you don't rip on Erickson and ASU unless something actually happens? That's a novel thought.

Saying that ASU is offending Falkner's image by hiring Erickson is the most ridiculous journalism I've ever seen.
Matt Feller, via the Internet

Scandals R ASU: I lived in the Phoenix area for 16 years, and ASU has been plagued by scandals since the '80s. The reputation of the school is well-earned. Wonder if it has a course on the "Phoenix Lights"?
Chris Long, via the Internet

REICHERT'S FOLLY

This city excels at shameful conduct, Rob: I would like to take the time to register my support of Carla Olson in her fight versus the City of Phoenix, attempt to introduce some extra relevant information, and express my absolute dismay at the shameful conduct of the city's Parks Department ("Take a Hike," Sarah Fenske, August 30).

The Phoenix Summit Challenge has been nothing but an absolute hit by bringing the city's outdoor community together. Activities for all ages help to raise awareness of the outdoors and the environment. It is a boon to the city by way of the funds that are raised and brought directly back into Parks Department coffers.

I would like to wonder in a very out-loud way: Just what is the problem here? This looks like nothing less than a petty pissing match instigated by a newly appointed city deputy parks director who can't come up with an original idea and is pulling the rug out from under this hard-working young lady. Whatever ends up happening, Kathi Reichert will be depriving the city of a well-run event.

There are a few other things I'd like to bring up here. Kathi Reichert was directed to work this out by the parks board. Why have they not removed her from the equation if she is incapable of following instructions and working to serve the best interests of her employers, who happen to be taxpayers?

There are also several employees of the Parks Department who know the truth of the situation but cannot seem to find the integrity or wherewithal to help get this sorted out. Perhaps most important, the idea for the Summit Challenge comes directly from an REI program in which employees are provided with gear and other assistance to help them with a personally challenging activity or event. The ranger who jointly pitched this idea with Olson was, at one time, an REI employee.

Lastly, if the Parks Department had any idea — I mean 1/1000th of an inkling — of what it took to put on the Summit Challenge by way of blood, sweat, tears, and sanity — it would run and hide under a big rock. What this boils down to is outright thievery and bully tactics could end up sending a wonderful event into a nosedive.
Rob Stimson, via the Internet

OFF THE DEEP END

Jana deserved better: I'd been friends with Jana Van Voorhis for 35 years. It was on a Saturday when I saw her obituary, and I just lost it. I knew she'd really gone off the deep end since her mother passed away, and I suspected it was suicide.

To read "Death Wish" (Paul Rubin, August 23) and find out that two monsters helped her end her life appalled me. I hope that justice is done for Jana. The creeps who assisted her death must be senile. Anyone who has ever been around Jana could tell she wasn't all there. But she really was a sweet soul and didn't deserve to die like this.
Jeannette Carter, Chandler