A lack of leadership?

To the editor:

Even though Mr. Ronald scooped me as I was organizing my thoughts to write this letter, I will write it anyway.

Trust, my friends, is the glue that binds people to their leaders. Trust is more easily kept than regained.

Every successful human relationship must be built on a foundation of trust whether it is public or private. In order to successfully lead people, the people must believe/know that the leader will act in their best interests. Without this trust, attempts to lead will not succeed for long.

The truth of what is going on in our city should not have to be "found out." We could all be proactive in our actions instead of reactive if we ony knew the whole truth in advance of acting.

If you have read Jack Ronald's comments in the paper about the dysfunction of Dunkirk city government, consider that he has rescued from reading more of my comments here.

Chuck Rife, president,

Dunkirk City Council

Great principal

To the editor:

I'm a grandmother of three children who have attended General Shanks Elementary School.

Through my children and my grandchildren I've felt we have had some pretty great principals. The way they conduct themselves forms such a big impact on their school.

Mr. Eads, to me, is at the very top of the list. He knows each and every child by his or her name. Children run up to him and share their stories of accomplishments and he replies with verbal praise along with his famous high five.

Children run up and hug him like someone they truly love and respect. In my opinion, he is a truly remarkable principal.

Mr. Eads, please remember all those little smiling faces that love you so much. We hope to see you back soon, for you are greatly missed.

Candy Shelton

Portland

No time?

To the editor:

I have never written to a newspaper before although I do read it almost daily.

I've never written before because I used to handle problems and things that bothered me differently. I used to think things were settled physically and not by words. I'm trying hard to change my ways.

Now I will get to my point and reason for writing.

On March 19 a member of our family was run over by farm equipment. His name was Smokey Joe. Yes, he was a canine (dog). He suffered for a night before he died. I found him the next morning. I was shocked and momentarily lost, and then I buried him.

I knew the man who farmed the ground around us was working it that night. I thought maybe he hit him (Smokey) and didn't know. Four days later, my girlfriend Joyce called him and asked if he knew. He said that he did know, but didn't have time to stop and tell us. This angered me and I said things to him I should have. As I said, I'm in the process of changing old ways.

Just the comments of this man told me a lot about him. He didn't have time ...

I know Smokey Joe had a bad habit of chasing farm equipment (never cars or trucks). He was reprimanded many times for this. Both Joyce and myself grew up on farms and in farm communities. Our parents, our grandparents and their folks before them farmed this land. But if anyone of them had done this to someone's property or friend, they would have made the time to do the right thing.

We still love the men and women who work this land. One man can't and won't change that. He doesn't know or does not care of our sorrow.

Tonight I watch him go about his planting and constantly remind myself I'm trying to change for my better. I'd wave at him normally, but I don't have time. I'm too busy playing with a new family member.

Robert E. Stoll

Portland[[In-content Ad]]