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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY MAY 24, 2000 Opinion 4 Letters to the Editor Vfhat is your opinion? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered for publication. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters must be sighed and include your full name, address and telephone number. Hot seat for the past five years and was Dear Editor: To the People of Fredonia and Kanab, it is with sincere regret, that I inform you of my resignation from the Fredonia Fire Department, effective as of May instrumental in instituting For the past four years, I have served and protected Fredonia and Kanab when called upon to the best of my ability. I hope that the programs I have started will continue in my absence. I initiated Fire Prevention Week in the ElementaryMiddle Schools, Thanksgiving Food Boxes for the needy, Sub for Santa, Haunted House, and the Jr. Fire Department. I offered my services as Fire Chief by help-in- g now. 18, 2000. with many community projects like the launching of a Head Start Program and assessing its building requirements. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to have served you. A special thanks to all of the people who allowed me to help them, and become a bright part of their lives. I may have helped you, but the gift on your face will never dim in my heart. Without the support of the people none of these programs would have worked. To my crew, we have seen a lot happen in the past four years, the building of the Fire Station, new trucks coming on line, putting in a sprinkler system and planting grass at the new station. The many hours of training and fires we spent together, we became more than a group, we became a family. My door remains open to anyone who needs my help, or just an ear to listen. Gandhi said best when he said, You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Thank you for all making a difference, and thank you for letting me help. Mark R. Whipps Fredonia Fredonia Fire Department many projects for our community. We commend those members who have volunteered their time for us and appreciate those who are bravely serving the Town Respectfully, Tom Corrigan Fredonia Town Manager Questioning council decisions Dear Editor: Thursday night the Fredonia Town Council met with members of the fire department and took action that needs to be brought to the attention of the public. The current Chief and Assistant were fired from their positions with the very vaguest of reasons. Mark Whipps asked for an open meeting so that the issues could be discussed and all parties be informed as to the reasoning for this drastic action. The open meeting was held, but the council refused to give the accused any more specific information on the charges other than there were several complaints and that the council was concerned about the direction the department was taking. In fact, Greg Honey said that they did not need to give any reasons. This seems to be an echo of the past. The law may in fact require that no reason be given, but common decency sure does. This is one of the most high handed and yet puzzling actions I have seen lately by any governing body. It was puzzling from the standpoint that I know some of the council members would not take such drastic action unless they were convinced somehow that there were in fact some serious problems. Very puzzling! Nevertheless, the manner in which this incident was handled was totally wrong. The council must first understand that these people are volunteer and as such must be treated carefully and most certainly with respect. I did not see much respect last night. Mark and many of the crew have devoted a great deal of time Dear Editor Recently there have been some changes made with the Fredonia Fire Department. Some of our members have resigned for personal reasons. The Town wishes to assure its to the department and whether residents that there remains an or not you agree with his maneffective force for fire suppres- agement ofthe department, you sion. The Town also wishes to at least owe him an explanation; thank those members ofthe Fire common courtesy demands it. The result of the fiasco was Department who have served us served Mark in the past that most of the fire personnel Whipps walked out and quit, and we apparently have no fire protection now because of the poor way things were handled. I have been told that the person that was appointed as the new Chief has only wildland fire experience, which is far different from fighting fires in the city. I personally would like to thank Mark and his people for their hard work and dedication and I wish them the best. I would also like to tell the Town Council that they handled this in a very foolish manner and have cost the city a great deal. It only appears, and I emphasize appears, that some of the allegations that have been floating around lately may have more validity to them than heretofore thought. Howard Palen Fredonia W. 14th Running of Kanab 10K Dear Editor: The 14th Running of the Kanab 10K held on May 13th, was again a wonderful success! Members of the 10K committee would like to thank the following volunteers and contributors: ParkBob-Bo- n Sinclair; Kanab Pizza Hut; Bonhams Kanab Tire; Escobars; Colemans Exxon; SOUTHERN Utah News Kanab Texaco; Willow Creek; Zions Pharmacy, Kane County Travel Council; Zions Bank; Goodfellow House; Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; Honeys Jubilee; Glaziers Foodtown; State Deadlines A FRIDAY 1 PM See LETTERS, Page 5 The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every Wednesday at 26 N. Main St., Kanab, Utah 84741 . The SUNews serves Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Address communications to 26 N. Main St., Kanab, Utah 84741 , or telephone Fax rates available Advertising upon request. Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741 . Newsstand price is 500 per copy. Yearly subscription rates to Kane County addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona, $22; others $30 (out of U.S. $50).. The SUNews 'reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 435-644-29- a success! Quail Hadley & Co.; Trail West Gifts; Country Express Conoco; Kelly's Inn; Aikens Lodge; Kanab United Drug; Vermilion Espresso Bar & Cafe; Wild Flower Health Food; Jacob's Outpost; Rainbow Cafe; Ace Hardware; Crosby Home & Farm Center, Nicks Shell; R&R Pizza Express; H.B. Dennis Brunner Dixie Brunner . Publishers and Editor Charlotte Brewer Carol Sullivan Laurali Noteman Reporters Production Staff Michael Evangelista ProductionLayout Barbara Pyles Myma Cox Valley News Feature Writer Postmaster. Send change of address cards to 23 N. Main St, Kanab, UT 84741 435-644-29- |