A matter of fairness

To the editor -- Yes, every time Dave Ettl mentions his candidacy on the air, while working, they should give his opponents the same amount of time.

If the opponents insist he give up his livelihood, they should get the same treatment. After all, what is fair is fair.

I know who I'll vote for. Will you too?

ROY RICHARDS

Yakima

We accomplished a lot

To the editor -- The purpose of this letter is to publicly express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of this community for having given me the opportunity to have served as your superintendent of schools for the past nine years. Together, we accomplished much.

Thank you to the board and staff of the district whose dedication and hard work made our accomplishments possible. Additionally, thanks to the hundreds of parents, individuals and organizations across this community who in some way contributed to our success. We had the opportunity to forge alliances with individuals, organizations, businesses, the faith community and government. Without their assistance and commitment, our work would have been much more difficult. I will be eternally thankful for everyone's encouragement and support as we worked together to make the Yakima School District a better place for our students and our community.

My work in the district is undoubtedly the most rewarding of my career and for that I thank the members of this community. Please help me welcome Elaine Beraza, who took over the helm as my successor on July 1.

BEN SORIA

Superintendent, Yakima School District

Thanks for honesty

To the editor -- Thank goodness for good Samaritans!

On June 27, I left my wallet behind at Shopko. I called the next day, and to my relief, it was there. I had money, credit cards and it was all still in my wallet. I would like to say a very grateful thank you to my good Samaritan in case he or she is reading this. May God bless you for your honesty.

KARIN KASK

Union Gap

Thanks for big help

To the editor -- Our son, Jack, was diagnosed with autism last November. What we thought was the beginning of a nightmare was really the end of one. If we didn't live in the Yakima Valley that might not be the case. While staff at Children's Village and the Selah School District walked us through the red tape of getting Jack help, we were reading of negative experiences of parents elsewhere who must fight to get basic services.

Jack was thoroughly assessed to ensure proper school placement. His teacher continually adjusts the plan according to his progress.

Six months of speech therapy and school have completely changed our lives. I can see Jack's daily progress, but most important, he's happier. We are looking forward to finally being able to do normal family activities. He loves school. We know because he can tell us so now.

We just wanted to thank the Children's Village and Selah School District staff and specialists, and also the taxpayers. As fiscal conservatives, my husband, Jaimie, and I are conscious of where these funds come from. My hope is that investing in these children (and there are many) when they are small will ensure that they give back to the community in the future.

JENNIFER WAITE

Selah

Proud of all the help

To the editor -- A wildfire swept up a canyon near North Galloway and Maple Way roads June 25. No one was home at the residence in the fire's path, but within minutes the home was surrounded by caring neighbors who spent hours with hoses wetting down adjacent fields, moving animals, etc. The fire department's response was excellent and they did a most admirable job containing the flames.

In reflecting over the events, I am awed by the kindness of so many. It is inspiring to know that good people are in this world, ready and willing to help at a moment's notice.

I am proud of our community fire departments and my neighbors.

SALLY G. DOUGLAS

Selah

Vote for Lover

To the editor -- Bill Lover is one of the best members on the Yakima City Council.

He doesn't react to the emotion that is so prevalent at council meetings. He is very knowledgeable and ahead of the issues and always represents the voters' point of view and that is exactly what I want from my City Council members.

Please re-elect Councilman Bill Lover.

ANN PETERSON

Yakima