Letters to the Editor

To the Editor and All Concerned:

I feel it is time to bring the "hazing affair" to a close. The constant negative headlines in state and national newspapers as well as radio and TV reports, repeating the old details of this unfortunate situation must cease!

It is not because a majority of our citizens are tired of hearing about it, and of the embarrassment associated with this never-ending affair; or even because of the unfair, negative publicity toward Winslow High School and the best "hometown" City of Winslow in the State of Arizona. The number one reason is the victims, and additionally, the hazers.

This city is filled with many outstanding, lawful, hard-working, sensitive, responsible, generous people from all walks of life. If hard luck hits you in Winslow, AZ, the people will "be there" for you - rain or shine, day or night, everyday of the year!

My only purpose in writing this open letter is not to point a finger at anybody, or minimize the serious, dangerous possible effects of the hazing activities. It is to try to get a quick and fair solution to this problem. My No. 1 concern is for the victims. There will be no healing for them, until this is solved. I'm sad that we didn't find an agreeable and fair solution before we became entangled with the courts and lawyers, lawsuits, etc.

There is no question that the "hazing" was wrong, and that penalties and corrective action be taken. We also have the responsibility to make certain that we don't over-react with too severe penalties and conditions that prevent healing, forgiveness and a successful corrective solution.

I'm not worried about the parents on both sides of this problem, as they will eventually be able to cope with this. I am very much concerned about the future of the students involved, both the victims and the hazers. The longer it takes for agreement, the longer it will be before healing starts.

I feel that everyone that is directly or indirectly connected with this sad situation may feel a little guilty that they didn't do enough to prevent or stop the escalation of the problem. This includes anyone who had knowledge of "what was going on": students, coaches, teachers, administration, bus drivers and parents. I even feel guilty!!??

If I can be part of a solution to erase this mark against our school and our city, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Emil Nasser

Winslow

To the Editor:

It was very refreshing to read the recent article about Don Petranovich, the winningest girl's basketball coach during the 20th century.

Mr. Petranovich was my son's teacher at the Lincoln school many years ago. He was a good role model for his young students at the onset of his teaching career and continues to set a good example today.

Congratulations "Petro." Winslow is very proud of you.

Mary Jo Jennings

Winslow

Editor:

Issue 1: "Freedom of Speech"

"The City Attorney on the Open Meeting Law" - This article appeared in the edition of the Winslow Mail dated Wednesday, February 7, 200 1.

Reference: City Commissioners sworn by City Clerk ... The City Attorney urged the members to "try to get it out of your mind that it is an enemy you have to try to get around."

Summary of Article: The public does not have the right to speak unless the board, council, or commission gives it to them.

Comment: The Winslow "Commissions", "Council", or "Boards" let citizens speak even though according to law they don't have to. However, in order to have an open working relationship, with its citizens, "they" should not be so quick to quell public input when it is in opposition to the plans, wishes, or opinions of these governing bodies. After all, a citizen would not ask to speak or to give any input if it was not important to this person.

Issue 2: "Absolute Power"

We spoke out before on the power that individuals are granted, whether it be the president of our country or a department official in a small city government is wrong and detrimental to our ability to govern. When these individuals exercise this power, too many times it has been used in an abusive manner that infringes upon the people's rights.

In order to restore the freedoms granted under our "Bill of Rights", such powers must become limited or lessened to the degree that the people's voice will once again be a major factor in the governing process.

We must continually speak out strongly when our rights or freedoms are being denied. Like it or not, we will be heard.

Bob Howell

Judy Howell

Don Lowry

Sid Moore

CFIW officers, Winslow