WEST COUNTY TIMES

Tuesday, January 20, 1998
Section: Opinion
Page: A11
Column: Readers' Forum

I was appalled to read in the Jan. 11 Times article, "Records back Union," that Firefighters Local 188 transferred circus funds to the union account for political purposes.

Councilman Tom Butt is correct in his belief that using the sales pitch, "to send poor kids to the circus" is certainly a misrepresentation to the public.

Darrell Reese added insult to injury when he rationalized another misrepresentation, by the political action committee, that retired firefighters contributed funds. It was proven they did not.

The only time I have not responded to this circus solicitation in the past was when the solicitor was too pushy and appeared to be attempting to give me a guilt trip, which is a bad move on a solicitor's part.

I don't know about the readers out there, but I resent having my contribution (given in good faith, to help disadvantaged children have the circus experience) funneled to a political cause. To me, this is unacceptable.

Therefore, I will never give to this cause again and I will forever hold Firefighters Local 188 in low esteem for their underhanded tactics.

Audrey L. Davis

Richmond