Two very ugly things were published in your paper last week. The first was a front page article describing to all of us hapless readers a very thorough description of the perverse acts of a convicted sexual predator. Are you crazy? Please spare us the details in the future. I have the oddest feeling that by reading those words, I am also a victim. And that your paper is the predator. Please use common sense in the future, for heaven’s sake.

The second public insult you printed was a letter from Mark Stup regarding the increase in Mayor Conard’s salary. I wonder if Mr. Stup is aware that another gas bag, Tim Eyman, has stepped down from his position, leaving that spot open for Mr. Stup. If a person came to even a single Town Council meeting, or served in a volunteer capacity or stepped into Coupeville’s Town Hall, I think that person would be pleased about the efficient running of our town government.

Nancy Conard is the best financial bargain a town could have. She is a highly creative, optimistic, bright, efficient and dedicated individual, and a talented spokesperson for the Town of Coupeville. She is a true leader. Most of the increased pay that Ms.Conard has been allotted is actually in lieu of hiring an administrator, which essentially means she is performing two jobs for the town.

The members of the town council are an independent, quirky, intelligent volunteer group of elected officials that somehow manage to bring their diverse opinions together, and do not deserve the attack in Mr. Stup’s letter. Lackeys indeed! If Mr. Stup is truly as concerned as he indicates in his letter, perhaps he should participate in the volunteer opportunities that are available here. I guarantee that it would be an eye-opener.

Marilyn Sherman Clay

Coupeville