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Regarding the Associated Press story “Girl’s mom not linked to sex tape” (Oct. 3): When Paris Hilton and Pam Anderson have sex and someone videotapes it, we can all feel safe calling that a sex tape. When a 3-year-old child is horrifically raped and the rapist videotapes it, the outcome is definitely not a sex tape. Sex has nothing to do with this. It is nothing but a child being raped while being recorded. Why in the world would anyone in his or her decent mind call a child – a baby– being raped a “sex tape”?
This headline is almost as sick as the crime itself. The fact that the media feel at ease referring to this as a “sex tape” is a very good suggestion of why child rape, this crime against humanity, is so prevalent and under-punished.
AMANDA KEEN Saint Joe
As former secretary and current treasurer for our neighborhood association, I have worked with both candidates running for the City Council’s 4th District. Chris Stewart knows how to get things done. Though busy as vice president of sales and partial owner of ISM, a sales and management company, and co-owner of two Fricker’s restaurants, he still manages to find time to be his daughter’s soccer coach, junior achievement representative for her school and president of our homeowner’s association. A local teacher who also knows both candidates and adamantly supports Stewart said it best: “If you want to get something done, give the job to someone who’s busy. They’re in high demand for a reason.”
DEBBIE WILDRICK Fort Wayne
I have heard some people point out Matt Kelty’s inexperience in public office as a reason he shouldn’t be mayor. I disagree. In the last year we have had two major pieces of legislation pass through the City Council. One was the smoking ban, and the other was Harrison Square. The smoking ban treats smokers like lepers and has hurt many bars and clubs, and Harrison Square is a waste of taxpayers’ money and was forced down the throats of the citizens.
The City Council members who voted for these two measures have a combined experience in public office of 92 years, the average being 11 1/2 years.
In recent years this city has seen many big businesses downsize or close. Mayor Graham Richard has touted the fact businesses such as Wal-Mart and Menard’s have added jobs, but not enough to make up for the ones that closed. The city has been run mostly by Democratic mayors for quite some time. As a result, our taxes are so high that businesses do not want to settle here. The solution that the experienced politicians have come up with is to put more money into downtown.
In my business we have many people who have many years of experience. But every now and then they look to someone for a fresh perspective. I think that is what Fort Wayne needs, a person with fresh ideas and bold new plans. That person is Matt Kelty.
WYATT WOOTEN Fort Wayne
I continue to read statements from Matt Kelty supporters concerning “unjust” or otherwise spurious charges against him. I’ve not seen any critical analysis of the rules that Kelty is charged with violating. I’m not referring to lying to the grand jury. I’m referring to the initial charges of lying about his campaign contributions.
Anyone can see the rules by doing a Google search for Indiana state laws. The Indiana Code makes it clear that a “contribution” includes a donation characterized as a loan that’s made to influence a nomination and is accepted by the candidate.
So if Kelty accepted a loan – as has been admitted – for the purpose of the primary election – as has been admitted – then that loan is clearly a contribution that needed to be reported – as has been admitted. That’s a clear violation of the election law that anyone, other than the shamefully partisan election commission, can see.
DAVID J. KOLHOFF Fort Wayne
I am the Libertarian candidate for 2nd District City Council.
I read Mr. Lanka’s article on the voter registration numbers for Fort Wayne/Allen County, and I am not so much shocked at those figures as I am at the attitude of Mr. Kevin Knuth. The driving principle of democracy is not to get your candidate elected, it is to present the public with options and allow them to decide. “It’s getting the people you know who will vote for your candidate to the poll,” represents a close-minded, selfish and ignorant attitude that flies in the face of the ideals of this nation.
The Libertarian Party has worked hard to get voters registered irrespective of their political alignment. The Libertarian group at IPFW participated in a registration drive just last week, most of our candidates have more voter registration forms than they do campaign material, and I personally make the effort to thank voters who listen to me speak especially when they disagree with me. Once elected to office I should thank those who voted for me, but I must serve all voters and citizens of Fort Wayne irrespective of their choice, their ability to vote or their willingness to vote.
JON BARTELS Fort Wayne
I say if Kelty can set Fort Wayne back 50 years, vote Kelty!!!
Fifty years ago Fort Wayne had two bus companies and three railroads supplying regular passenger service. We had Lincoln National Life Insurance, three GE plants, three copper wire plants, International Harvester, Zollner Piston, Fruehauf, Gladaux Refinery, Central Soya, two gas pump makers, etc. all paying good wages for that period.
Neighborhood groceries, hardware stores where the people knew you.
Neighborhood schools and all the kids in the family went to that school.
Downtown had two major department stores and four five & dimes. A drugstore and soda fountain on the corner of the major streets. Two meat markets.
Five different shoe stores. Dress shops, and a high end men’s store. Six hotels.
Four movie theaters. Several high-class restaurants.
It was the place to be.
At least that’s how I remember it.
CATHERINE BRYIE Fort Wayne
