Editor:

A Mr. Jim Hight (Mailbox, April 20) wrote to complain about Supervisor Bohn's comments he heard on the radio and their unfairness to local weekly newspapers regarding the hiring of David Marcus as public defender. Supposedly, the supervisor stated [the press] just make things up to sell newspapers. The writer went on to say that he has worked with and known the employees of the Journal for many years and that they wouldn't make up stories or facts. These individuals are devoted to honest, fair and accurate reporting.

I know no employees at the Journal, nor anyone else in news media in Humboldt County. However, I was an employee of College of the Redwoods and, this past Feb. 24, I passed along information regarding fraud, waste and abuse I saw first-hand while an employee there that had gone on for many years. The Journal's news editor, Mr. Greenson, contacted me and requested additional information. I sent him the names and telephone numbers of past and present employees who could corroborate what I had written. I even wrote that if he had any difficulty getting in touch with anyone, that I could send him more names and numbers.

Now, two months later and I've yet to hear back from Mr. Greenson nor has my story been published. Why? I'm inclined to believe that the reporting of heavy-handed employees of the EPD or the inability of local politicians to do their job sells more ad revenue than a story regarding fraud, waste or abuse.

So although there's fair, accurate and honest reporting at the NCJ, what will get reported and brought to the public's attention is another matter entirely.

If a single letter can bite one in the ass, I'd say this one certainly qualifies. Talk about calling the kettle black!

T Kirschbaum, Fields Landin