Judge looks after interests of abused

To the editor:

As a former Cape Girardeau CASA volunteer, I have to comment on the recent controversy surrounding Judge Peter Statler. In my experience, he always strived to put the best interests of abused and neglected children first and foremost in his courtroom. I recall a meeting in his chambers during a particularly messy ex parte case. He specifically asked me to come in and share my observations of the situation, not only with him but with the two attorneys involved. He valued my opinion as an objective observer, and he made those attorneys hear me out as well. Anyone who claims that he does not put the interests of abused and neglected children first or doesn't care about abuse is sadly misinformed.

JEANNE SHARP WELLS

Allentown, Pa.