Ex-sheriffs did Jetton's bidding

To the editor:The Feb. 3 article involving state Rep. Scott Lipke tells of two men, state Rep. Mike Parson and state Rep. Kenny Jones, who were encouraged by House Speaker Rod Jetton to write to the Missourian defending Jetton's decision to remove Lipke from his position as a committee chairman. Parson and Jones, as former sheriffs, say that they "needed" to write in response to Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan's letter supporting Lipke. I find it interesting that they feel the need to speak as sheriffs against Lipke while the Missouri Sheriff's Association gave Lipke an award for his 2006 work.

House Bill 1698 (Jessica's Law) was passed unanimously in the House and the Senate. If Parson and Jones disagreed with an item added to the bill, why wouldn't they use their positions on Lipke's committee to speak against it? Why didn't they vote against the bill when they had the chance? I see only two possible solutions to these questions. Parson and Jones wrote the letters to gain favor with Jetton. With new positions on powerful committees, appointed by Jetton, obviously they would leap at the opportunity to confirm allegiance to him.

Or Parson and Jones weren't paying attention to what they voted to approve and now regret that decision.

Lipke is an expert lawyer with a vast knowledge of criminal law. It is blatantly apparent he is the best choice as head of a crime prevention committee. Why would Jetton select state Rep. Mark Bruns, an ex-firefighter, to replace a chairman with proven success?

TYLER HOLMAN, Jackson