Former director of city inspections resigned his post

To the editor:

In the May 31 Southeast Missourian, in a story headlined "Council fires Cape city manager," the mayor stated that "he and the council were instrumental in sacking fire chief Michael Lackman, Convention and Visitors Bureau director Terri Clark-Bauer and city inspections director Tarryl Booker last year."

Neither Knudston nor the council were instrumental in my departure from Cape Girardeau. I left the city on my own volition and on amicable terms with the city manager, his staff and the council.

Jay Knudtson's recollection of the events may be skewed because he was not in office when I handed in my resignation in April 2002. His belief that he was instrumental in my departure is a figment of his own distorted imagination.

I would suggest Mayor Knudston follow the immortal words of Mark Twain: "It is better to keep quiet, and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

TARRYL D. BOOKER

Sikeston, Mo.