LETTERS: JOHN FERGUSON IS UNDESERVING OF MALIGNING

To the editor:

I see the fray between prosecuting attorney Morley Swingle and former public administrator John Ferguson continues. It's a dilemma for me. I do not know Swingle personally, but I highly respect him. He appears to be a most capable public servant and is intelligent and professional. I am proud when people like him represent our county. I appreciate his contribution and encourage his success.

On the other hand, I have known Ferguson for some 40 years. I am not qualified to say if he has or has not violated the law. But if he has done something wrong, he is not the man I know him to be. Ferguson values ethics above intelligence and is too intelligent to manipulate public trust, let alone ethics. He is a man who develops relationships and maintains them. Were he to hold personal trust beyond legal requirements would not be surprising, but I see nothing wrong in that. It is difficult to stand by and see a friend maligned

DON RUNNELS SR.

Cape Girardeau, Mo.