Opinions

Readers write: Letters to the editor, Oct. 30, 2014

Vote to retain Judge Estelle

Please vote to retain one of Alaska's finest Judges -- Judge William Estelle. I have known Judge Estelle since he was born and know him to be an honest and trustworthy person. He is a man of integrity without question. I would trust him with my life.

Frankly, as a taxpayer, I am shocked at the time and expense the Judicial Conduct Commission spent -- a year-long investigation and a two-day hearing -- to investigate Judge Estelle's "self-reported" errors. Why such a stir over what appears to be nothing more than a clerical error? It is my understanding the usual "punishment" for this type of minor oversight is something akin to a verbal admonishment.

I believe Judge Estelle is above reproach. He has an absolutely clean record for his 11 years on the bench during which time he has overseen 60,000 cases.

The Judicial Conduct Commission itself has given us some of the best reasons for retaining Judge Estelle. In their own words he "… had no dishonest or selfish motive … an excellent character and excellent reputation … a precise and thorough legal mind." What more could we ask from any of our judges?

Let us all exercise our right to vote for this long-term judge, a third-generation Alaskan, who holds such high standards and principles.

-- Ginger Gorsuch

Wasilla

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Uber drivers rate riders

Regarding Uber, a recent interview on NPR's "Marketplace" noted that Uber drivers can rate their riders. Evidently the scoring system runs from a high of 5 to a low of 1. The woman being interviewed said her Uber driver let her know her Uber score, compiled from the four rides she had taken so far using Uber drivers, was a 4. Evidently she was not a generous tipper. The driver told her if her score dropped below 4, no Uber drivers would pick her up. The driver told her the rule with him was "5 for a 5." That is, if she gave him a $5 tip he would turn in a 5 rating on her as a passenger. Nice to know that is how it works.

-- Jean Watson

Anchorage

Pioneer Home for Young

Can we just all agree to give Don Young a fat retirement check, a big "thank you for your service," and then put him first in line on the waiting list for the Pioneer Home?

-- Connie Faipeas

Anchorage

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter for consideration, email letters@adn.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.

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