LETTERS: WILL CONTINUE TO WRITE LETTERS

To the editor:

I would like to respond to criticism of a letter I recently wrote. A Mr. Arnzen of Scott City pointed out that a comment I made regarding pending legislation had the incorrect bill number on it. My mistake. Mr. Arnzen was correct about that. However, that was the only correct statement he made in his entire letter.

Just because I happen to be related to Tony Heckemeyer does not mean I have given up my right to express an opinion. And that's exactly what that letter was: my opinion. Not my mother's, not my uncle's, not the man's across the street.

I am proud of my family and its heritage of public service. If there is one thing this legacy has taught me, it is that we need to stay informed and always give back to the community that helped raise us.

When I was a student at Sikeston High School, I was fortunate to have some inspirational teachers who reinforced that dedication to community. The first letter to the editor I wrote was under their guidance when I was in high school. I am a junior at the University of Missouri. I'm still writing letters to the editor, and I intend to keep right on writing them.

JON TERRELL

Sikeston