In his My Turn piece in the Sept. 25 issue of The Press, Mr. Scott Reed seems to be having a senior moment. Is he suggesting that Recall was a purposeful attempt to deceive the voters of Cd'A in calling for an official (legal and definitive) vote on the question of McEuen? Such a charge would be disingenuous.

The fundamental issue that provoked the vast majority of the more than 20,000 signatures (5,000+ on each of the 4 petitions) was that city government consistently failed to listen to the voice of the community and act accordingly. We sought to remedy that and provide the community with a more responsive and responsible government. We were pursuing the use of an advisory vote.

In his writing, he sets up an issue that may sound to some like a challenge to the Recall effort, but one that misses the above point entirely. Election to the offices of city government is a mandate to represent the voice of the community. We elect our officers to represent us, to represent our needs, wants and financial capabilities. We are the community; we are the 'owners' of the city and the elected officials should represent us in their deliberations. Don't we have the right to a real voice in what is done in our community and how it is paid for?

Idaho Statutes allow for the recall of elected officials; ours was an attempt to exercise that right. Federal and state governments are increasingly viewed as distant and hopeless, somewhat like a space vehicle on Pluto with dead batteries. Recall is increasingly being used throughout the nation as voters strive to be heard. In the same issue of The Press, the Editorial laments the lack of interest and involvement in government by voters. Recall should be viewed as an attempt to engage the community in positive dialogue. We vigorously object to any attempt to reject the right of citizens to be heard by their leaders, a feature totally consistent with the "American Way."

Mr. Reed's words bring to mind a possible parallel in history: If Mr. Reed were practicing law in the 1770s, would he have supported the status quo and raised legal issues to protect rights of the King? Would he have opposed any grass roots attempt to convince the people of their right to a voice in the decision-making process? If he were successful, the revolution would have likely never happened.

Surely, Mr. Reed did not have to share his research with us to prove what is essentially a 'non-issue.' This is a tactic frequently used by high school debaters. Set up a false premise and then argue against it. We, the community, are more intelligent than that.

In summary, yes, Recall was a bit disturbing. We took it on out of frustration and our inability to reach any suitable response from the officers involved. And yes, we encourage all the citizens of our city to become suitably informed about the issues, to register and to vote; it is too important not to do so.

Frank Orzell is a Coeur d'Alene resident.