Letter to the editor, March 17 2007

The News & Record published the following letter from me last March; it reads as follows:

"It appears the News & Record and city government are in lock step in an attempt to discredit former police Chief David Wray.

In recent months there has been a rising tide of negative commentary about David Wray from both sources that seeem coordinated for maximum effect. Reporters Lorraine Ahearn and Eric Townsend, objects of criticism in the Rhinoceros Times articles written by Jerry Bledsoe, seem intent on retaliation by attacking David Wray at every turn.

The city manager also has been able to inject his negative comments on several occasions. The city has ballyhooed the ongoing police department's criminal investigation by the SBI.

If David Wray is found to have committed criminal wrongdoing while police chief, then he will have to face the possibility of criminal indictment. There are many who hope and believe this is not true. David Wray has a long and distinguished professional record that often crossed racial lines in a positive way. Surely his record of service and accomplishment entitle him to more respect than has been shown him thus far by the city government and this newspaper."

Bill Knight