To Barbara Reid, volunteer extraordinaire, I say thank you. You have given much and you deserve “Your Turn” (Jan. 3, “Too many people don’t care enough”) to be heard and to defend your good friend, Mary Gates. Ms. Gates has done her good share, as well.

However, if you listen, you will hear the citizens crying out to be heard. Ms. Reid, apathy was created, in part, because the voters have not been heard. It tends to turn us off! It tends to weaken voter turnout.

Try as we might, Ms. Gates did not hear us. She chose instead to go with the visions she shared with few and snubbed the wishes of the majority. Not a good move for an elected official, is it?

Those of us who did vote took the time to weigh the candidates, and knowing Jim Ferrell, it was a no-brainer. He listens. What a novel idea!

We won’t suffer a loss with this man sitting on the City Council. I fully expect that you will eat your words down the line.

To David Kaplan (Letters, Jan. 3, “Is Ferrell a repeat?”): Federal Way is very lucky to have this honorable man, Jim Ferrell, on our council. Yes, Mr. Kaplan, history will repeat itself. Jim will join the ranks of great leaders, mark my word. He’ll do it without fanfare, but with great respect for the citizenry of Federal Way.

We will be heard; we will have a say in decisionmaking which affects our city. He’ll even listen to you. And you will be pleased.

Sheryl Nevers

Federal Way