After reading "NFL star extends hand to kids" (Sept. 1) about Shaun Alexander, I went immediately to the computer to respond. How refreshing to read about not only a smart athlete who obviously took his education to heart, but a generous and unselfish man.

In a day and time where all we hear and read about athletes (not all) being involved with drugs, crimes and holdouts for more money, Shaun's story is so uplifting. Also, to read that he started the foundation before he signed with the Seahawks tells you much about his character.

Nancy Evans
Edgewood

No need for inquiry; Allen must go now

I vehemently oppose the editorial in the Enquirer "Let Allen Investigation play out" (Aug. 31). Why should the good citizens of Hamilton County have to?

Consensual or not consensual, Mike Allen committed an act, which was "wanton and willful neglect of duty and gross misconduct." He had sex with an employee that worked for him, an employee that he hired and promoted. If that's not a breach of his duties, then what is?

There's no need for an investigation; it's very simple: Allen needs to resign or the good citizens of Hamilton County need to fire him.

Robert Bozsan
Park Hills

Allen was unforgiving to Clinton

Regarding Mike Allen's recently revealed "troubles": I find it interesting that when the stones of public opinion and socially defined morality are being thrown at, instead of by him, contrition and a wave to past job performance seem an appropriate defense for job retention.

During President Clinton's similar fall from grace, I do not recall Allen as evidencing quite so forgiving a nature. The fact that no one is immune from self-destructive behavior is a painful lesson we would all do well to remember.

Lyn Loughlin
Clifton

Gee, if only he were a Democrat ...

Poor Mike Allen. If only he were a Democrat, people would be saying it was none of our business, and we could have moved on by now.

Andrew Bartmess
Mount Washington

Bridal designer also amazing as person

Regarding "Tiaras to the stars" (Sept. 2): I was thrilled to see the success of Debra Moreland, owner and sole designer for Paris Tiaras. In 1991, when Debra's business was new, she designed a beautiful veil for me. Two days before my wedding, I came to her in tears - my kitten had shredded it! Debra dismantled a veil she was making for a bride being married later, used components of that veil to remake mine, and had it ready for me the morning of my wedding. She charged me only the price of one new veil. Debra Moreland is not only an amazing artist, but also an amazing person.

Elizabeth Moore
Mount Lookout

Metro's drivers need to obey the law

Excessive speed, blocking traffic by using two lanes, cutting off other vehicles, changing lanes without signals, etc., etc. Could someone please advise me when the announcement was made that our mass transit system, Metro, was given an exemption from obeying our driving laws?

Denise McLaughlin
Wyoming

Smitherman plan would hurt city

At a time when Cincinnati is struggling to keep its businesses and population from moving to the suburbs, Councilman Christopher Smitherman gives them one more reason to do just that by proposing to tax income from stock options ("Smitherman: Tax stock options," Sept. 2). While most city councils would be touting this as a reason to move to the city, our council moves to yet again lower its playing field when it comes to corporate recruitment.

Rob Gabbard
Pierce Township

More funding should be done locally

In regard to "State fund dries up; cities look to locals" (Aug. 30), I think it's a good thing.

The return of governmental funding to the local level ensures that those citizens most directly affected by the spending will be better able to hold their elected officials accountable. It will force the politicians and the people to more effectively prioritize needs versus desires. The time is now to develop a gradual elimination of these funds altogether.

Tim Holloway
West Chester Township