Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 7, July 2003

Copyright 2003 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article and photos below in your research. Be sure to quote the Seattle Sun as your source.

Letters to the editor

Bravo, Jane Lotter

I laughed my butt off when I read this (Jane Lotter's column about her experiences as a freelance writer, published in the June 2003 issue) and hey, that's always good. May mysterious checks flow into her mailbox from publications she barely remember having heard of. Thank you!

BARRIE TRINKLE (a just starting-out freelancer), Cedar Park

Another 'Jane Explains' fan

I just wanted to let you know how very much I enjoy Jane Lotter's column in the Seattle Sun. I love her humor and style. Thank you for making my day whenever I receive my copy!

KATE TURPIN, Wallingford

Krispy Kreme is no boon to area

I was very disappointed to see the opening of the new Krispy Kreme store in North Seattle highlighted in the Business Beat section of the June 2003 issue. As you may be aware, Krispy Kreme is in the midst of a harassment and discrimination lawsuit filed by five former Hispanic employees.

According to an article in the Seattle Times (Former Employees Sue Krispy Kreme, Tuesday, May 20, 2003), "The workers allege that supervisors extorted sexual favors from young female employees and forced those who complained, or tried to help the women, out of their jobs. And they allege that Hispanic workers taught new white workers how to make doughnuts, then watched as the white workers leapfrogged them on the promotional ladder." These are serious allegations and this type of racist behavior should, in my mind, be grounds for not only a lawsuit but a Krispy Kreme boycott.

In addition, Krisy Kreme products are as unhealthy as they come. In a nation where two thirds of adults are overweight, businesses should be providing and encouraging intake of healthful products in reasonble portion sizes. And since 15 percent of youth are overweight, Krispy Kreme should get out of the business of allowing their products to be sold by athletic directors, coaches and the like in our public schools to raise money for "student activities."

A brand new Krispy Kreme store is no cause for celebration.

SHELLEY CURTIS, Ballard

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(Editor's note: Krispy Kreme owner Gerard Centioli told the Seattle Sun in May that the managers named in the lawsuit were no longer with the company and that he was "treating the matter seriously." The lawsuit involved incidents that reportedly took place at Krispy Kreme's Issaquah store.)

Thanks for exposing news

I want to thank James Bush for his article "(City) Council members stripped of credibility in Rick's rezone" (Politically Speaking column, Seattle Sun June 2003 issue). As you know, the Seattle Times picked up his story, and one of their reporters, in talking to me, described it as an "excellent" story. You not only have provided a great service to me, but, I hope and think, to the entire city as well. Just what news should be. Again, thank you.

VICTOR T. WEBBEKING, Lake City

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(Editor's note: We appreciate being credited in the Seattle Times, the Seattle P-I, and the Stranger and also thank the many readers who mentioned it to us.)