WASI issues not resolved

To the editor:

I realize that there is a lot of news to cover and that ongoing issues lose luster as time goes on. However, I’m disappointed that the ongoing impartial coverage of the issues at Wasilla Area Seniors seems to have come to a screeching halt.

I believe that your coverage has helped to shed light on a festering sore and we were starting to see some baby steps (meetings open to the members and public) and a public awareness that all is not well at WASI.

The administration there has made a blatant effort to characterize concerned members, who happen to have joined together in a coalition called Elder Watch, as “hostile” and “threatening.” The best explanation I can come up with is that Ms. Kaplan strongly resents any questions and feels threatened if asked to explain anything. Of course, if we have the gall to question, we must be “hostile.” One of the things that came out of a Feb. 22 meeting that didn’t happen — but a conversation did — is Ms. Kaplan believes she is the CEO of a private company. That mind-set shows that she has a basic lack of knowledge on the function of non-profit corporations.

The issues have not been resolved. Members are still treated with contempt by the executive director. There is still work to be done by the members and the board (hopefully united) to reach agreement on much of anything.

We hope that you will soon be able to assign a reporter to continue the balanced reporting of the ongoing developments in this matter, which is very important to a large number of senior citizens throughout the area.

Elsie M. O’Bryan

Wasilla