In Too Deep

It is disappointing to me that Seattle Weekly chose to publish an article ["In Too Deep," Dec. 6] without first verifying its facts, especially considering it was written by a reporter unknown to the newspaper.

I am not now nor was I ever pursuing a lawsuit, against anyone, regarding Zak's death. While I had retained a law firm, it was only to investigate his death. Upon hearing the results of the investigation, I had chosen not to move forward with a lawsuit. This fact was pointed out to the Florida publication in response to a similar article run over two weeks ago, but it chose to ignore the discrepancy; now, this irresponsible error has been republished, and this time it hit much closer to home.

We will probably never know exactly why and how Zak died that day, but without hard evidence on anyone's behalf, I chose not to bring a lawsuit. I weighed this decision very carefully and with full integrity. Therefore, it is disappointing and hurtful that a publication in my own backyard would frivolously print an article before giving the details the due diligence they deserved.

The aftermath of Zak's death has been hard enough; being portrayed as an irrational and lawsuit-happy widow makes it that much worse.

Robyn Jones
Seattle

The editor responds: Ms. Jones is referring to one sentence in our story: "[Ms. Jones'] Fort Lauderdale attorney, Joseph Slama, says she is preparing a lawsuit. . . . " Last week, after our story appeared, Slama called the story's Florida author and mentioned a decision regarding the suit, but only spoke off the record. We believe the statement as published to be correct. Let the record show that Ms. Jones ultimately decided not to file suit. Readers can judge for themselves whether our story was "frivolous" and portrayed Ms. Jones in an unflattering light.

Death by Euphoria?

For over 20 years, I was both a life insurance company investigator and later a PI, investigating traumatic deaths and disabilities. I investigated a number of deaths due to scuba diving ["In Too Deep," Dec. 6].

Autopsies, equipment tests, license reviews, and interviews with witnesses and friends offered no resolutions to the causes of those deaths. My feelings were that euphoria based upon the joy of what they were doing caused the tragic deaths. But who knows.

Martin Paup
Seattle

Suspicious Minds

I am astonished at the suspicion (and even hostility) this amazing woman, Trish Millines Dziko, is engendering ["Schooling the District," Dec. 6]. Good heavens.

For people to say that they are not really sure where she comes from and/or who she is smacks of unjustified paranoia. I think that Ms. Dziko is exactly who she appears to be. She is frank and open about her life, her background, her home and family situation, and her desire to increase educational opportunities for Seattle's youth. The people who are so suspicious of her ought to take a good look at their own selves and figure out why.

I have been interested in her path ever since I read about her several years ago. She is an inspiration and to be commended. Perhaps the idea of private money to public schools is still a topic that ought to be dialogued about, but give the woman credit for having a vision that will greatly benefit our youth. Other Microsoft millionaires take a different route to fame and fortune (take a drive around South Lake Union, and you will get an idea). I have never had the idea that Ms. Dziko is into what she is doing for her own personal gain.

Shame on the Rainier Beach PTSA president who led a walkout at the meeting where Ms. Dziko was presenting. And shame on Don Alexander, who apparently takes pride in being rancorous rather than helpful. A very wise person once said in my presence that there are two kinds of people—builders and destroyers. Which one is Ms. Dziko, and which one are those who are so suspicious of her?

Pamela Clerico
Seattle

Be Nice on the Bus

Forgive me if this is a little late. I just recently read a letter in the Nov. 8 issue, in the "Ask an Uptight Seattleite" column, in which an "exasperated commuter" on Metro complained about other bus riders saying "Good morning" and "Thank you" to the driver.

I am a Metro driver. First of all, the Uptight Seattleite's description of Metro drivers sounded a little condescending, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say I don't think he intended it to sound that way. Metro drivers run the gamut from those with barely a high-school education to attorneys and other professionals who, for whatever reason, tired of their chosen field and took up bus driving. Many of them are part time and have other jobs in addition to driving the bus.