PALMER, ALASKA
Dorothy M. Bell, Editor
Published every vreek at Palmer, Alaska for the Matanuska Valley Farters* Cooperating
Association for the purpose of giving nevs of the Associations Work, Problems and
Accomplishments and dissemination of information of a public character,
SUBSCRIPTION RATE $1.75 a year Single Copy 10£
LETTER TO THE
EDI TOR
Valley-Settler
Palr.er, Alaska
Dear Editor:
Palmer, Alaska
Sept. 22, 1947
This is a reply to Carl Rasmussen1 s well organized letter of September 17th. In it
he tactfully extendod to v;e board members, some very constructive critician. He him
self was at one time secretary of'the M.V.F.C.A. board and so appreciates fully their
position in the present situation.
nne present board, together with the manager, have been trying'very hard to agreo on
a future policy for the CO-OP, tut each new proposal has always uncovered so many
involvements that we have not yet come to a full agreement. However, we have never
given thought to withholding information from the membership or the Valley Settler.
Other boards may have. I do not know.
The aiit of the dairymen was begun as a friendly and test case by maiiy, in ordor to
determine whether the M.V,F. C.A. should be operated as the Jamestown Community
Storehouse, or with separate departments that are related to each other and the
CC-OF much as the States are to each other and the U.S. nation.
Remember, we in the Valley did not write'tho By-Lar:s of our organization. They were
imposed upon us by Washington D.C. Hence, I*am willing to.share in the expense of a
court decision which will clarify the future. I have not tried to keep my aim a
secret.
It is implied that a'majority of the manbei’ship mdy by this time regret their choice
of the present board. If that' be true in my casej let 51$ of the voting members
petition my resignation and they shall receive it.
Hr. Rasmussen,as well a3 many others, often differs with me in their judgment. That
is as it should bo. A variety of ideas is”good, so long as all are intended for the
one purpose, a better more adaptable CO-OP.
Very truly yours,
M.V.F.C.A. Secretary
Opinions of others,and signed by same, appearing on this page do not necessarily re
flect the opinions of the Editor,
Ih all fairness to the present board it should be made clear that when the lawsuit"
under discussion was filed very for; of the present board members wore"on the board,
"e havo also had^different managers during the.time which has elapsod.
T7c often wander if it is asking too much of people to ask them to make some attempt"
to find out the truth of a situation before -circulating a story--especially one that
can do a great deal of barn. The truth of course so often detracts from the juici
ness'of the story and ioftenhmakes it much less interesting. But on the other
hand, it causes much less trouble. We all live together in a very little world and
it could be a much happier world than it is. And as the'poet says
Don’t look for the flaws as you go through life,
And even when you find them
It’s wise and kind to be somewhat blind,
And look for the virtue behind them.