It was with much sadness that the staff of El Centro Hispano of Durham learned of the financial difficulties of El Centro Latino of Carrboro leading to the closing of its doors and ceasing of its services to the Latino community in their area.
Since the center's closing, there has been much concern that, perhaps, all other Latino service organizations in the Triangle area may also be in danger of shutting our doors. As the executive director of El Centro Hispano of Durham, I would like to assuage all concerns.
El Centro Hispano of Durham is in its 17th year of service to the Durham-area Latino community. We are a strong community organization, and while we have not been immune to the financial downturn in donations and the economy, our organization is in good financial standing with strong partnerships.
We are well poised to continue to serve the area's Latinos.
Our board of directors has expressed concern over El Centro Latino's closing and our organization is reaching out to them and their board of directors.
The primary concern at this point is to continue the vital services to Latinos in great need in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area.
Meanwhile, our mission at El Centro Hispano of Durham continues to be the same: to promote the socio-economic strength and success of the Latino immigrant community in our area.
PILAR ROCHA-GOLDBERG
Durham
Where's the justice?
As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I am appalled at the sentence given to Thomas Monroe. Every law enforcement officer and their family members should be outraged.
Six months for shooting a police officer is inconceivable. Yes, Monroe admits he made a mistake and is remorseful for what he did but that doesn't change the fact that he almost killed a police officer.
What kind of message is the justice system sending? It is okay to shoot an officer of the law as long as you are truly sorry for what you did.
I am glad that Monroe is remorseful for shooting Officer Youmans but he also needs to be held fully accountable for his actions. I am thankful for our men and women who put their lives at risk to protect and serve. I just wish the justice system was equally as grateful.
NIKI PRIGNANO
Timberlake
Low-life thieves
At least Robin Hood stole from the rich to give to the poor, but two recent thefts in our city had to be carried out by one or more particularly low-life thieves.
All the power tools were stolen from McMannen United Methodist Church's disaster response trailer, and from Habit for Humanity's storage container.
It would be naive to think that the thieves cared that they were actually stealing tools that are only used to help the needy, or that they will read this letter and return them, but what if they did by chance read it, and just what if the miracle of Christmas found its way into their hearts and caused them to return the tools?
Merry Christmas.
COOPER SYKES
Durham
