Age: 57

Occupation: office manager

Hobbies: "I like to spend time with our children and grandchildren. I also like to crochet and read."

A Bee reader since: 1988

How many letters published in The Bee: 10 to 12 since 1988

Favorite topic(s): "There are no specific topics, but I like to comment on articles that seem to present only one side of an issue."

Why do you write? "I like the mental exercise of putting my thoughts about something in order and then expressing those thoughts clearly."

Excerpt from a letter that has been published: "The Bee claims to be 'The Voice of the Valley.' This is untrue. The Bee is 'a' voice of the valley." -- from April 18, 2003

Reaction to letters: "Of the few times friends have commented on one of my letters, they have agreed with what I wrote."

Topic that doesn't get adequate attention in the newspaper: "I don't feel that the serious economic issues specific to Tuolumne County have been adequately investigated and reported in The Bee. Elitist no-growth, anti-business politics, the rising specter of a medical monopoly and underemployment are just a few of the issues that are having a big impact on our community."

Education: Associate's degree in law enforcement

Political philosophy: "I was a volunteer for the Republican Party when I was in high school. I have been a registered Republican ever since. U.S. citizens had better read the Constitution, become educated on how our government works and vote responsibly or the freedoms we enjoy here will be lost."