Age: 67

Hometown: Ripon

Occupation: Retired maintenance mechanic

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, boating

Bee reader since: 1963

Number of letters published in The Bee: Three, all this year

Favorite topic(s) to write on: "Whose drumbeat are news stations really marching to?"

Why do you write? "To show a different perspective and point of view."

Excerpt from a published letter: "Bill O'Reilly does not report the news, he preaches it. It is wrong for reporters to shape and control the reporting of the news to fit their own ideology. This is not fair and balanced, nor is it very informative. A more suitable name for 'The O'Reilly Factor' would be 'The Pulpit.' The Bee is a far more informative source of information and news." -- From "Turn off 'O'Reilly Factor'; read The Bee," published July 4

Reaction to letters: "Another letter writer disagreed and said O'Reilly isn't paid to report the news and accused me of having liberal views."

Topic that doesn't get adequate attention in the media: Campaign finance reform

Education: High school, GED in Army

Family: Wife, Linda; children Francis, John, Christina Banta, Sarai Hardwick; grandchildren Justin Duggan, Tianna Murphy, Alicia Duggan, Destiny Duggan

Political philosophy: Democrat. Whether you are conservative or liberal, it takes a while to understand whose drumbeat your representative or the administration is marching to.

COMPILED BY JILLIAN HANKS, BEE NEWSROOM ASSISTANT