Dear Editor:

I met Roderick O’Connor when I first moved to Aspen more than 20 years ago when I joined his aikido class. He was incredibly kind and patient with someone who had never done a somersault. Today, Roderick is the same compassionate and gentle person that I first encountered. How the town of Basalt could question his character is not only a mystery but also is potentially damaging to his reputation. Roderick is the heart and soul of Basalt; you could not want a person with more competence and warmth. He is an effective leader who makes you feel safe and not threatened. We all hope that this terrible situation is rectified immediately and that O’Connor is reinstated with the full support of his fellow officers and the Basalt Town Council.

Pam Joseph

Aspen