Letters from March 8

Kimberly Forder is a monster

I recently read your front page story about the sentencing of Kimberly Ann Forder for the death of her 8-year-old adopted son, Christopher (“Seabeck woman sentenced to 27 months in prison,” March 5). I was so overcome by sadness in reading this story that I sat and cried over my breakfast for the life of a boy I never knew.

He was only on this planet for eight short years, four of which were spent with Kim Forder. Half his short life was spent with a woman who abused him beyond what any human being, let alone a child, should have to go through.

I believe her sentence was too lenient even though I know that Judge Olsen gave her the maximum penalty allowed by law. I only wish that instead of spending the remainder of her sentence in a warm, dry jail cell with three square meals a day, she be treated the same way she treated Christopher. Beat her, starve her, throw her in a shed with ducks for days at a time. Make her wear soiled diapers on her head. Kim is a coward and her crimes were spineless.

I can only be thankful that her biological daughter had the guts to finally come forward (even after several years) to expose her mother for what she really was: a monster. It must have been beyond difficult for her to do. If only it had happened sooner.

The end of your article mentions that at her sentencing hearing the courtroom was full of Forder’s family members, no doubt there in her support. But I couldn’t help but be movedby the comment made by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Montgomery, she said “I don’t believe there’s anyone in this audience here for Christopher Forder.” “Not a one.”

Well Christopher, even though I was not physically in the courtroom that day, I was there for you. Along with many other good and loving parents who are so shocked and saddened by this tragedy.

Wherever you are now, may your soul rest in peace and I am so sorry that during your short time here you were exposed to the worst we have to offer.

S.R. DIXON

Bremerton

Fire departments: Salaries should be posted publicly

After reviewing my property tax statement, I think it is time that fire departments in Kitsap County post their salary schedules or pay scales on their Web sites so that citizens are properly informed about the amount of compensation some of these organizations award.

It may come as a surprise that many upper level managers in local fire departments earn more money than judges and school district superintendents.

Some of these upper managers do not hold a college degree but earn more than $150,000 per year. Kitsap County government, regional cities and state agencies have salary information easily accessible on their Web sites. However, none of the local fire departments have this information.

With upcoming mergers and consolidations sure to increase salaries, I would like to see this salary information on a Web site so that I may make informed decisions regarding levies and taxes.

BILL MINKS

Seabeck