I was extremely disappointed to read your unjustified hatchet job on Bill Herod,

the project coordinator for the RAP Project. Your article implied both that Bill

is incompetent and that the RAP project is off the rails. Nothing could be further

from the truth.

Bill has from its inception organized a very complex and difficult program, and done

so with minimal financial resources. Despite the limitation of funds, he has had

many successes, demonstrating dedication and expertise in a whole variety of disciplines.

He has enabled a successful transition to Cambodian society for many disadvantaged

people who were forcibly, and shamefully, expelled from the USA.

The evaluation report that you quote was superficial - only five days and a limited

number of interviews - both in its methodology and in its findings. However, the

report does admit that the project is seriously underfunded and recommends substantial

donor fund increases.

Bill's bookkeeping skills may not be his strong suit, but in nearly all other respects

he has performed a near miraculous job with minimal resources. He should be applauded,

not castigated, on your front page.

John Seager