Letter to the Editor: Harold Tseklenis tribute

Dear Editor: 

Thanks for printing David Tseklenis’s tribute to his father on his 90th birthday.

In his comments about the Downey Patriot, as a “forum for its citizens to voice their concerns and sometimes their pleasures about his town,” three words stand out: citizen, forum, and town. 

They remind me of Harold’s adherence to the classical Greek idea that citizenship means sharing in the duties and privileges of membership in the city-state. Citizens were also expected to participate in the political life of the city by voting.

Harold read the forum of the Patriot faithfully, he attended City Council meetings as an ombudsman for all of us. 

He served on City Commissions for the Arts. There isn’t anyone like him today.

How lucky we still are, to have a Patriot to help us.

Lorine Parks
Downey