September 4, 1998

Mr. Tim Markwell

c/o Senator Cliff Trowe

S-323

State Capitol

Salem, OR 97310

Dear Mr. Markwell,

I greatly enjoyed meeting you, and testifying before the Senate Government Oversight Subcommittee last Wednesday. Per your request, I enclose a one-page summary of events, a statement of impact, and suggestions for reform. Also enclosed is a copy of the body of the police report, and wife Jane’s detailed statement. As everyone should have a "poster" photo – I enclose a fairly recent shot of our family.

I hereby issue to you a waiver of privacy. You may fully investigate our case with whomever you choose.

As we discussed, law enforcement and SCF follow up will be helpful. Far more helpful will be a statement of what legislation (if any) Senator Trowe will support, to restore some semblance of civil rights to parents who are falsely accused, or who choose to employ traditional methods of discipline.

In our conversation, you stated the problem we face might be less a matter of law, than of one or more rogue agents. I work in a place in which the mere utterance of the "N-word" is sufficient for immediate discharge. I eagerly await your recommendations for punishment of those who violently entered our home, injured and arrested my wife, terrorized our children, and forcibly removed our five year-old daughter.

If you feel the enclosed suggestions for legislation are remiss, you may find helpful the recommendations made six years ago by a thorough study of Oregon SOSCF by the University of Southern Maine. Copies of this report are available in your legislative library.

Sincerely,

John Gilman