Hate Crime in Klamath County!
May 2007
Fellow citizens of Klamath County,
As you may have read in the Herald and News recently, one of our citizens was the victim of a hate crime.
April 30th some individual (s) broke into the home of Larry Bloomquist at the Running Y. This is a new home that is under construction. Among other damages, the perpetrators drew a 21 foot swastika on his living room floor, and included the words "No Jews".
In the aftermath of this horrible hate crime, our community proves again why Klamath is so special. This morning I received a call from Chuck Messick with Roger's Interiors. Chuck informed me that he and other Chamber members have launched an effort to raise money to create a reward fund that will be paid to anyone with any information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of this horrible crime of hate.
"The Klamath business community needs to send a loud, clear message that this law abiding and peaceful community will not tolerate this sort of thing" said Chuck.
I completely agree with Chuck and would like to provide all of you with an opportunity to join in sending this message. If you would like to contribute to this reward, please contact the Chamber office @ 884-5193. You may also bring, or mail your contribution to the Chamber office @ 706 Main St., Klamath Falls OR 97601. Please make your check payable to the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, and indicate that it is your reward contribution.
Not long ago, Gordon Ross approached me with an idea whose time has come. He suggested that the Chamber join with the Herald and News and create a CRIMESTOPPERS program for our community. We will be working with the Herald and News, and any other organization willing to participate in exploring this. Please contact me if you would like to be included in this effort. My cell number is: 892-5460
Joe Spendolini - President
Klamath County Chamber of Commerce
