EDITOR'S DESK: Silver Key and Mikki

       I remember talking to Mikki Kraushaar in December 2003. She was her usual upbeat self, but she was a little worried. As the books were being balanced for the year, Silver Key Senior Services looked to be thousands of dollars in the red. Yet she did not have the aspect of one who had done wrong. To the contrary, her only “crime,” if it could be called that,was doing too much good - helping more needful elderly than some might call economically prudent. And so, with a clear conscience, she spoke hopefully about the possibility (which actually occurred, in different ways) that one or more generous souls would step forward and save her agency's budget for another year.
       A similar scenario is unfolding in 2007. Efforts by Mike Decker's predecessors to make Silver Key run more efficiently undoubtedly have been useful. But the current CEO has seen the morale hits - a drop-off in volunteers, a serious private-donation need and a sense among some seniors (rightly or wrongly) that the post-Mikki CEOs cared more about dealings than feelings.
       Decker sums up the new approach in the story that begins on Page 1: "People who donate say they want us to help people who are in trouble." Such an open-ended mission is hardly one to invite balanced bugets. But it certainly meets the purest definition of charity, which is sure to bring cheer to Silver Key's clients... and, hopefully, the support once again of those generous souls.
      
       Regarding the transient camp sweeps, we appreciate Gold Hill Commander Kurt Pillard's reassurance that they will continue, despite personnel changes with the department reorg. But it would be more reassuring, in terms of public health and safety, to know it for a fact. Hopefully, the new police chief will see the tangible benefit of keeping those camps from getting out of hand.

- K.J.