Editor:

I am writing this letter to state my support for the Mt. Graham telescope project. Jim Slagle's guest comment ("Telescope opponents ignoring truth about worthwhile project," Dec. 4) clearly presented the issues and pointed out exactly why this project is critical to the university and why the opposition is wrong.

Slagle pointed out that the university has made numerous efforts to improve and preserve the environment of the mountain by transplanting trees and planting thousands of seedlings on the mountain. Further, he explained how the university has run a monitoring program on the mountain. Slagle also showed how the university, its students and faculty will benefit from this project. The only harm done to the university and its students has come from the delay tactics (frivolous lawsuits and human roadblocks) by the opponents, which have forced the university to spend more money and resources to complete these important projects. Nonetheless, no tuition money was and is being spent on the construction of the Mt. Graham International Observatory.

The opponents keep complaining that no studies have been done, but Slagle pointed out that there have been numerous studies done on the mountain and its environment, over 4,500 pages worth. In fact, Slagle's article countered every bogus and unsubstantiated claim which has been made by the opponents.

Unfortunately, I doubt these facts will end the debate. I'm sure the fringe groups opposing this project will continue their unsubstantiated attacks with letters to the editor and inflammatory flyers. They'll cite obscure facts, misrepresent the truth, rewrite history and claim that their cause is righteous and moral while accusing Slagle of committing any number of crimes.

However, I have a feeling people have stopped listening to these extremists' harping. There is nothing which refutes slander and misinformation campaigns like the cold hard truth, and that is exactly what Jim Slagle's column represents.

Daniel McIntosh
Astronomy Graduate Student