Regarding Dan Rodricks' column on the problems created on the Anne Arundel County Council "when its only black member went off to federal prison for failing to file a tax return" ("An embarrassing deadlock in Arundel," Feb. 26).

Let's get the facts straight: It was not just one year's tax return, it was multiple years of tax returns. Why does Mr. Rodricks attempt to minimize the seriousness of the crime or gloss over it?

Also, isn't the issue who is best qualified the fill the vacancy, not whether he is white or African-American but who will do the best job for the constituents?

Edward R. Kreinheder Jr., Pasadena