EDITOR: In reference to the editorial written on July 14 entitled “Store Closing is sad news for downtown area of Gladstone” by B. Scott Smith of Ketchikan, Alaska has a definite need for clarification. Mr. Smith was the liquidator for the sale of Gray Jewelers contents. He was here for a three-month period because the law allows only 90 days for a liquidation sale. His job was to make the most money he could for the store. It is surprising to me and many other people he would have such knowledge to write a letter after knowing the owners for such a short period of time. We are also extremely surprised that the company he represents would allow such comments. As to the reference made to a “properly run store,” any individual or business could have made that statement. That is not slander. Slander is when an individual has orally said something untrue, and that as a result of that untruth, the individual can show injury as a result of it.