Grand Jury Duty Is Civic Service

* Re “Toward Grander Juries,” May 7 editorial:

I am an applicant for the 2000 grand jury. I am female, 52, and retired. My race is white and my ethnic background is 50% Anglo, 50% Hispanic (Portuguese). I will not choose between the two.

I think that I would make a good grand juror; that is why I applied for the job. I have been investigated and interviewed. I don’t know yet whether I have made the final cut to 30.

If I do make the cut, I still might not be part of the jury since the final 19 will be chosen by lottery.

I agree that there needs to be diversity; however, the commitment is very long and the compensation is low, so anyone who wants to do it really has to be able to support himself or herself in some other way.

What is the incentive other than civic pride and a sense of responsibility to the community?

DIANNE HOFFMAN

Westminster