I was delighted to see in Rick Hamada’s column in Mid-Week Magazine that state Sen. Sam Slom, R-Hawaii Kai, was picked as one of those “who made a difference.” What a refreshing list, compared to the daily newspaper version. I’ve known Sam for about 30 years, ever since I gave him flying lessons many years ago. He is — as you said — totally honest, with unsurpassed integrity. His advice has always been absolutely accurate. His voting record in the Senate has been perfect. As you no doubt recall, he was one of the very few who voted against the “Talivans,” as well as many other misguided bills put forth by the “opposition.” While I will admit to a “slight prejudice,” in my opinion anyone who disagrees with Sam Slom is flat out ”wrong!” ”Bud Weisbrod is a resident of Honolulu and can be reached via email at:” mailto:weisbrod@myexcel.com