Soviet Radio Operator Reports Quiet In Everett's Sister City

EVERETT - A ham-radio operator from an eastern Soviet city yesterday told friends in Everett all was quiet in his area following the upheaval in the Soviet Union's leadership.

Victor Shinov of Sovetskaya Gavan said he'd seen a little bit on television about tanks in Moscow and that his family supported the change in leadership, said Nancy Allen, president of the Everett Sister Cities Association.

"He said: `We have no food. Something drastic had to happen,' " Allen said.

At the same time, however, Shinov told Allen he wants reform in the Soviet Union to continue.

"He said he's trying to remain optimistic," Allen said.

Sovetskaya Gavan became Everett's sister city in May. In July, the BMRT Kargat, a fishing vessel that has its home port in Sovetskaya Gavan, arrived on a sister-city visit to pick up donations from Everett citizens, including basic medical supplies, clothing and a snowblower.

Allen said Shinov is one of the few people in Sovetskaya Gavan who speaks English.

"I had the feeling he (Shinov) had a little less information than I did," Allen said.