The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is noon Monday.

* * *

To the Editor:

I was "blown away" by the front page news items in the May 10 edition of "The Nugget" entitled, "Forest funding on a downhill slide" and "Students frustrated by funding crisis."

I find these new items particularly troubling in light of the fact that Congress can find $125 billion of taxpayers money to give away for corporate welfare (see Time Magazine, Nov. 1998).

I also find it troubling that the electorate can find it within their judgment to continue returning these politicians to office each election who are more concerned about special interest favors than programs that favor the general public's welfare.

These are some of the same politicians who have their palms out for campaign finance soft money, and those who receive the most campaign money get elected 80 percent of the time (see the pamphlet "Undermining Democracy" FAX 503/282-726611).

Not only are the special interest "Big Bucks" controlling the campaign process, but when these candidates get elected they are subsequently predisposed to pass legislation favorable to their benefactors.

This is a sad road to be traveling down in American politics, where the ultimate consequences may prove to be more serious than the immediate problem. The first step in correcting this egregious process is to vote for campaign finance reform.

John Allen

* * *

To the Editor:

I wish to thank all the people who have supported Sisters High School Baseball this year through purchasing tickets for the Motorcycle Raffle.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to discontinue the raffle. We have returned all money collected and wish to apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our supporters.

I would also like to thank Michael Hooey for all the work and support that he put into this project. It was an awesome idea, and I was very disappointed that we couldn't complete the raffle.

Please contact me with any of your questions or concerns at 549-4045.

Bryan Stevens

Sisters Varsity Baseball Coach

* * *

To the Editor:

On behalf of Black Butte School, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who made our Annual Spaghetti Feed & Bingo night a huge success.

Thanks to the generous merchants who donated wonderful gifts for bingo prizes. Thanks to the people and businesses who supplied us with food and goodies. Thanks to the parents who donated delicious desserts for the auction.

Most of all, thank you to the communities of Camp Sherman, Black Butte and Sisters for continuously supporting our most valuable asset -- our children.

More fun events will be happening all Memorial Day weekend in Camp Sherman as 13 of our students prepare to attend National History Day competition in Baltimore, Maryland in June.

Sincerely,

Jade Schneringer, for the parents and students of Black Butte School.

* * *

To the Editor:

Congratulations to the Sisters Boys Varsity Golf Team for a most successful 2000 season.

After winning every 3A match played, they went on to dominate the district championship playoffs.

They won by an overwhelming margin in the most severe of weather conditions (freezing cold rain, snow and gale force winds) to advance to the state finals.

At state, the team's performance was even more spectacular.

After setting a new all-time low team scoring record the first day to be in third place, they came right back and matched that same score the second day to place second in the state at the 3A golf championships.

Not only did this team play exceptional golf, but the players did it with extraordinary poise and style.

The team chose to honor the memory of two golfers, Payne Stewart and Lonnie Damon as well as just having fun by wearing plus fours (knickers).

For this as well as for all their achievements on the course, the parents, coaches, local golf courses, school and community can be very proud of this varsity golf team.

Dan and Pattie Little

* * *