Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

How very odd to see in the September City of Sisters Quarterly Newsletter, from the desk of Barbara Warren, City Administrator, an item saying that "the City's attorney (Geoff Gokey) feels there could be a legal challenge regarding the words voters and electors/electorate" in the Annexation Initiative Measure, #9-40, on the ballot November 5.

Odd, because the initiative was submitted to Mr. Gokey in advance and he approved the wording. First, he sent it back for a minor correction (but not of the words "voters and electors"). The second time it came back with the wording approved. No mention of his feelings, and again, no mention of voters and electors.

It is not often a lawyer gets the chance for second guesses, but here was one, and he didn't take it.

It is definitely unusual when he is third-guessing himself as it now appears, judging by his feelings which Ms. Warren has reported. What is one to believe...that he can't make up his mind? That he is susceptible to suggestion and felt it appropriate to share his third round "feelings" in the newsletter?

It certainly would not be a red herring in a veiled effort to influence voting on this measure because both Mr. Gokey (who votes in Redmond) and Ms. Warren (who votes in Eagle Crest) are aware that electioneering in a city taxpayer-supported newsletter, by city employees on city time, is a no-no and is illegal.

By casting doubt on some of the words, Ms. Warren is implying (without saying so) that the chief petitioners are somehow at fault. It comes under the category of "dirty tricks" to do this without first saying that the city attorney is the individual who approved the wording. And why shouldn't he? There is nothing wrong with the wording despite twisting interpretations of those attempting to sink Annexation Initiative Measure #9-40.

One has to wonder at whose instigation this paragraph appears. Like many other mysteries of the hows and whys of City Hall, we will probably never know.

Sincerely, Shirley Petrie

Sisters

In response to Mickey Pearson's letter in the October 2,1996, Nugget, I take exception to his comments, finding them a bit discriminating.

I have chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis. Thankfully, I am somewhat ambulatory, but every step I take is painful. For my disability I possess a cane, a walker, a wheelchair and an electric scooter. I use these contraptions on the days that I swallow my pride. I have been told to confine myself to my chair, but have told my family and friends that I will stay on my feet and perhaps crawl for a bit, before I surrender my legs.

Now, I fully realize that Mr. Pearson and I have different circumstances. He does not have the choices I do. But, I have received a handicapped permit from the state and do use it at Costco, Rays', the schools that my children are attending, etc., because I know if I try to walk too far, I will inevitably fall (which has been proven.)

I am grateful for those special spots. There would be many places I could not go for fear of collapsing. It is extremely uncomfortable to do the shopping for my family of 10, so that when I am finished, I breathe a sigh of relief that my car is just outside the door.

I fully agree that there is much too much abuse of the handicapped spots. It angers me immensely when I see a car parked there without a permit in the window.

I sympathize with Mr. Pearson's unfortunate dilemma and do understand his frustrations. I wish he had never been in an accident that disabled him. I wish I did not have MS.

Perhaps the stores should just create more handicapped spaces. I do not believe there is any true answer to any already true problem.

Lee Evans

This letter is in strong support of Measure 39, the initiative which would prevent insurance companies from discriminating against alternative health providers.

So far, all I have heard from the opposition is fear about costs, which is absurd because anyone with any experience with chiropractors, acupuncturists or naturopaths knows that it costs far less to have them treat an illness or injury than it would to go through an expensive medical procedure.

Studies commissioned by state workers compensation departments (Utah, California, Florida) have consistently found that workers with back injuries who visited chiropractors are back on the job more quickly and with less cost than those that go to M.D.s. (These studies seldom get much press?!)

But the real issue does not pertain to cost. The 9th Amendment to the Constitution essentially states that freedoms not specifically spelled out in the first eight amendments are still retained by the people. Therefore, the freedom to choose any medicine or any type of therapy is theoretically guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

In the last two generations this basic freedom has been severely eroded by the A.M.A., the F.D.A. and health insurance companies. I don't believe it is a grand conspiracy necessarily, simply these groups each acting out of self-interest and misguided "good intentions," and all three wielding far too much power over us.

The irony is that several years ago auto insurers tried to remove a similar freedom when they demanded that auto body repair could only be done by shops that they designated. As I recall, car owners were outraged and that rule didn't last very long.

Why is it that we demand this freedom of choice for our cars, but are willing to relinquish it to the insurance companies when it comes to fixing our own bodies?

Please, vote yes on Measure 39, and let's begin to take back a basic freedom that was supposed to be guaranteed to us in the first place.

Irv Givot

Yes, the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group has said that the $50,000 gift to Bob Pickard, "obviously violates the spirit of the campaign reform laws," which Pickard claims to support.

Let us have some real truth in campaigning. First, the Oregon Education Association should have a more honest title: The Oregon Teachers Union and Political Action Committee. And, second, Bob Pickard should have the integrity to reject this $50,000, or stand up and say, "I am going to accept this money, which proves I am a hypocrite."

Okay, Bob, we are waiting, and voting.

Mike Dodson

If anyone had any doubts about the Oregon teachers' union (OEA) attempting to control who is elected to the Oregon Legislature, he should be as outraged as I am to read the headline "OEA plans big spree on races. Says it will spend $270,000 on six Democrats" in the September 28 Oregonian.

Among those six beneficiaries is Republican-turned-Democrat Bob Pickard, who will receive $47,273 in his race against Republican Ben Westlund in the northern Deschutes-Jefferson county area, House District #55. The District includes Redmond, Sisters, Culver, Madras, Ashwood and Warm Springs.

When John Danielson, the OEA campaign director was reminded that $64,000 for one candidate and over $40,000 for four violated the spirit of the law placing a $40,000 limit on expenditures by a House candidate, he was "unrepentant" and arrogantly commented "I've never thought that the law was a very good law." So much for a law passed by the people.

"Back of the hand," too, from a spokesperson for teachers to the very people (taxpayers) who supply all the money to build and operate public schools in Oregon. Teachers in Oregon must pay their "fair share" to the teachers' union(s) in order to hold a paid teaching position.

We have believed that control of local public schools was local, and that we elected our state representatives to represent us and our children -- not a special interest. Can Bob Pickard or any candidate who takes that much money from a single source be loyal and of service to all his/her constituents?

Mrs. Sam (Becky) Johnson

Redmond

What a privilege and pleasure, to have worked with some of Central Oregon's finest volunteers. A big thank you to the staff and security of the Sisters Folk Festival and also to the janitorial and kitchen staff of the high school. The festival was a huge success because of all of you.

See you next year,

Peggy Parker

I want to thank Sisters Fire Department and medics for coming so quickly to my accident last Tuesday (October 1). Also a big thanks to Sara Stalberg for being there through the whole thing. If not for you and the others with you I don't know what I would have done. Thanks again to everyone.

Mary Ferguson