Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

This is in response to "Sisters votes for change" in the November 13 issue.

I was encouraged to see city residents take an interest in their government, but disturbed by what in my opinion was "panic voting" as evidenced in some of the candidates' comments.

All of the issues are tied in some way to growth. The budget shortfall may be due to errors in planning or accounting, but current demand on city services due to growth should certainly be looked at, and perhaps future growth could help finance a sewer system and replace the "embarrassing" city hall.

The sewer issue is simple -- without sewer, Sisters commercial properties are undesirable for development or renovation.

The comprehensive plan is essential to maintain smart growth. Economically, Sisters needs to grow while maintaining the charm and quaintness that attracts so many tourists. This can only be accomplished with involvement, not resistance.

Steve Wilson seems to have the level of thinking necessary to tackle these issues.

In Mr. Clasen's case, it appears that no-growth panic prevailed.

As for Mr. Petrie, I couldn't tell where he stood on growth, but his comments were rather upsetting. In a democracy, the voters inevitably decide the issues; but to bury your head in the sand and not listen to objective viewpoints from outside the city is neither prudent nor wise.

The community of Sisters extends well beyond the city limits, it encompasses we who support the grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, banks, and other services; and it is our friends and relatives who visit and attend the events that bring so much retail trade to the city.

As for "getting a free ride," I live outside the city and haven't yet discovered just what it is that I get for free. If Mr. Petrie insists on alienating the community, perhaps he'll end up alienating the voters as well.

John G. Weber

I would like to thank the city council for keeping their word in supporting the SOAR program. I would also like to thank Gary Miller for standing up for keeping a promise.

I believe that the SOAR program has made an otherwise boring city fun for many kids in Sisters. If there was more money in the program, like what city council planned to grant, then there would be more diverse activities to keep SOAR running.

As a participant in SOAR, I am happy to see it keep up so well.

Brian Morgan

A sales tax by the City of Sisters on food and beverage would be a big mistake. It would hurt the restaurant business and severely tarnish the city's image, a classic example of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Many of the so-called "tourists" who come to Sisters are fellow Oregonians. Oregonians have demonstrated on many occasions that they abhor a sales tax. As a nearby resident of Deschutes County, a tax on food would definitely impact our decisions on where to eat out. I respectfully suggest that the city council look elsewhere to solve its financial problems.

Very respectfully yours,

Larry E. Cagle

What a terrific Christmas parade last weekend! Kudos to Tony Lee for a job very well done (and to all his volunteers and participants).

I also want to thank all those who came by to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and stayed to listen to the Sisters High School Band as well as the Sisters Community Choir while waiting for the tree lighting (despite the cold and drizzle).

A special thanks to Mike Seay for all his hours of bulb counting and replacing as well as tree climbing to make this year's tree lighting so beautiful.

Happy Holidays,

Kim Renwick

Chamber Events Coordinator

We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Tony Lee for saving our Sisters Christmas Parade, the long-standing tradition that makes living in Sisters so special.

We know what a lot of time and effort went into the planning and execution of this parade. We think it was a great success. Who says one person can't change anything? Tony Lee proves that wrong!

We also want to thank the following people who helped make our entry possible: Chuck Hoyt, Frank and Sharon Fritzie, Larry Garrison and the Dime Store. For the donations and hard work, thanks again!

Sincerely,

The Rhinestone Cowgirls

Well, we owe it all to a wonderful man who cares by the name of Tony Lee. What a fantastic turnout for the Sisters Christmas parade, both participants and viewers.

Thank you Tony! And a big hand to Winfield from Sisters Coffee who so generously donated hot chocolate and coffee to all participants. It was truly appreciated.

Hear! Hear! The show must go on!

Diana Redfield-Kelleher

On Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, my family and I were enroute to the valley for the holiday weekend when we encountered car troubles.

We called my power mechanics teacher, Anthony Soto, to ask for help. He told us to come right in and see him and agreed to wait at the school for us to return. After his inspection and advice we made the decision to take that car home and retrieve another car.

We went back to the school. Mr. Soto worked diligently for two hours to repair the windshield wipers on that car. Because of Mr. Soto's persistence and hard work we were able to continue with our trip and spend the holiday with friends and family.

I'm unsure of how to ever repay such kindness and generosity that Mr. Soto showed us. He delayed his long trip home to enable us to have a safe and happy holiday.

We are forever thankful and in your debt, Mr. Soto.

Sincerely,

Mandy Dunn

I have had the November 6 Nugget letters to the editor taped to my refrigerator for two weeks now. I sincerely hope that Ms. Ruth Nalle and others have become educated in how the girls' dance team may certainly aid in preparing them for life.

When I first read the letter I thought I had misunderstood her point. After re-reading, I was saddened. It may benefit her and others to sit in on a practice or two to see what really goes on behind the scenes. I'm sure there are strict requirements and guidelines to even make the team, like any other sport or club. She mentioned "teamwork" and "clear thinking" both are a must to pull off those routines.

Regardless of what the school board approves, as a parent one should do his or her own homework as to what would benefit their children the most.

When I was 12 my mother asked advice from a woman 30-plus her age. The woman's response was "You should allow your children every opportunity that comes their way -- life is too short to say "no" unless there is a valid reason."

I'm thankful today for the opportunities I've adventured because of that wisdom.

If the uniforms are too skimpy then volleyball, swimming, cheerleading and boys wrestling are definitely out for her.

Rebecca L. Boehm