Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

The Nugget often uses incorrect and biasing descriptions of Howard Paine and Bill Boyer.

"Anti-growth activists" is wrong. ARLUDeCo wants growth to follow Oregon's land use laws which are often broken-this is not the same as NO growth.

Pejorative descriptions of people do not help produce a fair understanding of complex issues, and journalists should refrain from biasing descriptions of any person or group.

Ann Boyer

(We believe the characterization of Mr. Paine and Mr. Boyer as "anti-growth activists" to be both fair and accurate. We do not consider the term to be pejorative. J.C.)

To the Editor:

Mayor Steve Wilson's attack on Gordon Petrie, claiming he was biased in the Eady/Barclay Ranch decision, is strange in the light of Steve Wilson's role.

ARLUDeCo had appealed the planning commission decision because of failure of the planning commission to follow quasi-judicial rules. Then, in the appeal, the entire city council also flunked the test of adhering to their "quasi-legal" obligations as badly as the planning commission had.

Steve Wilson made no attempt to apply the required criteria to the decision, nor did he guide the council into the proper role, which is the legal requirement in such a decision. After a general discussion there was a vote, and Wilson had seemingly made up his mind how he wanted to vote without any legal analysis of how he is suppose to vote. Is this what he means by "bias"?

I had previously gotten support of the city council to have a training session for the planning commission to help them understand their legal obligations in land use decisions, and the city council indicated they, too, were willing to be involved.

In the meantime, before such sessions have been conducted, we continue to have these effectively "lawless" processes on land use decisions, at least partly because the planning commission and the city council lack the training in how to make the logical applications of the criteria, which are the basis for the decision.

To follow the law, city councils need to override their own inevitable biases (points of view) in order to discipline themselves in their role as land use judges.

When a mayor has a business which could profit by these decisions it is even more difficult to avoid "bias." To challenge the integrity of one of his own council members after the meeting is a serious break in ethics, and makes the council process even more difficult. This is not what the public expects of their mayor.

Bill Boyer

Chairman, Alliance for Responsible Land Use, Deschutes County

To the Editor:

It appears that a younger head at city hall is showing his lack of experience in his rush to condemn, and that The Nugget is trying to foment a "fracas" (see September l7 issue) where none exists. A fracas is not the same thing as a difference of opinion.

FRACAS: (noun) a noisy quarrel; a disturbance; a brawl; an uproar. (Webster's Unabridged).

Why is it that anyone who speaks against development projects or questions the proposals is called biased? Is it not equally true that those who speak for them or roll over in acquiescence on every proposal are also biased, but in the opposite direction?

A good leader does not try to analyze why fellow councilors vote as they do even if he feels differently about an issue. Mayor Moyer would never have considered saying a fellow councilor showed "blatant bias," whatever his personal opinion, nor second guessing anyone's motives and rushing into print.

Mayor Moyer would not have publicly castigated a fellow councilor by going first to a newspaper rather than talking face-to-face about different philosophies and seeking a common ground. That tactic smacks of tabloids.

Nor would Mayor Moyer have insulted a number of citizens by complaining, again in a newspaper, that "...the city's...attitude is particularly galling coming from people who have moved here within the past 10 to l5 years themselves." (Bend Bulletin, September 11.)

He surely would not have implied that better judgment came from people who had moved here in a shorter time frame, and that long-time residents should keep quiet.

In short, while he served as mayor, Dave Moyer was judicious, fair-minded, sought consensus by persuading rather than backstabbing, and served the city well. But then he was also mature and more experienced. Perhaps our present mayor will learn to wear the mantle of office gracefully given enough time.

Yours truly,

Shirley Petrie

(Shirley Petrie is the wife of City Councilor Gordon Petrie. Mayor Steve Wilson has accused Gordon Petrie of bias and not giving applicants a fair hearing when making land use decisions. This was reported in an article published in The Nugget on September 17, 1997.-ED)

To the Editor:

I attended the hearing concerning the proposed Les Schwab Tire store in Sisters Tuesday evening (September 16).

What I observed was Deschutes County Planning Department's staff report concluding that their application was within all county guidelines with few conditions.

Those conditions had been previously addressed and agreed upon by the Taylor family.

I learned that the proposed building was the farthest east lot of pre-zoned commercial property that runs west to Patterson Ranch. This land is zoned and approved for gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants and other businesses which will operate longer hours and Sundays, which a Schwab store would not.

I also observed that almost every one of the people who testified in opposition first addressed the Taylors and stated they thought they had done a first-rate job of designing their store with the Sisters 1880s theme, that they thought their store would be an asset to the community, and that the Taylors were committed to the Sisters community.

My main impression of the hearing was one of embarrassment for Sisters city councilor Tim Clasen and the people of Sisters for electing (him) to that position.

He actually testified that he went to the Franklin Schwab store in Bend for three hours and took pictures.

His main point was that he witnessed a Schwab employee come out of the store to help a woman with a stuck window. I thought Hearings Officer Chris Eck was both kind and tactful the way he handled Clasen's absurdity.

Jim Mateski

Bend

To the Editor:

Since council member Tim Clasen was elected he has seen city government as being "of the people, by the people, and for the people." This approach is so foreign to past council thinking that it has caused concern in some quarters.

Tim's actions have been most refreshing and have fulfilled a long-felt need. Keep up your present course and don't concern yourself with "quasi-judicial" processes, whatever that may mean.

Gordon Petrie's engineering background has given him the ability to arrive at opinions based only on facts, figures, and procedures. This is far removed from "bias."

Strongly held opinions are a definite asset even a requirement - for a worthwhile council member.

John Groom

To the Editor

I applaud Gordon Petrie for his stand on the "several controversial projects" in Sisters that were in the article at the top of the front page in last week's Nugget.

Mayor Wilson's tactics of intimidation by accusing Petrie of being biased is no more than name-calling. Webster's dictionary defines bias as "an inclination of temperament or outlook." Therefore, if anyone has an opinion on an issue, that person is biased.

Petrie is biased against the proposed projects and Mayor Wilson is biased in favor of the proposed projects. They both have their own opinions and have exercised their rights in a democratic setting.

Gordon Petrie has now been made out to look as if he has done something wrong because he has not agreed to rubber stamp every project that is brought before the council. The citizens of Sisters did not vote for individual city councilors to vote as a block unit. We need different opinions, different ideas and open discussion to "thoughtfully" control the growth of Sisters.

I encourage each individual council member to vote their conscience and to represent accurately those who voted for them to be on the council. Your voting on issues should be based on community opinion and within the rules and regulations of the City of Sisters and Deschutes County.

Please do not be intimidated by those whose motives are based largely by the power of the almighty dollar. There are certain individuals who are in danger of killing the goose that lays the golden egg by attempting to destroy the very thing that brings tourists and visitors to this area.

Am I in favor of a tire store being placed on a scenic highway? No, I am not. Therefore I am also biased against the project and make no excuses for it.

Ken Emmrich

To the Editor:

I'd like to respond to your article of Wednesday, September 17, "Sisters' Mayor accuses councilman of bias."

Maybe Mayor Wilson could also be accused of showing bias. I can remember attending a council meeting last year when the public was able to testify about the PMR development and Mr. Wilson stood up and said how he supported it. He also stated the same opinion on that development when interviewed before the election.

We know that the PMR development is not going to impact Mayor Wilson's view of the Cascades from his home's windows on South Pine Street. We also know one doesn't have to be a genius to realize that PMR's development of 250 homes or the Barclay Ranch development will have a financial impact on Mayor Wilson's shop in town.

Mr. Petrie and Mr. Clasen were elected to the council because there were a number of voters in this town who felt we needed representatives on the council that were for controlled growth (not developments that would double the population of Sisters) and would not rubber stamp every development that came along.

Sincerely,

Kathy Osterlund

To the Editor:

I was sorry to read in The Nugget that our mayor accused a fellow councilor of being "blatantly biased."

Accusing each other of doing this or not doing that is not what we had in mind when we elected you. I'm sure Mr. Petrie and Mr. Clasen sincerely believed they were acting for the majority that elected them, and I for one really appreciate their honesty and dedication in keeping Sisters livable.

We all have our thoughts on what Sisters will become and we will not always agree, but please let's be adult and considerate of each other.

By the way, I am over 50, I have lived in Sisters over 20 years and also live on South Pine St. Wouldn't Highway 20 be a much better "3rd Street" than our scenic Highway 242? Much more exposure.

Edna Harding

To the Editor:

This is to the white Jeep Wrangler and the black Chevy pickup who went out on the Forest Service land behind Squawback Woods on Saturday, September 20, around 2 p.m.

In case you couldn't hear, the guys who were working on our roof were yelling at you that you were in a residential area. You were target shooting with your .22s and larger rifles right toward our house. The guys on our roof could hear the ricochetimg. It's too bad that our family was gone that day and couldn't "enjoy" your practice.

Thanks also for stessing out our dogs. Perhaps you did not realize that there were houses to the east and west of you and perhaps you did not realize that there is a heavily traveled bike and bridle path out there. Somehow I doubt it.

I would also like to remind the deer hunters that the land between Cascade Meadows and Squawback Woods is a heavily used recreation area. Please look before you shoot and make sure it is a deer and not a mountain biker or a horseback rider or someone just out enjoying the woods.

Heather Wester

To the Editor:

The eighth grade retreat was a success! Though the weather wasn't pleasant we still had a fantastic time. Brad Tisdel, Cindy Glick, Debbie Newport, and all the volunteers did a wonderful job pulling everything together.

On behalf of everyone, thank you very much for allowing us to have such a great time. The fun consisted of three stories told by Susan Strauss, a bonfire each night, teamwork activities, forest management, a hike to the top of Black Butte at 5 a.m. (we got up at 4 a.m.), and everyone being together.

Thanks,

Lindsey Warner

To the Editor:

In past timber sales throughout the Deschutes National Forest, there has been a trend for leaving less and less wildlife trees. I hope the Pole Creek sale will not fall into that crack, but have more than the minimum.

There are a number of "old growth" ponderosa pine planned for harvest in the sale. I find no reason why a few of those old pumpkins can't be sold and removed, but please don't get carried away and sell them all - they're needed for wildlife.

The Pole Creek fire created ideal habitat for cavity nesters, which is rich in food, and with a high potential for nesting substrate. Some of those old pines will probably outlast you and me. (I have been checking several old growth ponderosa snags on the Fort Rock District that I tagged as wildlife trees over 25 years ago, and many of them are still standing).

The Supervisor's Office Biologist -with the assistance of the Sisters District Biologist, have developed a wildlife tree strategy that will work very well in the Pole Creek sale, if given the opportunity.

Respectfully yours,

Jim Anderson

To the Editor:

We would like the opportunity to publicly thank the many wonderful people who supported the Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast for its second year during the 1997 Quilter's Affair and Quilt Show.

Because of the outpouring of assistance and support on the part of friends, relatives, school administration and personnel, business owners, and the general public, the B&B was once again a huge success.

Forty ladies had a terrific time spending five nights sleeping, showering, and eating at the high school. The six high school classrooms that were turned into dorm rooms housed strangers who became fast friends before the week was over. We are still receiving thank-you cards from our guests and each one of them highly praises Sisters, the school district, and all the students of the music department for the special time they spent at our school and in our town.

All proceeds earned from the Bed and Breakfast will be used to fund a SHS Music Department tour which will take place in Spring 1998. Because of the B&B, the tour costs of each individual music student will be greatly reduced.

A special thanks to Dorro Sokol who allowed us to use the field at Pine Mountain Ranch as a "fund-raiser" parking lot on the day of Quilt Show. Your willingness to allow us to use your property displays your generous support of SHS and its programs.

Once again, a big, big thanks to the Sisters community and to each individual who made our event a success.

Sincerely,

Marion Harrison, B&B Coordinator, Jody Henderson, SHS Music Instructor

To the Editor:

At the first two home football games this year I noticed that Sisters High School was without cheerleaders. To me, the cheerleaders are a part of the entire football experience. Much like the coaches, the players, the referees, the announcer, the band and the young boys tossing a small football back and forth behind the stands.

Having played a little football for Sisters many years ago, I know the value of cheerleaders. Their cheering and enthusiasm encouraged the crowd to vocally get behind the team and become part of the game.

At last week's game, I was happy to see cheerleaders once again spurring the crowd on.

At first I noticed that, though their enthusiasm was high, their timing was not. I then noticed that these four girls were girls I usually see on the volleyball court. The girls I found later to be Courtney Ellis, Kirstyn Everson, Krista Gardinier and Shelly Greene deserve a large thank you for their efforts. Their eagerness and school spirit overcame what they lacked in cheerleading skills.

Here were four girls jumping and cheering when they probably should have been resting for their own athletic contest coming up at 8:30 the following morning.

Sisters won the football game. It was an exciting come-from-behind victory. Was it because of a great defensive effort? Yes, I believe so. Was it a great coaching effort? Yes, I believe that too. Was it the result of a great pass and catch in the final few minutes of the game and the ensuing run into the end zone or the kick for the point-after-touchdown that gave Sisters the one-point margin? Most definitely I believe all of these to be contributing factors.

Did Sisters come away victorious because four young girls made a sacrifice to get involved with their school, don some uniforms that were not made for them and, overcoming the initial embarrassment, urge the crowd to get behind their team? One would have to argue long and hard to convince this old Outlaw otherwise.

Thanks again girls.

Wayne Rowe

To the Editor:

The 15th Annual Tri-Island Bicycle Trek September 6-8 and September 13-15 hosted by the American Lung Association of Washington was an outstanding success.

Between the two weekends over $176,000 was raised.

A big thank you to all our sponsors.

Peg Bermel, Teri Ast