Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

I was disgusted and appalled by Mr. Gordon Petrie's personal attack on Sheriff Greg Brown at the (October 23) council meeting.

His position as City Council President is an embarrassment to all fair-minded citizens of our community. Sheriff Brown and his staff have worked diligently to assist in the merger with our local police department.

He has been more than fair in negotiations; even accepting the outdated and worn-out police vehicles and equipment in return for relieving city debt for over $30,000. Sheriff Brown deserves an apology from the city council.

Mr. Petrie is only interested in satisfying his own ego and not acting in the best interests of the good citizens of Sisters. His biased behavior on the city council is nothing new and a reason many citizens choose not to attend council meetings.

His views are as outdated as are the "porta-potties" that greet visitors on our public streets.

Richard John

To the Editor:

I was very angry when I had to pay a food tax in Ashland. How can a city have a special tax that other cities do not have? We all pay enough taxes as it is, and another tax is infuriating to everybody.

As I have spent a great deal of time in Sisters, I would hate to see its friendly atmosphere tarnished by the addition of a sales tax.

I will probably go to Ashland again, but I will not eat in the restaurants there, because of the tax. I know that I will keep coming to the Sisters area because of the wonderful recreational opportunities, but I would rather buy a book on the history of the Sisters area with the proceeds going to the sewer system, or put change in a jar (as suggested by Mr. Beacham, November 12).

But no more taxes!

Thank you,

Chris Keaton

Albany, Oregon

To the Editor:

For generations, the large plantations of the South were tended by slave labor. As a matter of commerce, this efficient low cost labor force gave Southern farmers a competitive advantage.

To the North, issues of slavery, trade and tariff were creating division between the North and South. Deciding that the issue of equality could not be negotiated, our nation entered into a civil war. Killing would be an easier alternative than change. The feared enemy was ourselves.

Before I endeavor to paint a connection between Sisters and the Civil War, I want to define the factors I believe will lead to continued growth of our community:

1. Sisters offers blue sky, clean air, pure water and just about every outdoor activity known to man. 2. We have approximately 1,100 students in our education system. Many will choose to live in Sisters and raise families. 3. Urban America is growing tired of overcrowding, crime and pollution. 4. Technological advances will continue to make rural living an option for more Americans.

As we honestly weigh these factors it becomes evident that the Sisters community will continue to experience population growth. This growth continues to cause civil conflict in Sisters.

In reading "Letters to the Editor" over the past two years I've observed a number of citizens who are very concerned with the issue of growth. These well-intentioned citizens bring some important points to our attention. However, I believe that they fail to acknowledge that an opposing view also has some good points.

This denies the humanity and integrity that exists on the opposite side of the issue. Again, we are our own most feared enemy. Our inability to listen to each other and meet somewhere in the middle pushes us to civil conflict. The antidote to this is an open mind!

As a member of the Sisters Community Action Team, I believe by participating in a forum using fact, with an obligation to listen to each other, we can protect and enhance the things we love most about Sisters. In the process we can innovate more ways to support self esteem in our children and honor our elderly.

" Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends with them " - Abraham Lincoln.

Bill Willitts

To the Editor:

I would like to give some insights discovered in building a home in Sisters area.

I shopped for different sub-contractors according to their friends' recommendations, sometimes only getting two bids. Most worked out, but one didn't.

This sub rushed through the house framing in only four weeks with part-time helpers. Other contractors said it should have taken six weeks because of the size of the house.

The sub had a bad temper and lost it several times on the job. I paid him in full when he said he was done and had to rush to another job. I discovered several days' work left, which I completed with help because I was uncomfortable with the sub- contractors' temper.

There was also some defective work. After turning the complaint in to the contractor's board, it has taken three months for a hearing. This issue was settled, but we didn't get all of our lost money and wages back.

My recommendations for finding good contractors are:

1. Ask for names and phone numbers of five people they worked for (many legitimate complaints are never made to the contractor's board).

2. Get at least five bids for each major section of the job.

3. Have your own contract for the sub to sign. This needs to include what you are expecting the bid to include and showing that you are going to hold back 10 percent of the money until the job is completed to your satisfaction. (This is recommended by the contractor's board).

4. Find contractors with reputations as perfectionists who will build your house as if were their own.

5. Try to find a contractor that gets along with everyone including the inspectors.

6. Check with suppliers to see that the contractor pays his bills in a timely manner.

Most contractors are honest and fair, but sadly, about 10 percent are not reliable.

Chet Davis

To the Editor:

On behalf of American Legion Post 86 and La Societe Des Qurant Hommes Et Huit Chevaux, commonly known as "The Forty & Eight," I want to publicly and personally thank Mr. Jody Henderson and the members of the Sisters High School Band, and Ms. Nordquist and the High School seniors who have been (and are) active members of the school's leadership program for the wonderful concert and reading they put on in honor of this nation's military veterans on Thursday evening last.

I believe that I can speak for every veteran who was present that their program was a beautiful tribute to all veterans, and especially to those who have answered their country's call to arms and paid the supreme sacrifice.

The program put on by these fine young people was much more then just readings and music to us who are veterans. As one of the members of the Forty & Eight mentioned after the program, "With leaders and young people like this the future of our nation is in good hands."

I echo that comment.

Phil Chlopek

Lee Morton Memorial American Legion Post 86, Member of the Forty & Eight

To the Editor:

On behalf of Sisters Post 8138, Veterans of Foreign Wars, I as commander, want to express the post's appreciation to the Sisters High School Band and Senior Leadership Students for the program presented to honor all veterans on November 13.

Ms. Nordquist and Mr. Henderson are to be commended for their part in educating these young people and future leaders of our community.

I, personally was impressed. There have been times that I have wondered about the future of our country. If these young men and women are an example of the future leadership of our great country, I hope I am around to see the good things that can happen.

George J. Winterfeld

Commander, Post 8138 V.F.W.