Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

Regarding Sisters sewer system, I am an in-town homeowner with a one-year-old house (and septic system), which I share with my sister and nephew, and am also a business owner that would like to build a new office and shop in Sisters. On the one hand, I don't need a new system, on the other, I do.

Since it's obvious The Nugget has organized a media blitz in support of the system, here's what we can expect:

More reporting with headlines like, "County to get tough on old systems," "Businesses carry the weight, (effluent), for all," "Low income hookups for free," "Sisters transformed by new septic system, world breathes sigh of relief."

I'm sorry, I'm not feeling like a sheep today, are you? Stop printing rhetoric, we get plenty of that nationally, and start printing news, we get none of that nationally. While the articles are partially based in fact, your agenda shines through. How about some honest reporting? How about these instead...

"A complete and impartial cost analysis for a new septic system," (including projected change orders during construction!), or "A before and after comparison from other communities that have faced development of this type." Just the pertinent facts.

A conspiracy theorist might say that by printing such rhetoric as fact, you make respondents look like alarmists and extremists, the majority look like the minority. What needs to be kept in mind is that what we read is just one persons opinion, no more or less important than old Earl's down at the coffee shop.

If the newspaper has an opinion about the new septic system, let's hear it, in the opinion column. Otherwise, get out and do some legwork, come up with some real reporting.

Respectfully,

Roy Manbeck

Roy's Blue Boy Irrigation

Editor's reply:

The reporter on the sewer issue is buying a home outside of Sisters, and, unlike Mr. Manbeck, has no personal interest in the outcome of the sewer election.

The owners of The Nugget haven't yet decided if they are in favor of a sewer, and certainly have not told the reporter what to write about it.

Since the first of the year, we have published the estimated cost of the project (current figures: $12,186,000 total, with a bond request of $7,000,000 and grants of about $4,850,000; individual hook-up fees at $1,000, with about 60 percent of the town's residents qualifying for a subsidy).

We have written about who would repay the bond and how much they would pay per month ($39 per home, or equivalent dwelling unit, with commercial hookups paying about 30 percent of the total cost for about 30 percent of the benefit).

We covered a discussion about what the failure rate is for the existing drain fields (37 failures in 46 months, or 9.6 per year, or 2.13 percent per year), and discussed the cost of alternatives ($4,000 to $10,000, depending on whether a pressurized system or a a sand filtration system is required).

We believe that this is the best available information, and that the reporting has been factual and accurate. We have been accused by both those who support a sewer and those opposed that we favor the other side.

Mr. Manbeck apparently disagrees, but aside from sarcasm, he offers no argument. If he has information that he feels might be pertinent, we hope he shares it, and offer him a forum right here to do so.

We also look forward to someday seeing him at the various workshops and presentations where these issues are discussed.

ED

To the Editor:

In the February 11 Nugget, Michael Blumm and Ken Emmrick presented some gross misunderstandings that compel me to clarify for your readers where the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce stands on the sewer issue.

First of all, it is not my position that there will be time "later" to develop growth control mechanisms for Sisters. These mechanisms already exist. Now is the time for residents to evaluate them so that their affirmative vote in May will not mean uncontrolled growth for our city.

Mr. Blumm also incorrectly calls this project "the chamber's proposed sewer." To put it bluntly, chambers of commerce don't build sewers; cities build sewers.

As for my motives, "promoting increased tourism" is but a small part of my job. I am also responsible for economic development and community and membership services, among other things. As I wrote in my last letter, over 75 of the chamber's 250 members are non-profit organizations and individuals in the Sisters community. I represent all of our members.

Furthermore, it is irresponsible and naïve to deny the inextricable link between the residents and businesses of a community. The health and existence of one depend on the other.

Mr. Emmrick says, "in no way can (I) relate to the feelings and needs of those who have lived here for some time." All of my adult life I have been involved in my community, wherever I lived. The issues facing Sisters are not unique. I moved to Sisters (and I am a city resident) for the very things all of the residents want to protect. I can relate and I do care about my community.

I advocate the most responsible choice for the management of our wastewater. Most communities of our size have sewer systems. This is the healthiest way for a human community in today's society to deal with its wastewater. It has nothing to do with tourism. It has to do with public health and responsibility for our own waste.

The Chamber of Commerce is not advocating the installation of a sewer system to promote tourism. We believe Sisters needs a sewer to protect the health and welfare of our residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Anyone who wants to challenge our position should come to my office at 222 West Hood Avenue and voice their concerns in person.

Thank you.

Stephen Shunk, Chamber Manager

To The Editor:

On behalf of the racers on the Sisters High School Ski Team, we thank the businesses, community and parents for their outstanding support of the recent Crab Dinner and Auction, Sunday, February 8.

This event is the team's major fund raiser for the year and helps pay for such things as lift tickets for practices and races, hill time at Hoodoo and Bachelor, and equipment such as helmets. It is indeed a privilege to work with such a wonderful group of caring generous people!

The Outlaws race February 21, at Mt. Bachelor. The boys team is bound for the state championships March 4-6. Come on out and see a find group of kids competing at something you're probably watching on television as an Olympic event!

Betsy Leighty-Johnson