Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

In response to your article of July 15 ("Sisters activist challenges sheriff's levy"): Mr. Paine apparently has nothing better to do than sit back and criticize everything and everybody that benefits or assists people other than himself and his group.

I attended a forum in Bend (July 15) to listen to a debate between Sheriff Brown and Mr. Paine's colleague, Charles Patterson of the "anti-sheriff action committee." Please note that Mr. Paine was either not in attendance or kept a very low profile (probably for good reason.)

Mr. Patterson's total lack of basic facts and unfounded and absurd allegations against the sheriff's department caused the audience to burst out in laughter several times.

Mr. Patterson's claim of extensive law enforcement expertise was exposed to be a total of nine months duty in 1952. By his own admission, after being confronted by a member of the audience, he was then terminated from the state patrol for unprofessional conduct. So much for his credibility!

Maybe Mr. Paine would like to explain his absence when the opportunity to defend his groundless allegations became available in a public forum.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard John

Editor's note: Richard John is a reserve deputy and a member of the Sheriff's Advisory Committee

To the Editor:

It is amazing how we can all believe the words in the Bible on faith. But when facts of corruption are present, they are ignored.

Tollgate controversy is always written off as a few disgruntled homeowners. The few are many. The others are without open minds and are the blind.

There is obvious corruption and the facts are in plain sight. You just have to open your eyes and ears.

There are several tapes - one in particular, from the July 1997 board meeting, which clearly shows the abusive behavior and misconduct of your outstanding leader.

In regards to the excellent job of the business manager: By whose standards?

For those who are blind and deaf, I would suggest some glasses and some

Q-tips.

Richard Esterman

Representative for Lot 162

To the Editor:

Having just returned home from my first visit to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, I had to drop you a note to let you know how overwhelmed I was.

I have never visited a town where I was personally made to feel more welcome. From Thursday to Saturday, each local resident, shop owner, waitress and neighbor on the street was kind, friendly and helpful. I saw multiple signs reading "Welcome Quilters." There were many merchants offering free gifts, discounts, etc., especially for quilters. We had a terrific time!

I travel all of the U.S. as a dental consultant, visiting many communities, and I applaud the people of Sisters, Oregon for the outstanding community effort to welcome quilters from far and near.

Sincerely,

Kimberly R. Miller

Redding, California

To the Editor:

Many thanks to the Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District volunteers.

As we get closer to the summer fire season and dry grass and weeds become a concern, we begin to notice that some folks may need help in making their property safe.

On Sunday, July 19, a crew of volunteers turned out at the home of one of our senior citizens to mow weeds and clean up safety hazards. We at the Central Oregon Council on Aging appreciate the help we receive from such dedicated volunteers.

Karen Eddings, COCOA

To the Editor:

Congratulations to Les Schwab on a successful grand opening for their Sisters store this past weekend and many thanks to the ownership for their support of Little League baseball. Thank you Terry, Jan, Al, etc.

L.W. Schreiner, Vice President,

Sisters Little League