News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

All shades of opinion are possible in a democracy and can be put forward, even by elected officials, in opposition to a law, ordinance, or desire on which people have voted.

If you want instant examples, look at Roe vs. Wade regarding abortion rights which became the law of the land over 20 years ago, and the Death With Dignity (Oregon Assisted Suicide) measure, passed twice by Oregon voters. Nevertheless, that does not stop elected officials from trying over and over again to overturn these two controversial measures.

However you feel about these issues, elected officials and other people are within their rights to oppose them or try to reverse them even if the majority of voters passed them. This is democracy!

And in a democracy, make up your own mind. Do not vote for candidates for city council because a would-be kingmaker PAC tells you to. It is arrogant of two men who do not vote in Sisters to get together with their self-appointed "experts" and choose three candidates for you.

All six candidates for city council are willing to volunteer countless hours in attending meetings and working on your behalf. All six have various strengths and areas of expertise, and any three of them could serve with distinction. Make up your own minds and vote for the candidates you choose.

Sincerely,

Shirley Petrie

Editor's note: Shirley Petrie is the wife of City Council President Gordon Petrie.

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To the Editor:

Next Tuesday, November 3, one of the many important issues facing city residents will be the recall of councilor Gordon Petrie.

This will be a difficult decision for some of you, because it can be hard to separate the person from the issue.

I would like to state publicly that I do not believe the issue is whether Mr. Petrie is a good person or not. It is not about suppressing opposing views, as some have stated. And finally, it is not about Mr. Petrie's obvious commitment to the issues facing the city of Sisters.

As I see it, the decision that residents will have to make is whether or not they believe councilor Petrie is committed to representing the will of the majority of voters. If the residents believe that councilor Petrie has acted inappropriately by being treasurer of two political action committees, or privately writing a letter to deny grants for the sewer system, then I would urge them to vote "yes" on the recall.

Some activities are better conducted as a private citizen. As a private citizen, Gordon Petrie will be able to pursue his agendas any way he chooses. But more importantly, he can pursue them in the appropriate manner.

Respectfully,

Steve Wilson

Editor's note: Steve Wilson is the Mayor of the City of Sisters

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To the Editor:

Sisters will lose a valuable and committed councilor if Gordon Petrie is recalled. We don't have many who voluntarily put in so much time and are prepared, like Gordon.

His desire to give locals more control was reflected in the vote we have for providing city services and annexing new development. Now he's giving residents an opportunity to decide whether future growth should pay full SDCs or impact fees. Gordon was instrumental in both of these local control measures.

I believe he made a mistake in helping write the sewer funding letter, but the main focus of it was for more research into alternate systems that would cost less to install.

Gordon's "go slow" attitude for Sisters' growth is crucial especially with the sewer passing. Gordon's passion for Sisters inspired me to become involved and I want to thank him for that. Please join me in voting no for his recall.

Tim Clasen

Editor's note: Tim Clasen is a member of the Sisters City Council currently running for re-election.

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To the Editor:

To those Sisters residents who plan to vote to remove Gordon Petrie from the City Council, you should think again.

Gordon's reason for being on the council in the first place is his concern for the City of Sisters and it's people, especially the low income residents and senior citizens. Can any of the other council members say the same?

If Gordon is gone, who will fill the role of trying to maintain the quality of life we have enjoyed and to keep living in Sisters affordable?

Is this campaign against Gordon the thanks he gets for the many, many hours and years he has put in on our behalf? Can any of you say you have done anywhere near as much? If you had, you could better understand his reasons for his actions that you disagree with. Has any one ever thanked him for all he has done for us?

As for the editor, I don't think he should be telling the people of Sisters how to vote since he doesn't live in the city.

Vote "no" on measure 9R7

Georgia Gallagher

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To the Editor:

Wayne Kimball is dedicated, intelligent, a good teacher, and a man of vast experience. I have enjoyed COCC classes he taught and whatever the subject matter, he is always well informed. When he doesn't know something, he searches for the answers.

I have also worked with him on the Sisters Library Board, and he shows the same commitment and willingness to consider all sides of problems that he does on the planning commission.

He is a credit to the community and would be a strong asset on the Sisters City Council.

Respectfully,

Nellie E. Zook

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To The Editor:

The following comments are an assessment of the recall efforts concerning Sisters City Council member Gordon Petrie.

Since being a Sisters resident for the past 15 years, it is only during the past several months that I have developed a very insecure feeling toward the administrative leadership's direction. It is as though residents were shoved aboard an unfamiliar train that is being sped headlong toward a distant destination, controlled by a leadership with a heavy hand on the throttle and whistle. Safety, scheduling and best routing are not a consideration - just get there fast!

Gordon is perceived as an obstruction in the track. There is no time or inclination to examine the validity and merit of his stated opinions. Just time to remove him quickly. This appears to be anything but an adult, civilized approach - more like juvenile gang methodology.

Furthermore, Gordon has unfairly been receiving all the heat from the sewer proponents on the letter to the Oregon Economic Development Department. The truth is that after some citizens wrote the letter he was shown a copy to evaluate and sign if he approved. To persecute him alone is unadulterated "hard-ball" politics.

It is not Gordon's nature to thoughtlessly close lock-step behind the leadership, which considers such conduct unacceptable. Actually this very factor makes him a valuable asset to Sisters taxpayers.

What sort of thanks is a hasty recall for eight years of faithful, diligent service to Sisters residents? The citizens owe Gordon some allegiance as long as he remains willing to offer his experience and expertise let's allow him to complete his term with respect. The council will be better off for it.

John Groom

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To the Editor:

A group from outside town has formed a new political action committee to influence the upcoming election here. Their stated purpose is to help us decide who to elect to the Sisters city Council. Who are they, and why is the makeup of the city council important to them?

They are calling themselves People's Council. A more appropriate name might be Developer's Council. This PAC has two officers, a president and a treasurer, neither of whom lives in the City of Sisters. They promote various Central Oregon business and development interests.

They intend to recommend three of the six people who are running for city council. Again, why are these outsiders interested in our city council? They cannot vote here but they want to influence the election.

An easy guess, based on what is known about the officers of this PAC, is that they wish to make Sisters safe for developers, and will recommend candidates who favor unregulated, uncontrolled growth. When you consider their recommendations, try to imagine Sisters with a McDonald's, a Burger King and big box stores. Think of traffic even worse than it is now, and a crime rate like Bend's. Consider that your taxes (rather than SDC's, which most developers oppose) will pay for the increased city services and infrastructure that will be necessary. And please be aware that renters also pay taxes through higher rents.

The fact is that projects already planned will double the population of Sisters within the next few years. Change is inevitable, but it need not be destructive or out of control. If you would like to get a handle on the changes that are coming to Sisters, please consider carefully the unspoken agenda of this so-called People's Council before accepting their recommendations.

Joseph Bottero

Editors note: Joseph Bottero is husband of city council candidate Libby Bottero.

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To the Editor:

Isn't it refreshing to note that certain city officials are still able to admit when they have "... made a whole cascade of mistakes..." (Neil Thompson, City Planner, "City suspends permit for new building," The Nugget, October 21, p. 1).

Wouldn't it be just as refreshing if certain elected officials could do the same thing!

Regardless of the circumstances, Mr. Thompson is to be congratulated on his candor. He is obviously a man of integrity.

Cordially,

Tom Anderson, General Manager, The Comfort Inn at Sisters/Mountain Shadows RV Park

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To the Editor:

Over the past few weeks, I have found many of the items covered in the "Sisters sheriff's calls" column to be in poor taste. They appear to be written more to amuse than report. There are several examples in the October 14 paper.

Specifically, in the October 14 column I found the account of the male reporting stolen boxes of books and magazines quite offensive.

From the account as described, the man would seem to suffer from mental illness. Persons with chronic mental illness already encounter significant stigma from our society, increasing their reluctance to accept needed treatment and medicine. As in the case of this man who is traveling from state to state, many mentally ill people have no home, no support system, and no treatment for their disease. To make light of their distress does not encourage those in need to seek or accept the help they need.

I would ask that you reassess the column for its newsworthy reporting versus its seeming intent to belittle, ridicule and have a little fun with the duties of our sheriff's department. I understand the need of humor among workers in the work place, but it is not considered professional to do so in a public forum.

Like our sheriff personnel, I too work for Deschutes County but in the area of mental health. It's no wonder taxpayers question our need for additional funding if it appears we do not provide service to the people in an appropriate, sensitive, and professional manner.

Sincerely,

Pat Croll RN, BSN

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To the Editor:

Earlier I wrote concerning the response we received from the Forest Service two years ago concerning a hazard tree in the Metolius River.

Due to the placement of the tree, a child's life was endangered. I contacted the ranger station and they did not respond. This summer when another child's life was endangered I wrote to The Nugget, feeling that may get better action, and I also contacted the ranger station.

My neighbor who witnessed the incident also wrote to Jeff Sims, Lands Forester. She was happy to report that he and Mike Riehle responded and came out to assess the situation. They mentioned that they were going to lay more trees into the river and did not want to cause endangerment by the placement. Several days later men came to cut several feet off of the tree reducing the threat to floaters on the river.

I wish to commend them for their response and correct my statement that the Forest Service does not care about the lives of children on the river.

Mary Kate Spencer

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To the Editor:

Wake-up call:

What a country we live in. We spend $477 million to launch a shuttle into space with a 77-year-old senator on board; $18 billion to IMF for foreign stabilization; $130,000 to send off the retiring postmaster and on and on and on.

I am sick of it. I am a working man who cannot work because of an ongoing problem with a foot infection. I cannot get short-term disability because the company I work for does not carry short term disability. I cannot get long term disability because I will not miss one year of work. I cannot get unemployment because I am unable to work.

What is a person to do? Become indigent or lie and steal? Not a good scenario in either case. And we just stand by and let it happen. It is time for us to put some controls on these people who spend our money. It is time our politicians help us instead of everyone else in this world. Remember what these politicians say when they are running for office - and hold them to it.

William Burrough

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To the Editor:

I would like to see the military record of every member of Congress and I'm not talking about Dan Quayle's ROTC record!

We are still hearing that Clinton was a draft dodger. I thought he was in college. In many of our various wars, that was sufficient for deferral and seemingly far different than running to Canada. Bob Dole ran on his illustrious war record in World War II. Clinton wasn't quite old enough for that one.

I have never voted for a party, just the man. That is over! I will never again vote for a Republican. This holds true for my city council in the tiny town of Sisters, though I notice in my ballot this year, few are admitting to any party affiliation.

I've been watching the judiciary committee wrestling with the Constitution on impeachment. They are stuck on "misdemeanors." Our forefathers were brilliant, even though they couldn't have foreseen Ken Starr or instant communication.

Try watching CNN, then read your local newspapers and watch the network news. It's amazing what editing can accomplish!

Gloria Daggett

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To the Editor:

SOAR is a proven program that works for our community. If passed, it will be the biggest bargain Sisters has ever had the opportunity to take advantage of. In a time of working mothers, split and blended families, latchkey kids, and soaring participation costs at schools, SOAR offers recreation, childcare, stability, and positive role modeling either for free or for very modest prices.

Heck, they even make sure the kids do their homework!

I don't hear anybody arguing the merits of SOAR. I don't hear anybody complaining about the high cost of SOAR. All I hear is people complaining about the advertising campaign. The political controversy is about the campaign itself, not about the issue of whether or not SOAR is viable and should be supported financially by the community.

Let's take the politics out of SOAR, and focus on the program itself. If there is to be dialogue, let's make the dialogue about the merits of the issue, not about related matters that cloud the real issue. Let's look at the wonderful program that is SOAR. Let's give working parents an alternative to letting the kids hang around the neighborhood unsupervised after school. Let's give the kids recreational opportunities.

Let's pass SOAR by the biggest margin in Sisters political history. Let's make the statement that we do care about our kids here in Sisters, and we don't care about politics.

John Bushnell

Editors note: John Bushnell is running for SOAR director.

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To the Editor:

A vote for SOAR would establish a recreation district for the families within the Sisters School District (excluding Black Butte Ranch). This measure would solidify funding and therefore allow planning for future programs.

SOAR deserves tremendous kudos for evolving into a sturdy and respected youth program. It has been led by an energetic director (Tom Coffield) and a visionary board for several years.

I've always been impressed with the fact that SOAR has maintained the attitude of affordability for their activities. They could probably charge more and get more but their commitment to serving all socioeconomic backgrounds deserves applause.

Marie Clasen

Editors note: Marie Clasen is a candidate for SOAR board.

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To the Editor:

I have had the opportunity to be involved with SOAR for 2-1/2 years now. In that time I have witnessed many moments that have made me realize just how much of an opportunity I have as an instructor and we have as a community.

SOAR not only provides quality recreation activities for kids and adults. The people involved in SOAR, working with parents, give our kids opportunity and guidance. SOAR helps build self-worth, confidence, respect. SOAR is part of the answer to problems our youth are faced with today. I have seen what programs like SOAR can do in larger communities and cities. We have a dedicated group of people, kids and adults, who truly care about our youth and the future that awaits them. With proper funding we can give them more of what they need to prepare them for making the right choices for themselves and our community.

There is no denying that problems exist today with our youth that some of us didn't experience in our youth. We are truly blessed to have someone like Tom Coffield and a program like SOAR determined to reach as many kids as possible with productive programs and caring hearts.

I say let's vote "yes."

Tim Davis

Instructor of the SOAR Taekwondo Champions

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To the Editor:

Do we want a politically independent board to run our county library system, or do we continue the administration of the libraries by a politically-influenced and overburdened board of county commissioners?

Without any change in the tax rate, and with more local control, the answer is simple and self-evident: Vote "yes" for the establishment of a Deschutes County Public Library District.

Henry and Elizabeth Molino

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To the Editor:

A number of years ago, a large manufacturer of printing papers ran a series of advertisements featuring distinguished leaders in fields which included industry, law, medicine, education and more.

The statement made by each of these individuals was simply, "Send me a man who reads."

Those who wish to do well in America had better read. Anyone can do well, but reading is an essential element of that empowerment.

We are fortunate to have an educational system in this country which teaches our citizens to read. But just learning that vital skill isn't enough. We need to practice it, to hone it, and to refine it - in short, to use it. The only way many people can do this is through our public libraries.

I sincerely hope that the wisdom of Deschutes County's residents will prevail in the coming ballot measure to fund the library district. There's a great deal more than just money at stake.

Harry and Ietje Orr

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To the Editor:

Thank goodness that we have good librarians like Peg Bermel. Peg is a very helpful person when it comes to researching a topic. Peg knows where all of the information is and if the library doesn't have any information on your topic she searches the Intenet until she can give you useful information.

Thank you Peg Bermel!

Sincerely, Rose Slavkovsky

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To the Editor:

The Second Annual Harvest Carnival was a great success thanks to all those who donated their time and services. Thanks Joe Larmay for the great magic show; the kids loved it! A special thanks to the wonderful parents and children from Mad Hatters for their help. The Campfire Boys and Girls put on a super spooky haunted house.

Thanks to the great turnout we are able to double our contribution to the Sisters Middle School from last year!

Diana Kelleher, Shirley McBride, Jackie Kolb

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