Letters, letters, letters

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is noon Monday.

To the Editor:

In the October 22 Bulletin the President of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Association, Mr. Nelson, stated that the main reason the deputies were in conflict with Sheriff Greg Brown is because of the 12-hour shift.

Not a morale problem or lack of communication or trust. This is their priority. This proves that the real issue is -- MONEY. They want the overtime money even though their union contract forbids 12-hour shifts.

This does not address the safety issue. Les Stiles has finally admitted that the 12-hour shifts will cost more money. Les Stiles has promised to give the deputies the 12-hour shift. Why? So he can get their vote.

Les Stiles promises to stay within the sheriff's budget. Now how do you think he is going to do that? Those wonderful sheriff patrols we now have, will be cut so that, yes, there will be an officer on duty, but if he isn't in the exact rural area at the time of the call, we will probably have to wait while he comes from Bend, Redmond, Tumalo, Sisters or maybe even La Pine.

And when you have an emergency you need them now -- right now.

What a boon for the taxpayer. More money is spent for less coverage.

Greg Brown has proven himself as Sheriff. Stay with the right choice. Vote for Greg Brown.

Michael and Susan Houck

David and Janet Elliott

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To the Editor:

We are urging you to vote YES on Measure 94. We voted for Measure 11 in 1994 as it was "tough on crime." We, and many others are learning that it is not working. Sixty-seven percent of people convicted are first time offenders and 10 percent are young people between 15 and 18. Measure 11 also does not allow any time off for good behavior. What kind of incentive is this?

Measure 94 returns control of courtrooms to judges. They can decide, based on age, intent, past criminal history and circumstances of the crime. They can impose harsh sentences when necessary and use their wisdom and experience to determine cases where lesser sentences are appropriate. The punishment should fit the crime!

Now, under Measure 11, teenagers are sent to adult facilities for seven or more years because of minor robberies even if they have never been in trouble before. We are still "tough on crime," but feel we should give the power back to judges to deliver appropriate sentences. Our legal system of checks and balances has been seriously compromised, as the judicial input has been virtually eliminated.

Measure 94 will also save money in reduced prison costs. In 2001-2002 alone, about $49 million in prison construction cost would be eliminated and over the next 10 years it would save hundreds of millions of dollars. Money that could be used for schools as well as education, prevention and treatment programs that do far more good and are far more effective in reducing crime. Vote YES on 94.

Respectfully,

Mickey and Bill Duehren

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To the Editor:

No on school taxes.

Like most everyone, we received our property taxes. Not a surprise, they went up $200. We already pay to the Sisters school district, a total of $1003.23. With the added new tax, if it passes, we will be paying an additional $426.09. That doesn't include future raises in assessed value. This figures out to be about $119.03 per month.

We know we soon will be getting a 3.5 percent raise in social security that almost takes care of the monthly raise of supplemental insurance and price increases in prescription medicine.

We have always voted for school bonds. We remember when building the present high school, it was stated that it could be built-on-to to accommodate future growth. We were led to believe this; what happened?

Perhaps the district should start learning to operate within its means like we taxpayers do. To let repairs go for 10 years is something most homeowners would not do. We'd go without first. Textbooks should have come before any pay increases.

We, are voting against the bonds. People on fixed incomes are not financially able to afford these increases.

Barbara and Stewart Marshall

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To the Editor:

When it comes to balloting on tax issues, most of us allow our self-interest to be the major factor as to how we cast our vote.

As retired seniors, with no children or grandchildren in Sisters schools, we intend to do exactly that with regard to the School District's bond measure and local option choice. We intend to vote yes on both measures, because it is in our best interest.

Why? We favor giving all youth the best education possible, if for no other reason than they are our future care givers. But, we believe also that education of our youth is a responsibility to be shared by all members of a community, not just those who have children in school.

We see these measures as a long term investment, too. Someday in the not too far future, we (or our heirs) may want to sell our home. Yes, taxes on it will be higher if we vote for these measures, but the intrinsic value to a purchaser will be higher still with a fine school system in place. Again: self-interest, because we know local option will keep some of our tax dollars right here in Sisters to provide necessary support as Sisters grows, and a new high school will help accommodate that growth.

We say yes on Ballot Measure 9-92 (local option) and yes on Measure 9-93 (construction bond.) It's in our best interest -- and we think it's yours, too.

Lois and Tom Worcester

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To The Editor:

Re: School tax article, The Nugget, October 18, page 1: Mr. Willitts overlooked the largest category, Category 3, who are neither all pro or all con, who feel that the schools need money, but are asking for a Cadillac when a Ford will do the job.

It was only unfavorable publicity which got the school board to eliminate the indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and summer theater -- a $5-6 million deletion.

How many more unnecessary dollars are in this $20-plus million? Some unanswered (for me) questions: how much does the school system expect to get from commercial interests for the old school building? How much is the old Lundgren Mill site (original new high school site) worth? Was it too high an asking price which made it an "unsatisfactory negotiation" with a local business?

What does the school system plan to do with those monies?

At present real estate values, there must be a few million there. Have we seen detailed breakdowns of where the $20 million is going? Are there state architectural plans for school buildings, so schools can match buildings with budgets, or do we need a Taj Mahal?

There are many more questions in my mind -- possibly unrelated -- but questions like what does developing this new "campus" have to do with enhancing local real estate values?

Until we find answers to these and more questions, those who find themselves in Category 3, along with me, will vote No-No on the bond issue as currently proposed -- it's the "smart" thing to do!

Russell B. Williams

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To the Editor:

We can try to say it ain't so. We can try and rationalize that the middle school is good enough. We can convince ourselves that 31 kids in a class still allows for quality education. We can blame school boards and administrations for questionable decision making. When all else fails we can blame the teachers. An obvious unsavory group of bandits.

Today, tomorrow, next year, and for the next decade and beyond, the cost of education will be borne by the local communities. This means you, me, your neighbor, and my neighbor. Our next president isn't going to fix our problem nor is our next governor. A further tragic reality is that if the Sizemore or McIntire measures pass we will have created an education crisis without any immediate solution.

So what's the point? The point is, we must stop denying reality. The education of the children of our community is our financial responsibility, like it or not. No one wants to pay more taxes, certainly I don't. Reality is that without paying more taxes the children of our community will lose. I can't think of a more far-reaching, better investment than the education and self esteem of our children.

If we honestly look at the facts, and get past denial, or worse yet the blame game, then there is only one obvious conclusion. We must love and support the children of the Sisters community by providing them excellence in education.

Bill Willitts

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To the Editor:

In response to Darren Layne's letter, I'd like to make these points:

1. The unions will make demands on the local option funds for their employees when their contract expires. The school board will acquiesce to some variation of those demands. My point that education labor costs lack prudent, business-like controls still stands.

2. Education taxes do go to Salem and local option taxes would stay here. But they still come out of our pocketbooks! Forty-six other states pay less for state and local government, on a per capita basis, than Oregon. Local option questions will be decided with facts like that in mind.

3. Darren states that Salem doesn't give us enough money. I maintain that our school boards have made conscious decisions to allocate more money to labor and less to textbook purchases.

There are 39 other states that spend less, per capita, on elementary and secondary education. Taxpayers in our district and in Oregon have been generous. But our generosity has practical financial limitations that cannot be ignored.

Lon Kellstrom

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To the Editor,

I am a sixth grader at Sisters Middle School. I am a little bit concerned about the bond that will build a new high school and move us to the old high school.

Our school is too small. Our classroom is shared with another teacher. We must have the room clean and prepared for Ms. Scharf to use. However, the other sixth grade classes can leave their rooms messy, and then clean it later.

Another issue is the lunchroom. A majority of us are forced to eat outside, because of the small capacity of space in the lunchroom. My friends and I have been using only one table to help leave room for others. There are approximately 13 of us every day at ONE table.

Those are small tables, too.

Another problem is our hallways. They are too small and narrow. If you were about my size, you would expect to be pushed around through the halls every time. I'm really hoping that the bond will pass and our school will be less chaotic.

Sincerely,

Tara Hermens

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To the Editor:

School bonds would not be necessary if the legislature had not prohibited systems development charges in 1995, for our legislators prevented local communities from charging SDCs on new development, even though it is new housing construction that adds people and requires new schools.

School bonds subsidize development to avoid payment from those who profit from development, so the cost to the public for each new residence is over $10,000.

When new state legislation tries to permit SDCs on schools, we need to find out if our candidates for the legislature will support such legislation.

Will local councilors and commissioners do so? Daly, Kimmel, and Wagoner have not agreed to do so. Randy Gordon will.

Schools need to keep up with expansion. They will not do so unless representatives are willing to permit local communities to charge for school SDCs.

William Boyer

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To the Editor:

Faith, Hope and Charity are the mountains that watch over those of us lucky enough to call Sisters, Oregon, our home.

And these words also help describe the hearts of the people we are lucky enough to call our neighbors.

Time and time again, the people of Sisters have stood united to face challenges, offer support, lend a hand, make a difference -- all in the name of community spirit and the common good.

Now we face another challenge.

If you have walked the hallways of the decaying middle school, if you have talked to a child who must share a textbook because there aren't enough, if you have seen a student say good-bye to a treasured teacher or coach because there wasn't enough money, if you have noticed that classroom sizes are growing and the curriculum is shrinking: then you know what we must do.

We hold the future of our schools, our children, and ultimately our community, in our hands. Together we can determine where we go from here.

The next time you gaze upon our mountains and thank your lucky stars that you live here, remember their names and be reminded:

Faith, Hope and Charity are all within our reach.

Vote Yes on the local option and bond measure.

Sincerely,

Dan and Jeri Fouts

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To the Editor:

I am a custodian at Sisters High School, but I am writing this letter representing the 60 classified employees of Sisters School District, and as president of our local chapter of the Oregon School Employees Association.

Classified employees believe in education and, as such, we are very concerned about the program cuts, obsolete textbooks, and delayed maintenance projects because of the budget shortfall of the last several years. The inadequacy of our middle school is also of great concern.

As a community we have the opportunity to address both of these concerns with the local option and the bond to build a new high school. We believe that these two issues presented by the school board to be the most fiscally conservative and responsible way to address our current needs.

Therefore, we urge you to join us in voting "yes, yes" on November 7 for Sisters school children. It's the right thing to do.

Thank you,

Jim Wysong

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To the Editor:

All three of my daughters had the privilege of attending Sisters High School. The education that they each received at Sisters High School laid the groundwork for them to be successful.

During the seven years I worked in the Sisters School District, the district as a whole had to cinch it's belt every year to deal with financial shortfalls.

The local tax option that is in front of voters is very important to the stability of the Sisters School District.

Even though my children are no longer part of the school district it is something that all of us should support to help continue the quality education program the school district provides and help bring back some programs that were once a mainstay of the Sisters School District.

If propositions 8, 91 and 93 fail then the local tax option will bring the school district much needed financial stability. If any of these three propositions pass, then the local tax levy will be the only way the school district will be able to keep class sizes at a reasonable level.

And as far the bond for the new high school goes, I would much rather see our community spend its money on a new facility than dropping it into a 70 year old facility.

The Sisters High School will then be converted into the Sisters Middle School, which will serve the community for many, many years.

I believe it is much better to invest and spend the money now than waiting to build at a later date. The longer we wait to address this issue the more it will cost all of us in the future.

Dennis Dempsey

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To the Editor:

I'd like to take this opportunity to let the Sisters community know that they have one more chance to see the Sisters volleyball team in action at home.

Our girls have compiled an 11-0 won/lost record in the Capital Conference this year. This is Sisters' first chance at an undefeated season in four years.

Our last game is at home this Thursday night, October 26. The JV/frosh games start at 5 p.m. and the varsity starts around 6:45 p.m. Molalla is one of the better teams in the state this year, so it will be a very exciting match.

We'll be saying good-bye to six seniors who have spent many hours developing their skills: Nicolette Callan; Macy Campbell; Kirstyn Everson; Krista Gardinier; Sara McMeekin; and Courtney Wimer.

They've been great leaders who know how to play the game and have fun, plus all are good students.

Please come out and support the girls before they head to state in Eugene on November 10. Their first game at state will be at 1 p.m. at the Lane County Fairgrounds.

Thank you,

Greg Everson

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To the Editor:

How do I thank all of you for being such wonderful friends and for all your love and support?

I can't believe how beautiful the quilt is that you all made me. Thanks to Diane, Lynn, Gudren, Kay, Diane Cooper, Cathy, Becky, Robin, Jeni, Trenny, Kristi, Stephanie, Sloane, Alice, Joan, Linda, Pat and my daughter Sammie.

I know a lot of time went into it and I can't thank you all enough. I will think of you all when I'm wrapped in it this winter. I love you!

Pam Creason

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To the Editor:

It feels so good to be home.

My recovery is going quite well. I should be in a walking cast by November 9 and walking without aids by Christmas.

Over the past several days at home, I have had a chance to reflect on the caring and generosity of the Sisters community. So many people have given their time and resources to help Novella and me continuously from the day of the accident.

The professional response of the first sheriff's deputy to respond at the scene of the accident, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department ambulance personnel, as well as the Air Life crew, saved my life.

Then over a dozen surgeons and doctors at St. Charles had the chance to piece back together my sternum, ribs, clavicle, deflated and bruised lung, pelvis, knee, ankle, and nose.

The immediate and thoughtful response and support of the school district staff and board in seeing to our every need was amazing, and they continued to keep the school district running smoothly.

Novella described to me the number of people who came to the CCU unit at the hospital to check on both of us and offer help. Gifts of puzzles, reading materials, tapes, and CD's are filling many hours. The food, flowers, well wishes, and prayers will always be remembered.

I am enjoying all of the cards and letters. I did notice my reconstructed chest as I laughed at the funny ones, but the humor was certainly more powerful than the pain.

Behind the scenes, neighbors and friends looked after our home, tended our yard, and built a ramp in the garage so I could come home.

Others gave Novella and other family members places to stay in Bend so they would not have to drive home late at night after long days at the hospital.

Still more are offering to be my workout partner at a fitness center as I continue my long term rehabilitation and physical therapy.

I don't really know where to begin or end in thanking the community for the support we are getting. I have witnessed the outpouring of Sisters' support for others prior to my accident.

I then thought that this was a great community in which to live. Now I really understand what this means to an individual or family in need. I believe there is a reason that I am still here and, with your help, I intend to make the most of it.

Thank you all for your support.

Steve Swisher

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To the Editor:

The most wonderful thing happened to me a week ago. A young man drove up to my house and knocked on the door and said he had been sent by an anonymous donor with a load of firewood.

I have asked a lot of people and none of them admit to doing this great thing for me, so I want to say a heartfelt "Thank you" to whoever it is. The gift is very much appreciated.

It will keep both my house and my heart warm this winter.

Elizabeth Rierson

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To the Editor:

Many of us in Buck Run wish to express our appreciation for our former neighbor and friend, master craftsman/builder David Swenson, who, with his wife Gayle, has done more than anyone to make this little corner of Sisters the beautiful place it is today.

Thank you, David, for seven houses that have set the character of the neighborhood. We appreciate the integrity you have shown us by your consistent production of beautiful homes.

Your creativity and craftsmanship are admired whenever we walk down the street, and some of us think of this little development not so much as Buck Run, but as "David's Place." You've earned the commemoration. We wish you and your family all the best in your new home and neighborhood. We'll see you around!

Allen and Dianne Herauf, Anne and Murray Perkins, Jay and Debbie Crawford, Dawn and Quay Richerson, Sarah and John Rahm, Joe and Shelley Randall, Jim and Sally Maxwell, Steve and Carolyn Martinez, Gary and Shirleen Cundiff, Lee and Madelin Currie

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