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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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:

I am writing so another voice and viewpoint can be heard and seen. I think the new school is needed but I also think it's not the right time.

We were asked to vote on a new school in the past 10 years and this was to take care of our children and growth issues for a long time. We are still paying on that bond issue.

The school was poorly built and more money is going to be needed to correct huge mistakes. The taxpayer will have to pay for these mistakes. We were asked to vote in a new sewer system that was also definitely needed and we are paying on that bond.

Now we are being asked again to pay on a new school that is also needed.

There are lots of needs in the world and there is also timing. I don't think the time is right -- our tax base is not large enough to support a new school when we haven't paid for the old one. What happened to the idea of paying off debts before new ones are incurred?

We are also starting to pay on the new sewer system. People on fixed incomes should not have to move out of their homes because they can't pay their property taxes. There are states in this country that exempt seniors on fixed incomes from having to absorb new bond issues in their community so they won't be taxed out of their homes.

Now that's an issue worth voting on!

I am voting no on the school bond, it's not the right time.

Madelin Currie

* * *

To the Editor:

Lately there seems to be much concern as to why we can't use portable classrooms.

The portable buildings themselves are fairly inexpensive; however, there are many disadvantages, most of which drive the costs up. Walkways would be needed to and from the classrooms. Given the weather conditions in our area, these walkways would need to be covered. Four exterior walls would require more energy to heat and cool (not very efficient); therefore, more costly over time.

Studies on these type of classrooms have shown poor air quality can become a problem due to the residential heating and cooling systems used in these portable classrooms which are not designed for the number of people the rooms usually contain.

Portable classrooms do not solve the need Sisters has at the school right now except for additional space. Most of the problems with the middle school is that it is a rundown building. The core facilities of the building are not nearly large enough to house the number of students we have now.

Safety is another issue. With any school building, you want to be able to monitor people going to and from the classrooms. Anyone could walk up and enter the classroom, bypassing the office, not checking in. This would also make it difficult to monitor students.

The middle school building is basically beyond repair. Once the architectural firm was hired by the school board, the architects then hired a consulting firm, the Matrix group, to help them do a study of this building. It was rated a 40 out of a possible 100.

Portable classrooms just do not fundamentally solve the problems we have at the middle school nor are they cost effective. It is time for a new structure. I hope on May 15 you will join me in voting "yes" for a new Sisters High School.

Steve Keeton

* * *

To the Editor:

I applaud B. Graham for his common sense!

I've talked to a supervisor at (a builder of) modular homes and he said they sell a 28-foot-by-38-foot for about $30,000 or less, delivered and hooked up.

A complete high school with modular classrooms, a cafeteria and a constructed gym, nicely landscaped could be done for $6 million or less. This is better than $20.5 million forced on taxpayers that can't afford $300-$500 a year for the next 10-20 years in property taxes and all the cost overruns.

The school district will always ask for more property tax money, no end to the bottomless tax pit.

Is Sisters in denial that a black storm is coming as the economy is worsening? Many families and retirees are way overburdened with everyone's hand in their pocket for more money. Does the district care?

It is strange that there are more houses for sale in Sisters than there are being built -- maybe living cost is "going through the roof."

If this bond is wanted, then the ones for it would be glad to pay double taxes to cover the ones who don't want tax raise forced on them. This would be fair.

Vote "No" and stop runaway property taxes and the power hungry!

Chet Davis

* * *

To the Editor:

School bonds; more money, increased taxes. Exactly right. There is a price for responsibility, a fee for opportunity, a fare for suitable facilities. A cost to provide what is essential for our children to compete in the world of education and the competition of their peers.

Can we get by with what we have? Possibly. Better yet should we set a better standard, a standard that sets the tone for opportunity?

A standard set by the citizens of Sisters that says we want facilities that provide an atmosphere for learning, facilities that will provide a secure and safe place each day for our children. An environment that reminds our teachers that the community is serious about education, serious about them providing their best performance to benefit the education of our young people.

All of this can be accomplished by providing adequate facilities, a modern standard for learning.

Our school board, all volunteers elected by the community, has provided their best effort to carefully manage our school district. They have listened to our call for good sense management.

Their business judgment is based on knowing the condition of our facilities, the different options discussed in public meetings, professional consultation regarding costs, knowing the enrollment trends that will affect our space needs.

Theirs is not a "seat of the pants" decision; our school district, its facilities and our children need our immediate consideration.

Voting "yes" for the local school bond is very important. I hope you will join me by filling in your ballet and mailing it today with a "yes" vote for the Sisters school children.

Peter Storton

* * *

To the Editor:

When I discuss the proposed school bond with people, these are questions that arise:

1. If the legislature passes HB 2288, there will be money from Systems Development Charges in the future to pay for school expansion. Why have the public subsidize costs of new schools (caused by development) for a long period in the future if new Systems Development Charges may cover the costs?

2. Wouldn't it make sense to first support HB 2288 (or a state initiative) and if it does not pass to then consider a school bond?

3. What will be the property tax effects on low income people if a huge $20 million bond is passed?

4. Would middle school students have a much longer way to go to school, some on dangerous highway if the proposal is passed?

5. Is growth promotion a factor in the proposal?

William Boyer

* * *

To the Editor:

For all of the arguments that have been heard regarding the need to build a new high school in Sisters and move the middle school students to the existing high school, it seems clear that there is one consideration that surely takes precedence over any other -- the safety of the children of this community.

When one examines the facts, how can there be any vote but "Yes"?

Our school board has been diligent in examining numerous alternatives and options, with an emphasis on economics and an eye to the future.

The board has developed a practical, cost-effective, no-frills solution that addresses these vital safety issues as well as the needs of a growing community.

Our schools are a cornerstone of this community.

Even if you don't have children in this school system and don't think you have a personal stake in any of this, remember that your neighbor or local business owner does.

Isn't one of the rare and wonderful aspects of living here the connection we all share through our commitment to this place and its children?

We think so, and we hope you will join us in voting "Yes."

Dan and Jeri Fouts

* * *

To the Editor:

There was once a little tiny town that struggled to get its population over 200 There were little logging shacks that everyone lived in with their families.

There were a few successful businesses along the street, including Ruth's Cafe, now the Gallery, the Forest Cafe, now the Royal Thai Cafe; the struggling gift shop next to the market.

These days, there are about 14 original buildings along the main street that were here when I moved here in 1970.

Among 14 buildings 30 years or older there are only three that stand out as landmarks and a centerpiece along Cascade Avenue, and those are: Hotel Sisters, The Palace (Formerly Sisters Drug), and the Old High School.

If this building is relinquished for a sale to fund the construction of a new high school we may end up having an Albertson's, a Costco, a who-knows-what as the doorway to our town.

There is little hope for history in this little town originally built of the cheapest materials on the shortest of schedules. Most have already been torn down and replaced. The original site of the Sister's Rodeo, the trademark of this town for the longest time, has been replaced. If we really want this town to be a mall, now is our chance: we can be Centralia.

On the other hand, there is a growing need for a community center, something available for continuing education for both the young and the old, something for community forum, someplace for a pickup basketball game, someplace that is ours.

I offer now 100 hours of my time to make the buildings of the middle school and administration structurally sound and up-to-date with the earthquake codes. I'm sure there are many others who will be willing to share this burden. Many, and the burden will be light.

Sincerely,

Randy Smith

* * *

To the Editor:

There is a spirit in the community of Sisters which is rare.

It is a visible, heartwarming spirit of focus on our children and our teenagers. When I reflect on this community when kids were bussed to Redmond High School, I remember how splintered we were, even within our clubs and organizations. Rodeo was about the only time Sisters seemed to be united, probably because the event needed so many volunteers.

Then the high school bond finally passed and we became a united community. When there is a football game, a theater performance or a band concert, you feel like you see everyone you know at the event. Graduating classes of less than 100 have packed the gym. Some of us wonder what we did for entertainment before there was a high school in Sisters.

My wish is to tap your heart and ask you to vote for the construction bond for our kids and our community.

Our pride lies in putting education at the top of the priority list. The results are surely visible in the youth of Sisters. We have so many teens going on to college and fulfilling careers and so few making poor choices. Letting kids know we care makes all the difference. Let's give them every opportunity and help Sisters remain such a healthy place to live, for all of us. Please vote "yes."

Bonnie Malone

* * *

To the Editor:

The fifth annual Clean the Green at Sisters Elementary School sponsored by Sisters Parent Teacher Community Group (SPTC) was held on Saturday, April 21. Over 75 students, families, teachers, and staff came out to spruce up the grounds of our well loved elementary school.

Once again, we accomplished a great deal in under four hours and the grounds look better than ever (especially our new swing set).

I'd like to thank everyone who gave up their Saturday morning to participate in this event. Also, thank you to those involved in the planning.

A special thank you to Tim Comfort, our principal, who shows up every year -- shovel in hand -- and to Tim Calmettes and Rad Jimenez for a great job installing our new swing set.

I feel very privileged to be a part of this wonderful community!

Sally Blust

* * *

To the Editor:

I would like to express appreciation for those who helped out at the softball clinic the varsity girls hosted last Saturday.

The weather was cold, but about 20 girls from Little League showed up to improve their skills. Our girls and coaches worked with them, and I just want to say thanks to our girls for helping out, and thanks to the girls who attended the clinic.

It shows the commitment we have to developing a good softball program here in Sisters. We are building upon the future.

Coach Mitch Deaderick

* * *

To the Editor:

My compliments to the Madhatter's Theater Group for providing a most entertaining performances of "Annie."

Once more, creative people of Sisters are finding ways to enhance our community.

Lois Worcester