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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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:

There are many in the school district that either won't look at the facts or accept the facts.

The most important issues regarding the quality of our students' education measured in class size, educational materials, quality programs and learning technology aren't being discussed.

We are asked to accept the negative side of this topic which are budget cuts affecting teachers, programs and technology.

Few voices are raised about how we ensure a quality education for our young people. The debate is centered on buildings, which are important but don't contribute directly to the intellectual growth of our young people unless overcrowding is imminent.

The bond issue has taken money from the taxpayers to construct buildings (real estate taxes increased by as much at 25 percent) which could have been creatively used to ensure a quality education.

The taxpayers can't afford to pay for both. The school board decided buildings are more important.

Did you know that the eighth grade class last June graduated 88 students and this year's ninth grade class has 102 students? This isn't "way over 100 students" as some imply.

Did you know that in 1995 the high school enrollment was 352 students and today we have enrolled 437 students? This is a net increase of 85 students in eight years -- 10 per year. Earlier this year we said it would take over 25 years to reach capacity (700 students) in the "new" high school.

Today's figures indicate 26 years.

These are not "carefully selected statistics to justify holding on to a few dollars." These are school district facts available to anyone -- citizens and the school board.

A decision has been taken and the voters have passed the bond issue for buildings. This taxpayer will continue to help my fellow citizens know the "facts" about the so-called explosive growth in the Sisters School District.

Perhaps I will be proven wrong! Won't that be wonderful! But basic civics tells me we should have put a smaller burden on the taxpayer for buildings (a new middle school) and left a taxpayer reserve to ensure a quality education for our students.

Jim Mackey

* * *

To the Editor:

The public school system has failed us! Can we expect anything else? I don't believe so. Look around us at the problems we have among children, teenagers, and young adults. These things have become obvious to me. We cannot expect state education programs to remotely approach the quality of parental schooling in the home.

It all begins in the home. Are parents held responsible for their children? Absolutely! Parents need to realize that they will be held accountable for how they raise their children from the time they're born until they leave the nest.

They need parental guidance, discipline, instruction in the truth, and tender loving care.

How is it possible for them to receive all this while being sent away to a government-run institution five days a week, eight hours a day, nine months out of the year?

Parents, do you love your children? Don't you want the best for them? I desire to believe so. The public school system has gone down the tube, making it imperative for parents to take responsibility and raise their children to be responsible adults.

Teach your children at home!

These are just some of the amazing benefits: Average teaching time, three to five hours per day; no peer pressure; constant parental supervision; fabulous one on one time between child and parent; and parent's choice of curriculum.

The commitment to home schooling requires a great sacrifice on the parent's part, but the reward is knowing that your child is getting the best education possible. The time you will spend with your child/children will create a bond of love and friendship that will last a lifetime.

The public school system obviously cannot come close to meeting the needs of young Americans today, as only loving parents can do.

Sincerely,

Brendan Booher

* * *

To the Editor:

Cycle Oregon's decision to make Sisters their "day of rest" stop was very appropriate. But the Laundromat filled up fast, and I could have been a frustrated bicyclist in a very long line.

Lynn Melton listened to my problems and offered her home and washer/dryer. Her son-in-law Darrel opened her home to me. The scenery of this lovely city is only matched by the hospitality of its people.

Brad Smith

Cycle Oregon #1722

* * *

To the Editor:

For years, probably since the first time bicycle met automobile on a highway, the "road rights" conflict has existed.

The presence of Cycle Oregon riders in our community has not eased that conflict.

Within a space of two hours, as Cycle Oregon riders approached and entered Sisters, I observed an extreme lack of courtesy and good sense, not to mention safety -- all on the part of the cyclists.

In that short time I saw:

• Two riders slowly riding through town side-by-side, in the middle of the driving lane, holding up a long line of cars, during which time they refused to move to the side, rode through at least two stop signs, and rode in the driving lane on a major highway, ignoring the three-foot bicycle lane at the shoulder.
• On Highway 126, a heavily-used highway, a large percentage of the riders occupied the driving lane, ignoring the bicycle lane on the shoulder. More than one vehicle, including trucks and RVs, swerved into the opposite lane to avoid bicycle riders.

• Exiting Hwy. 126 onto a side street in Sisters, I was forced to stop traffic behind me to wait until a line of a dozen bicycles passed me on the right as I attempted to turn right.

Your "Rules of the Ride" on the internet clearly state that riders are to comply with all traffic laws, ride no more than two abreast and, most importantly, ride safely. The major safety rules were ignored by many, if not most.

I have considerable bicycling experience, both on-road and off-road. I am a proponent of bicycles as an alternative means of transportation. I have read all of the arguments of bicycle rights on the highway.

And I have elsewhere experienced the die-hard arrogance of some cyclists that gives auto drivers a bad view of cycling.

How can we teach our children bicycle safety when they observe hundreds of riders showing such blatant disregard for traffic laws and basic safety?

Jim Mitchell

* * *

To the Editor:

We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Steve Wilson for his six-plus years of service as our Mayor.

Steve Wilson and (former city administrator) Barbara Warren's unyielding determination gave us the badly needed sewer we have today. Steve also stood by his promise not to exceed the $39 monthly sewer fee.

His solid leadership took us through some controversial times and brought the city back to a fiscally sound state.

Steve always kept the residents' best interest at heart and represented the city with great enthusiasm and pride.

Deb and Jerry Kollodge