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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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:

On January 12 our school board confirmed two disturbing facts: the $900,000 committed to reduce taxpayer costs on the school bonds had evaporated and the high school cost overruns were in the $300,000 to $500,000 range.

The board's course is obvious. The facts must be ascertained. The taxpayers deserve a full, complete, auditable and accurate accounting.

Incredibly, there is reluctance on the part of our school board to leave no stone unturned! They must determine the true cost and who authorized such drastic overruns. Lastly, the board is duty-bound to follow through on the debt reduction committment they publicly announced.

The public rightfully expects its public policy boards and councils not to renege. At least not so blatantly! Please call our school board members to demand an accurate accounting. And please attend the school board meeting on Monday, February 9 to let them know you support full disclosure.

Sincerely,

Lon Kellstrom

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To the Editor:

Another human vs. wildlife conflict occurred recently in Camp Sherman, resulting in the euthanization of a five-year-old female cougar.

Apparently, ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) did what they thought they needed to do in this situation, but it pains me to hear of such a magnificent wild animal being put to death for doing what a cougar does -- i.e., killing deer for survival (see related story, page 1).

Its fatal mistake was being too close to humans.

Last summer's fires and a tough winter have conspired to make times very hard for wildlife; there is strong competition for food.

No one wants anyone hurt in a situation where a predator is frequenting a community, but isn't there another solution? Can't we live together with our wild neighbors?

Couldn't this cougar have been given a chance and released somewhere else? Surely its life was worth trying to find a better solution to the problem.

Perhaps if people would stop feeding the deer and providing salt licks year-round for them the predators would not follow them as prey into communities and therefore not pay the ultimate price.

I've heard it said, "It's only a cougar; there's lots more out there, what does it matter."

I'm sure that it did matter to this particular cougar and it also matters to me. I love knowing the wildlife is out there. There's probably more danger from a two-legged predator than any wild animal in our back yard.

Sincerely,

Connie Derry

Camp Sherman

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To the Editor:

By the time this reaches print, if it does, most readers will have probably voted.

The cost of the increase in taxes as shown in charts published in the media should not cause disruption in most people's budget. But what wasn't reported is that the legislature took away a significant deduction for people itemizing out of pocket medical expense. In some cases it will triple the amount of the cost as reported in the charts.

And it's likely most of the people taking the hit are senior citizens.

Right now there are thousands of state jobs which have been fully funded but have not been filled. Why couldn't the politicians have decided not to fill a certain portion of those vacancies instead of sticking it to seniors and others? If an average citizen can think of one way to cut spending, wouldn't you think the politicians could have identified more?

Doesn't it make you wonder if they were more concerned about getting re-elected? Think about it.

John S. Berry

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To the Editor:

A heartfelt thank-you to the Central Oregon community, local businesses, the Sparrow Club and Jewell School.

Aaron (Donaldson) was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 3 on April 14, 2003. At the time, doctors found a five-inch tumor in his chest. Cancer was found in his lymph nodes.

He was treated for seven months and just finished in time for his 10th birthday. He's in remission and he is a very active young boy.

Aaron and I are extremely grateful for your thoughts and prayers, encourgaing letters, time, footwork, commitment and financial contributions.

Your generosity gave me the flexibility to stay home and care for Aaron. This is such a huge gift.

Your dedication to helping those in need will not be forgotten.

We wouldn't have made it through this difficult and challenging time without all your help and support we have received.

We are truly blessed with a community that cares.

Thank you so very much!

Sue Conroyd and Aaron Donaldson