Letters to the Editor 04/20/2005

To the Editor:

I’m writing you about your article on neighbors challenging the Measure 37 claim (The Nugget, April 13, page 7). Shame on Wayne Jack for making those comments about my wife and me.

My wife and I only want back what the county has taken from us. We would like our A-1 designation back so we can pursue our love of animals.

The Nugget showed irresponsibility by printing the comments in the article in the first place. They should show better judgment next time.

Mark Hilgart

Kristin Sorensen-Hilgart

s s s

To the Editor:

I oppose the Measure 37 claim filed by Kristin Sorensen-Hilgart and Mark Hilgart and I think we need a public hearing on the case.

All citizens have a right to give input about how we want Measure 37 to impact our community. And the outcome of this case will help set precedent.

I voted against Measure 37 and its predecessor because I knew it would undermine our valuable land use regulations and expose neighborhoods to harmful, disorderly development.

The Hilgarts’ property is just 1/8 mile from ours, on the same access road. I bought my property in 2000, relying on land use laws to protect the area from densification. I chose to live in this low population area in order to have a safe place to rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned wildlife, a project overseen and licensed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Toward that end, I invested a substantial portion of my assets in purchasing and improving this property. It would be unfair to erase established land use rules and trample on the plans and expectations of our entire neighborhood just to benefit one family. Growth and development should proceed according to established rules, so that all citizens can make long-term plans with confidence.

Jane W. Stevens

s s s

To the Editor:

Christian.

SOAR should use “Christian” in its grant request to the Bush Administration for renewal of their federal money.

I saw a program from Link TV on grants being given to community service programs and their findings were that for the 2004 year, the only grants being renewed or newly given were to organizations which had “Christian” in their title or description.

In fact, two organizations which were not given a grant had the grant given later when they changed the title of the organization to include the word “Christian.”

Just a thought.

B. Graham

s s s

To the Editor:

I thought about the SOAR local option levy for about 30 seconds. Then I said, “I’d rather spend money on programs than prisons.”

I like SOAR. I like what it does for kids. I like the idea of a senior center and a location for community activities. This is the vision SOAR has and we can make it happen.

There is clear evidence demonstrating that kids who have something to do are less prone to commit mischievous pranks and vandalism. SOAR gives kids a choice and a chance. The result is a safer, healthier place to live.

The support in this community is what sets Sisters apart, especially in our schools and at SOAR. We really aren’t like everybody else. That’s why I came here and why most of us live here. We are truly a committed comunity.

I’m voting “yes” for SOAR in May. I hope you join me.

Ken Birkes

s s s

To the Editor:

I don’t think people realize that SOAR has become a starting point for so many people when it comes to finding help or support in this community. Families are referred to us from the schools.

When someone is interested in starting a class or community project they come to us for feedback and ideas. We get calls daily about room use and local groups using us as a meeting place.

We don’t just see kids coming through our doors.

I don’t think we are overreaching by trying to prepare for the growth of our community and its needs.

Grace Porraz

s s s

To the Editor:

Please vote for Rob Corrigan for Sisters School Board.

Rob is a dedicated member of our community with a passion for obtaining secure funding for our schools.

Rob has been an active volunteer in Sisters School District. He has served on the site council for the elementary school, campaigned to help pass the local option levy, mentored TAG (Talented and Gifted) students in math and science, chaperoned field trips, coordinated school fundraisers and developed growth projections for Sisters School District.

Rob has consistently attended school board meetings over the last few years. He is familiar with the current issues facing the District and has the knowledge and expertise to meet the challenges ahead.

Vote for Rob and he will keep Sisters Schools “a smart place to be.”

Theresa Slavkovsky