Letters to the Editor: 04/18/2007

Last updated Apr 17, 2007 12:0pm0

To the Editor:

I've done a pretty good job of purposely fading into the background of our community since stepping down as Mayor. I am now dusting myself off and taking the present folks at City Hall to task.

I don't know what your reaction was when you saw the new color of the City Hall building. Personally, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I am completely disheartened by this final proof that the "1880s Western Architectural Theme" is dead in Sisters.

I find it unbelievable that when the first brush stroke was applied to the building that staff did not stop the painter immediately. Why didn't this happen? I believe it is because the current city staff has not incorporated Sisters' Western theme into their day-to-day thinking.

Many countless hours were spent by literally dozens of longtime Sisters residents crafting a planning code that would set our community apart from anywhere else. Our town soon became a shining spot among other nondescript tourist towns because it was so visually attractive.

Those past citizens and past councilors of Sisters spoke loudly and clearly in many documents: "We want to have a Western identity; we want to be recognized for being different." Those who showed up to cash in on our Western identity were made to play by our rules or not build here at all.

Not anymore. Buildings are being built that do not conform to the Western theme and buildings are being painted colors never seen in any historic Western town. One is painted brilliant red. (I guess Clint Eastwood did paint the town of "Hell" this color in one of his Westerns.) We have pumpkin orange paint on a new restaurant, one is now being painted periwinkle blue and City Hall is sporting limey green paint.

Even though these buildings may be attractive by themselves, they do not conform to the "Western theme" of our town. Soon, if sadly not already, Sisters will look like any other trendy tourist town.

Steve Wilson

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To the Editor:

The rancor over the school board's decision to terminate Mr. Helphinstine should be directed toward the state. The public school system is a form of statism. Centralized governmental control ties the hands of teachers and the school board. The teacher was fired because state law required it. It's the current system that is the problem.

The state has demanded more and more revenue from taxpayers for many years. Yet, the public school system has not improved. It has remained at a mediocre level which I consider a failure.

It is time to adopt a voucher system that will allow parents to choose a school depending upon how they want their children to be educated. Only the best schools will succeed. Teachers will earn more because of competition with other schools. School vouchers will improve education for all children, and problems regarding church and state issues are avoided.

The U. S. Supreme Court has ruled that a school voucher program does not violate the First Amendment prohibition against the establishment of religion.

On another note, our elected representatives are not volunteers. Yes, they volunteer to run for office, but, once they are elected, it's their duty to serve the constituency. They have a contract with the public promising to serve for the duration that is required. Therefore, it's a breach of the public trust when an elected representative resigns from their obligation to serve. Our elected officials are more than just volunteers, they are expected to be trusted leaders that don't give up and quit.

Kevin L. Dumas

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To the Editor:

As I've read the letters denouncing the firing of Kris Helphinstine for teaching religious views as science, I have been appalled by the lack of understanding of the difference between science and religion.

Science does not depend on popular vote to establish understanding. It relies on a rigorous process of reproducible experiment and/or observation. Religion, on the other hand, demands that its adherents accept understanding on faith.

Now look: I just crafted a beautiful mahogany box with a window in it. I really, really believe that it can turn electromagnetic waves into pictures and sound. Really, I believe that. Tough luck, though, because without the appropriate electrical components that any grade-school scientist knows are necessary, that box won't bring me "American Idol."

See, the deal is that science in the last couple-hundred years has revealed a number of truths about the way the world works, whether we wish to believe those truths or not. The fact (or as the proper scientific term would have it, "theory") that Homo Sapiens evolved from other life forms over the course of millions of years is obvious to any one with enough intellectual curiosity and independence (and perhaps personal courage) to examine the evidence.

Those who believe that so-called "Intelligent Design" or "Creationism" are scientific theories are welcome to come pick up my mahogany box, because surely they can get that dang thing to work.

Tom Bergeron

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To the Editor:

Don't criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. This way, when you criticize them, you will be a mile away and they will not hear you.

How about this one: spoken words are like a tube of toothpaste, once they come out of our mouths, we can not put them back inside, no matter how hard we try.

I was personally reminded of these words of wisdom earlier this week when I needed to apologize to friends for not fully considering how my words or actions would affect them. You see, I am still growing up and trying to learn from the mistakes I seem to make daily.

So, now that our school board has heard additional perspectives about the recent teacher firing, which was a good thing, let's take a step back and remember these men are volunteers, who chose to give of their time because they care about this school district.

When adult citizens from this community have threatened lawsuits or resorted to name calling, they have done so by calling or e-mailing these friends and neighbors at their homes or businesses. Remember, none of them are employed by our district office. I know none of us would want our families subjected to this type of treatment when they answer our home phone or play back messages.

Let's also remember: it's not just "what" we say; it's "how" we say it.

I have been blessed to live here for 13 years. I have never seen school board members treated this way and it is wrong. If you are one of the individuals who have treated them with disrespect in any form, I encourage you to apologize as well. The school board has encouraged everyone to attend school board meetings on a regular basis and stay informed on all the important issues this district faces.

Most importantly, though, our students and our teachers really need community support and encouragement. Can we all consider how we can each do so personally?

Monika Piatt

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To the Editor:

I will never be able to adequately thank all of the generous people who helped to make the My Own Two Hands event such a wonderful success. It's times like these that remind me of the reason we moved to Sisters 14 years ago. It wasn't just the beautiful land that surrounds us, but the people who live in and around our town. People who chose to get involved and create a healthy and inspiring environment for their children.

My Own Two Hands this year reminded me of all that is good in this town, and it showed me how much we all want to enjoy the place we live. Through all the turmoil, the fact still remains: it's all about the kids.

So, "Thank You" to all of you that worked so hard, for so long to make it all possible. And once the dust settles and we've tucked everything away, our kids will start enjoying the fruits of our labors as they learn something new; maybe it will be to play guitar, or make a quilt, or write a song or create an image only they could think of. Whatever it may be, we owe thanks to all the people who made My Own Two Hands a possibility. You are our heroes.