Letters to the Editor 01/14/2009

To the Editor:

When you walk into our grand Sisters Library you will note a significant change in the location of the "Popular DVDs." They are no longer filed in the usual place in the stacks, but are now shelved next to the checkout and information area. Why? Because some low-life people (NOT library "patrons" I'm sure) have walked out of the library with over 20 of them, and didn't check them out.

"I refuse to put security tabs on them," Peg Bermel, Branch Manager said when I asked her why she moved the DVDs. Peg still believes the "honor system" works. I do, too, but there are some people in our community who don't mind stealing what belongs to us all, or what it costs all of us to replace them - and it isn't just money.

Years ago, when Reub Long, venerable Fort Rock horseman and co-author of The Oregon Desert was showing OMSI students his artifact collection, he laid a large obsidian knife down and one of the students whispered to his companion, "Boy, do you see that! If he leaves that there, I'm going to steal it."

Reub heard him, turned around and said, "OK, I'll tell you what I'm going to do, son; I'll leave that piece of old obsidian right there and walk away - go right ahead and pick it up and in time I'll forget it. But you know what? Every time you look at it you'll know you're living with a thief."

So, if you're one of the people that stole the DVDs from the library, do yourself and the Sisters Library patrons a favor: bring them back. That way every time you watch them you won't feel like your living with a thief.

Jim Anderson

President, Friends of the Sisters Library

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To the Editor:

As a homeowner in Pine Meadow who experienced 10 years of the Depression during the '30s, I would like to speak on the subject of the proposed hotel on Hood Ave.

May I say the word Depression makes quite a bit of difference at this time.

We need wages, taxes and financial assurance to progress in Sisters. To us who live west of Pine Street near Hood, we've seen commercial activity usually struggle to succeed. The small businesses close regularly or must move on.

The hotel was part of Pine Meadow's original plan. The local homeowners were aware of one being built on the assigned property. I'm of the opinion that this builder is financially secure without federal help.

I am old and not a builder, financier or architect. But I am experienced in living. I suggest you check your retirement prospects before you turn this offer away.

Barbara Rimmer

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To the Editor:

It was a big disappointment to read in the paper last Thursday that the Sisters School Board has decided to try another attempt at not being fiscally responsible by not respecting the voters in these dire economic times.

This small district has a habit of living outside its means and maybe it's time to think of those who do not have the ability to pay more in taxes even if it's $300 more on a $400,000 home or a rent increase that causes some to move out of this district.

 I am not against strong schools and quality education but the continued trips to the well have to be curtailed.  Oregon schools get nearly  55 cents of every dollar of our income tax which is shared with the Sisters district.  Sisters schools also get nearly 42 cents from every property tax dollar collected in the district. 

Since I moved here in1997 I have seen my property taxes climb steadily each year and the way each tax is sold is that it only costs 50 cents here or 75 cents there. After awhile these taxes become real money and  our taxes  now are  thousands more than when we moved here.

The district built a second fancy new high school when a middle school would have been sufficient at half the cost. The tax payers were promised a reduction in the bonds when the excess properties were sold but that failed due to poor long-term planning and fiscal management. It didn't happen. Some properties were sold in a back-door fashion.  

Both schools are under-utilized with the drop in enrollment, especially the old high school, now middle school. The outside-the-district enrollments boost the numbers but these outsiders are not paying district property taxes which accounts for the facilities cost or the option tax that we pay but is not paid by them. 

There is a tremendous amount of competition for our tax dollars from the Feds to the State to the local municipalities and subdistricts. All need to show fiscal responsibility.  Its time for the Sisters School District board to try some good old fashion basic math and sharpen their pencils, live within their means as everyone else has to in these troubled economic times. How about no fluff and the basic three Rs starting with a refresher course for the Sisters School Board!

Terry Anderson

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To the Editor:

This letter is written to share some personal and community experiences concerning Celia Hung, the owner of the proposed new Sisters Village Hotel. And, as a resident of Sisters for some 20 years, it is written to speak out strongly in favor of this exciting new prospect for our community.

I have known and periodically worked with Celia for more than 4 years. As you may be aware, in that time she purchased and beautifully restored the KOA Campground southeast of Sisters.

She has rebuilt the entire in-ground infrastructure, enhanced water management and carefully redesigned, paved and landscaped the entire area. In particular, she has enhanced lake and water features in the park, protected existing forests - and planted thousands of flowers and trees.

Because of Celia's love of gardening and landscaping, that facility is now well on the way to becoming a "garden park" that will set new standards of natural beauty for campgrounds throughout the county.

I emphasize this accomplishment because it reflects Celia's passionate commitment to design that is sensitive to the environment and the community. I know that Celia would bring that personal passion for nature and beauty to all aspects of the proposed new hotel.

Celia has also demonstrated a track record of caring about and contributions to the community of Sisters. Like so many of us she chose to be part of this community because she loves and respects its unique character. She has made a practice of working with local business, contractors and service providers and contributed to community events and organizations. She is one of the kindest and warmest individuals I've ever known and bends over backward to work constructively with public and planning officials.

Of course, the new hotel will provide new jobs for Sisters at a time when they are much needed, including construction, management and service jobs. And it will infuse new resources into our businesses and community.

The hotel has long been planned and zoned for precisely this site and use, reflecting the long-term vision and zoning commitments of our community.

Annie Andreson