Letters to the Editor 01/28/2009

To the Editor:

I'm an SES volunteer with kids ranging from 27 to seven.

With talk of belt-tightening, let's not forget that we spend less on education than 34 other states. Oregon has the second-shortest school year in the nation, the largest elementary class sizes, and the third-largest secondary class sizes.

That's why we have an education levy - to make up for suboptimal state funding. Our Local Option gives us smaller class sizes and higher graduation rates than the state average. The Local Option is not a fluff request and our rate is lower than most other Oregon communities with local options.

Yes, we need to make hard choices to get back on track toward financial health. However, short-term economic decisions hide the long-term costs of a "no" vote. If we don't give kids a proper education now, they may not be employable or they may be chronically under-employed. We need them to be ready to face 21st-century challenges. As an older parent, I want to know that my kids can take care of themselves when they reach their majority and help me make important later-life decisions.

If you don't have kids in Sisters schools, but you own a house in our district, you're accruing more value because of the good schools, and your community is a better place because there are kids whose needs and dreams are being met.

When I see so many community members helping kids as SMART readers, art literacy leaders, class helpers, and SPTC and SSF volunteers, I am thankful and proud.

Let's continue to give our kids the education they and we deserve. Let's vote yes for our Local Option, which will mean we just pay the same rate as in past years.

Peyton Griffin

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To the Editor:

The Local Option is not a new tax, it's a continuation of funding that's been in place for eight years.

Some say we can no longer afford top schools. Or that cutting $1 million per year from the schools' budget won't make much difference.

We moved to Sisters during the recession of 2002. We were dismayed when Sisters School District was forced to cut 10 school days from the calendar to cope with state budget cuts in school years 2004-06.

Then, we had among the shortest school years in the nation. My son had 33 in his fifth grade class. Six of 17 classes at the elementary school had 29 or more students. Full- and part-time teachers, counseling, nurse and P.E. programs were lost. Freshman honors English was eliminated at Sisters High, and core classes there had 30-35 students. There were 42 students in one SHS math class.

Please consider how much worse this scenario would have been without Local Option funding.

Beginning this fall, our students could be hit with a triple-whammy. We would lose nine percent of the schools' budget if the Local Option expires. Add to that further reductions expected from the state. And if we have fewer students we get still less from Salem.

The great school system we have built over the last eight years, thanks in large part to the Local Option tax, is in jeopardy. If you are proud of Sisters' record crop of National Merit scholars, our nearly zero dropout rate, our state championship teams in multiple sports - then please, think what our schools will lose without Local Option.

Like many, our family has trimmed spending across the board. Education is the one area we're unwilling to cut. A great school system is critically important - both for the well-being of school children, and for the prosperity it brings to Sisters.

We say Yes to continuing a levy that will cost roughly $4 per week for the owner of the average-priced Sisters home. Keep the Local Option.

Merry Ann Moore

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To the Editor:

The Local Option is not a new tax. The measure that is going on the March 10 ballot will just renew the existing levy.

I have my differences with some school management decisions. I agree that we did not need a new fancy high school! But one thing you need to know is that decision was made a very long time ago. The current school administration did not put us in this situation.

Superintendent Elaine Drakulich was not here when the new high school was built. Now we have to live with what's been done and find ways to pay for upkeep of the high school and our other buildings. For example, the cost of fuel, parts and supplies have soared over 30 percent over the past several years. Even though fuel prices have come down.

Cutting the school budget doesn't make sense.

If you don't agree with past decisions of the school board, vote them out or recall them. Don't punish the kids by cutting off the Local Option funding. just remember, this is to KEEP the existing school tax, not add a new one. Please vote yes, like I am.

Gene O'Brien

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To the Editor:

In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to make wise investments with our money.

I can't think of a better investment than in our children. They are our future. They are our next generation of doctors, scientists, technicians, teachers, artists, musicians, lawmakers, law enforcers, parents, and even presidents. I believe that we need to do everything we can to equip them with the education, skills and tools to make this world a better place. Much of this preparation for their future will come from their education.

Please vote YES on the local option tax this March. It is NOT a new tax, but a continuation of a tax that has been in place. If you are not familiar with this tax, I implore you to find out the facts by contacting our Sisters School Board. They would be more than happy to offer you information on how the tax works, how it has enhanced our schools since its implementation, and how it will be detrimental to our students if it does not pass.

You can also go to the Local Option Web site at http://www.sisterslocaloption.com to see answers to questions such as, "What will it cost me?," "What will we lose if the local option expires in June?" and "Are we paying too much for schools?"

Whether you have children or not, their future will effect your future. Please continue the investment in a better tomorrow by voting YES on the local option tax.

Varena Sparling

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To the Editor:

I find it interesting that Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is into putting up the American Flag for many occasions, which is very nice. Then comes January 20, 2009, and there is not a flag in sight, except for people that put out their personal ones.

In my mind's eye, the swearing in of a new president, whether you voted for him or not, is a very important part of our American history. I donated years ago to help buy flags for the special occasions and resent the fact that on the inauguration of our new president, which I did vote for, my flag donation was ignored as all the other flags that the citizens of Sisters donated.

We need to do better, in a time when our country is struggling from every side.

Becki Neal, B-J & Friends

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To the Editor:

A recent article in The Nugget and the online editorial blog outline the opinion that the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce is in a state of turmoil. I agree. This is the second director "resignation" in 13 months. While some might suggest this is an internal Chamber issue, I disagree.

The Chamber is the recipient of public funds. They receive approximately 30 percent of the room tax collected by the city. In 2007 they received $80,000. In 2008 they received the same amount, possibly more. This money comes from the general fund.  While the purpose and expectation of this transfer seems somewhat vague, depending on whom you ask, the general idea is that it is to be used for "economic development," largely in the form of promoting tourism. This is a good idea - the City of Sisters partnering with the Chamber to promote the economic well being of the Sisters community.

Last Thursday, the City Council was addressed by Todd Dow, Chamber member and former member of the Chamber board. The main thrust of his testimony was that the Chamber is using this money without having any publicly-available strategic plan, and that the percentage of those funds used for overhead and administrative purposes (34 percent in 2007), was double what it should be.

The "turmoil," the lack of transparency and documented marketing strategy, and the operational expenditures are troublesome. This should concern Chamber members, the Sisters City Council, and all Sisters Country residents.

It was suggested that the transfer of funds be suspended until these deficiencies are addressed. I would also suggest, given the current City Council's emphasis on economic development, that this transfer be reexamined to be sure that the money is being used in a way that ensures the best results for the local economy. We continually hear that these are tough times and that we all need to make careful choices. This case is no exception.

Ed Protas

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To the Editor:

Perhaps other Chamber members feel that Cherie Ferguson's abilities and hard work appeared to be very beneficial to our Chamber of Commerce and town of Sisters! I'm probably not alone in wanting to rally some support, show our appreciation and hopefully bring her back. It would be a shame for the city to lose so much, as we did when Gary Frazee left. Let's do something.

Ruth Raizin

s s s

To the Editor:

There are an extraordinary bunch of citizens that live in the surrounding area, you read about them in The Nugget all the time. Lately I've been working with the imaginative and talented group of community leaders and volunteers that make "My Own Two Hands" happen.

The fund-raiser, "My Own Two Hands" (appropriately named) auctions off visual art, made by an artist's own two hands. It raises money to provide students with amazing arts and music opportunities. This helps to build the creative problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow. Every year M.O.T.H. has a theme. This year it is "Something Wild." Artists may use their imagination to create something that relates to the theme, or do their own thing. It helps as a catalyst for inspiration and makes for a good party.

M.O.T.H. also has a community project, the "Common Canvas." Part of its purpose is to bring the community together and have fun with the theme. This year the common canvas is "Masks (and other 'parade-able' art)."

Through the Americana Project, the Round House Foundation has made it possible to have free community classes that are open to everyone AND a community parade to kick off the art walk on April 17. I have seen so many smiles and people of all kinds being surprised at what they were able to create in these classes. Getting together to create with YOUR own two hands gives you a chance to forget your troubles, laugh and have a good time making "something wild' with other folks, young and old.

While times are a little unsure and uncertain, one of the best things to do is get out and have some fun. People have a chance to realize they have something in common with each other in this neutral setting, even if they have different beliefs. It's been great getting to know more of the remarkable people that make the Sisters Country an exceptional area to live - it's not just a pretty place! Thank you to all that have participated so far! I look forward to the next class.

Kimry Jelen

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To the Editor:

The letter from Jordan Richerson (a SHS Sophomore) about the dog, hit and killed on Cloverdale Road sends to us all a kind, compassionate message as to what our actions should be if an animal is hit on a roadway.

One should always stop to see if the animal can be helped and, if close to housing, the owner should be located. Most compassionate people would at least move the animals to the side of the road or if still alive, take the animal to a nearby veterinarian clinic.

It is a painful situation most drivers do not want to be in. A safe secure place where the dog can not dig or jump out of is the only solution.

Tying up a dog is unacceptable and can result in habitual barking or worse, strangulation. A dog allowed to "roam free" will not stay on his own property. This presents problems for others and sometimes, heartbreak for the owners.

A dog needs a safe, clean, warm place (or cool, shady in hot weather), with fresh water, a bone to chew or toy to play with. Often a piece of clothing with the owner's scent on it provides security in a sense that the owner is returning. Dogs are companion animals and stress when left alone. Some become destructive or have accidents in the home, thus the owner is reluctant to leave the dog inside. Nonetheless, it is no different than raising a child: the responsibility and commitment are the same.

I am sorry that Jordan and family lost their beloved young dog in this seemingly preventable manner. The lessons learned in life are often heartbreaking. Hopefully from the letter and loss many of us will learn something positive and preventable.

Linda Leigh Daniel

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To the Editor:

I would also like to add my voice to the call for the driver to come forward who hit the bloodhound "Tucker" on Cloverdale Road. There has been an egregious miscarriage of justice done.

And it is to the blameless driver of the white pickup. This person hit a dog let loose by it's owner. This person has suffered damage to their property and almost certainly to their personal well-being, and they deserve recompense from the owners of the dog they struck, which was no fault of their own. When you let any animal loose, you risk the animal's death and worse, you risk the harm to the lives of other innocents and their property.

Mr. Richerson has caused his family and this unknown person personal grief, as well as property damage to a vehicle and the death of his beloved dog. This is very unfortunate. But blaming this hapless driver is a re-doubling the regrettable nature of this preventable and unfortunate incident. This unknown driver is the real victim.

Paul Dacus