Letters to the Editor 03/11/2009

To the Editor:

Representative Wayne Kreiger (R-Gold Beach) recently introduced House Bill 3008, requiring a $54 registration fee per bicycle every two years, and was quoted as saying, "This is an opportunity for the bicyclists to start contributing to our roads."

I'm appalled at his comments about contributing towards our roads. I guess all those property taxes and gas taxes I've been paying for decades haven't been going towards our roads! Now is NOT the time for new taxes and this bill is bad idea.

Since I own three bikes, I'd be required to pay $81 per year to register my bicycles or face a fine of $25 per bicycle. Honestly, how much of that money would come to Sisters to make riding my bicycle safer? I would hope that more people would consider the benefits of using their bicycles for short, local trips, like to the post office or the video store, but I fear that if this bill passes, it would do more to discourage the use of bicycles than it would to make riding a bike safer.

Sisters is a wonderful place to work and live, and it's also very easy to get around by bicycle. I use my bike everyday to get to and from work, to buy my groceries and to run errands. I already pay taxes to support our local streets and our highways, and this bill is NOT the best way to make life safer for cyclists.

Steve Fosdick

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To the Editor:

As we write this, we do not know the result of the local option election. When you read this, however, the election will be decided.

Regardless of the result, let us transcend our divided views on the local option and unite around one of our community's common goals: helping Sisters school children succeed.

Regardless of the result, we urge supporters and critics alike to be involved in our schools. The need has never been greater for volunteer mentors, constructive approaches to solving our budget challenges, and positive energy to help educate Sisters' kids in the classroom, on the playing fields and out in the community.

Regardless of the result, we want to assure the community that Sisters School District will continue to do its utmost to provide the best education for kids possible with the resources available.

And regardless of the result, we thank the many voters who supported the youth of our community by voting yes. We appreciate the efforts of the more than 100 volunteers who worked very hard to spread the word about the many positive things accomplished by our kids and our schools. And we thank the many businesses and donors who contributed their expertise and resources to making our campaign possible.

With appreciation,

The Sisters Local Option Steering Committee: Brian Witt, Chair; Elaine Drakulich; Christine Jones; Glen Lasken; Merry Ann Moore

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To the Editor:

If you like what developer Shane Lundgren did with the former Conklin's Guest House property and the adjoining acreage, Sun Ranch Business Park, then by all means, let him have at it with the Metolius Basin. He seems to lack the wherewithal to finish what he starts.

Tom Kopec