Letters to the Editor 09/14/2010

To the Editor:

I would like to remind folks that the double yellow line is not just a suggestion.

I live nine miles north of Sisters. I bike regularly for exercise in the summer and drive as needed. I have observed many drivers crossing the yellow line to pass me on my bike, frequently on blind curves and hills.

This is not safe either for them or me, but without the steel armor, I am the one likely to be seriously injured. Do you want to live with that?

The law states that to pass you must also give me enough room that if I fall over flat your vehicle will not hit me.

When driving I also have noticed that many people cross the line for no apparent reason, sometimes perhaps because they did not slow sufficiently for a particular curve. When I read The Nugget or the Bulletin I find that in most fatal crashes someone crossed the center line. Again, do you want to die or to kill someone?

These reminders are especially important with the designation of the local scenic bike routes. Thank you for your consideration.

Karen Sweigert

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To the Editor:

This community offers so much to be thankful for, but one of the most influential events concerning our family has been the folk festival and the sponsors of the Americana Song Academy. Tanner, our youngest, after a weekend of inspiring connections with others, has been holed up in his room all day writing songs and recording.

When I spoke to our oldest son, Slater (now in Morocco taking political science classes), he told me he is addressed on campus as "that guy who sings." The first thing Slater purchased upon arriving in that distant land was an inexpensive guitar so he could continue connecting with others through music.

There is no way that our family can ever repay the richness and commitment that this community has given our boys. They both stand straighter and stronger in the world because of people in our community who gave their voices a stage. And to all of you who worked so hard to make this year's folk festival a success, I want you to know that your efforts reach far beyond this small community. Thank you so much for another great year.

Brenda Smith

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To the Editor:

Over the last few months I have been attending the Sisters School Board meetings and I must say they are never the same. The board performance has not met my expectations. In fact they sometimes do things that seem very unprofessional.

Last month the board approved the teacher's union contract without having a copy of the document in front of them. This did not seem to be very professional to me.

Before that, after cutting several days and positions from the current budget, the board approved the creation of a totally new position, "Dean of Students." This is a non-teaching position that had never existed in the district before. This position was created by the high school principal and the temporary superintendent and was advertised and filled in seven days without the board's prior knowledge and consent. The board does not seem to be in control and does not seem to be committed to budget

reductions.

The board also approved a resolution to transfer $60,000 for support services/technology - computer hardware without any documentation regarding how many and what for and where and why. 

The board needs to be reminded about who they represent and who they are responsible to. It is the taxpayers, not the ESD, and not the teachers union.

Have a great day!

Dave Marlow