Letters to the Editor 12/14/2011

To the Editor:

Bob and Honey have been cheerful fixtures outside Sisters Coffee and in our local parks ever since we moved to Sisters. David and I always enjoy our interactions with Bob and Honey (who never failed to wonder if we had dog treats in our pockets).

We were so sad to learn of this unfortunate accident (see story, page 1) and for the young driver as well. We all know how hard it is to cross Cascade, and the markings and lighting are insufficient this time of year especially.

I tried to visit Bob at St. Charles this afternoon (December 8), but he was in surgery. On the whiteboard in his empty room was an encouraging note from Sisters Coffee with a smiley face bouquet and balloon. I told the RN that all of Sisters holds Bob and Honey dear to their hearts and we'd appreciate her giving him her best care. She smiled and said she would.

I feel lucky to live in Sisters where we still care for one another. And I'm sure that's why Bob and Honey call Sisters home.

Kay Grady

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To the Editor:

We cannot ignore last week's guest editorial by David Asson and Bill Merrill; the current and former council presidents. They are misinformed; they did not participate in the 50 hours of Technical Action Committee (TAC) meetings that heard and vetted all arguments regarding fire flows.

It is inaccurate to suggest the fire chief said anything to the TAC. The fire marshal provided some input and his concerns were discussed and vetted.

The committee was unanimous in its recommendation to do the Fir Street project, but not the Hood Avenue project, because an analysis by the city engineer showed that the two low-performing hydrants in the downtown core would improve substantially as a result of the larger main that would be installed on Fir Street.

When the Fir Street project is done, all hydrants in the downtown core will flow at approximately the same rate.

Current fire flows throughout the city are much higher than just a few years ago; the ability to fight a major fire has been considerably improved since 2005.

There is no crisis.

Staff presented a five-year forecast of the water fund to the city council at a workshop on July 15, 2010 that showed revenue doubling over five years as a result of multiple recommended rate increases to pay for capital improvements. Minutes of this meeting are available on the city website. Mr. Asson and Mr. Merrill should review them before making any more negative comments about the veracity of others.

With respect to their comment about leadership dysfunction being grossly inaccurate, how else can anyone explain a water-rate process taking so long and being so hard. To be a great city requires great leadership, which is lacking in Sisters.

Change requires honesty; more citizen oversight is required, please help.

Mike Morgan & Ed Protas