Letters To the Editor 10/3/2012

To the Editor:

Ballot Measure 79 is the first measure in recent memory that makes perfect sense. Real Estate has been the leading factor for growth in Oregon during every recession for as far back as anyone can remember.

Why would we want to place a transfer tax (sales tax) against the one factor that will lead our state back into prosperity?

If our legislators wish to have a sales tax, then let them have the courage to ask the voting public for one. This will allow all citizens of Oregon to pay the extra tax, not just real property owners. Remember, a transfer tax is not just on the sale of your home, it is for any transfer of title (inheritance, divorce, moving your property into a trust).

Please join me and vote YES on 79 to end once and for all the ability of state and local governments to place a sales tax on our real estate.

Doug Roberts

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To the Editor:

On behalf of Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team 4, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation and thanks to the community of Sisters and the surrounding area for the support provided during our assignment to the Pole Creek Fire.

Special thanks to all the cooperators who provided valuable assistance and coordination throughout the incident. It was truly a pleasure to work with professionals dedicated to the greater good of the community.

The donation of baked goods and clothing items by the community was truly appreciated by the firefighters who worked diligently and tirelessly to suppress the fire. The challenges the firefighters endured were many. The recognition of their hard work by the community was valued and overwhelming.

Brian J. Watts, Incident Commander

Oregon Interagency IMT 4

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To the Editor:

During October 1-8, Oregonians are invited to attend Days of Culture events.

Days of Culture is a statewide celebration of arts, heritage and humanities. This collection of gatherings, exhibitions and performances has been facilitated by the Oregon Cultural Trust to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Check out the many events online at http://www.oregondaysofculture.org.

In the last decade, the Oregon Cultural Trust has worked to promote the arts, heritage and humanities. The Trust encourages and supports programming in-school, after-school and summer arts programs. It has been instrumental in funding historic preservation projects, the poet laureate, and supporting the non-profits that impact the tourism and entertainment economy. People throughout Oregon benefit from the Trust, its leadership and its grant-making.

I encourage all Oregonians to attend Days of Culture events this coming week, in your community or as part of a road trip. Please also consider supporting the Oregon Cultural Trust and make sure to let your community leaders know about the importance of culture to Oregon's quality of life.

Kathy Deggendorfer

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To the Editor:

Thanks to the Tollgate residents who participated and signed a petition concerning a proposed paved multi-use trail from Sisters to Black Butte Ranch last spring.

135 Tollgate residents signed this petition, and the results were as follows:

•â¯87 indicated that they desired no trail at all (64 percent);

•â¯22 favored an unpaved bike path adjacent to Hwy 20 (16 percent);

•â¯11 favored a paved bike path adjacent to Highway 20 (nine percent);

•â¯Six favored a multi-use path adjacent to Highway 20 (four percent);

•â¯Four favored either paved or unpaved bike path adjacent to Highway 20 (3 percent);

•â¯Five favored a bike path (no surface preference given) adjacent to Highway 20 (four percent).

Ninety-two percent of the Tollgate residents polled opposed the multi-use trail from Sisters to Black Butte as proposed by the Sisters Trails Alliance.

September 20, 2012: Notification of special board meeting the agenda of which included consideration of a letter in support of the Sisters to Black Butte multi-use trail.

September 22, 2012: Petition information was sent to the Tollgate Board of Directors along with a list of questions and concerns, asking for a delay in the decision. This letter is available at the Tollgate office or I have a copy.

September 25, 2012: Terry Withrow, Karen Harvey, Rod Thorn, Katy Becky, and Bob Beckman, the Tollgate Board of Directors, unanimously voted in favor of a letter of support to the Sisters Trails Alliance for the proposed paved multi-use trail from Sisters to Black Butte.

Steve Madsen