Letters to the Editor 03/20/2013

To the Editor:

To all of the team members with the Keeping Sisters Strong PAC...

As co-chairs of this amazing group, Kay and I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the countless hours you spent on getting the message of the local option out to the voters of the Sisters School District.

You all displayed a high level of professionalism, optimism, and deep dedication to our final goal, which is rarely seen in a volunteer setting. From the early, cold November days when we slogged through strategy group sessions to the rallies on the streets in the final days of the campaign, your commitment and spirit to the important work that had to be done never wavered. It was an honor to work with such an amazing group of multi-talented, supportive folks. We can only hope that future campaign chairs have the good fortune we had to share such a sweet victory and long-lasting friendships.

We really did "get 'er done," team! Thank you.

Sincerely,

Winter Lewis and Kay Grady

Sisters Local Option Co-chairs

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To the Editor:

Writing a letter to the editor is an avenue for us as a community to have our voices heard. It is "Freedom of Speech" and a privilege that others do not have on foreign soil.

The businesses and events of the City of Sisters are what keep us on the map. They are the life-support of our community. The brains, heart and soul.

The city's immune system is only so strong. The economy, natural disasters or even incompetence can take their toll. The road construction projects scheduled on Hood and Cascade have a very good chance of attacking the heart and soul of Sisters.

I understand there is grant money for these projects and the push to get them done is based on the almighty dollar. I also understand that ODOT is presently bidding the job out and I was told it was too late for any changes. There is no such word as can't and it is never too late, unless it is the loss of a loved one.

In Redmond, there is a similar project run by ODOT that is killing the downtown core businesses, like a plague with no cure. Do we want this in Sisters? In all the plans that were designed for our look, was there one that depicted a Western town? Did anyone actually think it out, without eyes of grandure?

We are a Western-themed town that was established in 1946. So why do we need to convert ourselves to a Portland-themed town and discourage the few tourists that still visit? A simple solution would have been to put in wide decking as walkways throughout town and repave the roads.

It is easy to sit on our couches and complain. We need to want to get off our couches and use our brains to protect the heart and soul of this community as a whole. The businesses and the people of this community are the ones that should dictate, not the grant money, not ODOT and not our public-servant elected officials.

Richard Esterman