Letters to the Editor 01/15/2014

To the Editor:

Perhaps the City of Sisters should reconsider the construction of an amphitheater in the middle of Sisters. Two reasons are readily apparent. The climate of Sisters guarantees the amphitheater will go unused for a good portion of the year.

Concerts, plays and other activities would necessarily be canceled due to inclement weather, causing a financial loss to the city. Secondly, an amphitheater will undoubtedly cause a class-action lawsuit by the residents of Indian Ford Meadow, Wild Horse Ridge, Sage Meadow, Deer Ridge and Starr Ranch, not to mention the residents in the immediate vicinity of the facility.

The noise would be incredible. This lawsuit would be another financial problem the city does not need. In addition, the flyovers, take-offs and landings by planes landing at Sisters Airport would disrupt whatever event was taking place.

I would encourage the city to make a trip to Sunriver and take a guided tour of their Great Hall. It is used for the Sunriver Music Festival and a host of other concerts, chamber ensembles, plays, weddings, receptions etc. It is enclosed, thereby solving the aforementioned problems. Constructed in beautiful log architecture, it would enhance the Western theme of Sisters and be available for concerts, weddings and other events making it a viable source of revenue for our town.

I believe something of this magnitude should be presented to all the residents of Sisters Country, both town residents and those outside the town, for a vote.

I regret this proposition was not presented to the residents of Sisters Country long ago.

Debra Frigulti

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To the Editor:

It has come to the attention of the high school that there has been vandalism and destruction of mailboxes and newspaper boxes in our town of Sisters.

As a part of this community we are upset that this is occurring. We care about the community and would like to sustain the positive relationship that exists between our school and our town. We want to show that the majority of students care about our neighbors and we would like to help those whose property was destroyed. While we cannot replace the special boxes that were priceless to their owners, we would like to offer community-service time to those whose personal property was destroyed.

Sisters community, please know that the majority of students attending Sisters High School care about this town and each other. We want to help right this wrong.

If you would like to sign up for this community-service project please contact leadership advisor, Michele Hammer, at 541-549-4045.

Emily Corrigan, ASG President

Autumn Saunders, ASG Vice-President

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To the Editor:

Regarding your January 8th editorial, "Resolve to get involved," I agree, for democracy to work people must make their opinion known. For this to happen, the political culture in Sisters must change.

For years I've heard from citizens who will not speak up for fear of gaining the disfavor of the City. The Wild Mountain issue has made the situation worse. The message is out, "don't make waves or we will make things hard for you." Many consider the City a "bully."

If we want citizen participation, City Hall needs to listen, respond respectfully, and our newspaper must be fair, accurate, and thorough in its reporting.

A few weeks ago, council voted to institute new fees for non-profits. I asked the council to wait until all non-profits were notified and given a chance to weigh in. I talked with two councilors before the meeting and they agreed. Then, council went ahead and voted to institute the fees. Why? "It's small potatoes" was the response. This was disrespectful to me and the many non-profits in town. I was told the decision to go forward immediately had something to do with keeping medical marijuana clinics out of town. Isn't this a story?

Editor, if you want more participation then stop shielding the city and work to create an atmosphere where speaking out publicly is not only welcomed but encouraged. I agree, "yakking" over coffee is not "getting involved." However, if the doors of public institutions and the ears of public officials are not open, if the paper does not keep us informed, yakking over coffee is the best we can do.

Instead of asking citizens to get involved, I suggest the City and newspaper resolve to create an environment where involvement is encouraged and respected. People care, but they are afraid. This needs to change.

Sharlene Weed