Letters to the Editor 05/28/2014

To the Editor:

I am disappointed by the tone of some of the letters to the editor recently. It seems that when someone disagrees with a decision made by our elected officials, they now resort to name-calling. In particular, the letter from Brenda Colburn (Hartford) accused city officials of having a hidden agenda in pursuing a roundabout. Seriously?

If you don't like roundabouts, you are entitled to your opinion. But to assume that everyone else thinks like you do, while usually a bad idea, in this case is just flat wrong. In 2009 there was a complete and thorough public discussion of roundabouts as part of the city transportation plan. All of the skeptics that I know came away from those meetings agreeing that it was the best solution for Sisters. You can refer to the guest editorial in this paper on February 9, 2014 for details on why the public got behind a roundabout.

The city's decision to pursue a roundabout was based on facts, not opinion or personal preference, and enjoys widespread public support from those who have considered the facts. I commend the city for sticking to what they know is the right solution for Sisters, and not to let a few loud voices run roughshod over the public good.

Again, if you don't like change, or just don't like roundabouts, you are entitled to your own opinion - but not your own facts. To blame City Manager Gorayeb for the decision and to call him names is rude, does nothing to advance public discourse, and is factually wrong. Mr. Gorayeb had just moved here, and was in no way involved with the city when this decision was made. I think you owe him an apology.

Carey Tosello

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To the Editor:

The traffic rolled in and through Sisters this weekend; so did the excitement for local businesses. Once one made it in through the traffic to get into Sisters, parking was a challenge. It seemed apparent, after a trip to The Pony Express last Saturday at 9 a.m., that parking in Sisters is an issue.

While sitting outside Sisters Coffee with others, we observed 17 separate vehicles, filled with visitors, who parked, unloaded gear and took off toward Highway 242. Awesome, you'd think, until realizing, none of these visitors went inside these local businesses. Parking for the day-ride is not in itself the issue. It's where they park, and the duration. Eight of the vehicles were still in the same spot at 4 p.m., in front of the same local businesses, eliminating covenant parking for the next hourly wave of Sisters visitors or locals.

The same long-term parking was happening at the Village Green Park. Two quarters of parking at the park Saturday appeared to be cyclists here for a day-ride of awesomeness. But what about others who want to picnic and use the park? What about already established traditions at Village Green, the veterans memorial, veterans and military families who would like to reflect a moment at the memorial stones at the park, the gazebo, the family-friendly picnic area and playground?

Moving forward, has anyone considered the idea of a designated location to accommodate our cycling visitors? What about the possibility of creating a new location, one dedicated to provide all-day parking, with restrooms, showers, camping, gazebo and doggy park (similar to the one in Bend near the river and Old Mill District). How about the land once looked at for the now-defunct amphitheater? Surely there's a grant that could be sought? At minimum parking limits should be placed.

Why change a traditional location in Sisters? Don't redesign the Village Green Park to accommodate some. Respect and keep traditions for locals.

Bill Anttila

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To the Editor:

I encourage ODOT and the Sisters City Council to install temporary stoplights at the intersections of Highway 20/Barclay and Highway 20/Locust.

Currently, traffic conditions at these intersections are conducive to major injury accidents. Waiting until 2016 for the Highway 20/Barclay improvement and who-knows-when for Highway 20/Locust is dangerous and potentially fatal.

Excessive speed and/or traffic congestion set the stage for accidents, especially when mixed with bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Despite the speed-limit signs, many drivers continue to speed through these intersections. Stoplights would slow traffic from highway speeds before entering the business area.

Especially during the summer, traffic backs up in all directions at these intersections. It is often very challenging to cross Highway 20 or to make a left turn onto Highway 20. As frustration builds, drivers tend to become aggressive, which could result in head-on or side-impact crashes. This will become even more problematic as more traffic, especially trucks, backs up on southbound Locust waiting to turn left onto eastbound Highway 20.

Pedestrians and bicyclists (often children) crossing these streets add to the risk of serious injury.

Installing temporary stoplights would slow traffic before it enters the city, ease the traffic flow, and reduce driver frustration and aggressive driving. If temporary stoplights don't prove to be helpful, they can be removed with minimal cost. ODOT and the City of Sisters can mitigate the dangerous situation right now while they continue to explore permanent solutions with the community.

Jan Morgan

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To the Editor:

"Did you know that more than 20 people are killed and many more are seriously injured in crashes at intersections every day in the United States? Did you know that most of these deaths and injuries are due to right-angle crashes that occur at signalized and stop-controlled intersections? How much time do you spend stopped at a red light waiting for the light to change when there is no traffic on the cross-street? Did you know there is an intersection alternative that is substantially safer than signalized and stop-controlled intersections and much more efficient?

The USDOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has identified modern roundabout intersections as one of nine proven life-saving roadway safety strategies. Modern roundabouts are not only safer than traditional signalized and stop-controlled intersections, where appropriate and properly designed, roundabouts operate more efficiently, often have lower life-cycle costs, and result in increased fuel efficiency."

The preceding quote is taken from the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration website on modern roundabouts.

I have experienced the efficiency and safety of roundabouts in Germany, England, France, Spain and other countries. I have a feeling that all of the bad-mouthing of traffic circles comes from individuals who are not familiar with their advantages and don't know how to navigate a traffic circle. In other words, they are afraid of something new and different.

Do some research on the advantages and be willing to learn how to drive through a traffic circle. It will save lives and keep traffic moving efficiently at a dangerous intersection.

Gordon Golden

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To the Editor:

No roundabout PLEASE!

What a stupid idea to even consider one with the amount of trucks we have on Highway 20. I totally agree with Donna Holland: We need two lights - one at Locust and Highway 20 and the other obvious one is Barclay and Highway 20.

And while we are at it - why can't the trucks still be required to use the bypass (Barclay). I'm sure these 18 wheelers are doing a number on our "new" streets.

Carin Baker

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To the Editor:

I agree with Donna Holland, Brenda Hartford! We don't need "roundabouts" in Sisters; we do need two stop lights, Barclay and Highway 20, and Locust and Highway 20.

I can't tell you how aggravating it is to use the roundabouts in Bend, the traffic congestion is stupid and a lot of people don't use or practice the right-of-way or yield. And now you want the full-sized 18-wheelers to negotiate this at the two busiest intersections in Sisters. Can we say traffic jam? Ridiculous!

If there is a cost to running the lights, then why not look into the solar panels for the electricity for the lights.

Please remember that the citizens of Sisters are people with brains that can think and voice their opinions. Don't assume you are speaking for us, certainly not me. Leave the light where it is, it is nice to be able to use that intersection without the insane fear of getting hit trying to cross, and install the one at the elementary school; that should be a priority.

The safety of our citizens and children should be your primary concern, Sisters City Council, specifically Mr. Gorayeb and ODOT Mr. Peter Murphy.

Shannon Chesney

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To the Editor:

Understandably in a country where we still measure distances in paces of a Roman soldier, resistance to change is a given, but like ice cream, once you tried it most of us like it.

Well I for one want roundabouts, and before the (I am sure) lovely ladies spout off about the dangers and congestion they create maybe they should get into their respective Cadillacs and ... take a drive to the Walgreens at Highway 97 and Veterans Way in Redmond and watch the signal for about 10 minutes: It's a fatality waiting to happen.

Then proceed to Bend and take the scenic "west side" loop that has about 15 roundies; you can even listen to your favorite hymns in case you're scared. If at the end of your trip you're still confused on how to navigate them, do us all a favor and drop your driver's license off at the DMV on the way back.

Roundabouts are: Safer (one is forced to slow down, unlike a light). Keep traffic flowing (no waiting for the light to change at 5 am). Reduce emissions (from cars and power plants, since no energy is needed). I could go on and certainly Peter Murphy from ODOT has more data than the steer manure mounds you're lecturing from. As far as picking on Andrew (Gorayeb, city manager), go ahead; I am sure he can take it, but don't be surprised if he points you in the direction of said pile.

So go ahead and give the circles a try, you may like them.

Marco Gnos

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To the Editor:

Following the back-and-forth between the City of Sisters council and concerned citizens has revealed to me that the concerned citizens have been more thorough and complete when addressing the issues which have been contentious; in other words, have done their homework while the city hasn't been diligent in their research.

Permitting the rezoning of the industrial park will lead to more part-time, vacationing, and retired residents. Only the retired contribute economically throughout the year, but they don't add students to the school system. I fail to see how this will change the present economic climate in this area year-round, or improve school enrollment.

Steve Madsen

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To the Editor:

I am writing to urge the adoption of digital recordings of public meetings by the City of Sisters. The estimated one-time expenditure of $1,200-$1,500 is a pittance within the City's annual spending. This expense could easily be offset by increases in revenue from the updating and expansion of the City campground, extracting the money for this vital issue from travelers instead of taxpayers. Surely there could be no naysayers to such a win-win-plan.

Also, I have had it up to here with the disgruntled writers making personal attacks against elected City officials and the City Manager in particular. One would be hard-pressed to find many other folks in recent years who have quietly volunteered more time and expertise for the benefit of the citizens of Sisters than Andrew Gorayeb.

One may not agree with every decision made at City Hall, but I expect my neighbors to treat one another with courtesy and respect. The next election cycle will come along soon enough. I look forward to those who are truly unhappy appearing on the ballot so that they can take their turn in the barrel.

Kevin Neary