Letters to the Editor 10/22/2014

To the Editor:

My ballot arrived this week, and once again I am reminded that I am not allowed to vote for those running for Sisters City Council, as I live out of the city limits.

Every election, I imagine there might be a possibility that someday this will change because a large portion of our town does not live in the core.

This year, if I were allowed to vote in city elections, I would cast my ballot for Wendy Holzman. She's smart; she listens; she cares tremendously about Sisters. She understands that implementing good ideas takes time and, therefore, she's been in it for the long haul.

It is very clear to me that Wendy has no interest in creating contention among fellow councilors. That's important to me. Negativity and disrespect won't help move Sisters forward.

Wendy is a team player. We're lucky to have her on the ballot.

Pamela Burry

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To the Editor:

The majority of the Sisters community live outside the city boundary (non-voters).

At the same time they are the persons, companies and subdivisions who provide a major portion of the energy and the daily economic vitality for Sisters to exist. Providing general and seasonal employment, most important they are the year-round consumers who sustain the retail stores, restaurants, movies and services.

As non-voters they, too, have a stake in the subsistence of Sisters and its management. They also contribute their time and talent serving non-elected positions and committees and are often members of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce or participate in other areas for the success of the community. All of this without a vote to select the city council, or respond to other city ballot measures.

As "outsiders" they sit on the sidelines cheering the good decisions made for the community and, yes, speculate about unwelcome improvements without a consensus, which take away from the very reason folks have migrated to Sisters Country.

I appreciate very much those who do serve and respect their positions and contribution. However with the upcoming election and the selection of candidates I would first vote for the stable and seasoned maturity, economic and business sense provided by David Asson. And then add the newness of Nancy Connolly and Robert Wright who, through their education and life experience, will provide mature management and make the common-sense decisions.

Peter Storton

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To the Editor:

I'm unaware of the motivation behind Mr. Detweiler's opinion piece on October 7, but I think his comments are out of line and harmful to the volunteer effort required to operate this community.

"Moneyed interests" elicits confused chuckles from me regarding those at the end of Mr. Detweiler's pointed finger. I know Darren, Cort and Andrew to be community-minded and generous men. They also tend to drive toward a solution, appreciate thoughtful debate and are willing to compromise in order to do the greatest good. I believe the same people show up on boards and committees because they are willing, have skills and knowledge and believe in giving back. These are good qualities in a volunteer.

Where are we without these volunteer teams? What happens when skilled volunteers no longer feel like the effort is worth the cost? They resign. One resignation can lead to another, which can lead to vacant boards, committees and council.

Who is going to step up when the seats are empty?

I know of people in this community that would serve it well by sitting on the SPRD board, city council and the Sisters School District board or any number of worthwhile committees, but they don't volunteer because they are unwilling to submit themselves to the attacks that are directed at the members of these elected groups. This causes me to consider my position as a twice-elected SPRD board member putting tireless hours in attempting to do the greatest good only to have my motives and methods questioned.

Will I be the next person on the hit list to be called out by name? Maybe I'll just bow out now and avoid the possibility of an unprovoked public attack.

It's a sad condition that Sisters Country is experiencing with the finger-pointing and rock-throwing. The willingness of an elected member to compromise and collaborate is being vilified as is the willingness to take a stand. If I can't be black, white or gray, what's left? Invisibility.

Jeff Campbell

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To the Editor:

We feel fortunate to live in Sisters, where citizens value their community, schools and most of the time one another. The recent plethora of negative discourse has been slightly disconcerting but makes us all the more thankful for the folks who volunteer to keep making this a better city for us all and who keep on keeping on despite endless criticism, innuendo and even public shaming.

We wholeheartedly endorse the school bond. It's about the kids and their families and belief in the future of our community. And it's about trusting the individuals who selflessly stepped forward on the facilities committee to make smart decisions on our investments now and into the future. The kids are counting on them, as indeed are all of us who live here and want our schools, students, and community to continue to thrive.

We voted yes on the school bond and we believe most people who look at the facts for themselves will, too. There's still time for you to check the facts if you didn't attend one of the community meetings or take the facilities tour.

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/protectsistersinvestment

Jim Golden or Leland Bliss: 541-549-8521

Kay and David Grady

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To the Editor:

Being a good effective city councilor has a very steep learning curve. On top of learning the functions of city government one must also have outstanding commitment, the ability to adapt, listen, compromise and work together. "Thick skin" would help a councilor stand on their own and be effective over time. "Experience" is valuable and hard to replace.

The current council has accomplished more in the last two years for the good of our community than the previous four when I was on council. They have reached the point where working together they can continue moving forward in a positive role. There will always be critics of every decision; you CANNOT make everyone happy!

The editorial by Jim Cornelius on October 15 was spot-on ("Vote for a high-functioning city council"). He articulates the whole picture very accurately. Holzman, Boyd, and Connolly will be the best combination of councilors to elect for the future of our community.

Pat Thompson, Former City Councilor

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To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Brad Boyd's bid for city council. I have known Mayor Boyd since the late 1990s when I moved my business to Sisters.

I have owned and run my business in Sisters since then and have talked to Mayor Boyd on many occasions about what the city needs, what works, and what doesn't. I have always found Mayor Boyd to be a good listener. He may not always agree with my position, but he will always explain why he doesn't agree and is always willing to engage in a conversation about how best to get things done.

Time and again the citizens of Sisters have said that maintaining a balanced livability is one of the most important issues. Mayor Boyd understands the issues as well as anyone in town and has for many years shown that he is willing to do the hard work to get results.

Doug Hancock

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To the Editor:

Even the wiliest of listing agents would give pause prior to calling the sidewalk that hugs the road that goes around the inside perimeter of Tollgate a "trail," but that is the description given by Ms. Edgerton in her defense of the proposed Sisters-BBR Trail.

Private property vs. public, privately funded vs. public, privately managed vs. public - the differences are stark and numerous between the two paths, yet Ms. Edgerton likens the two and implies that Tollgate residences that use the sidewalk in Tollgate and oppose the BBR path are somehow being hypocritical. In my opinion, it is a very weak argument, but at least it is an argument.

However, labeling those who potentially stand in the way of you getting what you want as "selfish" as Ms. Edgerton later does is merely name-calling and a very puzzling word choice at that. I truly wish Ms. Edgerton and others who choose to go the "selfish" route would explain their thought process:

You are looking to change the status quo for your own personal enjoyment - and those who oppose are selfish.

You have been completely dismissive of all the environmental, fiscal and safety concerns put forth by those who question the project and potentially stand in the way of your own personal enjoyment - and those who oppose are selfish.

You have heard from residents in Tollgate that readily admit that part of their objection to the project is the proximity of the path to their homes; be it concerns of safety, littering, or simple aesthetic degradation. Several years ago, my family chose to live where we live because we enjoy looking out our windows and seeing nature, not a seldom-used asphalt track. Could this aesthetic argument be considered selfish? Absolutely. But is it any more selfish than someone who seeks to make change in order to satisfy their own personal desire and in doing so completely disregards the expressed preference of someone who is looking to maintain the status quo and simply leave the forest alone?

Just a thought: If deer could speak and trees could scream, which party do you suppose they would find kinship with, and which party might they deem "selfish"?

Greg Werts

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To the Editor:

A lot of good has come to pass around town over the years of Brad Boyd's tenure as mayor, in no small part due to his vision, leadership, and dedication. The beautification and livability of Sisters are on the rise, and we are moving forward creatively and constructively.

Brad certainly deserves our votes for re-election. Let's keep it going!

John Rahm

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To the Editor:

Mr. Anderson - I was surprised and somewhat taken aback by your LTE expressing a kind word of support for the Wild Mountain stand now missing in Sisters. Since the unlawful seizure of my business property, of which the building itself now resides on the private residential property of a Sisters Planning Department staff member who purchased it at substantial discount from the property management company I had leased the former Wild Mountain location from.

I've since been forced to make a living by selling the same quality products once sold at the Wild Mountain stand, out of the back of my truck. This has been an experience which has seen its positives and negatives. Unsolicited words of support as yours the positive, and example of the negative in the form of a USDA Forest Service law enforcement officer berating me for "having been run out of town in Sisters" and "then had your stand ripped down!" - while issuing me an unlawful citation for selling along a random roadside location.

This as well as the experience of people of Sisters Country whom I once saw as friends, who now have turned their backs and refuse to speak to me over the controversy, have caused me to choose to no longer attend the social events in Sisters I once frequented at The Belfry and other venues. It's been a harsh reality to adjust to, being the center of such controversy. It has shown me both the best and worst of people in our community.

Ky Karnecki

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To the Editor:

The heart of any healthy community is the school system, and Sisters Country is no exception.

Schools who keep our children engaged as learners, active in extracurricular activities and help our youth shape their future contribute to the quality of all our lives.

Sisters is a place where our youth thrive in our schools because Sisters is a place where retirees, professionals and parents alike participate and volunteer in our schools to ensure a comprehensive and rounded education for our children and grandchildren.

Having such a quality school is one of the most fundamental reasons many of us choose to invest our lives in Sisters.

The board of directors and staff of our school district are to be congratulated for demanding such excellence in education and providing such a healthy learning environment for our children.

For my part, I will vote yes on the upcoming bond request.

Please join me in voting yes to support our Sisters Schools District bond levy.

Jeff Johnson

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To the Editor:

I've seen many letters in the paper lately regarding Mayor Boyd's support for new business. I've had two interactions with Mayor Boyd since I've lived here. Both regarding business. Both bad for business.

Just a couple months ago when Mayor Boyd was relocating his bike shop across the street, I asked him if his old property had concrete floors. His response was "No. Why?"

I told him that before I move to Sisters I had owned a large coin-operated Laundromat and dry cleaners in another state. That I had been looking for a property in Sisters, with concrete floors, to put in a new larger coin-operated Laundromat, with coin-operated showers, and a small growler station. (Five jobs; $300,000 initial investment; 20+ year longterm lease).

His response was pretty abrupt, "We have one already." Then he walked away. True or not, I heard shortly thereafter Mayor Boyd held an emergency City Hall meeting to get HIS growler license, yet there are others in town that have taken months.

We have a very small Laundromat in Sisters (0 jobs), no showers, no growler, designed for use by the low-income housing complex.

Mayor Boyd, if this is how you do business - we have a bike shop, why do you have one still? We have growlers. Why do you? The old bike shop is still empty, the one you left empty. We already have parks, why are you building more? We already have businesses with music, why do we need your amphitheater?

Mayor/EDCO advisory board member/business owner Boyd is for his business and his agenda, not Sisters.

Mark Miller

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To the Editor:

Sisters is a wonderful place to live, and deserves new leadership.

Perhaps if Mayor Boyd and the city council spent their time finding out what the residents want and help them obtain it we would be better off.

If we had worked with the owner, we might not have had to pay over $30,000 in legal fees and costs to remove the paving done in 2009 on Locust and Main where the city erroneously thought they owned the property. This has resulted in a safety hazard as well as an eyesore.

Instead Mayor Boyd has pursued a number of projects that meet with his personal vision for Sisters. These are often so opposed to the wishes of the community that they are discussed under code names like Project Mozart (amphitheater) and Project Gretzky (ice rink) often during specially called meetings limiting exposure to the community.

Most of these projects should be pursued as private enterprises if at all. Mayor Boyd and his council presented the community with proposed financial data on the amphitheater that was so misleading and incorrect that Councilman Asson (a CPA by training) wanted to present a corrected version at a public meeting. He was prevented from doing so as Boyd said it might be confusing.

We don't need leaders that pursue their own vision at the expense of the community and with little if no transparency.

If more community input was sought, perhaps we wouldn't be anguishing with the back-in parking.

If more attention was spent in the job of managing the community's desires, perhaps we wouldn't be involved in so many lawsuits.

Jim Cornelius, editor of The Nugget, describes Boyd as: "reacts poorly to criticism and doesn't always listen well to opposing viewpoints from members of the community." Not exactly the qualities you want in a leader.

The editor of the Bend Bulletin (after careful analysis) endorses David Asson, Nancy Connolly, and Bob Wright in the coming election. I think these would be excellent choices to get our beautiful city back on track.

Bob Norman

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To the Editor:

Although I live outside of the voting area for city council elections, I can say that I have, and am working with Wendy Holzman on city-related boards and activities.

I have known Wendy since before she was elected to her first term on the city council. She has proved herself to be a sincere, responsible, intelligent, and perceptive representative for the city in every aspect of her work. Her name can be found on the master parks plan, and as Sisters representative on the Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation, and now as the Sisters representative on the Deschutes County BPAC, where her skills will help to further a workable transportation strategy for the entire county. This is aside from all of the meetings she has attended.

She was the spearhead for the committee that created the application for our Walk Friendly Award, the most recent achievement for Sisters. Sisters is one of only three cities in the country to receive the award in this application period. Pretty amazing for such a small town.

Thanks, Wendy, for all that you do for us. We hope that your work will continue on the city council. Wendy, you have my support, and I urge those of you in Sisters Country who get to have a vote, to vote for this outstanding woman and keep her on the city council. She will work tirelessly for your benefit.

Phyllis Lewis

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To the Editor:

In a town as divided and at times vitriolic as Sisters, we cannot afford to lose the level-headed leadership of Councilor Wendy Holzman.

Sisters is at a crossroads. We can become the little city of "No," missing opportunities, or we can move creatively toward an exciting future. Wendy has taken part in many community meetings and forums. She has proven herself to be an excellent listener and communicator. She makes well-informed decisions based on the multi-faceted needs and desires of the citizens.

Over the past year we've seen some wonderful additions to our town, and Wendy can certainly be credited with her contributions toward that end. Let's continue in the same vein. I am confident that Wendy has what it takes to help lead us in the right direction.

Please re-elect Wendy Holzman.

Sarah Rahm

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To the Editor:

I would like to endorse Brad Boyd for re-election to the city council.

His experience is matched by no other candidate. A downtown business owner for 25 years, and a city councilor and mayor for six of the past 10 years, he has unparalleled understanding of problems and opportunities in Sisters. He knows how to run city government effectively.

He is dedicated to strong city finances. During the previous city council, Sisters' total financial reserves fell by a third, by over $2 million. In just two years, his administration recouped nearly half that loss. He led the tough decisions to streamline and strengthen city administration and has focused squarely on sound financial management, including proper funding of capital replacement.

He has shown that the city can spend on public infrastructure while improving its finances. He brokered the compromise that led to the amazing transformation of Cascade Avenue - without shutting it down. He led efforts to turn a vacant city lot into Fir St. Park - the only public amenity on Main Avenue. His administration has energized staff to make city spaces clean and beautiful.

Brad is the only candidate who clearly understands that quality of life in Sisters underpins its economic vitality. He thus focused city funds on improving that quality, while leveraging its limited resources to do even more. He obtained financing from the county to support EDCO's business development in Sisters and to sustain the town's commitment to recycling.

Brad is a not afraid to be a leader. He devotes energy and resources to what matters. He has courage to propose new ideas that can make Sisters better.

I have known Brad for over a decade. As an economist, I am impressed by his command of economic issues. I respect his uncompromising integrity, his willingness to be analytical - not emotional - and his dedication to making Sisters more vibrant. Contrary to what some believe, I find him a caring and compassionate person, someone who does listen and, more importantly, learns. Let's keep his experience, honesty, skills and vision on city council.

Chuck Humphreys

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To the Editor:

Cloverdale Fire Measure 9-103:

So this measure is not just about fire trucks and stick-built structures - it is about the lives of those who had the courage to say, "I will volunteer my time, (120 hours just to become a firefighter), and risk my livelihood, my physical body, and my ability to support my family, when my pager goes off."

It is about the wives and husbands, the children, who give the most, when their loved one leaves to serve our community, when asked for help, whether it be fire or medical in nature, at anytime.

Should this type of action, for zero monetary reward, maybe some recognition at a banquet we hold for ourselves, not be worth what is being asked?

Everything in this measure is for the highest level of service that can continue to be provided, to the people living within the district borders. And in doing so we provide for the safety of our neighbors who heed the call of serving others, when they are having a really bad day.

Our community of Cloverdale deserves this measure to pass. And in doing so, we can all sleep better knowing that the safety of our community and its emergency service volunteers will all be better served.

Michael Valoppi

Cloverdale Fire District constituent

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To the Editor:

I, like the majority of people in Sisters Country, do not have any children in the school system.

But I am also fully aware that the success of the school system directly affects me. I don't like the idea of paying more in property taxes; but I understand the need. I may not agree 100 percent with the bond, but I am 100 percent behind the dedicated teachers that serve this community.

I am voting yes to provide them the tools necessary to keep our schools strong.

Tate Metcalf

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To the Editor:

The ballots have been delivered and the choices are before us. I am asking for your yes vote on Measure 9-103 to support your volunteer firefighters by equipping them with the necessary tools and facilities to respond when emergencies face our community.

I will address recent questions brought by Mr. McDaniel regarding "good stewardship of tax dollars" and the "need [for] two stations less than five miles apart."

The new, modular building at the Cloverdale Road fire station was recently installed to provide office space and overnight accommodations which did not previously exist.

The foundation was initially built on top of rock to reduce the cost of excavation.

However, the finished height required an expensive ramp to comply with ADA requirements.

So, good stewardship meant removing the foundation, excavating the rock, and building the foundation again.

Did this make the project more costly to taxpayers? No, the excavation along with water well work, HVAC ductwork, and many other tasks were completed by your volunteer firefighters donating hundreds of hours of their time and talents, saving you money.

This project is currently under budget, almost complete, and will provide for quicker responses.

Measure 9-103 is still needed to replace the aged and inadequate apparatus bays with a new fire station comprised of apparatus bays, bathroom facilities, and training facilities.

The two stations in the fire district are strategically located so almost all residences are within five miles of a station. This allows for quicker responses and also helps achieve an exceptional insurance rating which lowers your insurance premiums, saving you money.

The needs addressed by Measure 9-103 were identified by experienced emergency service providers who have spent decades serving this community, and confirmed by objective third-party analysis. The truth is, the leadership of the Cloverdale Fire District is committed to responsibly using every tax dollar with due diligence, and welcomes anyone with questions or comments to stop in and see for him or herself.

Please vote yes on 9-103.

Damon Frutos, Volunteer Lieutenant

President, Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Fighters Association

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To The Editor:

I urge the voters of Sisters Country to choose a true leader - Jodie Barram - for their next Deschutes County Commissioner.

Jodie is an experienced public leader who has served on Bend's Planning Commission and city council. Jodie is a respected leader who has twice been chosen by fellow councilors to serve as Bend's Mayor Pro Tem.

Jodie is a prepared leader who diligently does her own research so she is well-informed on the complex issues before her. Jodie is a balanced leader who has been endorsed by both The Bend Bulletin (conservative view) and The Source Weekly (liberal view).

Jodie is a thoughtful leader who listens carefully to all sides of an issue before making a decision. Jodie is a home-grown leader who was born and raised right here in Deschutes County & understands the needs of this land and its people.

Jodie is a committed leader who is ready to work full-time and for the long term to move our county forward. Jodie Barram is a true leader who has a positive vision for the future growth and health of Deschutes County.

Vote for a leader. Vote for Jodie Barram for Deschutes County Commissioner today!

Donna Lipscomb

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To the Editor:

Outlaw: a lawless person, to make illegal, a person operating outside the law.

This describes many previous actions taken by our school administrators and board members for the last 20 years. Seeing an ex-administrator on top of the support propaganda who we are still paying for his $1.5 million (oops) mistake with no accountability taken and a "good faith" bond passed with no voters' approval is making me protect my own investment, my paycheck! $14 million dollars!?!

What are the credentials of the current facilities manager? It seems our schools have become a bloated, nepotistic greedy child who wants more and more with a sense of self-entitlement.

We are throwing money at a broken system that is becoming an out-of-control spending machine and fast becoming obsolete.

I was so proud of our community stepping up to the city about the proposed amphitheater project. I hope we can all join together to say "no" to this ridiculous amount of money "they" are asking for.

This isn't about the kids, its about a poor management system. If it passes, the next word following outlaw in the dictionary is "outlay": expenditure, the act of spending, should become our new mascot.

Shirley McBride

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To the Editor:

Due to the existing tax structure of our state and the recent deep recession, schools in Oregon have been underfunded for multiple years. In Sisters, diminished funding has been directed to the classroom.

This is great for kids, as evidenced by the recent Oregon Department of Education Report Card giving Sisters elementary and high schools a rating of Level 5, the top of the scale. Sisters Middle school garnered a Level 4 rating.

However, it has left the maintenance of our facilities in disrepair. The Sisters School District bond measure will address that neglect by allowing improvements that address school safety and security, replace an antiquated phone system and upgrade wireless connectivity to prepare for modern electronic tools our students need to access.

These funds will also upgrade unsafe situations on the track and grandstands at Reed Stadium and improve building efficiencies saving money on energy use.

Our tax rate in Sisters will still be lower than any other in Central Oregon except Crook County, even after the passage of this bond. We are voting to support the 2014 Sisters School bond measure. Please join us in your support of Sisters schools.

Rod & Carol Moorehead

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To the Editor:

You know how I know we landed on the moon? Because if it were truly a conspiracy, the world press (not to mention the Russians at the time) would have been in on it.

I don't believe that our government, who can't run a healthcare website, could pull off a conspiracy of that magnitude without the press knowing about it.

I also don't believe that the press would in turn be complicit and let the government AND those evil, greedy corporations get away with it.

This is the same press that takes great pride in uncovering and broadcasting government and corporate incompetencies.

Chemtrails? Right. I am thankful our constitution protects freedom of the press (among many other great things). It helps prevent nonsense like this from happening.

Matt Wessel