Letters to the Editor 10/29/2014

What a shame to kill a cougar after its natural game. People shouldn't try to raise goats/small livestock up against forest/rural land. ODFW just loves killing cougars and bears, while California and Washington tranquilize and move the animals.

Bob Meyers

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To the Editor:

Oregon does not have 5,000, 6,000 or 7,000 cougar. Truth is, we just don't know how many cougar we have.

What Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) are not telling you is that they also believe we many have only 1,284 cougar, and they put this in print on page 114 of "Managing Cougars In North America," along with the population counts of other states' cougars. For instance Washington, which has the same hunting policies as Oregon and the same wilderness types, states to have between 1,900 and 2,100; South Dakota, 220 to 280; Arizona, 1,500 to 2,000; Oregon, 1,284 to 7,644 because we don't have a clue. And that's the truth.

When we have a cougar contact, and I call them contacts because conflict is misleading, it is because we as humans did something wrong. If we leave cougars and their habitats alone, they leave us alone. In this case it appears the cougar may have been orphaned because it's mother was possibly killed, poached, or trapped by federal government trappers, who I have been told, kill everything including the kittens. Or she just could have died from natural causes, which would, frankly, be more rare.

ODFW knows and has been informed by a professional outside unbiased peer review overseen by Dr. Wielgus, of Washington State University Carnivore Conservation Lab, that their cougar management plan is flawed. Dr. Wielgus states that the ODFW authors must go "back to the drawing board" because ODFW's current cougar management plan lacks any scientific credibility.

Now, I am a cattle rancher's daughter and grew up on our 7,000-acre cattle ranch, and I still ranch today. I am watching the climate change crises play out on my land and water and frankly, it makes no sense to kill our apex predators during a time of climate crises. They are one of our best advocates for finding a resilient ground into our turbulent future. We must re-wild ourselves and learn new ethics to partnership with our wilderness, and these great apex predators, NOW.

Jayne Miller

Director, Oregon Cougar Action Team

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To the Editor:

While everyone in Squaw Creek Canyon Estates wants to look for the boogey man, the simple fact is that Conrad Engweiler has done his time and has been released.

Five psychologists examined Engweiler as part of his exit interviews from prison - three of them handpicked by the parole board - and every report said that he is ready for parole and does not pose a danger.

Considering that his crime (at the age of 15) has a less-than-one-percent recidivism rate, maybe we could cut Engweiler and his family some slack and practice what everyone seems to preach: live and let live.

Cait Boyce

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To the Editor:

We were astounded to read in The Nugget that the Oregon State Parole Board does not feel Conrad Engweiler's status rises to the level required for community notification.

As retired police officers, with more than 60 years combined law enforcement experience with large metropolitan police departments we have investigated and interviewed hundreds of rapists and murderers, many of them repeat offenders. (Engweiler was convicted of aggravated murder, rape, and sodomy.)

Offenders who have committed crimes as heinous and callous as those committed by Engweiler are seldom rehabilitated.

As residents of Squaw Creek Canyon Estates, we are very concerned that Mr. Engweiler is living in our neighborhood. We feel that all of the residents of our neighborhood should be aware of Mr. Engweiler's address, and of the nature of the crimes he committed. The fact that Mr. Engweiler was only 15 when he committed these monstrous crimes does not necessarily make him any less dangerous today.

Chuck and Glenda Leutwyler

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To the Editor:

Vote Yes on Measure 92 to label genetically modified food.

End the cycle of contamination of our food, soil, water, air, and environment. Since our food supply has significantly changed over the past 18 years with the addition of genetically modified foods (GMOs), the wealthiest industrialized nation has become the sickest.

An American generation has become chemical company guinea pigs while 64 countries have insisted on labeling GMOs. Dr. Seidler, a former Senior EPA scientist, states in a September paper that, "USDA data reveals glyphosate use has increased 12-fold since 1996 when GMOs entered our food supply." Nature stays one step ahead by creating superweeds and superbugs to resist this "chemical treadmill."

Recently the USDA approved both 2.4-D crops AND pesticide use (main ingredient in Agent Orange). The devastating health effects of 2.4-D use during the Vietnam War are linked to immune system cancer, Parkinson's Disease, endocrine disruption, and reproductive problems.

A recent international report by 60 scientists warned that current agricultural practices in developed nations cannot be maintained and sustained. Health effects, energy use, environmental destruction, habitat loss and loss of natural biodiversity are all too severe.

Who profits from this non-stop madness of ever-increasing toxic levels of chemical cocktails permeating our food supply? Profits for the chemical industry are driving this destruction. It's in our hands to claim our democratic right to avoid this chemical-laden food.

Additionally, GMOs are inherently unsafe and bioaccumulate in our bodies. Roundup is an antibiotic, chelator, and hormone disruptor (Roundup-ready corn was approved as a pesticide, not a food). A new Norwegian study just published in Food Technology found Roundup in GE soy at a rate double what Monsanto deemed "extreme" in 1999. GE soy is in thousands of packaged foods (including infant formula). The EPA has quietly raised allowable residue limits in soy by 20 percent.

Multiple chronic diseases with links to disturbances in the immune system, digestive system, liver, kidney, pancreas, and obesity, heart disease, inflammatory bowel, autism, allergies, MS, Parkinson's, infertility, Alzheimer's and certain cancers have all been linked to Roundup (MIT, Seralini). Autism in the U.S. now affects 1:88; at this rate autism rates in the U.S. will be 1:2 by 2025. The rate remains flat in Europe.

Claim your democratic right to avoid this chemical onslaught to our food supply. The power of your YES vote on 92 is critical.

Ann Bard

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To the Editor:

Regarding GMOs and measure 92, I don't think labeling is the crucial issue, but a yes vote would certainly make a statement.

When it comes to agriculture and the environment, applied science and technology have failed us over and over in my lifetime. In the '50s and '60s there was nuclear bomb testing, spraying of DDT, and leaded gasoline exhaust everywhere. These were all sanctioned by scientists and the government, but later banned anyway. There was also cigarette smoking everywhere, margarine that was 50 percent trans-fat, and dental fillings containing mercury, which are all still with us, but fortunately on the decline.

Today we have corresponding hazards, maybe not quite as dangerous, like GMO foods, high-fructose corn syrup, a new generation of overly toxic pesticides, a new generation of dangerous prescription drugs, and ever-more creative, processed junk food. All of the above (and this is the short list) were brought to us and promoted by people with good intentions, but as is common with new technologies, there always seem to be unintended consequences. Then, because there is so much money involved, you get the denial and the cover-ups.

In the case of GMO corn, for example, the unintended consequence is that the bacterial DNA that makes BT-toxin, genetically engineered into corn DNA, can survive human digestion and be absorbed by our gut bacteria and incorporated into their DNA. The process of one bacteria expressing another bacteria's DNA is called "transformation" and has been known since the 1940s. You probably won't hear about this from anyone else without an extensive molecular biology background.

So our intestinal flora can become little factories for making BT-toxin, which can cause severe inflammation in the intestines. That's how it kills insects. The first evidence for this came in 2011 in a clinic in Quebec where it was found that 28 out of 30 pregnant women tested had BT toxin in their blood.

A study in Australia recently found that all farm animals fed GMO grains ended up with inflammation in their stomachs.

If these (and other) studies hold up to scrutiny, it would be another great reason to avoid food from laboratory-altered seeds. In my professional opinion, it's better to err on the side of caution, and eat organic whenever possible.

Irv Givot

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To the Editor:

I am witness to Nancy Connolly's extraordinary work with students at Sisters Middle School, to guide them toward success from wherever they start. Working with almost every subject for at-risk students is a job that only someone who is patient, professional, intelligent and dedicated can accomplish every day, all day long.

Listening to students is a great asset and why respect is given to Nancy Connolly. These same qualities are exactly what her part on the city council team would call for.

But wait, there's more!

I have recently learned what Nancy Connolly's experience history held before she and her family moved to Sisters. It sounds like the job description for a city councilor:

Manager of the Association for Portland Progress: Collaborations included business retention and recruitment, marketing, public relations, physical improvements, advocate for third-party claims, special-events planning, fundraising and board/volunteer development.

Community Relations Specialist for the City of Portland: Liaison between property owners, businesses and tenants related to the Transit Mall Extension developing emergency procedures, notifying property owners of construction impact, coordinating private utility work, design marketing programs to educate the public about construction delays and closures.

Division Service Manager for the American Heart Association in Portland:

Staff support for nine affiliate boards in Oregon tailoring nation-wide goals to supplement local agenda and needs.

Currently Nancy volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, ASPIRE, Sisters High School Scholarship Review Committee and Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Clearly, Nancy Connolly is someone who gives to, works for and is dedicated to her community. I hope that through your vote she will have the opportunity to represent your interests and input.

Kit Stafford

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To the Editor:

I strongly support the school bond on the November ballot for the following reasons:

Delayed maintenance only becomes more expensive the longer it is postponed, and this can happen very quickly.

The safety concerns need to be addressed now. Modifications to ensure a proper line of sight of school entrances by receptionists and the ability to enact a secure lockdown of the facilities are vital.

The information technology system at the high school is antiquated and it is limiting for teachers and students trying to utilize it.

Computers are an integral part of middle and high school education and we need a system that does not impede learning, but enhances it.

The heating and ventilation controls at the high school are not good, with some classrooms overheated. I am sure that the modifications proposed can greatly improve the environment for students and teachers, as well as the overall energy efficiency.

Cal Allen

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To the Editor:

It feels a bit surreal; Chuck and I took a fall vacation! After 38 years of me working as an educator, we find ourselves with the flexibility to travel this time of year. As we enjoy our new career and freedom from the school calendar, we remain steadfastly committed to our values and the education of all children.

The Sisters School District has a track record of excellence to which few districts can compare, even though the state of Oregon ranks 38 out of 50 when it comes to providing funds for schools. Sisters has only been able to achieve its outstanding reputation through the strong support of the community.

Chuck and I do not have children in Sisters schools, but we are proud to live in a community that supports children and young families and all that they bring to our community. Please join us in our support of the Sisters school bond. There is no better investment in the collective future of our community than supporting our children.

Carol Zosel

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To the Editor:

Keep our kids Safe: Vote Measure 9-102

There has been a lot of discussion in Sisters regarding whether a voter should vote yes on school bond measure 9-102.

In my opinion, there are very few times as voters where we can make a huge difference in affecting outcomes for our kids. Voting for measure 9-102 is indeed one of the times where your yes vote will make a huge difference in the safety and security of our kids.

Safety and security is by far the most important reason to vote for this measure. Secondly, whether we like it or not, Reed Stadium is no longer usable as it is not a safe place to hold athletic contests due to our lack of compliance with accessibility needs and ADA requirements. Without this bond, we will not be holding track contests next year in Sisters, and we may not be able to use Reed Stadium for football.

Finally, the Sisters schools are among the very best in the state of Oregon in terms of academic performance and we have unique and innovative programs, which set us apart from every school district in the state! It is essential that we protect our investment by keeping our facilities in good shape and improving the learning environment for our children.

With interest rates near all-time lows, this is a perfect time to invest in improving our facilities.

James Golden

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To the Editor:

I'm not entirely sure how to adequately express my disappointment in the content of the guest column written by Mr. Detweiler on October 8.

Though I do agree perhaps it is not the wisest of policies to have a single individual involved in all facets of local administrations, I disagree completely with the manner in which Mr. Detweiler portrays the three individuals named in his editorial. Certainly there is a better way to get your point across than to be accusatory of volunteers? Is it these individuals disagree with you on matters of policy and smearing them is your way of attempting to influence

others?

I recall reading Mr. Layne's editorial letter a few weeks back, discussing the need for Sisters to come together for the greater good, and thinking "now there's a person who gets it."

I also agree with Jeff Campbell's comment last week about the chilling impact the current divisive atmosphere has and will continue to have on those who would otherwise volunteer.

I surely hope Mr. Detweiler was having a bad day or had been given incorrect information and hope in the future those who volunteer are not held up to public ridicule.

Rob Malone

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To the Editor:

When I consider whether to vote for an incumbent who is seeking re-election, I look carefully at their accomplishments while in office. Can I see the results of their efforts? Do they deserve my support?

In the case of Brad Boyd, evidence of his two years in office is all around us. Literally.

The reconstruction and beautification of downtown Sisters may be Brad's biggest accomplishment as a leader. The coordination of such a major project in the center of a town, which relies heavily on tourism, is a monumental task.

The fact that the project was successfully planned, constructed and completed ON TIME entirely during Brad Boyd's term as mayor is impressive! Thanks to his leadership, Sisters now enjoys a beautiful, safe, highly functional central core which enhances the livability for all of us in Sisters Country, and will encourage visitors to stop and enjoy all that our businesses have to offer.

But that is not all I see as I look around Sisters for evidence of Brad's leadership. The new Fir Street Park with its splash pad, stage area and fire pit is another stunning addition to town. This project, too, was completely designed and finished during Brad's term.

Then there is the new paved walkway, road improvements and landscaping along Highway 20 next to Sisters Elementary School. Students now have convenient, safe access to school and drivers have a much-improved flow of traffic entering our town.

Brad Boyd has worked tirelessly during the past two years for the people of Sisters. The results of his efforts are all around us.

Brad Boyd has earned our vote for another term.

Donna Lipscomb