Letters to the Editor 09/02/205

To the Editor:

I thought it was the trucking industry that was pushing for this circle instead of a signal; now they will only agree if there is "a truck bypass lane?" So exactly who is it that wants this ODOT boondoggle? What a joke.

A programmable stoplight would save $2.5 million-plus (probably more with the new "truck bypass lane"), and would save the City a couple hundred thousand dollars. It would respond instantly to current traffic conditions and be much less intrusive in the off-traffic hours.

If ODOT wants to spend $3 million in this area, let them put center-turn refuge lanes on Highway 20 and Highway 126 at the intersections where the major accidents are hurting and killing people.

We don't need no stinkin' circle.

Glenn Brown

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To the Editor:

From time to time it is refreshing to find something positive, pleasant, and not a part of an argument among the letters you publish. Thus, I submit the following:

The Luther Metke Corridor Walk-through took place on Wednesday, August 26, and what a great event it was! Its purpose was to build community and edify while honoring and remembering long-time Camp Sherman resident and poet laureate, Luther Metke, who lived a full 100 years. Builder of log cabins, Luther also built bridges, was a Spanish American War veteran, naturalist, philosopher, poet, and family man.

All of these aspects of his life were brought out by the speakers at the Corridor Walk-through: Jim Doherty, Steve Raymen, Kelly Cannon-Miller, Jim Anderson, Sue Anderson, and Jack Kleinhoff. Each speaker, authentic in their self, painted a piece of the picture of Luther Metke's life, altogether a whole, authentic human being.

Without the planning, hard work, and generosity of Steve Purcival and Craig Shulsted, the bookends of the corridor, along with the vision, determination, dedication, and enthusiasm of Luther Metke's grandson, Brian Metke, this wonderful occasion would not have taken place. People came from close-by and as far away as Olympia, Washington, Auburn, Oregon, Portland, Salem, Roseburg, Bend, and Bordeaux, France to attend this celebration.

For those who missed it, the Luther Metke Corridor remains, and can be "walked" at any time in Camp Sherman.

Nothing comes from nothing,

Everything from thought.

Not always what is wanted,

Or what we really sought.

With man it's trial and error,

Although many to consult.

With God; he has the answer,

So already knows results.

Luther Metke

Many thanks to Luther Metke for the life he lived. And many thanks to all who worked and came to the walk-through, making it the success it was.

Susan Carleton

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To the Editor:

Resigning from the Outlaws lacrosse program was a good start; I'd suggest that Mr. Gorayeb maintain his momentum and resign as the City Manager.

Ray Kenny

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To the Editor:

My wife, Judi, recently called the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District office to request an inspection of our property regarding fire-safety improvements we should make.

Fire Safety Manager Gary Marshall came to our ranch on August 28 and carefully explained to us what we could do and how each suggestion would help reduce fire risk. Sisters is extremely fortunate to have a person so qualified and capable to educate the residents in the fire district.

For us, it was an invaluable lesson in fire safety, explained in a logical way that non- experts could understand. We felt all of his suggestions were not only important but also doable. It was encouraging to know that many of the risks of fire damage are preventable.

We are very grateful that the Fire District provides this help.

Jim and Judi Knapp

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To the Editor:

In the process of reading "Nagasaki - Life after Nuclear War," I was amazed to learn of the large number of Christians in Japan at the time.

Would a larger number have prevented Pearl Harbor?

Having had, among my siblings, weddings to Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Amish, Quaker and other modern religions, I was able to develop a broad mind toward religious differences but retain Christianity as the base for it all.

Could it prevent another eventual Nagasaki? Iraq, Afghanistan, World War III? Is there room between math, computer science, sports, for a class on Christianity as outlined by the world's original history book, the Bible? Are there any young people - juniors or seniors - interested in creating a peaceful world, a Nagasaki-free world?

Pastor Ron Gregg of Shepherd of the Hills has indicated a willingness - no, an earnestness - to take part in such a class, and I am sure that every pastor or priest in the area would feel the same! They would enjoy teaching what's in the world's original history book, the Holy Bible.

Are you young people interested in preventing future Nagasakis? Let your pastors know and they will take it from there!

Russell B. Williams

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To the Editor:

I have to try one more time to be heard.

During the very first informational meeting with ODOT regarding the roundabout at Highway 20 and Barclay Drive, a gentleman asked if it was a done deal. Obviously, the answer was yes, but ODOT did not admit it.

At that meeting I presented a list to Mr. Gorayeb and ODOT of 52 businesses I had surveyed, 41 of them in favor of a stop light, six favored the roundabout, and 5 had no opinion. When I did my survey, a very prominent business owner said it would make no difference in the outcome. He was right.

A decision has been made by very few officials to install the roundabout. A vote was not put before the citizens of Sisters who will be greatly affected by this decision. Does the City Council really have any clout in the decision, or is it all up to ODOT and what they want? Mr. Farnsworth (representative of ODOT) urged the Council to hold a public meeting as soon as feasibly possible. Why bother?

Depending on the weather, construction will begin during the winter of 2016-2017 with completion ready for summer of 2017 if all goes well. That means Sisters has to endure the horrendous traffic for almost two more years.

To cross Highway 20 from Barclay Drive one has to wait with a high level of stress and anxiety for an opening in traffic to dodge straight across. I have witnessed many close calls there.

I urge someone from ODOT to come to Sisters for an entire day to observe the bumper-to-bumper traffic we have to contend with, especially on the weekends. A roundabout will not stop that

flow.

According to Mr. Farnsworth, there is no magic solution to Sisters traffic problems, and that a traffic light and a roundabout are about equal in effectiveness in moving traffic. If that is the case, please install a traffic light.

We need a solution now! How long would it take to install a light at that intersection, one month perhaps, vs. two years for a roundabout at the proposed cost for the roundabout of $3,192,599? Which makes more sense? The answer is obvious.

Donna Holland