Letters to the Editor 02/08/2017

To the Editor:

I am writing in regard to an item published in last week's "City Snapshot."

Readers were encouraged to look at a list of FAQs concerning the February 8 hearing on the airport's request for an upgrade in status as an appendix "M" category Airport of State Concern. That list of FAQs was recently posted on the ODA website in response to some of the questions community members have been asking for months.

Unfortunately, several responses raise additional questions or are at odds with information the airport and governmental entities have provided. Several questions regarding future implications remain unanswered. There is, for example, conflicting information regarding boundary expansion and funding. Both of which carry the potential to increase noisy activities such as skydiving.

I base some of my observations from reading ODA's FAQs and the "Land Use Compatibility Handbook" referenced in those FAQs.

For example per the FAQs: "Would this designation allow the airport to apply for and possibly receive any grants or other Government funds they cannot apply for under their current designation?" ODA's response: "No, not at this time." Yet in the January 18 issue of The Nugget, the airport is reported as saying that they are seeking listing as an Airport of State Concern in Appendix M in order to help qualify for funding.

I am not anti-airport. I come from a flying family with airplanes, not cars, in the garage. I am however deeply concerned about the quality of life in Sisters Country, and the potential for increased noise and lack of privacy above our homes. It seems the airport is pursuing changes that could negatively impact us all. Noise created by more skydive planes, helicopter tours is not a positive addition to our peaceful community.

Karen Hulbert

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To the Editor:

As he was signing edicts hurting one group after another over the past two weeks, it was only a matter of time before Donald Trump got around to hurting animals - already the most oppressed sentient beings on earth.

The animals' turn came yesterday - by taking down the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) site that reports on government regulation of roughly 9,000 animal handling facilities. These are laboratories, dog breeders, fur farms, circuses, zoos and aquariums. The site is used every day by animal protection activists to monitor government enforcement of the 1966 Animal Welfare Act, the only effective federal law protecting animals.

Taking down the APHIS inspection site is a huge setback for animal protection. It will almost certainly lead to reduced government inspection of animal facilities and more animal suffering - a virtual repeal of the Animal Welfare Act.

Ironically, this oppressive act was launched by the same dark-of-night process as that of pulling more than 100,000 visas from thoroughly vetted Muslim immigrants one week earlier - no notice, no hearings, no due process, no public announcement.

The oppressive mindset doesn't really care who the victims are.

Hopefully, the courts will.

Skyler Nash

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To the Editor:

Where have all the birds gone? The airport noise has driven them out of the Sisters sky from Indian Ford, Tollgate, Crossroads - the large birds; eagles, hawks, falcons, birds of prey. I did not see them this summer or now.

People in the area should not have to listen to this circus every day. "No to Airport Expansion." What is next, helicopter tours? This airport should be private-use only. Pass an ordinance. Cliff Clemens is rolling over in his grave. The birds are gone. What is wrong with quiet?

Bill Wolfe

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Dear Editor,

I am still puzzled that the January 25th issue of The Nugget included no mention of the largest mass event around the world, held on January 21, 2017, initially termed The DC Women's March. In the U.S. alone the estimate was 3.2 million men and women participating, and worldwide, 637 events were documented. Amazingly, it was also the most peaceful demonstration on record! These factors alone merited acknowledgement, plus the fact that dozens of Sisters residents joined the Bend march, estimated at around 4,000, while many others supported the activity but couldn't navigate the weather and parking difficulties.

This march particularly highlighted the strength and importance of women in all cultures, and the need for dignity, safety and equal opportunities for girls and women.

However, as myriad varied signs indicated, the participants raised awareness of core American values long held, and seemingly at risk.

These included fighting racial discrimination, freedom of religion, beneficial immigration reform, economic equality, tolerance, freedom of choice, healthcare, educational equality, refugee acceptance, prison reform, maintaining global trade relations, universal justice and just plain caring for others! Around the world many of these same concerns appeared on signs because they are human issues our country has struggled with for centuries, trying to create balance, awareness and mutual support for all.

It seems you had room for articles about Grants Pass animal shelter snow damage, a resolved criminal act from 2007 and a losing candidate for office in Eugene from 2006, but no room for a major global event including and affecting hundreds of Sisters residents, both legal and undocumented. As a woman and a Sisters resident, I felt inappropriately ignored.

Wendie Vermillion

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To the Editor:

The "destruction" of the roundabout on Highway 20 and Barclay Drive has begun. ODOT got its way. The people of Sisters never had a choice or stood a chance.

I agree with C. Childrey in the letter he wrote to the editor that it is such a waste of taxpayer money. The traffic light we had was so effective and solved the congestion problem at that intersection. It was welcomed by all.

I wrote many letters to the editor trying to make a difference in stopping the construction of the roundabout. I even sent one to Peter Murphy while on vacation in Michigan last year. It was passed on and answered by Gary Farnsworth. All of my letters fell on deaf ears. My voice didn't matter.

Time will tell what the outcome will be. I have already mapped out my way around Sisters to avoid the chaos and delay caused by the roundabout.

Donna Holland