>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

On Nov. 1 I had the privilege of watching local government in action. Out of curiosity, I attended the county commission meeting to find out more about the Renewable Energy resolution that the commissioners were scheduled to vote on. It turned out to be quite a learning experience.

Supportive testimonies were given by nearly everyone in the overflow crowd. Individuals supporting the resolution ran the entire gamut from industry leaders and school superintendents to farmers and environmentalists and many in between.

Everyone praised the resolution as a way to bring new and innovative jobs into the county and as a way to help farmers convert to new crops that might well provide for a healthier environment. Passage of the resolution seemed to be a no-brainer.

Once testimonies were completed, the crowd of supporters learned that two of the commissioners had previously made up their minds on how they intended vote. When Commissioner Lamoreau's frustration with this development spread to the crowd, Commissioner McClure put an end to the discussion, leaving many speakers waiting to share their ideas. He then called for the vote, denied the resolution and adjourned the meeting, all in less than thirty seconds.

It was very clear that no amount of public support would have changed Commissioners MacLeod's or McClure's vote. They seem to be interested in bringing new jobs to the county only if they are related to railroads or golf.

I hope that whoever is elected to replace John Lamoreau will have the courage to do what is best for the county and not be afraid to stand up to the incumbent commissioners.

Steve Stanhope

Summerville

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In order to clarify some misinterpretations regarding salaries in the Cove School District, the following may clear the air.

In my previous letter to the editor there was the issue of a "secretary" being awarded $68,536.60 in annual salary and benefits, but per the Cove School District Web site the position is "deputy clerk,'' which is synonymous with secretary.

The administration is choosing to call the person who answers the phone and opens the mail the secretary, which is astonishing to find this school requires two secretaries at an annual cost of $93,537.95. Student help would eliminate one position.

Another issue that is causing confusion is the enrollment. In a recent letter to the editor from Shawn Reddington, it was stated the enrollment is 257. But the bond levy mailer we all received indicated the enrollment is 253, up 15 percent. In the enrollment numbers recently obtained from Superintendent Clark, we were provided the following enrollment: 2003-04, 232; 2004-05, 230; and 2005-06, 243 — none of which equate to a 15 percent increase.

In the bond levy mailer it was stated the high school was built in 1977 and no exterior improvements have been made since, which indicates a serious failure by the board and the administration who have allowed the facilities to fall into disrepair.

More accountability and serious efforts to reduce costs are needed.

Dennis Wilkinson

Cove

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Sen. John Kerry not only insulted the American military with his "get educated or get stuck in Iraq" statement. He further stated that he

wouldn't apologize for being misunderstood. This would imply that the American citizenry is not bright enough to understand his superior intellect.

Not being satisfied with that insult, he repeated it on his Web site, but not orally. He then stated that if anyone was insulted by his statement (due to their inability to understand), he apologized, thereby compounding his insults.

An old Greek philosopher once said, "A state that uses intelligence to determine its military will have their wars fought by cowards and their thinking done by fools."

Maybe Sen. Kerry should stop thinking, especially with his mouth.

Gene W. Erwin

La Grande

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Mayor Colleen Johnson is absolutely correct in her stand for transparent use of city funds. There seems to be a belief that any group wrapped in the mantle of private enterprise automatically deserves a free ride, and nothing could be further from the truth.

I worked for small companies, large companies, non-profits, state government and the federal government before starting my own business, and none of them had a monopoly on competence or

incompetence.The best organizations were invariably open and aboveboard as a matter of policy.

UCEDC's rebuff of all of the city council's attempts to compromise, indeed its unwillingness to even discuss the matter with the council, is all I as a taxpayer need to know. Worse yet, some of the participants have their hand out and no skin in the game, yet they insist on remaining anonymous.

UCEDC comes across as an organization that has something to hide. That may not be the case, but that's what it looks like from the outside. They can have my money when they tell me who they are.

The mayor handled this like any good businessperson would.

Norm Cimon

La Grande

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The United States is the greatest country in the world. It got that way thanks to veterans who were willing to serve.

Despite all their heroic deeds and bravery, American veterans, men and women, seldom receive the appreciation and gratitude they have rightly earned.

On this Veterans Day, let's say to all veterans, "We are a grateful nation, and we thank you for your service to the United States and to the world. You have made the world a better place."

American veterans have gone to war, not as conquerors, but as liberators; their mission has been the destruction of the world's evil empires.

We also honor our veterans from every period of peace. They protect what our war veterans fought and died for.

American veterans represent all races and ethnic groups. They are of every creed and belief, and they are of every physical description. There are over 20 million American veterans living today.

Most of you have a family member who has served or is now serving in the United States military. Let them know how proud you are of their service. Liberty and freedom without a doubt is the greatest gift American has to give to the world.

As members of America's armed services we are taught never to be afraid of death for it is the end of all earthly sorrows. It is to live and fight for world freedom that requires much courage not to die.

Veterans want the world to know that America is their land. And for that precious right they would gladly die.

Elmer Edvalson

Milton-Freewater