Letters and Comments for November 10, 2009

Brainerd, Johnson

One hour a month

To the Editor:

Lucille Ball once said, “If you want something done, go ask a busy person.” Community and civic duties are in need of busy people.

The majority of organizations within Union, Baker and Wallowa counties are run by volunteers and busy people. Often you will see the same people in multiple organizations. Many of these people have full-time jobs, family, school. Many are seniors with limited physical capabilities and not a lot of time remaining to serve.

Most organizations are solely run on volunteerism, and much of the community relies on the organizations and volunteers. They are starving for people like you to provide talent, ideas and physical strength. One hour a month is all that is needed. Do you have an hour a month? Remember, if you have issues with what is going on, that one hour a month qualifies you to take action to your concern.

On average each of us is given 760 hours a month. Out of 760 hours, can you spare an hour? If so, contact your local Chamber of Commerce, community center or organization of your choice to begin your one hour a month.

Kemberlea Brainerd

Elgin EDGE

Why more money?

To the Editor:

I was so pleased to see the article in Tuesday’s paper about the Island City Elementary School and how the two local businesses stepped up and took care of a need. Way to go, RD Mac and GCT!

This is exactly why I have always lived in small towns.  People here realize that our schools belong to us and we need to contribute to their care, even take on the responsibility ourselves, in order to get accomplished what needs to be done. Why can’t this carry over to other projects at other schools?

Unfortunately, the next day’s front page headline about asking for more tax money for schools is the opposite viewpoint. If we have declining enrollment, meaning fewer students to administer and educate, then why do we need more money?

I am supportive of schools and have always been as active as my work schedule would allow, even working on a couple of different bond issues. But when our taxes are taking more than people get to keep, it’s time to take a hard look.

Let’s keep up the independent spirit that allowed our ancestors to settle “out West” all those years ago and take care of ourselves, not ask the government to do it for us.

Melinda J. Johnson

La Grande