Letters and Comments for September 28, 2009

Lindsey, Bailey

Support 12th Street project

To the Editor:

I was at both the public and planning meetings for the proposed 12th Street project. I have also read the newspaper article and editorial on the subject.

As proposed by the city of

La Grande, Union County and Anderson Perry & Associates, the 12th Street project makes complete sense. It makes sense from the standpoint of stormwater management, for future growth and for the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

At the public meeting there was resistance to the project from several citizens who live on South 12th Street. What this resistance really boils down to is the fact that these citizens stand to “lose” part of their yards. This is land that they have watered, mowed, landscaped and occupied for 30-plus years. However, the land in question belongs to the city of La Grande, or Union County.

I ask those citizens to try and see the 12th Street project from a different standpoint. For 30-plus years you have benefited from land on which you have parked your vehicles, recreated and lived yet have paid no taxes.

Now it is time to look to the future and provide safe passage for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Please join me in supporting the South 12th Street Project, as proposed by the city of La Grande, Union County and Anderson Perry & Associates.

Rona Lindsey

La Grande

Not administration bill

To the Editor:

In the Community Comment in The Observer Sept. 14, Stephen Donnell discusses the health care legislation.

He refers to HB 3200 as “The Administration Bill.” If you go on the Internet, you find HB 3200 is a House bill, sponsored by Rep. John Dingell, with eight co-sponsors.

Nowhere does it list the president as sponsoring this particular bill. Also, in the town hall meeting, Sen. Wyden did not attribute that bill to President Obama.

We need some of the misinformation cleared up, not added to.

Howard L. Bailey

La Grande