Letters and comments for August 26, 2008

Dutto, Wall

I would like to respond to Jerry Hays’ letter (Aug. 20) urging voters to hold off on passing a bond for our La Grande schools.

Mr. Hays states our children “may have to do without a few amenities.” I do not consider fire sprinkler systems, roofs and energy-efficient windows “amenities.” These are necessary items that should have been upgraded decades ago, but the citizens continue to delay paying for school maintenance.

My youngest son was a first-grader at Central Elementary last year. During our wind storm in January, he was so terrified by the horrendous noise the over 50-year-old windows were making that he was under his desk crying for an hour. He was not getting a “quality education,” even with an excellent teacher, as Mr. Hays is sure our children will get in our existing shoddy buildings.

The buildings definitely contribute to the learning environment, and paying for overdue maintenance is our duty as citizens.

Corrine Dutto

La Grande

The Aug. 18 editorial on boosting immunization rates sent a clear message that Union County needs to address the issues of under-immunized children.

I appreciate The Observer’s continued support in discussing important topics regarding public health, without which a community discussion on immunization would be moot.

Barbara Wall MSG

Americorps Vista Volunteer,

Center for Human Development,

La Grande