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Opinion Letters and comments for July 23, 2008
Letters and comments for July 23, 2008
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Lester What kind of agenda does Mayor Colleen Johnson have? She seems determined to plunder Union County Tourism’s budget until there is nothing left. If it is not rushing through votes on proposals UCT has barely had time to read and respond to, then it is using dedicated UCT funds for an event she determined was necessary for the city. (Or the “Colleen Johnson Campaign Party” as it is known around town.) She has gone out of her way to make it appear as though the executive director is not doing a good enough job. Janet Dodson does more than a good enough job, she does a great job. Just ask the state tourism organizations Janet works closely with. They have given Janet several awards for her dedicated work promoting Union County and all it has to offer visitors. Many local groups also value her expertise and unlimited knowledge of tourism and marketing skills. The mayor would like everyone to think Janet isn’t promoting the city enough; she focuses too much attention on Union County and not enough on just La Grande. What a narrow-minded view the mayor has. She really needs to see the big picture and work together with the other communities in the county instead of alienating them. If she had her way, visitors would not be allowed to leave the city limits to visit the winery in Cove, museum in Union or the Opera House in Elgin or the many wonderful events around the valley. More than 13,000 people contacted UCT last year requesting information about the area thanks to Janet’s efforts promoting Union County, which of course includes La Grande. Come election time I just hope everyone remembers the mayor’s vision stops at the city limits. Rebecca Lester La Grande |
