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Opinion Letters and comments for July 29, 2008
Letters and comments for July 29, 2008
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Hector
I read Ms. Lester’s letter of July 23 with growing concern. It appears that there are some serious misconceptions about the upcoming Crossing the Blues: La Grande Summer Festival. First, Ms. Lester states that Mayor Colleen Johnson is “plundering” the Union County Tourism budget and implies that “dedicated UCT funds” are being redirected toward funding Crossing the Blues. I’d like to clarify that a portion of the money used to fund the festival is indeed from the UCT budget; however, it is from funds that the City of La Grande directed UCT to set aside to pay for such an event. Because UCT had made no headway in developing such an event, a group of concerned citizens took up the banner in late 2007 and have invested many hundreds of volunteer hours to launch it. Crossing the Blues is not a “Colleen Johnson Campaign Party,” and I resent that this event — which should provide significant, lasting economic stimulus to our community — is being politicized. The La Grande Downtown Development Association is the lead organization for Crossing the Blues, which is being funded by UCT, the City of La Grande, LGDDA and many generous sponsors. I’d like to add that Janet Dodson has also participated in helping to promote the event by listing it on several websites, including the dates in UCT ads, and sending out a press release. I’m glad to have Ms. Dodson on our team and am indignant that anyone (especially a former UCT employee) would think that because the city directed UCT to use the money for which it is intended in any way precludes UCT’s participation. Judy Hector Island City |
