>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

As a holder of a temporary handicapped parking permit due to knee replacement surgery, I have been acutely aware of the status of handicapped parking in La Grande and in the parking lots of popular retail establishments.

My hat goes off to the grocery stores in the area for having sufficient and well located handicapped parking.

It has come to my attention, however, there are attitudes that prevail in the area about handicapped parking. In my travels around the vicinity, I see more and more permits in cars largely due, I am sure, to our aging population here.

Last week, while shopping at Bi-Mart, there were six handicapped parking spots in the parking lot which were all filled, and three of the six cars did not have permits exhibited. As I was leaving, there was an older woman getting out of her car in the outer exterior of available parking that had a permit, but was forced to walk to the store carrying her portable oxygen supply because of these illegally parked cars.

Shame on the three drivers who parked where she needed to park. I believe this shows a lack of sensitivity to the needs of legitimate handicapped permit holders.

Also, there are few, if any, handicapped parking slots in the downtown area. I believe these are needed, especially around Max Square for those who would like to support the activities there, but can't walk the distances often required. I would encourage the city of La Grande to examine its need for more downtown handicapped parking slots and stricter enforcement of the parking spots that exist.

Susan Mercer, La Grande

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Thank you for noting in your August 8 editorial ("EOU needs to restore public trust") the importance that Eastern Oregon University has educationally, culturally and economically in this state and in the Eastern Oregon region, in particular. The University has earned public trust through the excellence of its programs, its graduates, and its services over the past 80 years.

I agree with you that EOU is the "crown jewel" of La Grande. The University is working hard to position itself for the future so that it can serve the people and communities of Eastern Oregon even more effectively.

I fear the list of issues you raised about EOU paints a very negative picture of the institution and one that does not recognize the critical and successful efforts of the institution's faculty, staff, students and administrators to educate Oregonians and provide important services to the communities of Eastern Oregon.

There are times in every university's history when budget cuts collide with campus programs and expectations, when a leader's decisions to build for the future are not universally applauded, and when the actions of individuals can affect the entire campus. These factors, however important, do not eliminate the excellent work and effects of the university.

President Khosrow Fatemi has put in place aggressive revenue raising and expense reduction measures that I believe have resulted in noticeable improvement in the university's financial health in a very short period. The campus fund balance as of June 30, 2006, is well within the guidelines provided to campuses by the State Board of Higher Education.

The faculty, students and staff at EOU have worked very hard to make the campus a true community hub of excellence. Being at that center means that EOU shares both its accomplishments and its disappointments with its La Grande family. Your questions are welcome and needed, as is your support for this "grand" institution.

George Pernsteiner, Chancellor, Oregon University System

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During our recent vacation to La Grande we were inspired to write this letter to the newspaper to tell how much we enjoyed our visit to your town.

How refreshing it was to be greeted by such friendly, courteous people everywhere we went. Since we live in Las Vegas, the courteous drivers in La Grande and Island City pleasantly surprised us.

Such friendly, helpful people in the local businesses were truly appreciated. We hope the people of your towns truly appreciate what a treasure you have there. At the top of our list would surely have to be Dr. Lynn Harris. What kind and caring people he and his staff are. He truly cares what his patients want.

In the short time we were there, he accomplished what no one else had been able to do. The quality, understanding and professionalism of his work are not to be exceeded. For the first time in my life it was actually a pleasure to go to the dentist.

We are looking forward to our next visit to La Grande and Island City.

Brice and Carol Zachow, Las Vegas, Nev.

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The Oregonian recently reported that Tim Hibbitts, a Portland pollster found that "in his 30 years of polling, he had never seen such a sour mood at a time when the economy in both Oregon and the country is moving upward."

He said, "there is a huge amount of cynicism out there that nobody is going to make things better."

In the same article, John Mitchell, US Bancorp economist, said that the most recently released job-growth numbers placed Oregon sixth in the nation with per capita income increases outstripping the nation. He said, "The recovery is just ripping along."

If the economy is just ripping along, then why the sour mood?

I believe there is a genuine frustration in with the dichotomy between an economy that is doing great and a state that is not.

K-12 funding has decreased 11 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars per student from 1992 to 2006, and many schools have yet to restore what was eliminated in 2003.

State support for higher education, inflation-adjusted, has decreased 36 percent per student from 1991. We have approached the threshold where students and their families are being priced out of higher education.

Some 609,000 Oregonians do not have health care. And the cost to business is $676 million per year in uncompensated care that is shifted to them, the equivalent of a $676 million tax.

The sour mood is the result of a severe case of fiscal illness. What is the diagnosis?

We have the most volatile, narrowly based revenue system possible without the means of smoothing the volatility with a Rainy Day Fund, leaving the state with insufficient reserves.

We have a populist budgeting system in initiatives that wants more than can be delivered. We have an irrational, politicized legislative budgeting system that lacks transparency and fiscal discipline. And we have lack of accountability in spending with cost drivers that exceed the ability of revenue to support.

As a result of the wave of populist budgeting initiatives in the past 17 years, we find that 27 percent of discretionary spending in this biennium is set by voter initiatives that when enacted, had little regard for how they would be financed.

Between 1989 and the end of this biennium in 2007, general fund spending increased $7 billion but voter initiatives drove nearly half of this increase in spending.

The initiative burden placed on the General Fund and Lottery Fund is compounded by an unstable, narrow revenue system.

Our unique state tax system stands out clearly when compared with national averages. Seventy-two percent of state taxes comes from personal income tax, the highest percentage reliance on a single tax among all the states.

This tax system is also exceedingly volatile. In the 01-03 biennium, revenue dropped 20.3 percent or $2.4 billion out of a $12 billion budget with no way to lessen the blow with a Rainy Day Fund. This percentage drop in income was exceeded only by Alaska of all the states.

For every 1 percent change in personal income, there is a nearly 3 percent change in revenue collections. Which means that when times are good, they are very good, and when times are bad, they are very bad.

But when times are good, there is a real risk that the governor and Legislature will develop a false sense of security and overspend. Add initiatives to tax volatility with no Rainy Day Fund and you get fiscal illness.

Here is the prescription to cure it — fiscal reform. We must reform how we spend, budget, collect and save.

We must change the culture of government to achieve greater performance and accountability — continuous improvement. We must implement by statute a requirement for state agencies to prepare business plans to reduce cost and improve quality.

We must reform the legislative process to require a budget resolution plan that establishes available revenue based on risk assessment, potential emergencies and reservations for ending fund balances, and makes broad allocations to the Ways and Means subcommittees.

Tax policy must produce jobs and strengthen the economy, reduce taxes, pick up revenue from untaxed components of the economy, and generate additional revenue to fill the structural budget gap left from initiatives.

We must prepare for downturns by reforming the kicker and setting aside unanticipated revenue for future emergencies.

Change is needed. Continuing to do nothing jeopardizes our future. Leadership from the governor, legislators, business, labor, education, Republicans, Democrats, Independents and concerned Oregonians is essential.

Now is the time for action. If we diagnose the illness, understand and own the problem, write a prescription for recovery, and work together to implement it, the future is bright. If we don't, what then?

Sen. Morse was chairman and CEO of Morse Bros. Inc., a construction materials company. Detailed information on comprehensive fiscal reform can be found at www.senatorfrankmorse.com

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Thirteen years ago a regional newspaper in Texas, The Laredo Morning Times, published an article about a worm, reported to be 79 feet long and weighing 300 pounds. The piece had actually been written by a reporter as a joke, but somehow got into the paper. The Observer's editorial on August 8, 2006 reminded me of the worm story in its accuracy and objectivity. I realize that editorials are not supposed to be objective, but I thought they were supposed to be factually accurate. Here are some examples of the editorial's inaccuracies.

1. EOU being $1.2 million in debt. Absolutely false. Nobody at the State Board ever mentioned a debt, because it is not true. EOU has never been, and is not now in any debt. Our year-ending reserves were 8.6 percent of total revenues, well within the Board's recommended range of 5-15 percent, and not significantly different from any other Oregon University System institution. We ended the year near, or above, the average for public universities in Oregon. Indications are that during 2005-06 all seven public universities in Oregon had to reduce their fund balance, and Eastern was not an exception.

2. Alleged rape by two students. The University did not refuse to comment as the editorial alleges. We cannot – through legal advice – comment on pending legal cases. Whereas we can understand the frustration of the Observer not being able to get their questions answered, we cannot, and will not, jeopardize the privacy of our students or employees to accommodate the media. Incidentally, had the Observer checked its facts before repeating the allegation, it would have known that the rape charges had been dropped and changed to a misdemeanor. (The Observer, August 10, 2006.)

3. Football Coach's contract not being renewed. The Observer did request a copy of Coach Fenwick's personnel file. The request was denied, based on legal counsel. It's irresponsible, if not arrogant, for the Observer to request information they know, or should know, is illegal and unethical for EOU to release. Serving as a public employee does not require an individual to give up all personal privacy. Nor does a contract non-renewal require the release of personnel files for public review.

4. Recent lawsuits. I am amazed at the imprudence of anyone, including the Observer editorial board, to think that because someone faces serious allegations, they lose all privacy protection provisions of different laws. What happened to "innocent until proven guilty?" Maybe someone at the Observer should take a critical look at the Observer's article breaking this story and compare its accuracy, objectivity, taste, and professionalism with the same story as it appeared in the Oregonian on August 6, 2006.

5.Baseball Team. The baseball program was discontinued because, as we have explained to the Observer on numerous occasions, EOU cannot afford to sponsor more sports than any other OUS institution except Oregon State and the University of Oregon. And it cannot continue to spend a higher percentage of its general revenue budget on athletics than any other public university in Oregon. It is ironic that the push for keeping baseball comes in the same editorial that criticizes EOU for lack of financial prudence.

We understand and appreciate the Observer's concerns regarding the Institution's financial viability. Indeed, we are "doing everything possible to keep the university financially viable." Specific budget decisions referred to in the editorial were made early in 2005-06, at a time when several indicators pointed to more revenues than actually materialized. At the first sign of a shortfall in December 2005, we took immediate action and reduced the budget by $1 million, or slightly over 3 percent.

I agree wholeheartedly that EOU is an institution with great potential and promise. Achieving its potential, however, requires investment in the future of the institution, including new positions, both teaching and non-teaching. Anyone who agrees with the Observer about Eastern's potential would be pleased to know that despite all the publicity of recent months, we are on track to realize Eastern's promise.

For example, private commitments to the EOU Foundation have increased from approximately $160,000 in the first eight months of 2005 to over $2 million for the same period in 2006. Grant applications have more than doubled, and the State Board's budget, submitted to the governor, includes $4.6 million targeted to fund our rural access proposal. These are only a few examples of how we are fulfilling EOU's potential, and there are many people who applaud our efforts.

Finally, I have never declined a request for an interview and to my knowledge neither has anyone else in EOU's leadership. We have never been asked to meet with the Observer editorial board, even though we have had numerous meetings with the publisher and the editor. I would welcome meeting with the Observer and look forward to working with the community to fulfill EOU's potential.

Khosrow Fatemi, president of Eastern Oregon University

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Summer is starting to wind down, and for many families, preparations for a new school year have begun.

In families with pre-school children, preparations might include a new day-care situation or perhaps planning for a pre-school program. Usually such planning includes some thoughts and about potty training.

Most children are ready for toilet training some time between their second and third birthdays. This is the same time they are experiencing the Terrible 2s, a time when children are exerting their own will and making their own opinions known.

As wonderful and funny as 2-year-olds can be, their willfulness and independence can make toilet training a real trial for their parents.

The secret to success is patience and timing. Toilet training does not occur at the same time for every child. Your child will be ready when he or she is developmentally ready, and this may be different than the child next door or a brother or sister.

Emotional readiness is important. Many bright, normal and healthy 3-year-olds may not be interested in learning to use the toilet. Learning new things is a full-time job for most toddlers, and toilet learning may not be as important as learning to climb, jump, run and talk.

Rushing a child through toilet training will only result in tears and frustration. In fact, starting too soon may actually delay learning. A calm, easygoing approach to toilet training will make the experience much easier for everyone.

A toddler who resists toilet training now may be ready in 3 to 6 months, and then often learns almost overnight. If you find that one of your children learns to use the toilet at age 2 and another learns at 3 1/2, rest assured that you are not alone.

Some signs that a child is ready for toilet training include showing an interest in wearing underpants instead of diapers, the ability to stay dry for several hours at a stretch, an interest in being clean and dry, and the ability to undress and dress herself.

If you think your child may be ready there are some steps you can take as a parent to start the process.

Show children what they are to do in the bathroom. Toddlers love to imitate adults or older children. Next time your toddler follows you into the bathroom, talk about what you do when you use the toilet, and if you are comfortable with the idea, let the child watch. Ideally, fathers should set an example for sons and mothers should set an example for daughters. Children can also learn from older brothers and sisters.

Begin reading potty books to your child. There are many wonderful books about learning to use the potty. Reading a book together helps children understand the general process.

Provide training pants and easy-to-remove clothing. Just getting to the potty on time is a major task for most children. You can help make the job easier by letting them wear pants that are easy to pull down, and by being around to assist.

When your child tells you that he needs to use the potty, help with clothing and sit the child on the potty for a few minutes. Stay with your child. After three or four minutes, help the child off the potty. Reward with hugs and praise if her efforts have been successful. Say that she can try again later if she wasn't successful.

Don't be surprised if your child has an "accident" right after getting off the potty. This is not unusual. Accidents and near misses are not an act of stubbornness. It simply takes time to learn this new skill. If accidents seem to be frequent, it may be best to hold off and try again a few months later. Treat accidents casually. Avoid punishing, scolding or shaming. Give your child support by keeping an upbeat, positive attitude.

Finally, celebrate with your child when he makes it through the first dry day, and congratulate yourself on your patience through this important milestone in your child's development.

Sandra Leavitt is director of the Mount Emily Safe Center in La Grande.

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Everyone who uses Oregon Trail Electric receives notices of capital credits that we supposedly own but cannot use for payment of our bill.

But did you know that when a customer dies, the heirs are entitled to that money?

I received the usual capital credits statement for my mother, and thinking it worthless, nearly threw it away. Instead, I decided to notify OTEC of her death, and learned that these credits can be claimed.

I hope this information will be of use to others who are settling estates.

Lanetta Paul, La Grande

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I understand that the Observer has limited space to cover all the positive activities available to our local youth. Thank you to the editorial team for providing as much of this uplifting news as possible. I cannot help but be disappointed, however, in the brief coverage of the recent swim meet hosted by the La Grande Swim Club and, earlier this month, the scanty reporting of a LGSC swimmer's outstanding achievements at a state competition. As a proud parent of a member of the La Grande Swim Club and since many community members may not be aware of the ins and outs of this quality program, let me share . . .

Susie Evans, an alum of the team, coaches the La Grande Swim Club. Coach Susie has 66 swimmers (and growing) under her direction, and individually challenges these swimmers with the help of her assistant, Jamie Abel. Many of these swimmers swim year round.

LGSC swimmers undertake unbelievable workouts. The youngest swimmers swim 4 hours a week during the summer at the Veteran's Memorial Pool while the more advanced swimmers swim 5 days a week for 3 hours each day, also at the city pool. These swimmers are up and in the pool by 7:15 in the morning (it's their summer vacation!) and, at their peak, swim 7,000 yards per day (over 4 miles). There are 8 year olds on our team who are swimming 2 miles per practice. In addition, many of these swimmers add dry land practices for an hour, 2 afternoons a week.

La Grande Swim Club swimmers succeed and medal as a result of their hard work! At each meet, all the swimmers are victorious; some achieving their personal best while others succeed simply by trying and finishing a new event. The crowd is supportive of each swimmer, no matter their ability or their hometown. It is not rare for the loudest cheers to be for the swimmer who lost his/her goggles at the start and who is struggling to finish the race. What a sport.

This season LGSC has had several swimmers achieve Coach Susie's 100 Second Award – recognition of having taken at least 100 seconds off their combined summer times! Victor McIntosh, Logan Gomez, Matt Cook, Allie Godfrey, Michelle Clark, Callahan Anderes, Christopher Stevens and Makaela O'Rourke all received this award. Callahan Anderes achieved the Most Improved award after a victorious summer of best times; Makaela O'Rourke earned the Team Spirit award and Matt Cook was selected for the Louis Shaw Memorial award.

Community members may want to learn of Matt Cook's four gold medals earned at the Oregon State Competition held in Portland the last weekend in July. Matt is 12 years old and has already attended 9 state championships! (Each year there is a long course and a short course championship.) Many of these have been reported on by The Observer.

Those of us who see Matt practice and compete know that his commitment to the sport far outshines his four recent state medals. Matt's talent, self-discipline and Coach Evan's excellent coaching allowed him to achieve personal best times in all 6 of his races at the championships (he qualified to swim 9). At the state Championships, most swimmers specialize in one stroke. Matt swam 3 different strokes. His excellent times not only brought him 4 gold medals, a second place and a fourth place, but Matt won the high point award for his age group (he earned the most points of any swimmer in his age group). Matt was the only swimmer awarded the high point who was not from the Portland area. Congratulations Matt. You make LGSC proud.

The numerous community members who support this excellent program are instrumental in its success. LGSC hosted two meets this year with each meet needing at least 65 people to make it successful. A meet requires, among many other helpers, 3 timers in each of 8 lanes for 2 1/2 days of swimming! Most notable are parents of former swimmers, still out supporting the club. Thank you Joe Gray, Donna Esser and Pat Young!

Thank you to the LGSC board members, Mark Gomez, Bonnie Godfrey, Shalem O'Rourke, Mark Madsen and Christine Arleth.

Emily Insko, La Grande

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Our region lost an avid supporter and leader with the passing of Glen McKenzie. The article in Tuesday's issue of The Observer revealed a man committed to his community and country. With so many activities, it is understandable that some of his projects were overlooked, and we would be remiss not to point out that he was a tireless advocate for Grande Ronde Hospital.

For 21 years McKenzie volunteered his time and energy for the hospital. From 1971 to 1983, he served on the Board of Trustees, filling the role

of chair and member, and from 1993 to 2002, he served with the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

During his two-plus decades here, he helped lead us through many critical projects that ensured the hospital meet the community's health

care needs. This included an extensive expansion in 1978 in which

intensive care and cardiac care units were added, along with nuclear medicine and business offices; renovation of the pharmacy and laboratory areas, expansion of physical therapy, emergency and radiology departments; and completion of a new suite of surgery rooms.

McKenzie's ambitions didn't stop there. As the hospital continued to grow it occupied a new addition in 1982. This provided the community with a new medical floor with rooms large enough to accommodate modern bedside medical equipment. The wing housed a new intensive care and coronary care unit, as well.

Thanks to the foresight and vision of McKenzie and those who worked with him, the medical floor continues today to provide the modern care

necessary for the people of Union County and the adjoining Wallowa and Baker Counties.

The hospital celebrated its 75th anniversary, in 1982, with McKenzie leading the celebration. He championed and sought to improve our services and the health and well-being of people in our community. As a passionate advocate for healthcare services, Glen McKenzie was thoroughly appreciated, and the team at Grande Ronde Hospital will miss him greatly.

Jim Mattes is president and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital

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To the person on Leffel Lane who, without warning shot and killed my grandchildren's dog: Buster was not only a big friendly loveable pet, but was my 2 1/2-year-old grandson's best friend.

My grandson will probably not remember Buster, but my granddaughters will always rememberwatching their pet as he lay maimed and bleeding, die in their front yard and will always wonder what Buster did that was bad enough to warrant such a violent act.

My plea to you is, if my grandchildren happen to venture into your yard, please do not shoot them as well.As you drive by their house, I hope you will think of the heartache and damage you have caused to a great many people as most of us are very young, innocent and thanks to you no longer trusting.

Marcia Rynearson, La Grande