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

The Jan. 14 Observer article on Dr. Fatemi left me dumbfounded. Not so much that Dr. Fatemi is still on the Oregon University System payroll, but that he and Dr. Pernsteiner are in such denial — still trying to put a positive spin on the mess they created.

Dr. Fatemi is quoted as saying his (mis)leadership had a positive effect because it generated “interest” in EOU. The sinking of the Titanic and crash of the Hindenberg generated “interest” also. But unlike those accidental disasters, the catastrophe of Dr. Fatemi’s tenure at EOU was self-inflicted, and aided and abetted by Dr. Pernsteiner. When informed early on by EOU staff and faculty that EOU was headed for bankruptcy, Dr. Pernsteiner — like the Wizard of Oz — told us to just ignore that man behind the curtain.

Because Dr. Pernsteiner will not admit his errors in judgment, he continues to make serious missteps. Giving Fatemi a position consulting on rural university issues, at $192,000 annually, is absurd. Dr. Fatemi’s record at EOU, in our rural community, clearly demonstrates he has no grasp whatsoever of rural university issues.

According to the Jan. 17 Observer, EOU faces $4.1 million in cutbacks because of mismanagement by Dr. Fatemi and Dr. Pernsteiner. That burden should not be carried on the backs of those left in the wake of the wreck of the SS Fatemi/Pernsteiner. The budget shortfall should come out of the Chancellor of Higher Education’s budget. An easy $400,000 would be available if Chancellor Pernsteiner had the courage to terminate the final two years of his contract with his rural university issues consultant.

We know that won’t happen. And will any of us register surprise when we read that the Oregon University System buys an 8,253-square-foot home north of La Grande? Ah, yes, the chancellor and other higher education wizards need a retreat where they can ponder rural educational issues.

Howard R. Postovit

Starkey

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I couldn’t agree more with The Observer editorial that urged readers to purchase last-minute Christmas gifts from local merchants (Dec. 19). As The Observer said, “Nobody is going to help ensure our community’s well-being better than what we can do ourselves.” This is exactly the philosophy behind Locavores of Eastern Oregon. This fledgling group is dedicated to increasing the portion of our diet that comes from local food producers. By buying locally, we strengthen our economy and ensure that we have a strong tax base to support our schools and other services. In addition, we help halt climate change by eliminating the need to truck our food from thousands of miles away.

Anyone interested in the possibilities and benefits of eating locally is invited to a meeting Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at Cook Memorial Library. We will watch “The Power of Community” and discuss ways that we can facilitate the growing, preserving, buying, cooking and eating of local foods. Anyone who would like to join the discussion, but can’t make the meeting can find out more by visiting http://groups.google.com/group/easternoregonlocavores.

It is indeed within our power to ensure our community’s well-being. If we buy and eat locally, we can build a vibrant, cohesive community, economically secure and self-sufficient.

Teresa Brain

La Grande

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Mr. Summers must know something about Mayor Johnson that I don’t. I find this interesting because I’ve served with Mayor Johnson for more than 10  years and I doubt Mr. Summers has spent more than 10 minutes talking with her. Funny how you can know a person without talking to them, but by listening to the opinions of others and reading newspaper articles.

Berkley, do you know how to help our community prosper? If so, I’d love to hear your ideas, as would other members of the city council. I know it’s not local government’s job to create business, but to create a community businesses will settle in. Amenities like a new library, a shovel-ready business park and a vibrant downtown attract businesses, and these are the things the city council is all about!

Personally, I detest cheap shots and misinformation. Mayor Johnson is honest and professional and has worked with integrity as long as I have known her. Her efforts include countless hours bringing the new library to fruition, believing this community can be more than it is now, and looking for ways to change the status quo. She has willingly put herself in the public eye and before the public vote to work for this community.

If she’s done the questionable job as Berkley implies, then why is it she’s run unopposed for mayor since 2000?

Berkley, Mayor Johnson has never repressed information, nor deceived or misled this community. You’ve got a lot of nerve making accusations against someone you know only from newspaper articles, from hearsay, making accusations against a woman who has committed herself to public service with the best intent of the community in mind. If you feel so strongly about the job that Mayor Johnson has done, then put your feet where your mouth is and run for mayor yourself.

Steve Clements

La Grande Mayor Pro Tem

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This story begins late in spring 2006 just as sewer and water rate increases are looming for the ratepayers in Union. I recalled from the development phase of Buffalo Peak golf course that ratepayers wouldn’t be burdened with the excessive cost of pumping effluent to the course and the subsequent distribution onto the course due to offsetting revenue generated by the city-owned golf course.

To my knowledge this scenario never developed; consequently we are paying a premium for our sewer services while subsidizing an ill-planned business venture. Energy costs were skyrocketing and I felt it was time to look at alternatives provided by our master water and sewer plan.

In spring 2006 I requested from the City of Union a “ballpark” estimate for the annual operation/maintenance cost of this distribution system. My naiveté led me to believe this estimate would be readily available from the operator of the distribution system.

My request began with an e-mail (never acknowledged) and to the present I have submitted two more e-mails (never acknowledged), two handwritten letters (never acknowledged) and two telephone calls (at my initiative). The telephone calls ended with promises to provide me with some guidance on how to get the estimate if the city was unable to crunch the numbers. This request period has spanned two city administrators and one rate increase without resolution.

I’ve been overly accommodating and patient with this request. I sincerely hope that other ratepayers become interested in the profligate operation of this expensive utility and inquire with the intent of ensuring that the citizens of Union are provided this service at the least cost.

My wish for 2008 is that the City of Union administration, that I help fund, will act in a professional manner and provide me with an answer to my question.

Chuck LeBold

City of Union sewer/water ratepayer

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There are four great benefits realized by living in a society that allows the private ownership of property (goods). These are liberty, justice, peace and prosperity. Private property is a large part of our freedom in a country that is now and has been under the threat of people wanting government control of us in every way possible including land.

When you live under a Communist-type government, you do not have property rights. And understand that without property rights, you do not have the other rights — the four that go with property rights.

Private property is a compromise between our desire for unrestricted liberty and the recognition that others have similar desires and rights. It is a way to be free, and yet secure from the freedom of others. People are not only permitted to make their own plans, but are obligated to do so.

In the centrally planned economies of the Communist countries — a few master brains at the center were supposed to plan for everyone. People were thereby reduced to a servile status. That is why all such countries turned out to be tyrannical. The state was at war with the natural inclinations of the people. Prosperity and property are connected.

Oregon is the test state for the removal of property rights from the people and placing the control of the use of property in the state, Oregon (1972). This program has spread out to other states.

Now, if you own and want to do something on it you must get government approval. This is called “land use planning.”

George Bruce

La Grande

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I have to throw in my two cents on the parking situation downtown.

La Grande has a couple of serious parking problems. It’s not that there aren’t enough spaces, or that we might have to walk an extra block to reach our destinations. The problem is the many business owners and their employees who park directly in front of their own stores.

Sure they might have to play “parking musical chairs” when they see the parking enforcement person drive by, but as soon as they can, they park right back as close to the front door as they can. I’m not sure if it is because they are lazy or if they just want to be able to gaze lovingly at their Land Rover, Malibu or Dodge diesel while they work. There is a formula that really brings to light the disadvantages of not keeping parking spaces clear for potential customers — the 85 percent rule.

Each customer parks once and spends an average of $20. Each space accommodates three to four cars a day, five days a week, 50 weeks a year. That works out to a retail value per space of $15,000 per year in lost revenue to their businesses when they hog all the best spaces.

How about a friendly “ticket” that can be obtained from the La Grande Downtown Development Association that is left on the windshield of repeat offenders? Maybe enough of those will convince them to start parking away from the front doors and leave those spaces for customers.

This is a little problem that can be easily fixed with some cooperation, or a little pressure from the downtown association and other nearby businesses who also suffer when people take up all the available parking spaces so close by.

Rebecca Lester

La Grande

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In 2003, a group of Union County Nile members wrote a letter to The Observer protesting La Grande’s two-hour, no courtesy at any time, parking policy.

The only response was from a local merchant who said part of the problem was employees who were parking in the downtown spots. I checked into this and was told that people working in La Grande buy parking permits, but there isn’t enough room for them to park, so they end up on the main streets.

In the last few years the only response from the City of La Grande was to “reinvent” head-in parking, which had been discontinued in many cities years ago as being too dangerous, and still didn’t provide the necessary spaces.

Our letter is sadly out of date. We no longer have “Good Things” for shopping. The beauty college has moved off of Main Street. And I would have to add to our list of alternative shopping, the Internet. I find myself doing more and more purchasing from the comfort of my own home.

Now you have had letters from Diane Johnson of Elgin, Damon Nash of Union, a Jan. 9 editorial in The Observer, and most recently a letter from Barbara Ann Shank of La Grande.

Shank makes the good point that parallel parking on Main Street is time consuming and impedes the traffic flow. Not sure what the solution to that is, as angle parking would be even worse.

These people, as we did, offered many good constructive criticisms and suggestions. But is anybody listening?

Revitalize La Grande’s downtown area? Great idea. But if all that time and especially money is spent, you’d better make sure that county residents are going to come.

Last year I attended a work session of the La Grande City Council where it was said by someone and not refuted by anyone, that they (county residents) have to come to La Grande for (whatever they need) because we are the HUB.

Well, HELLO.

Donna Patterson

Union

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I would like to thank the City of Island City for making the Island City Hall available for the community to use. I have personally attended Promise Keepers, funeral dinners, wedding and anniversary receptions, birthday parties and a meeting of a local irrigation ditch company there.

This is a wonderful facility that the city provides absolutely free of charge. All that is asked is that the building be treated with respect and left clean. This is a good example to other government agencies, to make full use of the facilities that we have.

Dwain Spooner

La Grande

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It is imperative that our voting process be free of fraud so the right of the people to choose representation is unfettered. A federal law needs to be passed to insist on a paper trail like Oregon’s so we know our elections are honest.

This is a bipartisan issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Patricia Smith

Enterprise

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I have had it with so-called environmentalists! You reported in a Jan. 16 Associated Press article that a number of environmental groups have notified PGE that they will file suit against PGE at the very time the company is committing $300 million to mitigate pollution at its Boardman coal-fired generator.

The stated reason for the suit, among others, is that the pollution controls proposed do nothing to mitigate carbon dioxide pollution. Well really!

I’m old enough and wise enough to know “new speak” when I hear it. Carbon dioxide is not pollution. Carbon dioxide is an essential constituent of earth’s atmosphere. It is essential to life. It is essential to the stability of the planet’s ecosphere. Referring to carbon dioxide as an atmospheric pollutant is nothing short of obscene.

Your article stated that all of the coal fire plants in the U.S. produce 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year. To put some perspective to this, consider that each person breaths out about 900 grams of carbon dioxide each day. Thus the people of the U.S. will produce about 110 million tons of carbon dioxide (6 percent as much) just by breathing!

Let’s get real. Whatever effect a small increase in carbon dioxide may have on the environment, it is not a pollutant. And when one understands that vaporized water by far exceeds carbon dioxide as a so-called “greenhouse gas,” what are we to do with that, define clouds as a pollutant? Indeed!

Joe Garlitz

Elgin

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In the Jan. 14 issue of The Observer we are again confronted with the horrible economic situation that Eastern Oregon University has been subjected to under the auspices of the ignominious person of Khosrow Fatemi. The honorable reputation of our university has been sullied to the point of instability and a host of good professional instructors — men and women — have been given notices of termination due to lack of funds.

All the while this Khosrow Fatemi was spending educational funds irresponsibly and selfishly. Sen. Vicki Walker said, “I find it fascinating he (Fatemi) is still working for $192,000 a year.”

I, as a citizen of the State of Oregon, find it to be horrendous that he is still on the public payroll. Talk about a conspiracy. There has to be a real motive behind these untenable machinations.

I and many others call upon the journalistic integrity of The Observer to investigate thoroughly this sham of operation. The dedicated instructors and students of Eastern Oregon University deserve to have the spotlight of truth shed on this deplorable situation. Also for the welfare of the city of La Grande, there needs to be a thorough investigation.

I hope this will be undertaken immediately.

Ellis W. Mickey

Summerville

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I want to encourage anyone interested in maintaining public access to the south end of Mount Emily to attend the public information meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Blue Mountain Conference Center. Your input and show of support is needed.

This property used to be owned by Boise Cascade, but many people thought it was national forest land and used it that way. I’ve personally ridden motorcycles, ATVs and mountain bikes, and snowshoed and cross country skied there since the 1970s. I know many other people have used the property for similar activities for many years. This will all end if the current owner subdivides and sells the property.

I would like to see Union County take ownership of the property so that we can maintain our access, and so the property can be managed for multiple uses.

Please come to the meeting to learn more.

Mark Barber

La Grande

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As La Grande considers what to do about the traffic and parking problems downtown, I hope that the original vision of the renovation is not lost.

Many would like downtown to have the parking convenience of a strip mall — being able to just drive up to where you want to go, take the most direct route from your vehicle to the business’ door and be able to keep your vehicle parked in that spot for greater than two hours.

However, the excitement of the original vision of the downtown renovation came for me from the nostalgic feeling associated with the idea of slowing down; being able to greet your neighbors as you pass by; being outdoors; and having the beauty of trees, lamps and wide sidewalks’ with shoppers ideally using crosswalks instead of cutting across the street.

I don’t think we can have our cake and eat it too. I hope that planners keep the original vision, where the pedestrian is king, rather than the ultra-convenience of motorists.

Shrinking the sidewalks to accommodate cars as suggested by Barbara Shank (Jan. 16) would negate the original vision. We already have plenty of businesses, here and coming soon, set up for our parking convenience.

Sharon K. Schiller

La Grande

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Can I put in my two bits on parking? Several years ago we went to a movie at the Granada. I don’t know what was happening in La Grande that Friday afternoon, but we drove two blocks in all directions but across the railroad track and felt lucky to find one parking place with a two-hour limit.

We put in the required money, walked directly to the theater, bought our tickets and went directly to the car after the movie let out. We had a parking ticket. This movie had lasted more than two hours. We were not exactly pleased.

We have not had too much trouble finding a parking spot within two blocks of our destination when we shop, but quite frankly, when I am trying to carry heavy boxes of books or heavy items to take to the antique store I am not real excited about looking at packing something for two blocks, especially when the weather is bad.

Becky Preston

Summerville