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

There are two very good reasons to vote yes for the La Grande School Bond on your ballot that you will receive Oct. 20.

Reason No. 1 — Make our schools safer. We don't want to be another Columbine, Nickel Mines, Pa., or Platte Canyon High School. These bonds will install specific measures that will help keep our kids safe. It is our responsibility to see that these upgrades happen, and soon. Costs only go up, and school safety is urgent now.

Reason No. 2 — Let's be proud of our schools. Our newest school is over 30 years old, the oldest school is 100 years old, and every single building needs serious capital improvements. Preserving our heritage also means spending money.

We cannot afford to take an approach that this is "good enough.'' We will soon find our "good enough'' buildings crumbling down around our ears. How embarrassing!

Leslie Hasse, La Grande

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I am going to tell you about an outrageous concept of mine.

This concept is that we, as human beings, might be at a point in our history where we don't really need to use violence. Maybe we're at a point where we can lay down the machine guns and the nuclear bombs and just shake hands with our neighbors, rather than murdering them.

So, why do I feel like such a radical for voicing these ideas? Think about it. It's really easy for me to refrain from killing someone.

Every Wednesday, I stand at Max Square with others and I hold a piece of cardboard with a peace sign drawn on it.

Almost every Wednesday, I encounter people driving by and flipping us off and yelling obscenities at us.

Why do these people feel so threatened by a chubby, smiling, 17-year-old girl holding a peace sign? Is it because my ideas are so radical? Is peace that radical?

Dora Cohen, La Grande

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If a child misspent their allowance would you give them more?

Such is the scenario with Oregon school districts asking for more money. Why do they need more? One reason is Oregon's Public Employee Retirement System.

The non-profit, non-partisan Chalkboard Project concluded: "Oregon teachers' benefit costs are the highest in the nation, about 70 percent higher than the U.S. average.''

Rather than investing money in books and school buildings, Oregon's public employees lobbied and won a retirement system that often allows retirement before age 55 with a retirement salary that is more than the highest working salary.

There are currently 319 retired Oregon public employees who each received over $100,000 in retirement salaries during 2005, with one receiving $220,000 annually in retirement.

This leads us to the proposed bond issue for the Cove School District, where we have the following facts.

1. A superintendent at $103,605.95 annually, of which $32,368.95 is benefits.

2. A principal at $68,838 annually, of which$16,338 is benefits. In addition, his wife is also employed at a salary $55,242 annually with benefits of $20,890.

3. A secretary who is paid $68,536.60 annually, of which $24,045.60 is benefits.

4. Total payment for PERS at Cove in 2005-2006 was $227,877.38

5. Cove's annual salary cost is almost $1.7 million, which equates to over $7,000 per student.

With an enrollment of only 240 students, it appears that the administration salary cost of $240,980.55 is excessive.

For starters, the superintendent needs to assume the duties of the principal and eliminate the position. With a few other cost-cutting measures the bond issue would be unnecessary.

Vote no on the Cove school bond issue.

Dennis Wilkinson, Cove

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I agree that the city of Union needs some new blood in its elected officials. However, I don't agree that voting for Kyle Corbin is a good idea. He couldn't even file to run for office because he's only 17, so he has to run as a write-in candidate. He will barely be 18 in January.

He may be a great student and he may have some leadership experience in school, but he hasn't even lived on his own yet. How is he qualified to be mayor?

If people don't respect a 60-year-old man in the office, will they respect a kid?

How can he go to college, work a job and do a decent job as mayor? This is a job best suited to a mature person with the time to devote to the office.

Isn't it odd that the fired city administrator, Linda Boettcher (who isn't even a city resident) and other people who have been fighting with the council are supporting this young man? Are they really thinking he's the best person for the job, or are they thinking he is the most likely candidate to be influence by them?

Kyle is a great kid, but he's not ready to be mayor.

Sherry Eden, Union

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In the Oct. 4 Observer, state Sen. David Nelson wrote a guest column explaining his failure to disclose a free trip to Hawaii that was paid for by the Oregon Beer and Wine Distributors Association.

On Oct. 6 The Observer reported that there has been a spate of reporting of expensive gifts given to legislators, including House Speaker Karen Minnis, who failed to report a free trip to Israel.

Sen. Nelson seems to believe that the problem is simply that he and the others did not realize they had to disclose these gifts.

In my opinion, the problem is that our lawmakers are allowed to accept gifts such as trips to exotic vacation destinations.

I am not accusing Sen. Nelson or the others of simply doing the bidding of lobbyists in order to get these gifts. I suspect that in the majority of instances there is no conscious connection between these gifts and their votes. But I am sure there is some subconscious connection.

The lawmakers may not see it this way, but I assure you that they wouldn't be giving these gifts if they weren't getting what they wanted in return.

It's time that we hold our elected representatives to the same standards we hold all state employees — they are not allowed to accept gifts or use their position for personal gain. Sen. Nelson stated that he receives "contributions, trips, plaques of appreciation, coffee mugs, t-shirts or caps from many special interest groups.''

I'm willing to let him keep the mugs, plaques, t-shirts and caps as long as they aren't made of gold. I think a limit of $20 on gifts should suffice. But gifts such as free trips to Hawaii, Israel or anywhere else should not be allowed, and the penalties for violating these rules must be increased from the present $1,000.

Let the lobbyists come to Oregon if they need to talk to our representatives. It'll help our hospitality industry.

Tim Hoffnagle, La Grande

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In the past eight years, La Grande has made great strides in the areas of economic development, downtown improvement and our quality of life. Steve Clements' commitment, compassion and leadership have been major factors in all of these accomplishments.

In the area of economic development, Steve's experience has paid dividends for the community. His was a strong voice in supporting the ODS Dental Hygiene School, which brought not only jobs to La Grande but training that opened up professional jobs for many young people in our area.

Steve was also a strong proponent for the La Grande Business and Technology Park, both for the purchase of property but then for the city investing over $2 million in the necessary infrastructure to make the park ready for business.

Steve is truly committed to downtown improvement. He was a strong advocate for the redevelopment of the NK West Building. In addition, he also helped to secure the redevelopment of the old Safeway site that now houses the ODS Building and our new public library, the Cook Memorial Library.

Steve has also been committed to ensuring that the Downtown Redevelopment Plan is a top priority for urban renewal funding.

Steve's passion for improving the quality of life for all of our citizens has also resulted in numerous benefits. His work on the curbside recycling program, the yard debris program and the bike and pedestrian safety plan clearly demonstrates his enthusiasm in this area.

Beyond the above accomplishments, Steve has also shown a true commitment to the community and to serving all our citizens. Just recently Steve ran the Portland Marathon to earn pledges that would go to benefit Shelter from the Storm and the Blue Mountain Humane Association.

Steve Clements has truly been an advocate for positive change in our community and deserves our vote.

Colleen F. Johnson, Mayor, La Grande

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Union will vote on three charter changes in November. There are concerns about the content of these and as to whether they would be better served using the ordinance process.

One measure calls for dispensing with the reading of the entire proposed ordinance the first time it is presented. The proposers want only the title read. I don't believe this should change — it is the only chance to review the entire ordinance and check for errors.

Another calls for a limit on employee salaries. They have already frozen the police chief's and administrator's wages, and the day-to-day business of the city should not be proscribed by the charter. The charter, like our U.S. Constitution, supplies a framework within which we form our city's government. The ordinance process is used to flesh out the details. This would also provide no incentive for attracting good people for city jobs.

The third measure affects water rates. Nearly everyone agrees we have to raise the rates and generate revenue. The city is in a financial bind and must have money for just operating. This measure provides for rate raises but also orders that the money cannot be used for anything but the water system. We do need to start building reserves, but right now we must provide for the services needed in every area of the city, thus providing "breathing space" for strategic planning. This measure is misleading about what size the actual rate raises will be. I urge citizens to vote no and demand that a plan be proposed using the ordinance process.

I suggest residents read these measures and call their councilpersons about them. Our charter needs updating, but it should not be done piecemeal — only after careful thought and consideration.

Dick Middleton, Union

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The School Board has proposed a $30 million bond to resolve property problems: ADA requirements as required by law, resolve deferred maintenance problems, reduce ongoing utility costs, anticipated school enrollment.

What has not been discussed is that a $30 million bond will actually cost more than $60 million including principal and interest at 6 percent interest rate.

The following criteria was used in analyzing the present bond proposal. First: Mandated repairs/improvements to meet government requirements for fire, handicapped (ADA), upgrade restroom facilities to present standards, etc. Second: Will expenditures reduce utility costs, resulting in funds that can be used for physical plant ongoing repairs, e.g., items that wear out, roof repairs, painting, floor covering, etc? Third: Will the construction actually resolve (at the lowest possible cost) the need for new facilities that provide for a safe, clean environment that enhances the students' feeling that this is a school they can be proud of?

Tours and discussion with committee members and school staff that developed the proposal for the bond issue shows that in many ways they did a good job of recommending problem solutions. However, alternative solutions to some of the problems were not considered, and in some instances, some existing safety items were not identified.

Careful analysis shows that around $10 million could be cut from the proposed bond and still resolve what the committee felt was necessary to accomplish and satisfy the committee recommendations and the criteria outlined above.

The bond issue should be voted down. It must be understood that the school district must in the near future acquire funds to resolve identified problems. A new bond should be proposed for the next election cycle that proposes the most cost-effective methods to resolve identified problems.

Stephen Donnell, La Grande

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The condition of our schools in this state has faced a great variety of difficulties in the past few years.

Organizations and individuals such as The Oregonian, The Chalkboard Project, Gary Trudeau (Doonesbury), Associated Oregon Industries and parents have expressed concerns. The reasons for our difficulties are just as varied and diverse as the problems we face, and attempting to assign blame seems to be counterproductive and a waste of time. After all, some of our problems began, whether we saw them or not, more than a decade ago.

What we, the voters of La Grande and Union County, need to do is start looking around for representatives and leaders who will go to Salem with a combination of interest in education, experiences with a variety of educational settings, eyes wide open to creative and productive solutions, as well as the ability to recognize positive steps toward stability in our school system.

Tonia St. Germain is running for the state Legislature from our House District 57. I believe she brings a unique set of experiences in not only education but in her career background as well as that ability to clearly see positive from political when it comes to putting our schools back on the road to quality and stability.

I urge you to mark your ballot for Tonia for representative from House District 57.

Jerry Sebestyen, La Grande

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I would like to respond to the Oct. 17 letter from Mr. Wilkinson.

First, I would like to thank him for informing the public on issues brought up. This is information, I feel, everyone should be aware of. However, I would like to also point out the fact that the principal of Cove School dedicates a tremendous amount of time, effort and genuine care to those kids. He is at that school more than anyone.

Mr. Koehn always has an open door and is looking out for the best interest of those kids.

His wife, as noted in the letter, is also a teacher at the school. Yes, one of the best teachers we have. Your child can get help from her before school, after school or just sit and chat with her about their tough day. Mrs. Koehn also exceeds the expectations anyone could have for a teacher. She is a quality teacher with a heart full of love for each one of the kids and they all know they can lean on her.

Both of the Koehns are worth every penny the tax payers pay out. If you do the math on the amount of time they put in at the school, you will see you are getting one sweet deal.

Mari Brainerd, Cove

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The Bulletin editorial published in the Oct. 10 Observer suggests that salvage logging is the solution to forest management after wildfire. Perhaps the public should consider a more enlightened alternative.

Burned forests have great ecological significance and importance, according to many well known scientists, including Dr. Jerry Franklin, Chris Maser and James Karr. If we value and want to maintain a diversity of plants and animals, we must recognize the healthy nature of burned forests. For example, black-backed woodpeckers, three-toed woodpeckers and olive-sided flycatchers all depend on burned forests.

Forests in the West have evolved with fire over thousands of years. A forest in Eastern Oregon would be very unhealthy if fire or insects were excluded from the landscape. The worth of a forest is much greater than the timber values at the mill. Soils are the soul of a forest and need to be replenished by organic matter from burned trees. Always taking wood fiber from the forest is not sustainable or healthy for wildlife, water quality or the well being of the nature processes and functions of the forest.

Dr. Dominic DellaSala with the World Wildlife Fund said, "The public needs to know that post-fire logging is a lose-lose proposition — the taxpayer loses by footing the bill and the environment loses by damaged soils and degraded fish and wildlife habitat."

The National Environmental Policy Act analysis done by the Forest Service allows the public to have a say in the management of our public forests. By carefully looking at Forest Service proposals the public can provide valuable input into the management of public lands. In a democracy, most people agree with this approach.

The Forest Service process is not perfect but it is a whole lot better than misguided plans to cut the public out of the process.

Larry McLaud, La Grande

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Correction - A letter published earlier this week from Sherry Eden was in error when it said Kyle Corbin, a write-in candidate for Union mayor, "will barely be 18 in January.'' Corbin turned 18 on Sept. 29, which made him eligible to be elected but came after the deadline for qualifying for the ballot.

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I am writing to encourage voters in Union County School District No. 1 to vote yes on Measure 31-59, the $30 million bond issue.

For 20 years I have watched our volunteer school board and budget committee members diligently spread school money as best they could with competently prepared information provided by paid district administrative personnel, to provide educational opportunity and an effective teaching atmosphere for the education of our children. Unfortunately, there have not been excess resources available to set aside for large facility renovation projects.

We all know school buildings wear out the same as any other building in town. Since we have not had excess resources to save for renovation/construction, the patrons of our district are periodically asked to approve long-term borrowing to fund school facilities to serve us for years to come. Now is such a time.

I endorse the thoroughness of the facility committee, school board and administration for presenting this plan. The district provided detail of projects by sending a mailer to each household. District administrators, our school board and concerned citizens have been reaching out to patrons with information so we all can be informed. Please be an informed voter and support this plan.

The operating budget cannot pay for the needed projects our school buildings direly need. I am talking about heating/air conditioning systems, roofs, doors, restrooms, gymnasiums, and auditorium, classrooms — the very structures and grounds themselves. Improving school facilities is not a question of "if" we improve them but "when," and the time is now. Waiting will give us accelerated decay, increased cost and our children will suffer from a less effective educational atmosphere.

Our last facility bond issue was 30 years ago, and it is time to invest again. Please

vote yes on measure 31-59. Our children need it for their education. We need it as a community.

H. Brent Lewis, CPA, La Grande

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Violence has spread worldwide under the policies of our current administration. Who would have thought President Bush would be so dangerous?

Bush fails to grasp the dynamic nature of the world. He sees people (terrorists) as static enemies.

There is a great danger just south of the border. War lords are terrorizing citizens of Mexico and Central America to force cooperation in their drug trade. Our own gun laws have allowed drug lords to outgun all police and federal agencies. Their enormous profits allow them to outpay as well. It is too expensive for honest workers to cross the border, causing labor shortages for farmers and economic hardship for families back home in Mexico, while the smugglers are profiting.

Coyotes charge more than $2,000 to get a single worker across the border, which is pocket change for a drug dealer. Do you see who is favored by our current laws?

The immediate solution would be to open portals for processing workers who can show ID and papers from an employer. This would require cooperation with the Mexican and Central American governments to establish a database and protect workers from ID theft.

We need to stop sales of guns without sufficient proof of the honest intent of the buyer. We probably need to legalize marijuana to eliminate the profitability to drug lords who use their riches to win the hearts and minds of villagers throughout Latin America. If we don't act quickly, we are going to see more of this new brand of terrorism inside our own country.

What will Bush do? Bomb the Mexican villagers for "harboring" terrorists?

Mary Cooke, Cove

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"We are either a United people, or we are not. If we are the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation; which have national objects to promote, and a National character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it.'' — George Washington

How could we have gotten so much so wrong?

That question almost emerged in the 1972 election, but we voted for "peace with honor'' and got the dishonor of defeat and Watergate.

We dumped Carter for mentioning our "national malaise'' (malaise: n. "an indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying an illness" and "a vague sense of mental or moral ill-being") and sent the world's greatest military to assault the tiny island of Granada.

We were regaining our national pride (forgetting that pride without humility is vanity), overcoming Vietnam, forgetting Watergate, forgetting our National Guard killed our peacefully demonstrating college kids, forgetting so much that went so wrong.

A few writers called our attention to our bipartisan national elite's intoxication with political and economic power. We were too busy to be bothered.

Today that intoxication screams at us from the disaster in Iraq and from the EPA announcing that protecting the environment costs too much in corporate profits, from the moral disasters in Congress and our state legislature, from North Korea thumbing its radioactive nose at us, from so many directions that no amount of distractions can long hide the truth, unless we, like our bipartisan elite, insist upon remaining ignorant while pursuing their intoxication.

If we are the nation our founders made us into, we have the duty to turn out of office those who merely "act a farce."

Walter Smith, Enterprise

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Our air quality here in La Grande and the surrounding area is a real problem, not just for asthmatics like me, young children and elders with heart and lung conditions, but for ordinary, healthy folks who think its no problem. It's just an assassin with long-term bullets for the heart and lungs.

I woke up late last month with the valley once again so full of smoke that it was seeping in through every crack in my house in spite of the $1,000 we spent on air purifiers and air-conditioners this year. (What do people do who can't afford such luxuries?) The smoke management people said it was the Forest Service doing controlled burning.

On other days, it's the field burning, "controlled" until the wind changes. A truly unbelievable situation in a town that for weeks of the summer is already suffocating from forest fires in the area. They can't control the winds and weather, so why is there "controlled" burning of fields and forest at all?

The Observer article about the potential of tougher national smoke control standards by the EPA had me jumping for joy, only to be dashed a day or so later by another article saying there would be no changes to field burning regulations.

When will our politicians and government stop bowing to big-money corporation interests and start having some truly compassionate concern for all beings who breathe?

Kayla Komito, La Grande