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| 7/16 Letters to the Editor |
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| *State must curtail unjustified spending*Take interest in visioning process*Extremists to blame for forest problems*Playground project thanks supporters*Rec center plan hurts competitors |
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State must curtail
unnecessary spending
In view of the ongoing high costs of fuel and the recession that the nation is in, I suggest that the Oregon Legislature curtail all unnecessary spending as advocated by the state Legislative Emergency Board.
This specifically means that a moratorium be placed on raises both to the state employees, and above all, the legislators.
Likewise, no money should be spent on wireless networks and the like.
Indeed, the aid needed to offset the fishing closures and the lack of timber revenues is just the beginning of where essential spending must go.
The other downside of the high fuel prices will mean more burden on homeowners for heating this winter and the increased governmental costs such as school bussing.
As consumer spending will have to be prioritized because of transportation and higher food costs, there will be much less spending for other goods and services. This means that revenues for the next biennium will decrease as well.
I would hope that the legislature will realize that 2008-09 will not be "business as usual" and some serious planning must be done to minimize all government spending.
Paul Tanksley
Dallas
Extremists to blame
for forest problems
If you are on a fixed or limited income you should really take time to let environmental extremists know what you think about their role in stopping logging and new energy production efforts.
The cost of gas, food, housing, fuel, roads and law enforcement are getting out of hand and the environmental extremists are primarily responsible. You should take the time to recognize these people and give them your "special" blessing because they have allowed you to give up so much on behalf of their beliefs.
Environmental extremists have discounted the guiding principles of conservationist Gifford Pinchot when he helped create the U.S. Forest Service. Pinchot understood values of nature and how to protect the forests with a balance of economics and management of our resources.
Integrated forest management strategies look at the health of the forest within an adaptive management context. Plans call for the development of a variety of stand structures across the landscape. This will, in turn, benefit local and regional economies while providing ample opportunities for forest recreation. Healthy forest ecosystems with varied stand structures also have an added benefit as a deterrent against forest fires. Plans also have strategies for properly functioning aquatic and riparian habitats which will benefit the recreational and commercial fisheries.
Because environmental extremists have successfully blocked almost all federal timber sales through our legal system, we now have densely stocked, unhealthy forests resulting in catastrophic annual forest fires.
Don't blame U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for not renewing the legislation to obligate money for federal timber payments. Activists have been pressuring and suing governments and agencies for decades now. The result is a system of government that is bowing to special interests. It's called tyranny by the minority and the rest of us are paying the price.
Charles J. Hurliman
Tillamook County Commissioner
Take interest in
visioning process
I read with interest in the River City Briefs (city of Independence newsletter) that the new Independence 2020 visioning process has begun.
This is encouraging since goals are a vital part of anyone's or any group's journey.
According to the River City Briefs, the committee wants to hear from us. This is also encouraging since we are thousands strong and should take this opportunity to make an impact on our city's vision for the future.
Lest the focus rest entirely on the downtown, here is an opportunity for every citizen and neighborhood to speak up. Speak up for your streets, parks, services, and for where you want to see your tax dollars spent.
Pick up a paper survey at City Hall or take the online survey at the city's web site.
Drop by to observe the process while the visioning committee is meeting. A list of dates and meeting places should also be available at City Hall.
Andrea Melendy
Independence
Playground project
thanks supporters
The Parents' Playground Project Committee would like to thank all of the residents of Falls City who supported us through volunteering or attending the Fourth of July Carnival.
A special thank you goes to Dallas Domino's Pizza, Independence Police Department, Dallas National Guard, Western Oregon University, and A & N Hometown Grocery for your donations.
Proceeds from the carnival will help in the construction of the third phase of our four-phase playground project. Thank you everyone. We all had a wonderful time.
Donations to the project are always welcome. To see how you can help, call Falls City Elementary School at 503-787-3531.
Laura Gilbert
Falls City
Rec center plan
hurts competitors
The M-I YMCA board professes wonderful claims for your increase in taxes.
Health competitors benefit from a YMCA? False. National statistics from 15,000 surveys taken by two premier health and fitness entities -- American Sports Data Inc. and the University of New Haven -- relate in a five-year period that two health competitors had closed in YMCA market areas with subsequent YMCA membership increases.
Sherwood's parent YMCA, the YMCA of Columbia Willamette-Portland, has had a tarnished reputation and is hardly something to brag about. They lost their nonprofit status, and lost again at the Oregon Supreme Court. Years later, unopposed due to high legal fees, they got it back.
Private health and fitness businesses have to pay for their taxed buildings and equipment. YMCAs, by default, do not.
Would you like a tax-free home given to you? Of course. The M-I YMCA wants a tax-free building; you pay the 30-year mortgage, then you pay to join the YMCA, then you pay to use the YMCA health facilities.
You pay to get the privilege to pay and pay.
Don't sign the petitions.
Reta Farb
Independence
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