Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868

9/1 Letters to the Editor

*Bike path paving a waste of money*Fair experience was disappointing*Mansell would be strong Polk Judge*Judge's support seems unethical*Vets deserve more from the state fair*Campbell will be fine circuit judge*Thanks to all for helping Shawn's family

Bike path paving

a waste of money

I would like to know who authorized the black topping of the bike path between Monmouth and Rickreall?

I'd like to know what it cost to produce and put up the signs that read "bicycles on roadway" and to take them down. You shouldn't be driving if you can't see a bike on the road.

In this depressed economy why are we spending about $700,000 on a path that was not in desperate need of help? It may employ some people for a short time, but it's only temporary and it is not done by private businesses which will employ people for a long time.

I do not consider this an intelligent way to spend our "stimulus" dollars. We need private business creating new jobs, not our various levels of governments.

Elizabeth Smithson

Independence

Mansell would be

strong Polk judge

I am writing in support of Melanie Mansell for Polk Circuit Court Judge.

We have been friends and horseback riders for 23 years. Melanie has the diversity of 21 years of practicing law. She has been a resident of Polk County for the past 24 years.

Melanie is dedicated to the needs of at-risk youth and she has devoted her property for use by the Dallas Riders for Christ, a youth motocross program.

Her integrity eminently qualifies her for the very important position of circuit court judge. She would serve the community to the highest degree.

Leni Holton

Sheridan

Fair experience

was disappointing

After reading your story about the drop in fair attendance ("Hot weather cools fair attendance, Aug. 25 Itemizer-Observer), I had to share an opinion.

While I'm sure the hot weather was a factor in the decline in attendance, I believe part of the reason can be attributed to the fact that there is so little to do at the county fair.

My family recently moved to Monmouth and was looking forward to our first Polk County Fair. We went on Friday evening. After about an hour or so of looking at some exhibits, the farm animals and grabbing something to eat, we left. We were disappointed that there was so little to do.

There wasn't any type of concerts or live performances other than some kids doing things on a small stage (we were told the entertainment was during the afternoon -- seems an odd time since most people are at work on a Friday afternoon), the so-called carnival area had a few kiddie rides and swing sets, but nothing my 11 and 14 year olds were interested in, and we really don't think about playing video games and bingo at the fair.

Maybe if there was more going on, more people would go.

We won't go again unless we know there was more things added to see and do. Hopefully we will get our "fair fix" at the state fair.

Doug Jones

Monmouth

Judge's support

seems unethical

Why is incumbent and newly designated Polk County administrative Judge Horner campaigning for Sally Avera to replace Judge Luukinen?

Is it even judicially ethical for a sitting judge to actively campaign on behalf of one judicial candidate over other candidates?

Clearly, Judge Horner has demonstrated partiality toward candidate Avera, the ex-wife of colleague and incumbent Judge Fred Avera.

How is all this connected to the respected past administrative Judge Charles E. Luukinen's unexpected decision to "retire?" Are voters willing to support what appears to be a Horner Polk County judicial kingdom in the making? What happened to judicial independence and impartiality?

E.M. Easterly

West Salem

Vets deserve more

from the state fair

I see in the published Oregon State Fair schedule something called "Veterans Appreciation Day" that's set for the last day of the fair on Monday, Sept. 6.

If they are showing appreciation for veterans, why is it on the last day, long after most of the displays have long faded into poor viewing?

I believe they should honor the veterans passes on any day the veterans choose to attend so they can have a clear choice of what events they would like to participate in.

This reminds me of what happened in 1987, when the veterans brought the Traveling Vietnam Wall to Salem for the first time. The only place available, according to the fairgrounds manager, was the livestock area. There, we had to watch where we stepped or clean off our shoes.

This year it seems the vets are being treated much like what we had to clean off the first time we had an event for vets there.

Walt Allegar

Dallas

Campbell will be

fine circuit judge

Circuit court judges preside over civil and criminal trials. Monte Campbell has more experience than any other candidate.

Monte also knows Polk County. He has practiced in Dallas for more than 15 years. He regularly helps our community as a volunteer through Rotary and his church.

Monte will be tough with criminals and respect victims' rights. Crime Victims United has endorsed Monte. He is also supported by many of our local public officials and retiring Judge Luukinen.

Please join me in voting for Monte Campbell for Polk County Circuit Court Judge.

Wes Hill

West Salem

Thanks to all for

helping Shawn

Thank you to all who supported the Shawn Woodrum benefit garage sale by either donating, working or shopping at the sale.

Special thanks to the Polk County Association of Realtors for putting the event on and Whitworth Elementary School for allowing us to have it there.

Without all of your support, this wouldn't have happened. We raised about $5,500 for Shawn's family. That will go a long way, but the overwhelming love and generosity this community showed them will go on and on.

Jana Fogg

Dallas

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