Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (April 18, 2020)
Opinion LABEL 4A Saturday, April 18, 2020 The Observer OUR VIEW EO Media Group file photo The United States Postal Service warned Congress re- cently that, without a government bailout, it could “run out of cash” by September. Without help, USPS may not survive he U.S. Postal Service is in trouble finan- cially, and it may become one of the long- term causalities of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. That can’t be allowed to happen. The U.S. Postal Service is a unique cre- ation of the Founding Fathers. It is both a part of the government — part of the executive branch — but also is an independent entity. The service also is sanctioned in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution. Now, the volume of mail surging through the postal service is down because of the COVID-19 outbreak, and if it continues to fall, the impact on the agency will be severe and perhaps irreversible. Many of us might see the postal service as a quaint throwback to different times long ago, but the truth is the agency is a mixing ground for a tremendous amount of volume every day and year. Its service is essential, too. For example, most of the medicines sent out by the United States Department of Vet- erans Affairs are through the postal service. Lots of other folks also depend on the service for their medications. It is no secret the postal service has faced financial challenges in the past. Things hav- en’t become much brighter financially for the service lately, and the COVID-19 virus out- break made the situation a whole lot worse. The good news is the $2 trillion emer- gency relief bill Congress approved last month included a $10 billion loan for the ser- vice. While useful, that loan isn’t a long-term answer. That’s because the agency reported an $8.8 billion loss last year and needs the govern- ment to forgive the large debt. Then it needs the federal government to inject a large infu- sion of cash to establish a stable platform where it can move forward. The Trump administration has has some discussion about privatize the agency and, at first glance, that may seem like a good idea. Upon further reflection, though, the privatiza- tion idea isn’t the right way to approach this challenge. Privatization always sounds good to die- hard, fiscal conservatives, but it usually isn’t feasible, and this is a good case in point. Rather, lawmakers need to step up and review this issue with more than a passing glance. The postal service isn’t some fly- by-night business that is crying for bailout money. It is a critical piece of our democratic system our founders established. We need to do all we can to get the agency back on track. T MY VOICE Open letter to the community from Union County commissioners As your elected public officials, we would like to assure all citizens of Union County that we are working together to navigate the COVID-19 challenges affecting communities across the nation. We are appreciative of established relationships between the county and city governments; in these trying times we are relying heavily upon each other. We are in contact with mayors, city councils and state and federal representatives. We trust in their professionalism and dedication to serving the people of Union County. There are numerous plans in place to address the current crisis. These include contingency plans, strategic plans, tactical plans, operational plans, single-use plans, state plans, regional plans and many ongoing Anderes Beverage Scarfo planning efforts. The formation of the local multi-agency Incident Man- agement Team and Joint Informa- tion Center are also a result of this planning. Information on COVID-19 is avail- able far and wide. These uncertain times can be scary, making it easy to believe all of the information pro- vided through the various news and social media outlets. The NE Oregon Joint Information Center continues to be a trusted source of information for the region. Information is gener- ated from partner agencies such as the Center for Human Development, Grande Ronde Hospital, Oregon Health Authority, local law enforce- ment, school districts and city admin- istrators, among others. We ask that you continue to be kind to one another. Throughout this pandemic, please remember that you may not know how the day-to-day stresses are affecting others. It is important to be supportive of one another and continue to check in on others while strongly adhering to the social distancing guidelines. We are in this together, and together we will continue to do our best for the citizens of Union County. Paul Anderes, chairman Donna Beverage, commissioner R. Matthew Scarfo, commissioner Your views Boyd Rasmussen upholds Constitution, our freedoms We have known Boyd Rasmussen for many years and it is with great pleasure we support him for re-elec- tion as Union County Sheriff. He has served the citizens of Union County with integrity, honor and respect for 15 years. Sheriff Rasmussen’s experience, judgment and leadership have been exemplary. He has worked long and hard for all of the communities of our county, striving to meet the law enforcement services effectively and efficiently. He stands firm in upholding the Constitution and the freedoms it affords the citizens of this country. We feel safe and confident knowing that Sheriff Rasmussen is on the job. It has always been our perception that “if something isn’t broken, then don’t fix it.” Please join us in re-electing Boyd Rasmussen for Union County Sheriff. Ken Kramer and Becky Kramer Imbler Bill Miller is the servant and leader we need My name is Steve Oliver, retired Union County sheriff. I served as your sheriff for 12 years prior to retiring in 2005. Change isn’t always easy, but it can be necessary. I believe it is absolutely necessary in the sheriff’s office. We need a new sheriff. The sheriff needs to have the highest form of integrity and ethics beyond reproach to be a leader. These seem to be lacking now. Paraphrasing from a passage in the Bible where two disciples are trying to get Jesus to exalt them above the other disciples: He tells them if they want to be a leader they first must become servants. The sheriff, if he wants to be a good leader, must first become a servant to all the people he represents in Union County. I am asking you to support Bill Miller for Union County sheriff. His integrity will never be in question nor will his ethics. Bill Miller is the most well- rounded candidate. His career started in the prison in Pendleton. I hired him away from the prison to work as a correction officer in the Union County Jail. He later worked for the city of Elgin as a patrolman. He joined the Union County Sher- iff’s Office as a deputy sheriff, even- tually being promoted to detective sergeant in charge of the drug task force. He now works for the parole and probation office. This kind of experience and traits are what we need in a sheriff. Bill Miller will be that “servant/ leader” sheriff we need. Please join me in electing Bill Miller as your next sheriff. Stephen G. Oliver Summerville Donna Beverage is an ideal county commissioner My name is Cherie Kausler and I am writing this letter in support of Donna Beverage, Union County commissioner. Donna Beverage has been an active member of my local commu- nity, Union, for decades. Recently, I have become more involved in local volunteer groups. During my vol- unteer activities, I have witnessed Donna Beverage provide leadership, mentorship, access to resources and affirmation. I have witnessed her advocate for Union County consensus and unity in negotiation. Locally, Donna Beverage has been at our initial Main Street Committee to mentor and provide resources to the new group. Donna Beverage has kept the city of Union Chamber of Com- merce active in events such as Winter Wonderland and the Grassroots Fes- tival. As the Friends of the Historic Union Community Hall research the feasibility of purchasing and main- taining the Union United Meth- odist Church as a community center, Donna Beverage has offered expertise and leadership. In the role of Union County com- missioner, I have witnessed Donna Beverage provide information about Union County Commission events and services. She has also been open to suggestions to better serve our res- idences and stimulate the regional economy. In addition to her work locally and throughout Union County, I have seen Donna Beverage as a rancher and farmer. She understands our local culture and relationship to the land. Donna Beverage can advocate for our unique Eastern Oregon way of life and is an ideal candidate for Union County commissioner. Cherie Kausler Union
