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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (June 20, 2013)
last year alone Oregon credit unions delivered $121 million in direct benefi ts to Oregonians. Oregon Community Credit Union provided 2,000 hours of community service projects and more than $500,000 in sponsorships, scholarships and fi nancial literacy programs. Please visit donttaxmycreditunion.org and tell your congressperson exactly that: Don’t tax my credit union! Mat Beecher Eugene SEXUAL IDENTITY There is all this talk about homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual, but there is a large group that is being ignored. It is time to come out of the closet. I’m monosexual and proud of it! Vince Loving Eugene MORE TAX INCREASES Florence residents were promised that merging the city into the rural fi re district would not cause higher taxes. A written agreement limited the increases. In 2011, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue (SVFR) staff gave notice to the Florence City Council they removed this restrictive/ offensive section. To the annual 3 percent tax increase due to 3 percent increase of property appraised values, fi re staff is adding 6 percent this year to its district rate; 0.8891 to 0.9391. I say “staff” since monthly board meetings average 30 minutes; staff provides the issues, supporting research and singular decision choice; and the board votes unanimously. Just because the fi re district provides a decent service is no excuse for us and our elected board to give the staff a blank check and invite into a candy store. The proposed and last year’s tax increases can be eliminated by one decision. The receptionist/ secretary/ offi ce worker received consecutive 10 percent pay increases, becoming the second highest salary on the fi re staff. She will cost roughly $48 per actual work-hour. Together with her full-time assistant, they provide offi ce support for the huge staff of six full-time workers. This largess may be since both she and her boss are retiring this year and PERS retirement is based on 1.67 percent times years in PERS times fi nal salary. The solution is to simply retire her position, saving $62,370 salary plus $6,600 medical (with dental vision) plus $6,000 PERS (estimated) plus 8.6 weeks paid days off plus her other compensations. Most local businesses would agree one competent offi ce staff worker fulfi lls the support needs of an equivalent service shop. The assistant is already trained, so let her assume the lead position at her current compensation. Supporting documents can be viewed on the siuslawcounty.org website. The proposed budget’s single public hearing was June 19. Keith Stanton Florence LETTERS POLICY: We welcome letters on all topics and will print as many as space allows, with priority given to timely local issues. Please limit length to 200 words, keep submissions to once a month, and include your address and phone number for our files. Email to letters@eugeneweekly. com fax to 484-4044, or mail to 1251 Lincoln, Eugene 97401. IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, YOU MUST READ US ONLINE: EUGENEWEEKLY.COM traveling soon? medical advice for global travelers t he t ravel c linic John D. Wilson, M.D. Formula for the perfect road trip! 1200 Hilyard St., Suite S-560 541/343-6028 www.TravelClinicOregon.com Questions? Email us at travelclinicoregon.3436028@gmail.com Questions? Email us at travelclinic3436028 @ gmail.com At least one adventurous travel companion $OO:RPHQnV6DQGDOV RQ6DOH Women’s Ibiza 36 Slide Sandal Reg. 128.00 Sale $99.97 Sizes: 36-42 Black, Bronze, Anthracite Your favorite 80’s tunes One fully stocked cooler (Don’t forget the dog treats!) Women’s Magic Reg.130.00 Sale $99.97 Sizes: 6-11 whole sizes Brown, Red, Shale Wherever you’re headed, SELCO can get you on the road with a great auto loan. Pack your bags and we’ll take care of the rest. Strap into summer. :LWKVRPDQ\FRORUVDQGVW\OHVWRFKRRVHIURP\RXnOO find the sandal for virtually any occasion. Clarks, Keen, Dansko, Aetrex, Wolky, Ecco, Waldlaufer, Teva, Alegria, Aravon, Cobb Hill, Naot, Rafters, Orthaheel. All on sale. Start the pre-approval process today! selco.org/roadtrip • 541-686-8000 Several locations in Eugene and Springfield Sale ends June 29. *Qualified borrowers only. Membership requirements apply. See SELCO for details. 16 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR | 541.683.4115 | burchsshoes.com Banking | Mortgages | Insurance | Retirement | Business Lending eugeneweekly.com • June 20, 2013 7
