Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 16, 2014)
found. While hiking, my family has noticed that we fi nd ambystomad salamanders in small fi sh-less lakes, but in waters with trout we fi nd none. Many populations of amphibians, including Cascade frogs and Western toads, have shown declines in recent decades. Studies have shown that planted trout have a negative impact on native frog populations and ambystomad salamanders. Furthermore, studies that removed introduced trout from lakes observed far- reaching effects. In addition to preying directly on amphibians, trout also consume the same invertebrates that amphibians eat. Those insects also provide food for bats. Thus, introduced fi sh led to decreased bat numbers. Finally, trout compete with native garter snakes for food, as well. Since climate change is predicted to cause even more stress to already declining amphibian populations, it is imperative that we not tamper with our montane ecosystems simply to provide recreational fi shing that is readily available elsewhere. This spring I hope to see Eugene Weekly highlight the consequences of introducing trout into Cascade lakes instead of touting the glory of hauling fi sh to environments where they don’t belong. Kathleen Taylor Eugene TOP TWO NOT A SOLUTION I’ve worked on electoral reforms for two decades and do not support Measure 90, which seeks to implement a “top-two” primary system. The 18th-century plurality system we use for voting is the worst of all democracies in the world, most of whom use a proportional representation system. But a top-two primary does little to address the magnitude of systemic problems in the plurality system. Top-two proponents’ claims of benefi ts are highly speculative, overly optimistic and not grounded in experience. Their claim of more choices in the primary We’re rooting for your health is contradicted by fewer choices in the general election, where it really counts. Their claims of more participation and less gridlock have not been experienced to a signifi cant degree in California or Washington, both of which have implemented a top-two system. Oregon’s Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission voted 14-5 against Measure 90, saying it “limits the voice of minority voters, minor parties and grassroots campaigns.” We need bold reforms. I support eliminating the partisan primaries and moving all candidates to the general election, where turn-out is twice that of the primary. The general election would use the instant runoff voting system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference. Mathematically, this accomplishes in one election what a multiple-round runoff election does. Jim Stauffer Eugene A MATTER OF RESPECT Pick a plan that helps you achieve your goals. As a member of the Finance Committee at Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD), I have observed Patti Chappel and her unprofessional behavior as a board director for EPUD. She has been rude to the other board members as well as members of the public attending the EPUD meetings. Sometimes while sitting and watching and listening I could hardly believe her undesirable actions in the boardroom. Let’s bring the professionalism back to the governing body of EPUD and vote for Lee Kelley to replace Chappel. Kelley is the ultimate professional who has been a businessman in Veneta for many years and is a shining example of decency with a great deal of respect for others. Vote Lee Kelley for EPUD Nov. 4. Vicki Flynn Eugene GREENS SHOW SUCCESS Providence Medicare Advantage Plans give you more for your health, like a no-cost gym membership with all of our plans, plus access to more than 11,000 providers in and out of Providence facilities. Call 1-855-210-1587 (TTY: 711) to learn more or enroll, or visit www.ProvidenceHealthPlan.com/2015. Service is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week (Pacific time). Providence Health Plan is an HMO and HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Providence Health Plan depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. H9047_2015PHP23 ACCEPTED The author of the essay “Our Rigged Elections” [10/2] displayed a lack of understanding about the local and global success of the Green Party. In Oregon, the Pacifi c Green Party has enjoyed great success at the local level. Greens have been elected to the Salem and Ashland city councils and to a number of other local positions. In neighboring Benton County, the president of the Corvallis City Council, another city councilor and a Circuit Court judge are all Green. Globally, Greens hold elected offi ce in parliaments from Europe to Latin America to Canada. Although Greens in Oregon often receive a greater percentage of the vote than our European and Latin American counterparts, the votes in our winner-take- all election system do not translate into representation. The voting system known as proportional representation — used by most democracies worldwide — is what provides representation for Greens in governments throughout the world. Oregon’s electoral system is indeed in need of an upgrade. Proportional representation would be a tremendous step forward. Proportional representation, like EUGENEWEEKLY.COM • OCTOBER 16, 2014 5
