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THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Vote ‘no’ on
statewide measures
M
ore often than not, I vote “yes” on bal-
lot measures, provided they are for a
good cause and individuals or organizations
that I recognize have worked hard to get it
on the ballot.
Several ballot measures on this upcoming
election require careful scrutiny. It turns out
a “yes” vote would have results that are det-
rimental to the general public. I am referring
specifically to Measures 103, 104, 105 and
106. If you review them carefully, I think
you will agree with me, and vote “no” on
each one.
CAROLYN EADY
Astoria
Vote Rocka for
Astoria City Council
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storia is facing some critical decisions
now with the development of the water-
front. This is the time we need people of
vision on the Astoria City Council. Roger
Rocka will provide the leadership to get the
job done.
I have worked with Roger on community
projects over the last decade, and know him
to be a person of compassion and integrity, a
rare combination these days.
For the future of Astoria and our water-
front, vote for Roger Rocka for Astoria City
Council.
TED MESSING
Astoria
Vote Herman for
Astoria City Council
here are many fine candidates on your
ballot for the upcoming election. Cer-
tainly, this is the year for fine women run-
ning for office. One standout is Joan Her-
man, City Council candidate for Ward 3.
Joan has the ability to be a progressive
leader for the Astoria City Council.
I first met, and worked with her during
her reporter days at The Daily Astorian. She
learned early the workings of local govern-
ment, and later, her active role in community
involvement clearly has prepared her for the
job. I urge every voter to become informed,
vote, and send in your ballot before Tuesday,
Nov. 6.
BOB WESTERBERG
Astoria
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Astoria, OR 97103.
Vote Wev for
county commissioner
V
ote for Pam Wev for Clatsop County
commissioner. Pam brings fresh ears
and eyes to issues that have plagued Clat-
sop County for many years. Pam is a team
participant, and will work with commission
members and the county manager to advance
progress.
Pam will support inclusion from all sec-
tions of Clatsop County, and support a com-
prehensive approach that includes the pub-
lic and all local and state agencies in making
sound decisions that affect us all, individu-
ally and business-related. Pam is an indepen-
dent and resourceful professional who comes
with no bias or agenda.
Clatsop County is faced with many chal-
lenges, affordable housing, homelessness,
public transportation, and preparedness for
a major natural disaster. Pam’s skills and
knowledge will help the county to make wise
decisions for our future.
Pam was not born here, but many of our
current and former community leaders were
not, either, yet chose Clatsop County for
their home and have brought significant ben-
efit to our region. Our county needs a pro-
gressive, thoughtful, insightful person with
the ability to challenge the status quo.
There must be a balance in all we do if
we wish to succeed in the future. While we
commend those who were willing to chal-
lenge Pam for this position, we, the elector-
ate, have the opportunity to put bias, party,
and name recognition aside and elect a per-
son who can clearly listen and provide lead-
ership skills so desperately needed.
Join us in voting “yes” for Pam Wev
as our next District 3 Clatsop County
commissioner.
DEB and BILL COOK
Astoria
Herman an excellent
City Council candidate
oan Herman was early in her decision
to run for the Ward 3 seat on the Astoria
City Council, after Cindy Price decided not
to run again. She is an excellent candidate.
Inspiration is the word that comes to mind
in describing her qualifications. While creat-
ing a new business, Bikes and Beyond, she
and Rich Fencsak demonstrated that Astoria
could be a bike-friendly town by biking up
the hills regularly, inspiring others to take on
the exercise challenge.
She and Rich also took care of the trails
where they walked, most notably the Cathe-
dral Trail, that was almost inaccessible
before to hikers. That was a tremendous
undertaking they accomplished for the city,
and visitors, to the popular site.
As a Daily Astorian reporter in the 1980s,
Joan always wrote interesting articles. She
is a skilled interviewer and knows how to
gather all the facts together. Currently she is
using those skills as a programmer at KMUN
in her weekly broadcast, “Perspectives.”
Joan inspires others by demonstrating that
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physical obstacles don’t necessarily restrict
participation in civic affairs. We are fortu-
nate she is willing to do this for us.
KAREN MELLIN
Astoria
Lack of jail space
encourages criminals
L
ast night one of our neighbors lost a
bike to a thief. It occurred to me, why
even report it? The thief won’t spend time
in jail. This must be discouraging for law
enforcement. While over the past few years
it has been known that if you do go to jail,
it won’t be for long. This is encouraging
criminals.
When you start a program that discour-
ages crime, and lawbreakers fear getting
caught because they pay dearly, crime will
reduce. It looks good on paper if you just
make theft the same as a parking ticket. If I
understood a previous news article, a large
portion of the jail population is in line wait-
ing for a judge.
I believe we the people would be more
inclined to vote for a new jail if we are will-
ing to look at some of the alternatives.
Maybe sorting garbage for recycling by
offenders, instead of separate recycle pickup
and shipping it east. This could reduce my
cost for garbage service and reduce jail
space, a win/win. Lets do a real recycle,
instead of trucking it out of sight. It would
solve both problems.
And how about more work details,
instead of jail? And quicker court dates to
reduce the number of inmates waiting in jail.
So far, I have heard only fear tactics to
sell the jail. We the people historically don’t
like being pushed.
Just my opinion.
CHARLES BERGERSON
Warrenton
Vote Smith for
Gearhart City Council
am endorsing Kerry Smith for Gearhart
City Council, Position 1. As mayor of
Gearhart, I have had the privilege of work-
I
ing with Kerry to help protect the values that
make Gearhart, Gearhart.
Kerry’s record speaks for itself, as he has
consistently voted to protect our residential
properties, to protect our hard-earned tax-
payer dollars, and has championed transpar-
ency and accountability for all public offi-
cials and city staff. Nowhere is that more
evident than in his careful scrutiny of our
city budget.
Kerry also believes, as I do, that bring-
ing Gearhart into the 21st century can only
be done by protecting the values of our
comprehensive plan, and allowing our citi-
zens’ voices to be heard. Kerry and our fel-
low councilors have done an excellent job of
navigating difficult issues the last few years.
While we don’t always agree on every
issue, the council has been very effective in
finding solutions through citizen involve-
ment and compromise. Kerry consistently
puts the needs of our citizens as his top pri-
ority, and understands the true values of our
low-density residential community.
A vote for Kerry Smith is a vote to pro-
tect the Gearhart we all know and love.
That’s why I am endorsing Kerry Smith for
Gearhart City Council.
MAYOR MATTY BROWN
Gearhart
Training wheels
s a young lad, when I first tried to ride a
bike, they didn’t have training wheels to
keep you from taking a spill. So usually my
father would be there in case I started to lose
my balance.
Oftentimes in life we get so discouraged,
so depressed, have pain that won’t go away,
we just want to give up. We lose our balance.
But guess what? There is one better than
training wheels. There is one who has prom-
ised to be there when we lose our balance,
when we thinking we can’t go on, he is the
one like an eagle, swooping down to save its
young.
What you may be going through right
now, or in the future, may seem very diffi-
cult. But it is the testing that builds trust in
the one who promised, “Lo, I am with you
always.” So if life throws you off balance,
let go, and hang onto the great stabilizer of
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the universe, and you and me.
JIM BERNARD
Warrenton
Vote Taylor
for Astoria mayor
W
hile we have two good candidates for
mayor, I am writing to express my
support for Dulcye Taylor. I have watched
the great work that she has done with the
downtown Astoria historical district. I have
witnessed her level of involvement and com-
mitment in so many Astoria projects and
events.
Dulcye listens, gets the facts, and acts. I
like an active decision-maker like Dulcye.
She is just what Astoria needs. I am voting
for Dulcye, and I hope that you will, too.
DAN NEGLEY
Astoria
Astoria needs
Jones for mayor
n the recent mayoral debate, Bruce Jones
described his leadership philosophy. He
said, “a leader should be an honest broker, be
transparent, do the right thing without regard
to politics.” How refreshing in 2018. Astoria
needs him to be its next mayor.
Bruce’s career as a Coast Guard com-
mander was built on consensus and not per-
sonal agenda. He worked with private indus-
try and government agencies. Whether it was
managing an oil spill or rescuing hurricane
survivors, Bruce’s selfless leadership saved
lives and sensitive ecosystems. His calm,
organized, thoughtful and detailed approach
earned him the respect of all.
Bruce’s tenure on the City Council is
another example of calm, reasoned leader-
ship. He has handled important city business
with a fair-minded approach without any
personal bias. He has earned the admiration
of this fellow councilors and city staff.
Bruce wants safe neighborhoods, qual-
ity schools, meaningful jobs, life enriching
opportunities, and tolerance for all. Bruce
wants the Astoria in 25 years to be better
than it is now. Bruce is aware of the issues
facing our community, and listens to the
input of others. His vision and leadership
style are exactly what Astoria needs now.
Vote for Bruce Jones.
MIMI ROSE
Astoria
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Herman will serve
Astoria well
oan Herman knows Astoria, having been
a downtown business owner here for
many years. She moved (a little) farther
upriver to teach English at a community col-
lege for a decade, then returned to Astoria
just a few years ago. She now serves on the
city Planning Commission, and is president
of the board of directors for KMUN radio,
among other public service pursuits. Joan
excels in everything she does, with grace and
courage.
Joan Herman is an excellent choice for
Astoria City Council Ward 3. Her calm intel-
ligence and understanding of the crucial
problems facing our community will serve
Astoria well.
SUSAN SKINNER
Astoria
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