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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 2, 2018)
5A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vote ‘yes’ for Astoria school bond I want to take a moment to thank everyone in the Astoria School District who has, or is voting “yes” for the Astoria school bond, and yes for Astoria kids. My children and their peers will benefit from this. Our community will benefit from this, as these kids graduate happier, safer, and with more success and enter the local workforce. My son will appreciate the added security brought to the high school, and the improved facilities. My daughter will greatly appreciate the new middle school, being better able to enjoy what little sunshine Astoria brings in class- rooms with windows and more useful floor plans, and ultimately the improvements at the high school. The district will benefit from updated facil- ities that are more economical and environ- mentally responsible. The teachers will ben- efit from improved teachability from more comfortable and eager students — especially during those teen years. Thank you again to everyone voting “yes” for Astoria kids. DARYL MOORE Astoria Risley has served Cannon Beach well I am writing this to give my full support to Robin Risley for Cannon Beach City Coun- cil. I have known Robin for 30 or more years. She has served our community well with the many jobs she has done. Because Robin has lived, worked and enjoyed Cannon Beach’s special ambiance for many years, she understands the fierce love the local residents have for their village. Robin also knows that we must protect as much as we can of the village feeling, even though we have now become a destination resort, unfortunately. The advertising of Can- non Beach all over the world was overkill, in my mind. I have traveled in many parts of the world, and whenever I mention Cannon Beach the response is, “That’s where Hay- stack Rock is.” Please vote for Robin. I am confident that we will not have paid parking meters or high- rise apartments, and will still retain the village feeling. MOLLY EDISON Cannon Beach Water most important issue in Gearhart I n Kerry Smith’s letter (“Representing con- stituents in Gearhart,” The Daily Astorian, Oct. 26), he stated important characteristics to him: strong core values, representing con- stituents, and creating solutions for Gearhart; “Honesty. Above all, this is the most import- ant to me.” Read below and remember these statements. I was a strong supporter of Kerry for City Council four years ago. We sat on my deck to talk about issues concerning him. He was offered coffee or tea. He said no. Unsure, we used filtered water. He requested an unopened bottle of water, which he was given. He explained why. He had distilled down five gallons of Gearhart water drawn from his kitchen faucet. His result, a fair amount of black sludge. He then stated that while liv- ing in Alaska, he worked in a water treatment facility. He and his wife did not drink or cook with Gearhart water because it was unhealthy and unsafe; correcting this problem was a main goal if elected to City Council. Four years later, and my endeavor to find even a mention by Kerry regarding the quality of Gearhart’s water turned up nothing. Why has he not used his expertise to correct this problem? Do Kerry and his wife now drink/ cook with Gearhart water? My wife and I certainly can’t, because of its chemical odor/taste and brown color on certain days. We feel the issue of safe, healthy water to drink is more important than invasive species, short-term rentals and the compre- hensive plan. HOWARD GABLE Gearhart sure 102 is a straightforward fix that will strengthen the ability of local governments, nonprofits and private organizations to work together to address the housing crisis. The measure will allow funds raised through affordable housing bonds to be used alongside private and nonprofit resources and expertise. The Oregon Legislature referred this measure to the ballot with bipartisan sup- port and, with no cost to voters, this measure is just common sense. The passage of Measure 102 will also put in place an oversight framework, to ensure that each project is run responsibly. Just as I am passionate about affordable housing, I am devoted to fiscal prudence and ethical conduct. If we ever pass a bond for afford- able housing in the future, Measure 102 will protect your taxpayer dollars and make sure they’re going as far as possible. LIANNE THOMPSON Arch Cape Vote ‘no’ on Measure 105 A s someone who believes in the values of tolerance and safety, I urge my fellow Oregonians to vote “no” on Measure 105. Measure 105 aims to throw out an existing anti-profiling law, which was adopted with bipartisan support more than 30 years ago in order to curb racial profiling in our commu- nities. We must protect this important piece of human rights legislation by voting “no” on 105. Supporters of 105 will tell you that the bal- lot measure makes our communities safer. That is not true. If passed, Measure 105 would ask already overstretched local law enforce- ment to do the bidding of federal immigra- tion police, taking their focus away from local community issues. It would also push immi- grant communities further into the shad- ows, discouraging them from contacting local police when crimes are committed. The two principal groups behind Mea- sure 105 do not care about safety. They are, in fact, extremist hate groups, labeled as such by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Those who care about tolerance and safety have stated plainly that Measure 105 isn’t safe, and isn’t in keeping with Oregonian values. Please join them in voting “no” on 105. ANDREW ZINGG Astoria Mitchell for state rep A fter 72 hours of pipe bombs and mur- derous carnage, the bile shot right back up my gullet Sunday evening when the lat- est Vineeta Lower (Republican candidate for House District 32) attack ad aired on my TV. This ad begins with grainy footage of street violence perpetrated by scary masked marauders and then, boom, a photo of Tiffiny Mitchell (Democrat candidate for House District 32), wearing an Indivisible T-shirt, flashes on screen with a huge “them” plas- tered across her image. Well, I guess I am one of “them.” I canvassed for Tiffiny because I know her personally, and I know how committed she is to solving vital issues like health care, edu- cation, housing and the environment. Tiffiny has spent countless hours going door-to-door, talking with the people about what matters to them, and, unlike Vineeta, participated in can- didate debates to answer the hard questions of potential constituents. Tiffiny even gave canvassers her cell phone number so folks could personally call her with questions or comments. So, Vineeta, as you twirl slow-mo and barefoot on a Sea- side beach and revel in your proclaimed glory of being the divisive “us” and labeling peo- ple like Tiffiny and me as one of “them,” I ask you: How much “Lower” can you go? KATHLEEN STRATTON ZUNKEL Warrenton Risley for Cannon Beach City Council Vote Risley, Benefield for Cannon Beach council R P obin Risley will bring calm deliberation to our City Council. She has served on many city of Cannon Beach committees with distinction — she is always prepared, and always asks thoughtful questions for discus- sion without bias or personal agenda. Please vote for Robin Risley for City Council. LINDA SWEENEY Cannon Beach ‘Yes’ on Measure 102 A s a Clatsop County commissioner, I see the negative impacts of the housing cri- sis every day. Hardworking families are strug- gling to keep a roof over their heads, students are forced to change schools, and many are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives. During my time co-chairing the Hous- ing Subcommittee for the Association of Ore- gon Counties, I worked closely with commis- sioners around the state. From urban to rural, counties across Oregon are experiencing this same crunch. There’s simply not enough safe, stable housing that people can afford. The good news is there’s a measure on our ballot that can make a difference. Mea- lease join me in voting for Robin Risley and Mike Benefield for Cannon Beach City Council. These experienced candidates have each spent innumerable volunteer hours on city committees, serving the interests of the citi- zens of Cannon Beach. Robin and Mike each offer a judicious balance of economic and environmental perspectives. All three candidates for the two open posi- tions bring care and commitment to the com- munity, but Robin and Mike stand out for lon- gevity, experience and balance. Please vote. Let’s set a record for voter turnout in Cannon Beach this fall. BETSY BAMFORD AYRES Cannon Beach ‘No’ on new county jail I urge a “no” vote to fund a new jail. The current county jail is overcrowded with inmates who should not be there — misde- meanors, probation and court-release viola- tions, failure to appear and the like. Move all that to the Warrenton Oregon Youth Author- ity facility. The only inmates who should be in the county jail should be inmates enroute to state corrections. For the past 20 years that num- ber has varied between 10 and 20 people. Reduced to these numbers, the current jail could easily be internally remodeled. The Warrenton facility is already a suffi- ciently secure facility to handle the misde- meanants and minor offenders who are of less risk to the community and to their guards. It now has 20 cells for driving under the influ- ence (DUI), detox and mental hold. It can be immediately used for community physical and mental health. It can refer inmates into reform programs. It can be used now by commu- nity corrections for detention, and for simple actions such as life skills training. The proposal before you is for a new high-security, high-tech, prison block. This type of facility is for punishment only. It is a poorly developed plan; construction costs are still unknown. Planned employees fail to include tech maintenance, ready reaction force, and others. County funds will be drained to construct it, and drained again to operate it. And, proponents have already said it is not big enough. Kill this proposal. Vote “no.” RICHARD ELFERING Astoria Beware of deceptive polls P eople who try to deceive me anger me. On Sunday I received two calls polling me about whom I was going to vote for. The first call was a straight-forward poll concern- ing whom I was going to vote for, for gover- nor. The second call is the one that caused me concern. The caller asked all the usual questions in a different form from the first call, but they were pretty much the same questions. But when we got to the candidates for state rep- resentative, the game changed. The caller asked if I was going to vote for Tiffiny Mitch- ell, the Democratic candidate who “works for the people,” or Vineeta Lower, the Republican candidate, or Brian Halvorsen, the Indepen- dent candidate. I said to hold it, “you just did a very well- crafted psychological promotion for Tiffiny Mitchell, and I resent that.” The girl said that they rotate the names, and I told her it was the “works for the people” add-on that I had a problem with. And the conversation was over. Please be aware of this deceptive tactic, and don’t let them fool you. They open you up by pretending to be a real survey, and then promote their own candidate. RICK NEWTON Warrenton Re-elect Smith in Gearhart O pen letter to Gearhart voters: If you have not yet voted, please do so. And, please help re-elect Kerry Smith for Gearhart City Councilor, Position 1. Kerry Smith is in your corner. He is not about creating problems. He is about finding solutions. He does not have all the answers, but Kerry is just as passionate about Gearhart as you are. He values everything about Gear- hart that is important. 1. Of course, its beauty, not surpassed by many other towns. 2. The rural, small-town feel. 3. The overall kindness and care of the community. 4. The uniqueness of the town. 5. The amazing, real people that live here. 6. The indescribable environment. 7. The quality of life. 8. The overall honesty and down to earth values. 9. The individuality of people who call Gearhart home. 10. You. Abraham Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address, “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This statement encompasses the Comprehensive Plan of Gearhart, and the ideals held by its original writers. Please vote, Gearhart. Vote with your hearts and with your brains. Vote Kerry Smith for Gearhart City Councilor, Position 1. SUSAN EDY Gearhart Choose Taylor or Miller over Jones for Astoria mayor I was unpleasantly surprised to see my favor- ite paper, The Daily Astorian, promoting Bruce Jones as mayor of Astoria “Our View: Jones for Astoria mayor,” Oct. 19. I’ve had the displeasure of two personal interactions with Mr. Jones, both of which impressed upon me his close-minded and uncaring charac- ter, by being unrepentantly pro-profit at the expense of local community members. Mr. Jones specifically told me at a recent City Council meeting regarding an increase in my water utility rates, “You are lucky the city of Astoria is not charging you more for water.” It seems to me that Astoria is at a cross- roads. I believe his priorities will be danger- ously focused on growing businesses at all of our expense, and leading the city down a path of never-ending tax increases that will hurt the vulnerable in our wonderful community. Under his leadership, I believe the city will become openly callous in dealing with local poverty, people experiencing homeless- ness, and our elderly population. The city will become primarily motivated towards finding new ways to make money for private business interests. Dulcye Taylor or Michael Miller are the best choice for your vote, if you want Astoria to remain a city of compassion that defends all of our interests, rather than just private business interests. CINDY JOHNSEN Astoria Balensifer for progress A s a 50-year resident of Warrenton, I can confidently say that our city has been for- tunate to have some of the finest leadership in the county, and Henry Balensifer has been central to the current progress we are experi- encing in our city. He is a strong advocate for business, and has successfully worked with local, state and national lawmakers to keep Warrenton moving forward. Whether it is at a weekly “Mayor’s Cof- fee” meeting, regular City Commission meet- ing, or just a phone call, I have always had any concerns or questions answered by Mayor Balensifer, or any of the other commissioners, in a timely manner. Please join me in voting to re-elect Henry Balensifer as Warrenton mayor. CHRISTINE BRIDGENS Warrenton Drafall for Astoria council first met David Drafall when I walked into 165 West Bond Hair Salon for my first hair appointment. What struck me the most about that first encounter was that he attentively lis- tened to me. What I said mattered to him. That was many, many years ago. Since that day, we have become friends, and he contin- ues to impress me. I’ve learned a lot about David over these many years. Some of his key character strengths are: • Through his profession he has learned to listen to people of all ages, types and from all walks of life. • He is thoughtful. • He is kind and compassionate. • He does what he says he will do. His only agenda in running for City Council is that he is truly interested in making our beau- tiful town better for all the people who live and work in Astoria, both now and in the future. He cares. Vote. KATHY WIGUTOFF Astoria I Herman for Astoria council A storia’s Ward 3 candidates for the City Council, Joan Herman and Ron Zilli, are extremely qualified. I wish they could both serve. I will vote for Herman because of her var- ied experiences, community activism, service on the Planning Commission, and her com- mitment to historic preservation, a revised riv- erfront vision plan that Astorians support, and affordable housing. And, if Herman is elected, I hope the new mayor will appoint Zilli to fill Herman’s posi- tion on the Planning Commission. LINDA OLDENKAMP Astoria Smith for Gearhart council O pen letter to my Gearhart neighbors and friends: While I have owned a home here for 18 years, it is only in the past two years that I have become a permanent resident and voter. During this time, I was little more than a bystander in our town’s politics, and did not feel qualified to delve further. But, recent events compel me to speak up on behalf of Kerry Smith, who is running for re-election to the Gearhart City Council, Position 1. Kerry approaches his role on the City Council with sincerity, honesty and an open mind. As a resident of Gearhart for 33 years, he fully believes in the importance of involv- ing Gearhart residents in the decisions that affect them. Gearhart is changing, and Kerry knows that the comprehensive plan protects the town and its people. He understands what an amazing and strong community we have. He values the importance of working together with his fellow councilors, mayor, and you. Kerry Smith, in his role as Gearhart city councilor, has been a positive influence on our town. Please join me in re-electing Kerry Smith. For information, go to kerryforcouncil.com ANNE MESCH Gearhart Vote ‘yes’ for Warrenton kids P assing the Warrenton school bond is abso- lutely crucial. Can we put a value on our children’s safety? The proposed property for the new middle school would be out of the tsunami zone. It would provide a safe shel- ter for all children and community members, if needed. Overcrowding at the grade school is a major concern. In 1980, I was one of the first teachers to teach in this beautiful new build- ing. Back than there were approximately 500 students. Now there are 800 students, and a trailer parked out back to accommodate this growth. Due to the fact that I’ve taught long- term assignments for the past five years at the grade school, I can confirm that every six-inch square possible has been cleverly utilized. I do miss the library and the theater pit. There were so many awesome performances and presentations like “Nate the Great” from the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Now the “pit” is the library, and the library is a multipurpose venue for grades K-2 physical education. This space is inadequate for PE, as it’s necessary to modify and adjust the curric- ulum to the venue. What’s absolutely not acceptable is the lack of restrooms. All levels (K-8) of stu- dents must utilize and share the indoor facili- ties. There’s no water in the trailer park class- rooms. Teachers literally carry buckets of water to be able to do art projects. Please help our children to be safe and have a quality venue to enhance their educa- tion. Vote “yes” for Warrenton kids. NANCY KENNELL Astoria
