Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (April 30, 2016)
Page 4A OPINION East Oregonian Saturday, April 30, 2016 Founded October 16, 1875 KATHRYN B. BROWN DANIEL WATTENBURGER Publisher Managing Editor JENNINE PERKINSON TIM TRAINOR Advertising Director Opinion Page Editor EO MEDIA GROUP East Oregonian • The Daily Astorian • Capital Press • Hermiston Herald Blue Mountain Eagle • Wallowa County Chieftain • Chinook Observer • Coast River Business Journal Oregon Coast Today • Coast Weekend • Seaside Signal • Cannon Beach Gazette Eastern Oregon Real Estate Guide • Eastern Oregon Marketplace • Coast Marketplace OnlyAg.com • FarmSeller.com • Seaside-Sun.com • NorthwestOpinions.com • DiscoverOurCoast.com MIKE FORRESTER STEVE FORRESTER KATHRYN B. BROWN Pendleton Chairman of the Board Astoria President Pendleton Secretary/Treasurer CORY BOLLINGER JEFF ROGERS Aberdeen, S.D. Director Indianapolis, Ind. Director OUR VIEW Your vote, your voice Your ballot should have arrived in your mailbox by now. Hopefully you’ve opened it and looked over the myriad races you have a say in. The exact number depends on whether or not you are an afiliated voter. Because of Oregon’s closed primary, if you are not registered as Democrat or Republican you have many fewer bubbles to choose from. But if you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of those bubbles, we’re here to help. No matter how informed you try to be, it is likely that some races that have snuck by you. Here’s some advice on local issues. School bonds and levies We feel a little bit like Meg Ryan in that classic scene in When Harry Met Sally. On school levies for the Echo, Milton-Freewater and Athena- Weston districts, we’re screaming: YES, YES and YES. And it’s not because we’re some tax up-tickers and apologists for Oregon’s dismal education system — which remains among the lowest- performing states in many metrics. We support all three because each of these districts is hamstrung by Oregon’s tax system, yet they have been gifted opportunities to bring in millions of outside dollars into local school districts. If voters don’t approve the levies this time around, those dollars will have to be excised from a much smaller pot — local pockets — the next time around. These districts won lotteries of different sorts. If you vote against, you’re just sending those lottery winnings back. We recommend a vote to have what they’re having. Umatilla County Fire District #1 The district is taking a proactive look at how to keep Hermiston and west-county ire response at the top of its game. We appreciate its backers have thoughtfully considered the OTHER VIEWS Pendleton at a tipping point measure’s defeat on the last ballot, and have come back with a lower price point and a more coherent message. This bond will add full- time stafing at the Diagonal Road station, beef up stafing in Stanield and, as a result, provide better coverage for the rural areas. Hermiston’s department hasn’t seen an increase in funding in quite some time, and as a stand-alone district this bond is the best way to keep the ireighters and paramedics best equipped to handle the growing number of emergencies in our growing community. We suggest a YES vote. Pendleton city council There could be as many as seven new faces on the Pendleton city council in just a few months. This represents a remarkable opportunity to reform and refocus the council and put the city on a new path. The members we’d like to see lead that change is mayor John Turner, Becky Marks in Ward 1, Scott Fairley in Ward 2, Dale Primmer in Ward 3 and Paul Chalmers as an at-large councilor. Umatilla County Commissioner The editorial board chose not to make an endorsement between incumbent Bill Elfering and challenger Tom Bailor. Circuit Court Judge We plan to speak with circuit court judge candidates Jon Lieuallen and John Ballard, but won’t make an editorial endorsement until we’ve given them a chance to make their pitch to us. This may be the tightest and most interesting ballot question this year in Umatilla County. And remember: the ballot is not a standardized test. While we hope voters take the time to educate themselves on the issues and candidates before illing out and returning the ballot, if you feel unsure about a particular race, or just want to vote for a single candidate, your vote will be counted just the same. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of the East Oregonian editorial board of Publisher Kathryn Brown, Managing Editor Daniel Wattenburger, and Opinion Page Editor Tim Trainor. Other columns, letters and cartoons on this page express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily that of the East Oregonian. W hen I purchased the Brown and a strong commitment to under- Building in November of standing we are in an era when we have to do more with less. There is no 2005, my wife Gail and I pot of gold at the end of the rainbow were considering several possible nor is there a golden egg hidden under property development locations city hall. We simply need to tighten across the country. We settled on our belts and do the best we can Pendleton because of its immense with what we have until such time as possibilities — possibilities that I the community regains trust in city believe continue to exist although Al government and commits the funds the climate has changed in the last 11 Plute necessary to improve the streets and years. Comment other aspects of our infrastructure. I commuted to Pendleton for four It is always easier to be a spectator years before we actually moved here than to take the ield just like it is easy to full-time in September of 2009. Along the identify a problem; it’s inding the solution way, I also purchased the St. George Hotel that is dificult. The best way to survive and the Bowman Building. During our years in government leadership in Pendleton, we have had the positions is to keep your head privilege of renovating and down and avoid change. We re-purposing all three of those need to create an environment aging but historical facilities. in which those with something They now have a new life, to offer feel comfortable which will continue long after iling for elected positions we have moved on. while those on the sidelines Those irst years in understand their role is to cheer Pendieton were exciting times rather than simply jeer. More and out-of-town developers and more qualiied individuals were applauded for making a will avoid running for ofice if difference — particularly along they realize attempts to offer a Main Street that has been solutions will be met with struggling to keep the lights resistance, risk, recall and rancor. on. Those were the years when Hamley’s There is evidence throughout Pendleton became a major attraction, when storefronts that the early leaders of our daily newspaper were modernized, and when old buildings were once active participants in the process came back to life. New entities like the Prodigal Son are further examples of how old of shaping the community. It too has taken on the role of spectator more prone to lobbing buildings can experience rejuvenation. grenades than becoming visible contributors Pendleton still has a number of major to our collective well-being. buildings that are vacant for lack of a tenant I realize I am an individual with a or empty shells because of ire and decay. penchant for pushing the envelope and Or, in some cases, prime business locations engaging in spirited conversations on without a business. In a way, Pendleton is at subjects about which I am passionate. As a tipping point like many other communities a result, a variety of events have caused that are struggling to maintain the status quo our family to conclude our lives would be while not understanding there is no such happier on the banks of the McKenzie River thing as the status quo — we either move in Springield rather than in a community we forward or backward. thought once would be our permanent home. While Pendleton has a rich heritage, it is As a result, while I will be returning important that in celebrating our past, we do to Pendleton monthly to handle business not imperil our future. As Pendleton seeks matters, as soon as Pendleton completes to deine what lies ahead, it is important the the budget process, I will be resigning as a community comes together to embrace new member of the city council. ideas, divergent opinions and the importance All of that being said, I still believe Pend- of welcoming newcomers. There are two leton is a city full of possibilities and Gail societies co-existing here — those who and I have enjoyed meeting many people represent four, ive and six generations and who will likely remain lifetime-friends. I remain here, as well as those who have am, irst and foremost, an incurable optimist consciously chosen to make Pendleton their and I am conident there are people here who home. Both groups have something to offer. will be able to promote ideas for which I was I am hopeful the city council will be unable to secure support. able to infuse a new sense of direction and ■ excitement into this community. I’m told Al Plute is a Pendleton City Council they intend to start by clearly deining their goals and focus and then sticking to the plan. member and a local property owner. He will resign from the city council May 17. That’s exactly what Pendleton needs — that There is no such thing as the status quo — we either move forward or backward. YOUR VIEWS Circut court judge needs integrity Voters in Umatilla County have a crucial decision to make in the upcoming May elections — who should succeed retiring judge Ronald J. Pahl as our next circuit court judge. This position is so important because of the respon- sibility that comes with deciding the fates of so many people in our community: domestic violence victims, children in dependency cases, those convicted of crimes, parties to contract disputes, adults who are mentally incapacitated, and the list goes on. Moreover, sitting judges are rarely opposed or defeated in elections so they typically preside until they retire or decide to do something else. For these reasons we should take great care in choosing who will be the next judge to handle these important affairs for us. You might think about it this way: If you, or a loved one, were facing a circuit court judge in a divorce, small claims case, restraining order case, or any other legal matter, would you want the judge staring back at you to be one of integrity, fairness, and compassion, or a judge lacking in those important traits? We are lucky to live in a democracy where we get to choose our local judges, so please vote and choose someone who you believe embodies the personal character beitting a judge. hard worker. Cody is the type of person who will speak up and make a difference. The city of Pendleton needs the younger generation to get more involved and Cody is the right person to do this. I know Cody will be devoted and committed and take this opportu- nity very serious. Vote Cody Cimmiyotti — we won’t be disappointed. Arron Guevara Pendleton Fire bond necessary to keep up with needs Cimmiyotti the right choice for Ward 3 This is the irst time I have written a letter to the editor, but I feel very strongly that Cody Cimmiyotti would be the right person for the Ward 3 seat on the Pendleton City Council. He is very dedicated to whatever he chooses to do as well as a very Be heard! Kelly Knight Pendleton We have been residents of the Hermiston area since 1975. Over the years I’ve not only seen the excellent work and dedication of the local emergency services but have been the recipient of their response and emergency care in both ire and medical situations. They are asking voters to allow them to form a new ire district that will allow them to Comment online at eastoregonian.com or submit a letter to the editor increase their tax rate a total of 55 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. As the cost of doing business rises this increase in revenue is necessary to keep up with personnel and equipment needs. The facts are available on the website at www.hermistonire. org. The new district will help meet future equipment costs and add needed personnel to staff the station on Diagonal Road 24 hours a day. To make this happen we must vote to dissolve the existing ire district and to form and fund the new district, Umatilla County Fire District #1. I’m voting YES on both and asking you to do the same. Bryan and Lou Ann Wolfe Hermiston Lindsay for Morrow County Judge We have watched Melissa Lindsay grow up here in Eastern Oregon. Her time spent in Heppner schools, college, the Bank of Eastern Oregon mortgage department, ranch bookkeeping skills and raising two children has made her who she is today. She can do it all! Melissa is very open-minded and works well with others. She is a great organizer and whatever job she does, it is 100 percent. Her knowledge of how this county runs is due to her energy and attending meetings for the last year doing research to see what this position involves. She is a great example of what citizen government should look like. She is successful in every endeavor she does and will bring that to the county. We feel she is extremely qualiied for the job and would be a huge asset to Morrow County. Please cast your ballot for Melissa Lindsay for Morrow County Judge if you want to see this county maintain an excellent operation done right. Marvin and Tanna Padberg Ione LETTERS POLICY The East Oregonian welcomes original letters of 400 words or less on public issues and public policies for publication in the newspaper and on our website. The newspaper reserves the right to withhold letters that address concerns about individual services and products or letters that infringe on the rights of private citizens. Submitted letters must be signed by the author and in- clude the city of residence and a daytime phone number. The phone number will not be published. Unsigned letters will not be published. Send letters to Managing Editor Daniel Wattenburger, 211 S.E. Byers Ave. Pendleton, OR 97801 or email editor@eastoregonian.com.