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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 6, 2019)
4A | SATURDAY EDITION | JULY 6, 2019 Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 NED HICKSON , EDITOR | 541-902-3520 | NHICKSON @ THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM Opinion The First Amendment C ongress shall make no law respect- ing an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Govern- ment for a redress of grievances. “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” —Thomas Jefferson (1800) Lane County Lease good for North Jetty Park (Editor’s Note: Viewpoint submis- sions on this and other topics are al- ways welcome as part of our goal to encourage community discussion and exchange of perspectives.) I’m very pleased the North Jetty Park community meet- ing conducted by Lane County Parks was so well attended with standing room only. Although the session started with the ob- jections of those who want to retain free access to the ocean, it progressed to a meaningful discussion about the many bene- fits of Lane County Parks taking over, and recognition by many of the need for a parking fee. There are many who deserve thanks for making this a very productive meeting. First and foremost I thank the residents from the Florence area who an- swered the call to attend the meeting. Charlie Conrad from Lane County Parks is to be commend- ed for his great job as moderator, especially explaining the role of the County Parks in the leasing arrangement. Charlie has been in Florence for several previous planning sessions. Brett Henry, Parks Manager, deserves thanks for reminding us of the Lane County Park Mas- ter Plan and its call for a volun- Guest Viewpoint By Michael Allen Friends of Florence RV Park teer coordinator who will sup- port partnerships and volunteers from our community. Volun- teers, of which there are many in Florence, can provide the North Jetty Park with habitat rehabili- tation, educational and interpre- tive opportunities. I was glad to see a represen- tative from the Department of State Lands in attendance so he could hear firsthand what needs to be done to fix the potholes in the short and long term. I have high confidence that our local rangers led by Dan Ander- son will do an excellent job of supporting the North Jetty Park. Dan provided reassurance at the meeting that safety would be ad- equately addressed in a timely manner, a concern of many at the meeting. Finally, I wish to thank Dan Hurley, Head of Lane County Public Works, and members of the Park Advisory Commit- tee, including our own local Pat Bradshaw, for attending the meeting. They can provide positive feedback to the County Commissioners who will make the final decision to proceed. As someone who worked on the Parks Master Plan Task Force representing the coast, hosted at Harbor Vista Park for a year, and formed the Friends of Harbor Vista Park, I saw firsthand how thoughtful Lane County Parks has been by involving local com- munities in the planning process. A long term leasing arrange- ment by Lane County Parks at the North Jetty will be a great benefit to our community. LETTERS Politics has nothing to do with opinion on art I beg to disagree strongly with Wednesdays edition of the Siu- slaw News printing Judith Pre- isler’s letter stating she was dis- tressed to read Mayor Joe Henry chose to attack both Councilor Green and PAC Chairman Springer, who worked tireless- ly to improve the appearance of the city through public art, further stating, “Politics has reared its head in the ugliest manor over this issue, and what a shame it is.” Politics has nothing to do with it. It is a matter of opinion. It is sad that, in this day and age, one can not express their opinion without someone from another side screaming “politics!” Sadly it has become a daily occurrence. As far as the so called mural goes, I would venture to say if we held a city-wide vote the major- ity of Florence residents would say they see it more as graffiti than a work of art — especial- ly when here is so much natural beauty in and around Florence that we can all be proud of rath- er than have to look the other way from when we passing it. In conclusion, I would hope the PAC would heed the words expressed against their choice during the meeting held a few months ago and attended by citizens deeply concerned with their future choices. —Tony Cavarno Florence Mural can be protected against graffiti In Michael O’Conner’s Letter to the Editor “City Must Have Unlimited Funds” (July 3), he suggested that graffiti tagging was inevitabe and costly. While true that it’s a problem with murals, there are prod- ucts like Vandlguard that can be applied to murals to protect the surface and allow it to be cleaned without damage. I am doubtful PAC factored this into the mural on Highway 126, but they should do some research of products for future mural projects. —Win Jolley Florence Mayor Joe, you are not alone After reading Lea Patten’s Guest Viewpoint (“No Room For Bullies In Our Local Gov- ernment,” July 3) and Judith Preisler’s letter to the editor in the Siuslaw News (Distressed By Discourse,” July 3), it would ap- pear some folks are attempting to empty their chamber pots on our mayor’s head. Just know there is a large group of us who appreciate strong leadership. —Bruce Jarvis Florence Facts, not unsupported claims, should prevail (Editor’s Note: Viewpoint sub- missions on this and other topics are always welcome as part of our goal to encourage community dis- cussion and exchange of perspec- tives.) I was dismayed and disap- pointed by the Lee Patten Guest Viewpoint (“No Room For Bul- lies In Our Local Government,” July 3) in the Siuslaw News. Lea Patten claims that our Mayor, Joe Henry, has been unethical in his actions and statements with regard to FURA and the Public Art Committee (PAC) funding. Some time back, I was on the City Council for eight years, so I am familiar with what the state ethics board views as unethical, how the council works and how FURA and Council Committees work. Making claims about an elect- ed official being unethical is a se- rious matter, especially when the facts are likely otherwise. Patton based her claim on the Siuslaw News front page story “Council- or Conflict Dominates Discus- sion (June 29). After having re-read the article several times, I found that, yes, there is conflict. But I also found nothing unethical about the Guest Viewpoint By Del Phelps Past Florence City Councilor Mayor’s actions or statements. I have great respect for the City Council members, the FURA members, PAC members, and the work they have done for our community. I also must admit that I ques- tioned the mural chosen for the PUD building, but now feel that, as it progresses, it is looking bet- ter than I thought it would. The fact remains that when any member of a city committee makes statements in or on any public media, they must clarify as to who they speak for, i.e., the committee (with committee per- mission) or themselves in their own opinion. In my opinion, Mayor Henry was simply making it very clear as to what the council’s prior actions were and what the rules are when any of the council, or FURA members, and/or any city committee members, speak via public media. I am disturbed that this is- sue (public art) is dividing our community and city as it has. I hope and pray that all involved will step back and take the time to let calmer minds prevail. We as a community need to come together and preserve all of the good we have accomplished in the past; going to war will not accomplish anything but hard feelings and destruction of all the good that has been accom- plished. Come on people, put this be- hind you and move forward to- gether! USPS# 497-660 Copyright 2019 © Siuslaw News Siuslaw News Published every Wednesday and Saturday at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439; phone 541-997-3441; fax 541-997-7979. All press releases may be sent to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com. Jenna Bartlet Ned Hickson Susan Gutierrez Cathy Dietz Ron Annis Publisher, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Multimedia Sales Director, ext. 326 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor DEADLINES: Wednesday Issue—General news, Monday noon; Budgets, four days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Monday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Monday noon; Dis- play classified ads, Friday 5 p.m. Saturday Issue—General news, Thursday noon; Budgets, two days prior to pub- lication; Regular classified ads, Thursday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Thursday noon; Display classified ads, Wednesday 5 p.m. Soundings, Tuesday 5 p.m. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year subscription, $79; 6-month in-county, $56; 10-week subscription, $25; Out of Lane County — 1-year subscription, $102; 6-month out- of-county, $69; 10-week subscription, $35; Out of State — 1-year subscription, $134; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year subscription, $65. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: TheSiuslawNews.com Letters to the Editor policy The Siuslaw News welcomes letters to the edi- tor as part of a community discussion of issues on the local, state and national level. Emailed letters are preferred. Handwritten or typed letters must be signed. All letters need to include full name, address and phone number; only name and city will be printed. Letters should be limited to about 300 words. Letters are sub- ject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publication of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of let- ters received. Letters that are anonymous, libelous, argumen- tative, sarcastic or contain accusations that are unsourced or documented will not be published. Letters containing poetry or from outside the Siuslaw News readership area will only be pub- lished at the discretion of the editor. Political/Election Letters: Election-related letters must address pertinent or timely issues of interest to our readers at-large. Letters must 1) Not be a part of letter-writing campaigns on behalf of (or by) candidates; 2) En- sure any information about a candidate is accu- rate, fair and not from second-hand knowledge or hearsay; and 3) Explain the reasons to support candidates based on personal experience and perspective rather than partisanship and cam- paign-style rhetoric. Candidates themselves may not use the letters to the editor column to outline their views and platforms or to ask for votes; this constitutes paid political advertising. As with all letters and advertising content, the newspaper, at the sole discretion of the publish- er, general manager and editor, reserves the right to reject any letter that doesn’t follow the above criteria. Email letters to: nhickson@thesiuslawnews.com WHERE TO WRITE Pres. Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Oregon Gov. Kate Brown 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. Salem, Ore. 97301-4047 Governor’s Citizens’ Rep. Message Line: 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5244 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 313 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3753 FAX: 202-228-3997 541-465-6750 www.merkley.senate.gov U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (4th Dist.) 2134 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6416 541-269-2609 541-465-6732 www.defazio.house.gov State Sen. Arnie Roblan (Dist. 5) 900 Court St. NE - S-417 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 FAX: 503-986-1080 Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@ oregonlegislature.gov State Rep. Caddy McKeown (Dist. 9) 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1409 Email: rep.caddymckeown @oregonlegislature.gov West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich 125 E. Eighth St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-682-4203 FAX: 541-682-4616 Email: Jay.Bozievich@ co.lane.or.us
