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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 2021)
4A | WEDNESDAY EDITION | JANUARY 6, 2021 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) USPS# 497-660 Copyright 2021 © 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 Bartlett Ned Hickson Cathy Dietz Ron Annis For Advertising: ext. 318 Publisher, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor For Classifieds: ext. 320 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 noon. 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 Siuslaw News LETTERS Authorities don’t care about nursing homes After reading the sad opinion let- ter by Quinn Gates in the Saturday paper (“Please Stop Complaining About Protecting Each Other,” Jan. 2), I started wondering about why this person’s father got sick in first place. There needs to be an investigation into how nursing home residents are contracting Covid. Since they nev- er go anywhere or see anyone, the contamination has to come from the staff. Healthcare facilities, and staff are supposed to be taking extraordi- nary measures to prevent the spread. Healthcare staff have been threat- ened with immediate dismissal and loss of license if they don’t comply. Since this is happening, those fa- cilities must be out of compliance with OSHA and the health authority. So, why don’t we hear about the contact tracing and why is this still spreading in closed facilities? I think the answer is simple, be- cause the state authorities don’t care about nursing home residents . —Lori Straley Florence Government control will only increase All of us remember the govern- ment lockdown of all but a few busi- nesses deemed “essential.” Th is was going to only be for a month or two to “fl atten the curve” of the China virus illnesses that, by government estimates, would overwhelm the healthcare system. However, now the reason for the lockdown is to end the pandemic, because no one should die from this virus. Th e right to conduct commerce, the right to worship and the right to freedom of assembly have been ar- bitrarily taken away from “We Th e People.” Harken back in time. Th ese were reasons for the Amer- ican Revolution back in 1776. Lead- ership in large part came from the church because “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” are God-given rights. Where is the Christian Church? How come all of the congregations of the faithful are not mobilized and beating down government offi ce doors demanding that we follow our own U.S. Constitution? It is because the church has tax ex- emptions based on being non-polit- ical. Pastors in this 21st century are cowards; they will not rock the boat. Pastors believe that this too shall pass. Unfortunately, government con- trol will only increase if We Th e Peo- ple don’t secure our rights — and the elderly will continue to die alone without family members present. —Ralph Ray Florence Council not listening to Idylewood residents When my husband and I were fi nally able to move to Oregon, we carefully evaluated diff erent small towns and coastal communities. Among other desirable qualities, we loved the fact that the Flor- ence area seemed to realize the value and importance of preserv- ing green space in and around the community. We were thrilled beyond mea- sure to be able to purchase a mod- est house on the edge of forested acreage that had been set aside as a wetlands preserve or had been deemed unsuitable for develop- ment by Lane County. It is a great disappointment to fi nd that the city planning commis- sion has agreed with a developer to annex many acres within our community of Idylewood. No one in the Idylewood area is in favor of annexation. Annexation will increase taxes, increase traffi c in the area, deprive homeowners on Oceana of much of their street frontage, and building in the area will destroy the green space and wildlife habitat. Nobody will gain from this an- nexation except the developers and the city — the city by expanding its tax base, the developers by increas- ing their wealth. Th e Florence City Council is considering the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve the annexation. Th e res- idents of Idylewood are against annexation. Th e commission did not value the statements presented from residents of Idylewood. We demand that the city council listen to the concerns of citizens in this community. —Cris Reep and Bill McDougle Florence Citizens of west Lane... You rock (Editor’s Note: Viewpoint sub- missions on this and other topics are always welcome as part of our goal to encourage community discussion and exchange of perspectives.) ensure our students receive an edu- cation. When much of our nation was gripped by violence over injustice, many local citizens stepped up to be a voice for those feeling oppressed and demonstrated safely, peacefully and with civility. Services this year has been phenom- enal. Through the support of the community and regional founda- tions, SOS served a record number of clients. The increased need is not necessarily something to celebrate, As I reflect on the craziness that but the fact those needs were met is was 2020, I am reminded how won- certainly worth celebrating. derful, thoughtful and gen- I also must give praise to erous our community is. We my staff at Siuslaw Outreach can all agree that there were for the tireless dedication and By Bob Teter a lot of hardships, challenges, hard work. They have literally Executive Director, Siuslaw Outreach Services hiccups and tragedy experi- worked around the clock for enced by many residents of the past few months to care for Western Lane County. When the pandemic threatened those in crisis. The support they give As director of SOS, I saw first- the cancellation of many holiday each other, through tough times, is hand the toll 2020 took on so many. traditions, that “Florence Can-Do inspiring to me. I saw instances of domestic and sex- Attitude” came forward and adap- You guys make my job a pleasure. ual violence increase dramatically tations were made to ensure those Thank you! and the need for rent and utility bill traditions continued. I have often believed that our true assistance increase as well. Interact Club members from Siu- colors and what is truly important It is easy to get fixated on all that slaw High School went to several comes out when we are tested or went wrong in 2020. However, I senior facilities to sing Christmas faced with trials. would prefer to look back on 2020 carols outside with masks on. So- As a community, I think we with pride and look forward to 2021 roptimist and several community passed the test. with encouragement. members and groups did not let the Again, we should look back on This past year, when the need COVID pandemic stop the Christ- 2020 as a year when we saw the best arose, our community came togeth- mas Baskets from going out to near- in us. Looking forward, let us focus er. Many caring and thoughtful citi- ly 400 struggling families. on hope and opportunity that 2021 zens stepped up to support our local The Twin Lakes Giving Tree is making available to us. Let us re- restaurants and merchants to keep adapted to COVID guidelines to member what is important and that them running. continue supporting needy teens. we are all in this together. Grocery stores added services to Many thoughtful citizens made spe- I know we live in a communi- help keep patrons safe. cial gestures to show support and ty that has accomplished so much Our teachers continually adapted thankfulness for first responders. in 2020, and will accomplish even to constant changing guidelines to Support for Siuslaw Outreach more in the coming year. Guest Viewpoint Office: 148 Maple St./PO Box 10 Florence, OR 87439 Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to noon Letters to the Editor policy The Siuslaw News welcomes letters to the editor 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 in- clude full name, address and phone number; only name and city will be printed. Letters should be limited to about 300 words. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publica- tion of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of letters received. Letters that are anonymous, libelous, argumen- tative, sarcastic or contain accusations that are un- sourced or documented will not be published. Letters containing poetry or from outside the Siu- slaw News readership area will only be published 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 accurate, fair and not from second-hand knowledge or hear- say; and 3) Explain the reasons to support candi- dates based on personal experience and perspective rather than partisanship and campaign-style rhet- oric. Candidates themselves may not use the letters to the editor column to outline their views and plat- forms or to ask for votes; this constitutes paid politi- cal advertising. As with all letters and advertising content, the newspaper, at the sole discretion of the publisher, general manager and editor, reserves the right to re- ject 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
