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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (May 11, 2016)
Polk County Voices Polk County Itemizer-Observer • May 11, 2016 4a LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Taylor keeps voters informed on stance Last week, I opened the Oregon Family Council Voter’s Guide to see that Commissioner Jennifer Wheeler declined to answer their questions. The Oregon Family Council polls candi- dates on issues that matter to many voters. Wheeler does not fill out any of these types of questionnaires. This is unfortunate, because many rely on these guides to make informed voting decisions. Her opponent, Terrence Taylor, has no difficulty let- ting voters know where he stands on issues that matter to me. Perhaps it’s a good year to turn out incumbents and elect representatives that are more up front with constituents. Jim Cross Dallas Jones is a winning combo for District 23 With the upcoming elec- tion and the issues on the table, we are glad to know that Beth Jones is a candi- date we can get behind to work for the people of Polk County and Oregon as state representative for District 23. Beth’s conservative views, coupled with her compassion for the people of our community, give her what we hope is a winning combination. We have per- sonally seen Beth’s work and vision accomplish much and inspire others to move when they would oth- erwise be complacent. Beth is full of integrity. She is the kind of person we need in the House. Dave and Amy Bertolini Dallas Have an old flag? Call the Legion Every day many families and businesses throughout Polk County fly American flags, but what can you do with a flag that is old, torn, ripped, faded, and no longer able to be flown? If you think throwing them out is the answer, please consider the American Le- gion Post 20 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 20. We will take that old flag off your hands and retire it with honors. Every year the American Legion here in Dallas retires old flags that we have gathered through- out the year. It would be our privilege to take your old flag and help it into retire- ment. For more information or if you have a flag you would like to be retired, please contact the post: Joe Lillibridge at 503-480-6274, or Beth Lillibridge at 503- 480-6254. Beth A. Lillibridge Dallas Jones has what it takes to lead Being retired has allowed me an opportunity to get a bit more involved in our community. I’ve known Beth Jones a few years; her knowledge base and ability to get things accomplished is amazing. Her heart for the people and her desire to make life better for those in company executive level budgetary and planning ex- perience, creative thinking, and common sense. He will be a voice for fiscal restraint with public safety and road maintenance his top propri- eties. Additionally, he is op- posed to the farming and distribution of marijuana in unincorporated county areas which Jennifer Wheel- er, in tandem with Craig Pope, voted for. A vote for Terrence is a vote for family values and responsible governance. Rose Bajorins Falls City Thompson rational choice for HD 23 need is not a campaign “show.” I have been to the debates. Beth Jones puts ac- tions behind her words; Nearman skirted around many topics up for discus- sion. Vote for the person that will listen to and stand up for us all. Beth Jones for State Representative of House District 23. the event was unstaffed, she stayed working long after her time elapsed. This is the norm for her, not the exception. Jennifer Wheeler shows up. She deserves our vote on Tuesday. Linda Wilds-Vanecek Dallas Seniors deserve better choices Has streets money been misused? I’m so glad to see some- one running to oppose (Mike) Nearman. When I tried to get legislation to protect seniors from abuse and exploitation, he was weak, vacillating and use- less. We deserve better. In the recent weeks the mayor of Portland has come out and stated that the money Portland has used to fix it’s streets has been used to fund other projects. This is why they are asking for a gas tax increase. So my question is: Is the city of Dallas in the same position? Has the mayor and city manager used the funds for our streets to fund other projects in the city of Dallas? If the answer is yes, then why do you feel it is necessary to go to the resi- dents and ask for a bond measure? David Christensen Independence Cyclist finds streets in good condition I am somewhat surprised to see the support for the street bond. As one who has cycled over many of the streets of Dallas, I wish to share my impression of their condition. If anything, cyclists feel poor streets even more than motorists do. Apart from a few short stretches, the streets in Dal- las are, in my opinion, in commendably good condi- tion. In fact I have been sur- prised that sometimes those in better condition are “re- paired” while some poorer portions are neglected. Rodney Stent Dallas Helping is the norm for Wheeler Over the years, I had heard many positive things about Jennifer Wheeler and the work that she has done for the people of Polk Coun- ty. Until recently, I had not met her in person. The Mid-Valley Winter Ag Fest took place in late Feb- ruary. Jennifer found time in her busy schedule to work as a volunteer. When it be- came clear Saturday that Deb Thomas Independence Bert Copp Monmouth Longtime helper retries from LMS Much to my deep regret, I need to end my volunteer position (at LaCreole Mid- dle School) after many years. I have done office work, graded tests, checked out books to students, wrapped new books and mended those that needed preserving for longer use, and filed returned books to the shelves. I have spent most of these years in the library. I must thank my mentor, Cheryl Scott, for showing me the ropes. I thank Jim Pauls, the librarian, for put- ting up with my many ques- tions and often interrupting him at his busy jobs. I also need to thank Cheri Gallino for allowing me to help her these past two years, as much as she would let me. She did most every- thing herself and didn’t’ take a break, which frustrat- ed me no end. Many moons ago, in cold weather, I had car trouble and, in nothing flat, Candy Smith, Alice Struckmeier and Mike, the custodian, had on their coats and came to my rescue. I shall never forget that; and of course, when Mike put the key in the ignition, the car started and I was able to get out of the way of other vehi- cles coming and going. Thanks also to the teach- ers and aides in the special education classroom. They were so friendly to me. In fact, all of the staff and teachers I met are great. I have enjoyed my time there, and I will miss every- one. I knew it was Monday morning. Candy always an- swered me when I asked be- fore I signed in. It has been my privilege to enjoy my mornings, and I encourage others to volun- teer and help at school if you ever get the chance. It’s been an experience I’ll al- ways cherish. I am hoping to visit and perhaps bring some goodies with me. Myra Moore Dallas Jones would seek answers for district Vote for Beth Jones for state representative, House District 23. I’ve not known Beth Jones as long as many. She has been and is very active in our community and district on many levels. She’s a problem solver who seeks answers for solutions. Because of Beth, there is a nonprofit called Bambinos which assists many in our community by supplying di- apers, wipes and sometimes formula or food in times of need. They also help with sports and activity scholar- ships. She is a caring, charis- matic lady who isn’t afraid of challenges and will do an incredible job. Deanna Rhoades Dallas Taylor has what it takes for county Too often in politics, it is not what your abilities are, but who you know. In con- trast, Terrence Taylor, candi- date for County Commis- sioner Position 1, will bring to the table Fortune 500 Voters of Oregon’s House District 23 will have a real choice to make in the pri- mary. Jim Thompson, a highly regarded (by both parties), representative for District 23, was “primaried” by a group of right-wingers who used the fact that few voters turned out in the pri- mary to effect his defeat. Thompson is running as an Independent Party can- didate. The Democratic Party has no candidate, so these voters are voting for Jim Thompson. Simply write Jim Thomp- son in on your ballot for District 23 and mark the ad- jacent bubble. A rational choice when we really need one. Fred Brown Dallas Street bond is no- brainer: vote yes It is a no-brainer to fix the streets. Dallas is a great city, one that prides itself on keeping up with priorities. Streets are, and have been, on the high priority list for a long time, and it is time to take it off that list and do some- thing about that, and the time is now. In the case of street re- pairs, this major priority has been put aside for way too long. Now we have what we have. Streets are way below the PCI levels. Do the right thing. It is a no-brainer. Simply vote yes. lars are needed instead of just being wanted. Annually, the city receives $1.1 million in gas tax revenue, 24 per- cent is used for repair and 76 percent is spent on over- head. The city council subsi- dizes many city services with our general tax dollars but has said no to roads. The city estimates a cost of $26,000 per mile to repair roads or $1,430,000 annual- ly. Yet the city council has only budgeted $270,000. We need budget policies which ensure money is available to maintain our roads not a new levy. Jim Williams Dallas Jones will find good solutions Recently I attended the Beth Jones/ Mike Nearman debate. Jones knows the 23rd district, the issues that challenge it, and is willing to work on both sides of the aisle to find solutions to those problems. As a mod- erate Republican, I appreci- ated that Jones was willing to look at the issues, reper- cussions, and long-term ef- fects before blindly support- ing them. In a state house that is dominated by De- mocrats, I feel that Jones’ honest, forthright, and agreeable nature will carry our district much further than Nearman’s close-mind- ed attitude of stubbornly sticking to his side of the aisle. Joyce Garland Dallas It’s time to repair Dallas streets City needs to budget better Dallas neighborhood streets were constructed in the 1940s and 1950s and were not designed for the traffic they now endure. Thousands of vehicles are now driving on our neigh- borhood streets every day. Imagine your 20-year roof is now 27 years old and it needs patching or replacing. Our streets are the same way and have outlived their lives of 70 to 80 years. Our streets need repairing or re- placing too. Please vote yes in support of repairing our neighbor- hood streets. Voting yes shows your pride in making Dallas a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I have yet to be con- vinced that the new tax dol- Ken Woods Dallas Murray Stewart Dallas WANT TO WRITE A LETTER? Letters to the editor are lim- ited to 300 words. Longer let- ters will be edited. Election-related letters of all types are limited to 100 words. Writers are limited to one elec- tion-related letter per election season. Election letters from writers outside of Polk County are not accepted. Each writer is restricted to one letter per 30-day period. Letters that are libelous, ob- scene or in bad taste will not be printed. Attacks by name on businesses or individuals will not be printed. Letters to the editor that are obvious promotions for a busi- ness, products or services will not be printed. The Itemizer-Observer does not guarantee the accuracy of facts presented by letter writ- ers; dissenters are welcome to respond. Letter writers who disagree with other published letter writers should maintain a civil discourse and address the subject, not the author. Letters, like all editorial ma- terial submitted to the news- paper, are edited for length, grammar and content. Letters must include the au- thor’s name, address and tele- phone number. This includes letters submitted via the I-O’s website. Names and cities of residence are published; street addresses and telephone numbers are used for verifica- tion purposes only. Letters must be submitted from individuals, not organiza- tions, and must be original sub- missions to the I-O, not copies of letters sent to other media. Letters of thanks to busi- nesses, individuals and organ- izations are limited to 10 names. The deadline for letters to the editor is 10 a.m. Monday. Letters submitted may not be retractable after this deadline. — Reach us at: Mail: Editor, Polk County Itemizer-Observer, P.O. Box 108, Dallas, OR 97338. Fax: 503-623-2395. Email: ionews@polkio.com. Office: 147 SE Court St., Dal- las. 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