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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2017)
Polk County Voices Polk County Itemizer-Observer • February 1, 2017 4A LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Hiring freeze not the answer Since the 1960s, the U.S. population increased by 67 percent, the private sector workforce increased by 136 percent while the size of the federal workforce rose only about 10 percent. The two million career civil service employees conduct the es- sential work of the federal government, according to the National Active and Re- tired Federal Employees. Past hiring freezes have been ineffective in reducing the federal workforce and may have actually increased overall costs to taxpayers. I worked for the EPA dur- ing the Reagan years when he appointed Anne Gorsuch Burford as administrator with the goal to dismantle the agency (sound famil- iar?). A hiring freeze and reduc- tion-in-force were imple- mented. The result was a large increase in the hiring of contract employees to do the agency’s work, along with a deterioration of human health and environ- mental quality. Gorsuch was cited for contempt of Congress in 1983 and forced to resign during a scandal over mis- management. Contract employees have an allegiance only to their corporation while civil ser- vants are dedicated to the federal community and its overall mission to serve the public. The federal hiring freeze for all but the military is a poor decision by the new president and will have neg- ative consequences for our nation. Michael Cairns Independence Wildlife for all, not just trophy hunters I recently read an article that promoted hound hunt- ing and the killing of bob- cats. It included a graphic photo of the kill lifelessly stretched out in front of its assailant. As illustrated by the pas- sage of Measure 18 in 1994, Oregonians view the hound hunting of our wild crea- tures to be unacceptably cruel and unsporting. The hunter who wrote the story didn’t chase down that terrified bobcat to feed his family, but rather for a tro- phy and bragging rights. We know from the public out- rage over the killing of Cecil the lion that the vast majori- ty of people find trophy hunting to be unethical and wasteful, and certainly not something to be celebrated. There are so many ways to enjoy wildlife that don’t involve killing. Oregon’s wildlife belongs to all of us — not just the trophy hunters — and I hope in the future we can see stories that will reflect an apprecia- tion for wildlife that doesn’t involve chasing animals down with dogs and shoot- ing them out of trees. Cindy Birko Dallas Central teachers care about kids In recent edition of this paper, some inaccurate statements and criticisms were made about the Cen- tral Education Association. The CEA would like our community to know that we are proud to serve our teachers and our students. We are proud to assist our local families with needs ranging from clothing to glasses to food. We are proud to support our classified staff. CEA members, at every level in our schools, live in this PUBLIC AGENDA Public Agenda is a listing of upcoming meetings for governmental and nongovernmental agencies in Polk County. To submit a meeting, send it at least two weeks before the actual meeting date to the Itemizer-Observer via email (ionews@polkio.com). — WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 • Monmouth Historic Commission — 6 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Monmouth Planning Commission — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. MONDAY, FEB. 6 • Central School District Board of Directors — 6:30 p.m., Henry Hill Education Support Center, 750 S. Fifth St., Inde- pendence • Independence Planning Commission — 7 p.m., Inde- pendence Civic Center, 555 S. Main St., Independence. 503- 838-1212. TUESDAY, FEB. 7 • Monmouth City Council — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8 • Independence Heritage Museum Commission — 4 p.m., Independence Heritage Museum, 112 S. Third St., Inde- pendence. 503-838-1212. • Monmouth Library Advisory Board — 7 a.m., Mon- mouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S., Monmouth. 503-838- 0725. • Monmouth Parks and Recreation Board — 7 p.m., Vol- unteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. community, have children who attend our schools, and, along with our col- leagues in the classified and administrative staff, are in- vested in our schools' suc- cess. From time to time, we offer our voices to help find solutions to problems with- in our schools. While exploring solutions, we are proud to collaborate with and support our cur- rent district administration. We look forward to doing the same for a future ad- ministration. Teachers are responsible for many tasks within a day. We frequently become part of the fabric of our student’s lives. This is a responsibility that humbles us and makes us proud. It is with this pride that we serve our local association and our larger community. Laura Waight President of the Central Education Association Monmouth Roundabout would create nightmare Roundabout? After reading the Clow Corner article in the Jan. 18 Itemizer, I felt the need to add my 2 cents worth. A roundabout on a major highway (99W) is a bad idea. There is a lot of truck and commuter traffic on this highway. Just think about the traf- fic nightmares when there is a college game. I have nego- tiated these highway messes in Salem and other cities, and they are a bad idea. It is mentioned that a traffic signal would be less expensive. Cheaper and more sensible is what should take place. Hoffman Road signal works just fine so please use common sense and install the same pressure plate sys- tem at Clow Corner. Yes with a roundabout the acci- dents will be less critical, but I believe there will be many more. Wayne Theiss Dallas LaCreole school helps Legion The American Legion Post 20 would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Jamie Richardson, prin- cipal, for the use of the li- brary at LaCreole Middle School. We were able to hold our annual High School Oratori- cal Speech contest on the United States Constitution. The winner moved on to the next level on Saturday at Post 136, Salem. Also, the post would like to thank those that helped with the contest, as judges and time keepers. Jesse Cagle Dallas Trump makes bad choices first week After a very short time in office, Donald Trump con- tinues to destroy this coun- try under the pretense of making it great again. And I have to say, I always thought this country was great. A wall is to be built along the Mexican border, which has now alienated the Unit- ed States from Mexico. And the idea that Mexico will pay for it is ridiculous. If a tax is imposed on items imported from Mexi- co, who will pay the tax? The citizens of the United States. I doubt businesses will eat this tax. All of us, including those who voted for Donald Trump, will be paying for it. Thank you Mr. Trump. Those of us on a fixed in- come appreciate another increase to the cost of liv- ing. When do we start the wall along the Canadian border? After all, they are foreigners as well. He has signed an order to restart the pipeline through South Dakota, with no re- gard for the Native Ameri- cans who oppose it. As we’ve done for a cou- ple of hundred years, we again rape and plunder the land that belongs to the Standing Rock Reservation. What happened to the idea of respecting the rights of these people and land held sacred to them? It was the “white” people who put these people on a reserva- tion, and now we don't let them decide how to use the land or what will or won't be done to it. When will we hear about the alternative to affordable health care? Over 20 million people could lose health coverage but to date no alternative has been mentioned. And is an investigation into the three million to five million “illegal” votes for Secretary Clinton really needed when no proof has been presented? Even top-ranking Repub- licans are saying it’s time to move on. Cliff Brown Dallas Obama will remain active in America I received a personal let- ter from President Obama yesterday, wrote a week be- fore he left office, that says a lot about his character and the compassion he showed for people. He spoke about what he believes Americans stand for and is heartfelt. It had to do with a family I know that is here illegally, and they don’t have much, but this woman knew I was just making some soup for Thanksgiving as I am dis- abled and get very little for food stamps. She made up a bunch of tamales and brought them to me so I would have a good meal for Thanksgiv- ing. She has arthritis and traveled a half-mile in the 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 submissions 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. ionews@polkio.com. rain to bring them. I said that there are peo- ple like her who have been waiting to become Ameri- can citizens for quite a while, and they weren't looking for anything but to just become American citi- zens and share in our val- ues and traditions and see their kids get a good educa- tion. Her family was cele- brating Thanksgiving by making tamales, and she wanted to make sure I got some. We don’t always under- stand each other, but I help her when I can and she does the same with me. Neither of us have much, but we try to help each other. The president said he was moved by what he read about the woman and her tamales. I told him I would continue trying to help these people with the new administration, and would- n’t be giving up, because all’s I have is time and de- termination, and his re- sponse was pretty amazing. It’s obvious he does not intend to just fade away, but will remain actively helping people and the is- sues he believes in. Rick Bagby Dallas Gov’s budget outpaces needs I have read that the gov- ernor’s budget proposal in nearing $75 billion, and in 1980s, it was near $10 bil- lion. That would mean that the budget has grown ap- proximately eight times, or doubled three times: 2 x 2 x 2 = 8. That would mean the one-bath house I sold in Aloha in 1980 for $43,000 would be worth $344,000. My 2,100-square-foot house in Dallas isn’t worth that much. Have any of the fol- lowing gone up eight times: your wages, your house value, the population of the state or county, school at- tendance? Then why the cost of state government? Gary Weis Dallas Dallas wrestlers help when needed A heartfelt shout-out to the Dallas Wrestling team; a wonderful group of young men who came out in droves last week to assist an elderly community mem- ber. In mid-January an alert was posted on the Dallas Link-up website: a free, as well as easily accessible, online space for communi- ty members and organiza- tions to address local needs. This alert asked for vol- unteers to aid an elderly community member with moving into her new long- term residence. Due to her age, and other various barriers, this individual required help with moving/trans- porting her heavy furni- ture items. She not only needed “man-power,” but also moving trucks equipped with related moving sup- plies. See LETTERS, Page 5A HOW TO REACH US NEWSROOM Emily Mentzer ..............Editor/Monmouth/Independence Reporter ....ementzer@polkio.com Vol. 142, No. 5 (USPS) - 437-380) The official newspaper of Polk County • Serving Polk County families since 1875 Winner of 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 General Excellence Awards from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, OR, Independence, OR and Monmouth, OR. 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