Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current, October 28, 1976, Page Page 2, Image 2

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    Page 2. THE GAZETTE TIMES, Heppner. OR. Thursday. Oct l7
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GAZETTErTME
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Fjtonnl & Viewpoint
Green for counc
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common council for another two years.
This editor strongly supports his sincere efforts. wcp
Vote NO on 9
it
Without going into detail one way or another, this editor urges a NO vote on ballot measure 9-
BallS measure 9 would ban nuclear energy. In effect, that is true. A two-thirds majority vote to both houses of the state must
be reached to okay the construction of future nuclear plants if the yes vote prevails .
Asone state official noted, "About the only tone the state legislature gains a two thirds majonty vote is when they vote on
TouW future development of this country and state because of a few bleeding hearts that are apprehensive and uninformed
would be a financial disaster to the area. , . . ,, ,
M one paper wrote, a guarantee of "waste disposal, permanently without chance of radioactivity escape would sunilarly
eliminate the use of television, X-rays, radio transmitters and sunshine."
According to noted scientists and nuclear energy authorities, nuclear energy is as safe now as it ever was. To say that a
nuclear accident could happen is like saying an earthquake could happen or a nuclear bomb couW be dropped
Sure they aU could. But tostop the continuing and needed source of nuclear power with a ban, would be to stop future growth in
this community as well as county and state. . .t ... .
Number 9 would ban a necessary source of energy. We urge you to vote no and retain the energy source that has proven
effective and safe.
Sumner endorsed
FEditor:
The people of eastern Oregon always send good legislators
jto Salem. Agriculture's influence in the Oregon legislature
continues to decline, with only five farmers left in the Oregon
House.
" Jack Sumner deserves full credit for the statutory farm
workmen's compensation rate. Our farm workmen's
compensation premium would have nearly doubled had it not
4een for Jack Sumner.
1 1 Jack and I have often Joined in protecting rural Oregon
from the anti-rural attitude of many urban legislators. Rural
rdregonians need Jack Sumner in the legislature.
Dick Magruder
State Representative
Yes on 10
s
, Editor:
t Seldom does the voter have the chance to abolish an
I entrenched statewide bureaucracy. We should seize the
,: opportunity by voting yes on Measure 10 to repeal LCDC,
thus returning land use planning to local control.
- j Sincerely,
t) Stephen K. Peck
j Bellamy endorsed
Editor: , . . ,
I Voters In District 55 have a unique opportunity to elect a
hizhly qualified young man to the Oregon House of
Representative, on November 2. His name is BUI Bellamy
and he is an outstanding vocational agriculture teacher at
Culver. He is a strong disciplinarian in the classroom yet
commands the respect and cooperation of his students,
i i I have known members of his family for years and they are
si clot knit unit They come to feach other's aid In times of
need and are In regular communication with each other.
Their strong religious beliefs provide a foundation for a sense
of high moral purpose. Bill's political and religious
philosophy art well integrated. His approach to state
government Is one of fiscal conservatism combined with
concern for the real needs of the District.
I j His education and background are agricultural which
combined with his experience as a teacher provides an
excellent basis for understanding the problems of school
finance and property tax relief. I think the voters of the
District would be remiss if they didn't give this outstanding
young man an opportunity to bring a fresh, new, energetic
'spirit to the Oregon Legislature.
5tncereiy,
Van Rietmann
For President Ford
Editor:
This election year, 1976, people have a lot to say about both
Presidential candidates.
One comment heard has been, "Well, they're really alike in
many ways. Carter is kind of Conservative...I think." Surely
the debates alone have shown us the wide philosophical
differences between the two candidates.
When Carter was asked what type of people he would bring
to his Cabinet, he said, "people like Walter Mondale." Do not
be mistaken. Walter Mondale is one of the most liberal
members of the United States Senate. An administration full
of Mondales would not be conservative of anything.
Others seem to feel that President Ford has acted too
conservatively by his frequent use of the veto. The f ramers of
our Constitution, all too familiar with the dangers of a
one-party government, wisely included a system of checks
and balances, of which the Presidential veto is a part.
President Ford's courageous veto record has served us well
by holding back the growth and cost of government.
If the elected President is of the same party that
overwhelmingly controls Congress, he is not likely to use that
veto. Under those conditions, our system of checks and
balances, successful for 200 years, may well be exchanged
for a system of blank checks.
This possibility is of grave concern, because one of the
most frequent comments is, "I don't really know where
Carter stands." This is a Justifiable objection when the only
firm position taken by Carter so far has been that there are a
lot of things wrong with America.
In the first debate, he said, "The present structure of the
Federal Government is a mess... a top priority of mine to
completely revise the structure of the Federal Government."
In the third debate, he advocated an overhaul of the Judicial
system. It would be a mistake to elect anyone calling for such
vast changes who says very little about how those changes
would be made or how much they would cost. No wonder
people are saying. "Carter scares me."
Perhaps a Justifiable complaint directed at the President
from our area has been "the embargo." On the other hand, it
should be noted by the voters that George Meany apparently
feels he could exert even more Influence on a Carter
administration, which he supports.
The most frequent objection to President Ford has been
"the pardon." This generally reflect anger not with
President Ford but with his predecessor. The worst possible
waste of a vote would be to attempt to punish Richard Nixon
by voting against President Ford. No vote cast can change
the past. Voting is a precious responsibility with which we
determine the future of our nstion. We must look to the future
and select the very best man to be our President. For these
reasons, we will cast our vote for President Ford.
Sincerely,
Stephen K. and Cathy Ann
Peck
fi " " BX3TNE3
GAZETTE-TIMES
Thejpffklsl "P,Br LlM
City el Heppoer sad the .County
of Morrow..
O.M. Reed. Publisher
toleres Reed. CoBtIUher
WUC.rhlnuey.Edhor,
published every Thursday and enured as a
second-class (natter at tat pest offk si Heppner.
Oregon. under Ike at! of March J. 1171. gecond-clas
postage paid al Heppner, Oregon.
Bellamy for Rep.
Editor:
In a recent debate held between the Democratic Incumbent
for Representative District No. 55 and Republican Candidate
Bill C. Bellamy from Culver, Oregon, the Incumbent in a
direct response to a statement from Mr. Bellamy said that a
bill had been introduced by a legislator that would prohibit
teachers from serving in the legislature.
Mr. Sumner, himself, had Introduced this piece of
legislation, but didn't seem to want to come out with a direct
statement to that effect.
In talking to the lobbyist that represents my association
and several Portland based associations, this past weekend,
he mentioned that Mr. Sumner was the easiest
representative from the Eastern Part of the state for him to
work with. It does seem that Mr. Sumner is more interested
in the Western section and their problems than in our rural
interests in District No. 55.
Yours truly,
Jo Anne Holcomb,
Committeeperson for Bill Bellamy, District No. 55 Rep
Class reunion
Editor:
The class of 1967 is planning a ten year reunion and would
like some help in locating the following classmates: MIKE
ALSUP. SANDY BRYSON, GALE MALCOM. EUGENE
MARTELL, DONNA POTTER, JILL SCHMIDT, and TIM
SMITH. , ,
Anyone interested in helping with the reunion, please
contact Rick Johnston or Mike Sweeney in Heppner or write
Roger Leonnig at 1670 NE Juniper Avenue, Gresham, Oregon
97030. Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Roger Leonnig
(Marguerite)
Jim Ackley thanked
Editor:
We have heard a lot of nice things said about the halftime
show of the homecoming game October 5th. But what really
bothers me is that the person who made this whole show
possible, really hasn't been thanked enough or given enough
credit. . ,
Mr. Jim Ackley put in a very full week of hard work and a
lot of time to make this show possible; yet, not too many
people can take the time to say 'thanks' or you did a great
Job.' He even had the band march in the parade. He has done
a lot for this town's spirit and the band is really trying and
doing a great job.
I think people should let him know how much they
appreciate what he's done.
Kaedene Hollomon
JoLynn Daly
Durham endorsed
Editor:
If you could reduce the government red tape we are
shackled with, would you do it?
If you could place a limit on the longevity of government
programs, would you do it?
If you could overhaul Oregon's criminal justice system to
include mandatory sentencing for everyone convicted of a
serious crime; and sentences for a definite period with no
possibility of parole, would you do It?
We'as individuals do not seem to have any power to bring
about these changes, but we have a man running for Attorney
General that has pledged he will work for these changes.
That man is Jim Durham. Help him accomplish this for us.
Vote Jim Durham Attorney General.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Jepsen
Box 184
Heppner, OR
Fair appreciated
Editor:
We would like to express our thanks to the local branch of
AAUW for the Candidates' Fair which was held this past
week. It was obvious that much work went into the planning
of this event, and we were most disappointed that the
attendance was so small. It was great opportunity to meet
the candidates and to hear their views on a variety of
subjects. Should the AAUW decide to present this as a
regular community service, we strongly urge anyone with an
interest in our electoral process to attend future Candidates'
Fairs.
Sincerely,
Gene and Maxine Rietmann
lone, OR
Endorses Jernstedt
Editor: ' ...
I am a senior at Willamette University majoring In
political Science and French. I would like to share with you
one of the most valuable educational experiences I have yet
studied. During the last legislative session. I served as an
intern to State Senator Ken Jernstedt. It has been for me a
positive affirmation that there are people In our state
government who can be admired and respected.
My work under Senator Jernstedt proved rewarding for
three good reason. First, Senator Jernstedt shared hi many
vMin of experience in state and local government with me.
Secondly. Senator Jernstedt was willing to share his busy
sclmtoW with ma. TUrd!, Saaator Jrntdt Wcam mar
than good and admirable public leader to me; he became a
close friend. This has led to my great admiration for the
people of his district who have had the good sense and good
fortune to have elected Ken Jernstedt to public service
positions for over 14 years.
I extend a persona! wish that the readers of your paper will
.be able to continue to provide the State and future Interested
persons like myself with leadership and ability such as Ken
Jernstedt s.
Sincerely,
BUI Olson, President
Associated Sturtrnt of
Willamette University
(Continued on Pag 9)
Dennis Doherty
District Attorney
DOES THE ABSENCE OF A JAIL FACILITY ADVERSELY
AFFECT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE PUBLIC?
(Second In a series.!
The first listed purpose of the Oregon Criminal Code la:
"To ensure the public safety by preventing commission
of offenses through the deterrent Influence of the sentences
authorised, the correction and rehabilitation of those
convicted, and their confinement when required In the
Interests of public protection. ORS 161.025.
I believe that to mean exactly what It says. I also believe
that the absence of a Jail or lockup facility at the County Sea
largely frustrates the achievement of that purpose. It
Impairs our ability to ensure the public safety. It diminishes
the deterrent Influence which would otherwise be present. It
limit, our capacity to correct and rehabilitate convicted
offenders. It also eliminates the possibility of confinement
which should be Imposed In the Interest of public protection.
The lack of a lockup facility has many direct negative
Impacts on law enforcement and upon the public. It means
that offenders who should be arrested may be cited Instead.
It means that offenders who are arrested may be released
instead of lodged. It means that offenders who are convicted
may be sentenced to pay fines and to probation rather than to
Jail. In many Instances these alternatives, though favorable
to the defendants and often Justified, are detrimental to
public safety, deterrence and Justice.
Offenders who are token Into custody become the physical
and legal charges of the Sheriff. He Is liable to see that they
do not escape, that they Impose no undue risk to the public,
thai they appear In court at the court's direction, and that
their bask needs are provided. As custodian of the prisoners,
the Sheriff acts for the State and for the public.
The Sheriff. In recent years, has been able to employ as
many as three deputies and as few as one. Recently, there
has been one deputy; however, a second deputy position Is
budgeted and has been filled. With a second deputy the
Sheriff's Office will be better able to patrol Morrow County's
2.065 square mile. Investigate accidents, respond to crime
reports, serve arrest warranto, subpoenas, summons,
executions, garnishments and other required process, and
perform the other duties assigned to the Sheriff.
Nonetheless, the handling of prisoners will continue to pose
an undue burden. Why Is the lending and tranaportalloa of
prisoners an undue burden?
Prisoner tending and transportation la not the line officer's
first choice of duty, but It usually Is the most necessary under
the laws thai we have. Each offender token Into custody must
be either released, tended or lodged. If lodged, an officer
must transport him to either Hermlstoa. Pendleton or The
Dalles. If lodged, the prisoner must be returned for
arraignment within 36 hours, for that requirement I Imposed
by statute. Subsequently, the prisoner must be transported to
and from the Jail and court for pre-trial, trial and post-trial
bearings. While he Is present at the Courthouse he must be
tended.
Transportation of prisoners disrupts police scheduling and
diverts officers from patrol, crime investigation and other
primary police duty. This problem Is noticeably aggravated
during night-shift hours, the hours during which hard crime
Is most likely U be committed. Diversion of officers for
transportation of prisoners means lengthy delays In
answering clllsen calls and. under the worst circumstances,
may mean Inability to adequately respond to true
emergencies. Presently, the Sheriff estimates that W-4 per
cent of officer manhours are occupied with prisoner-related
duties.
In terms of sentencing, the absence of a lockup facility
means that the court cannot avail Itself of a work-release
sentence when the defendant Is locally employed. The loss of
employment which la likely to result from Jailing elsewhere
may not be unfair as to the defendant himself, but It may
cause an undue hardship to his wife and children and may
force a family onto public assistance. T avert these
problems, the Court may desire to Impose probation Instead.
Tola works well la many Instances. In others, however, It Is
undesirable because probation officers, services and
programs are noi available to our Justice Courts. The
Implications attending the release of any poor-risk defendant
should be apparent. In addition to diminishing deterrent
Influence and Imposing further risk upon the public, It may
result In non-payment of fines or probation violations which
then require further time-diverting law enforcement action.
The costs of lockup are being paid whether we de or do not
have a Jail. They are paid In lost man-hours and reduced
service by line officers. Monetarily, they are paid al the rat
of mUeage plus II per day for short-term holding la
liermlstoa and IIS and 17.5 per day la Pendleton and The
Dalles, respectively, for long-term holding.
Although the Sheriff has occasionally used our Jail facility
for emergency holding. Morrow County has been
transporting Ks prisoners to other Jails for approslmately I
year now. A of October 25. w had I prisoners In
custody-five la Pendleton and one In The Dalle. The daUy
tab for these prisoner totals 7.5. On I ervlng two
.month sentence and the total cost of thai sentence will be
S, 471. Tw other hav been held on a major felony case. A
of the day the first of thos defendant went to Irlal w had
already expended I2.7W for lodging in thai case. The
Sheriff1 budget for this fiscal year contains a line Mem of
17.501 for boarding prisoner. Thai budget la over-committed
with these three prisoner alone.
Judge. Dlstrkl Attorney and police ar not free to
disregard budget restrictions. W may believe that offender
should be sentenced I Jail more often and for toager periods
of Urn. This belief, however, mail bo esercUed within lb
monetary limit nnder whkh w operate.
The factors, taken together, lend to undermine law
enforcement morale and the publk' respect for and
confidence la their polk departmenta and the law l
general As respect and confidence decline, support and
cooperation decline at least proportionately. People become
mar contentious towards polk officer and each other. The
risk I personal and publk ssfety from hostile confrontation
Increase. People, out of frustration, becom more and more
inclined to lake Ihe law Into their own hands.
Assuming thai the crime rale k not decreasing tan
aumplnn thai I am willing to make!. I hse to kellete thst
the absence of a Jail or lockup facility contribute to Ih
. (Continued on Pse 41
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