FOUR - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, August 26. 1992
Letters to the Editor
The Official Newspaper of the
City of Heppner and the
County of Morrow
‘No’ vote will help chamber
GAZETTE-TIMES
Morrow County’s Home-Owned Weekly Newspaper
U S P S. 240-420
Published every Wednesday and entered as second-class matter at the Post Office
at Heppner, Oregon under the Act of March 3, 187V. Second class postage paid
al Heppner. Oregon. Office at 147 West Willow Street. Telephone (503) 676-9228.
Address communications to the Heppner Gazette-Times, P.O. Box 337, Hepp
ner. Oregon 97836. Subscriptions: $15 in Morrow, Wheeler, Gilliam and Grant
Counties; $23 elsewhere.
Joyce H u g h es............................................................Office Manager, Typesetting
April Sykes ...........................................................................................News Editor
Mary Van B ibber................................................................. Graphics Department
Monique P a rre t............................................................................................. Bindery
Penni Keersemaker ................................................................................. . . Printer
Jean Ann T u rn e r..................................................................................Distribution
David and April Sykes. Publishers___
ballot measure 5, the city can no
longer provide direct, general
fund support for the chamber.
Another funding source is need
ed. The transient room tax is the
means by which the city can
maintain financial support for the
operation of the H eppner
Chamber of Commerce office.
The transient room tax should
not be repealed. Heppner needs
your vote.
(s) John Edmundson
Judge Carlson a professional
Editorial......
Motel tax good fo r Heppner
So here they go again. A nother tax measure on the ballot.
This one, a tax on motel rooms in Heppner.
The motel tax has already been enacted by the city council,
but the absentee ow ners o f the N orthwestern Motel gathered
enough signatures to put a repeal measure before voters, so
ballots should be in the mail soon.
But wait, before minds are made up across the city, consider
a few facts, and maybe a dose o f reality, to better understand
how this tax came to be and why it is a good thing for Hepp
ner. First a few facts.
As taxes go, you w o n 't find a better one than this. Mainly
because, unless you stay in the motel, you w on’t have to pay
it. T hat’s pretty easy to swallow. As fairness goes, it scores
pretty high too. The motel ow ners will be paid 10 percent for
the trouble o f collecting the tax, and the city will get another
10 percent for administering it. The Heppner Chamber o f Com
merce will receive the balance o f the money.
Now for reality. From a business standpoint, and that means
grocery, hardw are, shoe, clothing and other types o f stores,
as well as restaurants, tire stores and even newspapers, operating
in small town America is no piece o f cake. Besieged on all
sides by discount retailers, grocery chains and other big
operators, small town businesses often find they can no longer
stay open. No one wants to buy them, so many times the
ow ners just close up and walk away. In the Heppner, lone and
Lexington area 18 businesses have either closed, merged or
not reopened after fire in the past 12 years. These businesses
represented both services to local people, and a source o f
em ployment in the community.
The motel tax you will be voting on represents a self-help
effort by local businesses and the Cham ber o f Comm erce to
stem the flow of business closures and maintain a high quality
o f life in our small town. Through aggressive promotion of
tourism , community activities such as St. Patrick’s Day and
econom ic development, the H eppner Cham ber o f Comm erce
seeks to strengthen our tow n’s economy for the benefit o f us
all. On this basis we urge you to vote ‘no’ on the transient room
tax repeal.
(s) David Sykes
Norene Veterinary Hospital
wishes to announce
New Office Hours
for the convenience of our clients
Mon................ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tues...g a.m. to 5 p.m. & 7 to 9 p.m.
Wed.....................CLOSED
Thurs..9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & 7 to 9 p.m.
Fri.................9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open for EM ERGENCIES Saturday & Sunday
Office Call Charges now Reduced
j A
Heppner Elk’s Lodge #358.
Says:
“ Thank You” to all who
supported us during the
Morrow County Fair & Rodeo
and especially-
all the volunteers
who made it all possible!
This Weekend’s Menu
1. ‘2 fer’ - 2 Filet Mignon Dinners
‘2 fer’ - * 1 5 ® *
2. ‘Surf & Turf - Lobster Tail & Filet
“ 8 oz. Filet & Lobster” - * 1 # * *
3. Lobster Tails - 2 Tails M O ”
All dinners include
Soup, Salad. Bread and Special Dessert
Dinners Served Friday & Saturday
6 p.m. till 9 p.m.
Lounge Opens at 4 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday
Heppner Elks 142 N. 3581
676-9181
Maj
_____ Where Fnends M eet"
To the Editor:
Vote no on the City of Hepp
ner transient room tax ordinance
repeal.
Why?
Heppner’s Chamber of Com
merce is a main force in town
devoted to maintaining the
livability and vigor of our com
munity. The chamber provides
econom ic and community
development activities for the city
of Heppner.
As a result of the passage of
To the Editor:
Concerning the proposal made
at the Irrigon candidates fair that
Morrow County hire a profes
sional administrator. I submit that
we already have one. who well
understands our problems.
His name is Judge Carlson.
Let’s re-hire him in Noverber.
(s) Meg Murray
Vote no on repeal of room tax
To the editor:
The voters of Heppner will
soon receive a ballot asking the
question, “ should the city ot
H eppner repeal ordinance
493-92, the Transient Room Tax
Ordinance?” We would en
courage everyone to carefully
consider the question and vote no
This would leave the already
enacted room tax in place.
Mr. Tom Larusso from Bend,
the owner of the Northwestern
Motel, has petitioned this onto the
ballot because he feels he is be
ing unfairly taxed. We need to
remember that when we stay out
of town, the local room tax is col
lected from us to promote that
area. The room tax is not paid by
the motel owner or local citizens.
The proceeds from the room
tax will be used by the Chamber
of Commerce to benefit the en
tire community, not just the
downtown businesses. Chamber
members include all segments of
the community and they work
together to support the continued
economic well being of our com
munity, as well as such communi
ty events as St Patrick’s weekend.
The community needs your
support. Please join us in voting
no on the room tax repeal.
(s) Larry and Betty Mills
Cooley knows farming ranching issues
To the Editor:
I had the opportunity to meet
Wes Cooley. I was impressed by
how much he knew about farm
ing and ranching issues. He also
talked about how the Oregon
Legislature impacts our way of
life with their decision. Mr
Cooley talked a lot about water
rights and how few of the
legislators really know anything
about it when they vote. Mr.
Cooley is a member of Water for
Life and on the State Conserva-
tion Advisory Board. We’re in
the sixth year of a drought and
our future in agriculture and our
children’s future on the land is in
the hands of people from the
western cities. That's scary to
me. I’m going to vote for Wes
Cooley because I want someone
in the legislature who understands
our way of life in Eastern
Oregon.
Sincerly
(s) Eric Menard
Baker City
Community great in time of need
To the Editor:
I would like to inform your
readers of what a wonderful com
munity this is. Two weeks ago I
slipped off our deck, and broke
and dislocated my right ankle.
The care and help came im
mediately. Neighbors from all
directions came running to my aid
and to the aid of my family.
The EMT’s arrived with the
ambulance very quickly. They
were efficient, gentle and suppor
tive. Not an easy task consider
ing I was crying and screaming
in pain. Complicating their job by
the fact that 1 am pregnant and
due in only a few weeks.
The EMT’s managed to lift me
into the ambulance without fur
ther trauma. The neighbors
assisted by caring for our
daughter, Kelly, and our dog.
They even stayed near me and
assisted the EMT’s whenever
needed.
We arrived at the hospital
quickly. No one left my side for
a moment. Shanna Paullus and
Bob Nairns were close at all
times. The hospital staff were just
great. They did everything to
make me as comfortable as possi
ble and took every precaution
with my health and the health of
our unborn child.
The hospital staff worked
quickly and Dr. Ed did.
everything he could to ensure our
health. He did not hesitate to con
tact my Obstetrician in Pendleton
and transfer me to St. Anthony’s
for orthopedic care.
Even as all this was happening
our friends, neighbors and the
hospital staff were rallying to our
aid. The hospital staff organized
a system of bringing us dinners
several times a week. Our friends
and neighbors kept an eye on our
home and dog. They also assisted
with Kelly’s care, doing anything
needed. Thanks to them she made
it to swim lessons in lone.
I do wish to apologize to any
neighbors inconvenienced by all
the noise and our dog’s barking.
We did receive a complaint about
it and we hope they are not
bothered
again.
It was
unavoidable under the cir
cumstances. Jay had to be at the
hospital with me quite a lot.
The rest of the community con
tinues to be terrific. We are in
everyone’s debt. Never have we
felt so appreciated and cared for.
The people of Heppner are uni
que and we appreciate your
friendship. We hope, if the need
arises, we are able to help you
too. Heppner friends know what
friendship is. We thank you all.
Sincerely,
(s) Lori E. Straley
Justice Court
Report____
The Justice Court office at the
courthouse annex building in
Heppner reports handling the
following business during the past
week:
Michael Scott Jenison, 23,
Spray-Failure to Use Seat Belt,
$50 bail forfeited.
Time wears heavy for this listless
old newspaper publisher. This will be
two weeks since the last issue of the
Chronicle and while there are still
thousands of details in the closing up
to attend to, work is just not the same
without a deadline. Oh, there are
some things in the works, but nothing
for sure yet, just waiting by the phone
for a call hack.
Used to be little time for reading
the competition. About one daily a
week and the weeklies got a once
over lightly. Now, I hunger for a
paper, and read it cover-to-cover. Not
out on the beat. I’ve got to know what I’ve missed. Sure Didn’t miss
much.
Sittin’ and reading is just what the doctor ordered after last week’s
horse back ride. Whoa! It had been 25 years since these old legs were
draped over the skirts of a saddle. Didn’t go far, but sat for half an
hour before the parade started. 1 was offered a set of spurs but declin
ed. That was a mistake since the old pony had never been in a parade
before and was a little concerned with the loud speakers. I’m feeling
a lot better now, thank you.
Tonight’s newspaper has a few curious articles. Looks like Randy
Weaver’s family is on the line too. Somehow you just can’t help but
root for the outlaw in that scenario. It’ll turn into a real bloodbath before
it is over. I remember when they gunned down Billy Estes over in
Wallowa County 30 years ago. Billy found his girlfriend in bed with
another man, so shot’em both, right there in the bed. He couldn’t hide
out either..
Senator Packwood’s visit to Boardman Foods last week got just a
little play.
It seemed to us that while the Chronicle was alive, happenings in
Boardman, Irrigon and Morrow County got renewed attention from
the rest of the press around. Now that we’re out of the scene, things
are back to normal. Of course, the daily never really did think Mor
row County was part of the real world.
Duff is bucking for home town hunting rights and Fels is going to
chair the youth commission. You’d think it was election year, wouldn’t
you? When it comes election time, expect the politicians to do all kinds
of goofy things. Like ride a horse down main street, Heppner. At least
Jeff didn’t play that hokey accordion this time.
I see the environmentalists have shut down another timber sale with
yet another appeal. The system does have to allow for all voices to
be heard, but sometimes the issue is won just in getting the hearing.
A hearing set for next year sometime because government cannot seem
to get anything done without a year or more to think about every detail.
Bob Smith threatens to go to the secretary if they don’t get on with
the salvage, the Northwest Timber Workers Resource Council’s big
ad said it was too late and the folks in California are still trying to
put out the fire. I added to the problem by burning the paper when
1 finally got it read.
Did you ever wonder about the political leanings of the regional daily?
Two editorials on that page might give a hint, “ ...mean-spirited, sor
did little spectacle in Houston last week...” “ The Bush Administra
tion., (has) decided... to destroy the character and reputation of Hillary
Clinton...by lying.” This does not sound like a Republican paper to me.
What's more of a mystery to me is how the folks in Pendleton have
put up with such a wild-eyed bleeding heart bunch of liberals as has
controlled their paper for the past 50 years.
>
Oh, say. The pullets are beginning to lay. Yes, these are feather
chickens, but if you get enough of those little tiny pullet eggs you can
make up quite a batch of scrambled eggs. They were swell with the
Lostine River trout for supper last night. If I don’t get that phone call
in a day or two, maybe I’ll take another run up to the ol’ fishin’ hole.
Big doin’s in Boardman this weekend: Pioneer Days, Mountain Man
Rendezvous, Indian village, black power shoot, parade on Saturday.
I won’t be riding a horse.
Against room tax repeal
To the Editor:
I am writing to ask voters to
vote no on the motel tax repeal
measure.
The measure will tax only out
of town guests and bring needed
Weather Report
by City of Heppner
August 19 - 25 , 1992
High Low Prec Rain
Weds.. 96 58 .0
Thurs. 91 56 .0
Fri.
88 55 .0
Sat.
79 52 .07
Sun.
68 49 .18
Mon.
67 37 .0
Tues.
73 41
.0
Court Street Market
111 N. Court
revenue to the Chamber of Com
merce to continue the important
w ork
it
does.
Please vote no on the motel tax
repeal measure.
(s) George Koffler
Market Report
Compliments of the Morrow County Qrtin Growers
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 1992
Aug
Sept.
Oct.-Dec.
*4.12
*4.12/*4.07
*4.05
Barley
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
*94
*95/*97
*99/* 1.01
*1.02
*1.03
Prices good August 26th
Heppner 676-9643
GROCERIES - MEATS - PRODUCE
through September 1st
3 lb. bag
G ala A p p les
* i%
B artlett P ears
39 V
Western Family 32 oz. Strawberry
B ak er P otatoes
35V
Crisco 48 oz.
3 lb.
H ills D oggies
IM
<5
?
The Heppner
F«*-
I t’s in all
the papers
O ra n g es
**'
T ip R oast
Starkisl 6 '/, oz.
i« 5 5 9 V.
T -B o n e S teak
Western Family
P ap er T o w els
Oberti 5.75 oz.
19V
W aterm elons
•1” ,
O il
O lives
Hermiston
Tuna
Preserves
i« 4 59 V
P ork B lade R oast
Western Family 11 oz.
T o a ster P astry
99V
P ork S ausage
11 oz.
D u n can H in es C ook ies
99 V
•l**.b
•I**»,