Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 23, 1996)
' ' ‘ » ' v ' |£$g||ggS$?. fil^ * \ % - f . ; , * • ; -* < • e •* I V* - **•• ♦* . * * • . ' • ’ . ^ »*%* «*■ % »*._ -- ' •*■ » • » * • *•* * f* V ^ * » ‘V V * »•■• ■»* TWO - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, October 23, 1996 Base decision on facts, not scuttle Letters to tko Kditor Editor » note. Letter* to tix editor mutt be tinned The Gazette-Time» mtH not pubiWi unsigned letter». Pleate include your addre*» and pboae number on afl letter* for u*< by the G-T office. The G-T reterue* the right to edit. Don't cripple Oregon's food production To the Editor: Ballot Measure 38 isn't just about dean streams and the en vironment. The use of the tferm "polluted waters" in the ballot title is most misleading. A ma jor factor in listing over 900 Oregon waterways as polluted was water temperature, rather than actual pollutants in these streams. If this measure passes, fenc ing of Oregon waterways would not be the solution to enhancing the environment and improving water quality to benefit fish,' wildlife and hu mans. Nor would it lower water temperatures of the shallow, slow-moving streams when air temperatures soar in to the 90 degree range. At present, riparian restora tion is being planned and im plemented on both public and private lands. Passage of Ballot Measure 38 would disrupt these projects because funds presently budgeted for these well-planned activities would have to be diverted for expen sive and needless fencing that would cost upwards of $5,000 state government service, plan a stream would double this cost to return next year to live on to $10,000 per mile. land we own in Morrow This measure would add to County. our already over-burdened I have a vested interest in the justice system because of best for Morrow County, so I threatened lawsuits and cause called Jim and asked him why severe animosity between rural he wrote the letter. He was and urban residents. Because of very open with me and said the threat of litigation as pro that after he visited in lone and vided by Ballot Measure 38, some friends told him about the rural landowners would be "scuttle" going around, he just most reluctant to allow access did not understand why Margo for public recreation such as would run for re-election. Bas hunting, fishing, camping, hik ed on what Jim's friends told ing and other forms of outdoor him, I understand why he feels activity now enjoyed on private the way he does. lands. Vote no on Ballot Measure 38 and don'tcripple a vastseg- I T q the Editor; ment of Oregon s food produc- ^ week-s letter, i wouid tion. Agriculture is still a ma like to make it clear my state jor segment of Oregon's eco ment was a personal feeling nomy. and not that of my Soroptimist (s) Raymond French club. I had no intention of en- Morrow County Commissioner Heppner Clarification row County, both north and south. I also am convinced that he is his own man and will decide the issues on their merits and not be influenced by simply emotional or regional appeals. I was surprised that Jerry Peck filed at the last possible date. Jerry is a friend and I'm happy that he is planning to return to the county. My only problem with his candidacy is that he has been living and working in Oregon City for the last four years and I feel that he may be out of touch with the current issues. At best, he on ly has a few weeks to inform himself, seek solutions and submit them to the voters. Although Jerry and I had work ed together for a number of years, I feel that John is a bet ter candidate at this time. (s) Don McElligott lone Wenholz has the qualities needed To the Editor: We are writing to express our support for John Wenholz as a Morrow County Commission er. Through the years we have known John, we have observ ed him to be a man who gives generously of his time and materials with no thought of being reimbursed. He built a concession stand that for years served as a Little League booth for selling snacks at their games; the concession stand is currently in use at Riverside High School. John spearheaded the volun teer group that was responsible for developing the athletic fields at Columbia Junior High, starting from scratch. The men plowed the land, graded it and developed softball, football and baseball fields, as well as track. Their labors included a back drop at the baseball field and some work on playground equipment at A.C. Houghton School. The Wenholz' cotton candy machine is used by various schools and other groups, in cluding Watermelon Festival. Speaking of the Irrigon Watermelon Festival, John helps us immensely in using his trucks to move our vans, unload our float and in supply ing flatbed trailers for our per formance stage. He won't even let us pay him for his expenses.. A lot of people are unaware of these contributions to the community. That is because John doesn't do these things for recognition. We believe John Wenholz has the qualities to become an excellent county commissioner; he will be fair to all areas of the county and we encourage you to give hime your vote. Sincerely, (s) A1 and LaVelle Partlow Irrigon Wenholz stands up for people To the Editor: I have only known John Wenholz for a short time, six to eight months, even though he has been a part of our com munity for years. I have talked with John many times and have seen him first-hand stand up for other people in our com munity, not for personal gain, but just because it was the right thing to do. This makes me think John really cares aboyt our county and the people in it. John will be getting my vote in November and I would like to encourage my friends and those of you that would like to see a man who will watch out and stand up for the people in Morrow County, to vote for John Wenholz, county com missioner. Sincerely, (s) Rod Osgood Irrigon Wenholz lives in county To the Editor: Since he decided not to run for re-election four years ago, Jerry Peck has sold his house in Boardman and taken up em ployment in the Portland area. I guess that if he's elected coun ty commissioner, he'll quit that dorsing the candidate in my club's name as some thought 1 did. I just should not have sign ed my name as Soroptimist president. (s) Judie Laughlin Heppner Ridgway for judge Don McElligott endorses Wenholz To the Editor: In some ways, I regret leav ing the position of your coun ty commissioner this coming December. There is always some business or projects to be initiated that I would like to ac complish but after 75, one is forced to realize that a younger person can pursue them with a lot more energy. For that reason, I am endor sing John Wenholz for the posi tion of county commissioner. John has been an independent small businessman in this county, except for a few years with Freightliner Corp., for over 20 years. I have visited with his old business associates and aquaintances from all around the county and they all say that he is an honest, fair and very civic-minded person. From the conversations that I've had with John, I believe that he is a fiscal conservative with a deep-interest in all Mor It's just unfortunate that he wrote the letter based on "scut tle " from a small group since he has no access to the facts. Margo has served 16 years as county treasurer and should be judged on how she has done the job and her plans for the future. Her years of successful investments and future plans for the county investment policy and review committee should be compared to her op ponent's experience and plans for the county. The pending legal suit that Jim referred to has nothing to do with her job as treasurer and she has con tinued to work successfully with the county court. I encourage Morrow County citizens to vote for the best can didate for treasurer, Margo Sherer, based on facts, not rumors and "scu ttle." (s) Judy (Sherer) Ripka Dallas, OR To the Editor: When I read Jim Kinzer's let ter regarding Margo Sherer running for re-election as Mor row County Treasurer, I felt I had to respond. I grew up in Morrow County- watched my dad, Doc Sherer, give 40 years of service to the - . - . ^ . job and move back to Board- man, but I'm not sure. John Wenholz already lives in Morrow County. I think we should elect him as our next county commissioner. (s) Joe Tatone Boardman / the same time that Bob has worked to provide the support groups necessary for those who are willing and trying to change, he has taken a firm stance on crime and proven to be a judge who enforces the laws and follows up to make sure sentences are carried out. This firmness, coupled with the understanding that reform op portunities are the necessity of permanent solutions, makes Bob Ridgway an ideal choice for circuit court judge. I encourage everyone to re cognize the impact a judge has in their area and to then cast their vote for Bob Ridgway for circuit court judge. He is the candidate with more than cam paign promises, but a long and strong record of service. Sincerely, (s) Wayne Looney Pendleton To the Editor: This November we will have an opportunity to select a man who has a proven record of car ing and competent service for our community. Bob Ridgway will be a strong circuit court judge and will provide the same firm, consistent service for our area that he has given to our community for the past 10 years as Pendleton's muni cipal court judge. Bob Ridgway has a proven record of service that indicates concern for the elements ne cessary for a strong communi ty. Bob's long service on the Pendleton School Board, sup port of the Impact Panel Pro gram and membership in the Morrow and Umatilla County Domestic Violence Council show an understanding of the vital needs of a community. At Wenholz fair, honest both north and south Morrow County equally fair and honest- ty- (s) Shirley Rugg Heppner To the Editor: I've had business dealings with John Wenholz. I found him very fair and honest. I thing he would represent Wenholz refreshing To the Editor: I have lived in Morrow Coun ty since 1974. I have known John Wenholz for the last 10 years. John has always been very unselfish with his time since I've known him. The thing I like most about John is that you always know where he stands on an issue. You may not agree with it, but at least you know what he thinks. Too many politicians try to agree with everybody and we all know that can't be done. It's refreshing to see someone like John because you don't have to guess what he really thinks about something. (s) Steve Doherty Boardman Wenholz lives, works, pays taxes in county To the Editor: John Wenholz lives in Mor row County, he makes his liv ing in Morrow County, and he pays property taxes in Morrow County. Johh is the only one of the candidates running for the position of Morrow County Commissioner that can make these three claims. John has the ability to do a great job as our next commis sioner. John does not want to be a career politician, but in stead wants to give something back to Morrow County. I have known John since 1982, and believe that he can bring a com mon sense approach to county government. Please join me in supporting John Wenholz for Morrow County Commission er. Sincerely, (s) Don Russell Boardman End divisiveness To the Editor: In recent da^s 1 have heard from a number of people in the Oregon 2nd Congressional Dis trict that a movement exists to write-in Congressman Wes Cooley for Congress. It seems to me that Republi cans should end their divisive ness and follow the lead of the Republican party hierarchy and vote for candidates of the par- ty's choice even though Con gressman Cooley always sup ported and voted for the in terests of Eastern and Southern Oregonians. Please give serious considera tion to the wisdom of our par ty's guidance. Sincerely, (s) Bernie Wertgen Hood River Vote Republican To the Editor: With the massive amount of news to digest it is easy to be confused about how to vote. This is a time when your vote will influence the direction our country takes. P resid ent Bill C lin ton- appointed judges reflect leftist and elitist agenda. Bob Dole ap pointments will reflect indivi dual freedom and rule by the people. The right to own and use property, limit government, and maintain accountability through elections are reasons to vote Republican. Expanded government favors income distribution, higher taxes and expanded entire ments which reduce individual responsibility. Government special interest programs are separating Americans and en couraging anti-American multi- culturalism. Limited government requires tax cuts which result in more take-home pay, more indivi dual responsibility and reduces transfer of money from private sector to public sector. How best to achieve these better goals: elect Republican candidates for office. Vote yes on ballot measures 27, 29, 32, and 34. No, on all the others. Sincerely, (s) Don Peterson lone Rauch endorses Jerry Peck To the Editor: Morrow County voters are fortunate this year again, by having an excellent slate of can didates for county commis sioner. I would like to put in a plug for the independent, Jerry Peck, who has been both a wage earner and a small busi nessman in the county. I served five years with him on the county school board and know he was always as con cerned about the student from Hardman or Butter Creek as he was about the student who liv ed inside a city. He has had experience as a councilman and mayor of Boardman and knows and un derstands city problems. For the six years I was on the county commission with him I was impressed by his thor oughness. Jerry carried past court minutes home to study them. Whenever he had to at tend a meeting in Salem, Port land, Roseburg or wherever, and there were many, Jerry prepared extensively, by ac quainting himself with the issues and the people that were supposed to be present. He would know who they were and where they were from. An especial asset is his background with Association of Oregon Counties, having serv ed on the board and is a past president. He is acquainted with the workings of Salem and has served on several other quasi- governmental organizations such as GEODC, Oregon Con sortium, CECEP and others. A vote for Jerry is like choos ing a harness-broke horse over a colt. (s) Irv Rauch Lexington Ridgway has patience, work ethic To the Editor: As a former elementary ad ministrator with the Pendleton School District, is was my privilege to serve on various committees with Bob Ridgway. Bob was one of the first lay per sons to recognize the need for upgrading our antiquated junior high facilities. He was among the first to take action and his dedication resulted in the building of the modern facility recently renamed Sun- ridge Middle School. Bob's years of service on the school board were characteriz ed by a willingness to listen, patience in dealing with volatile issues and a work ethic which always found him well-pre pared. These skills, along with his background in law, qualify him as an ideal candidate for the position of circuit court judge. I encourage you to join me in voting for Bob Ridgway. (s) Val Bates Pendleton Sherer is a professional To the Editor: I encourage the voters of Morrow County to re-elect Margo Sherer as Morrow County Treasurer. Margo manages 30 county funds, 60 trust and agency funds and is responsible for a four to seven million dollar in vestment portfolio, all under Oregon statutes. She works with the Morrow County Transportation for the elderly and the disabled and applies for the state grant money that operates the pro gram. She is professional, effi cient and honest. She has 16 years experience, education and training in this job. (s) Jan Stroeber Heppner Campbell knows rural problems ming family in Gilliam, Wheel To the Editor: er and Grant counties, Kevin 1 have been a lifelong Repub knows or will get the informa but I feel I know a good Measure 32 would help Morrow Co. lican, tion needed to make a decision Democrat when I see one. 1 for the good and betterment of such things as road and street have known Kevin Campbell To the Editor: our farming communities. His repairs and new construction. for many years, including years The Roads and Lightrail family are all farmers, and good There would also be money for ago when he operated the lit Measure 32: what will it do for local bridges and special trans tle Kimberly store, plus work ones at that, and Kevin will use Heppner and Morrow County? their knowledge and expertise. portation service for elderly and ing with him as Grant County Measure 32 will establish a I hope that my fellow Repub disabled citizens. Judge. Transportation Equity Account licans will join me in suppor It also permits the state to I feel that Kevin knows the of $375 million payable to ting a good conservative native fund $375 million of the state's problems we have in rural Oregon cities and counties for Eastern Oregonian, Kevin share of cost to build Tri-Met Eastern Oregon and will make transportation projects outside Campbell, for state senator, North-South light rail. Gordon good decisions with small the Portland region. These (s) H.C. "H erb" Wright Smith backs this vital measure. business problems in mind. As funds come from lottery bonds owner, Wright's Chevrolet This measure would help Mor a member of a prominent far and other sources. Fossil row County and Heppner. We Local communities would set urge you to vote yes. their own funding priorities. (s) Bob & Suzanne Jepsen Vote Smith and Smith The money could be used for Heppner To the Editor: We need to vote for "Smith Wenholz will represent all In my opinion, the voters of and Smith;" Gordon Smith for the Second Congressional the Senate and Bob Smith for To the Editor a stTon8 and fair representative District and the State of Oregon Representative of District Two. Please join us in voting for for all of Morrow County. have an opportunity to have Please give this some thought the finest representation that I John Wenholz of Irrigon for as you go to vote. have seen in the 30 years that Morrow County Commission^ Mlke an 1 (s) Don Davidson I have lived in Oregon. How? er. We believe that he will bé Heppner La Grande *
