TW O
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, October 11, 2000
*
Must insist on majority rule
To the Editor:
This letter was presented to the
Lexington City Council on Oct. 9
by a group of concerned citizens.
Heppner
They have requested that a copy
be sent to the Heppner Gazette
for publication in its complete
U S P S 240-420
form.
This letter is in reference to the
Morrow County’s Home-Owned Weekly N ewspaper
August 14 meeting and the Sept.
Published weekly and cniered as periodical matter at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon
11 meeting of the Lexington City
under the Act of March 3.1819 Periodical postage paid at Heppner, Oregon Office at 147
Council.
At the August meeting.
W Willow Street Telephone (541 >676-9228 Fax (541)676-9211. E-mail gt(a>heppncr net
Bob Taylor stated that, "The
or gt o rapidserve net Web site www heppner net Postmaster send address changes to
the Heppner Ga/elte-Times, P O Box 337, Heppner, Oregon 97836. Subscriptions S22 in
hiring of Leroy Cline was not an
Morrow County, SI6 senior rate (in Morrow County only; 62 years or older), $29 else
emergency, that there should
where
have been a special meeting (24
David Sykes ............................................................................................................. Publisher
hours notice), that Glenn
April Hilton-Sykes........................................................................................................ Editor
(Anderson)
had hired him
On the HEPPNER WEBSITE: tvww.heppner.net
illegally,
that
Glenn
(Anderson)
• Start or Change a Subscription
should
pay
his
wages
and that the
• Place a Classified Ad • Submit a News Story
matter would be turned over to
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the State Ethics Committee."
• City Council & Planning Minutes
The Mayor, Duane Disque,
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responded that he felt it was
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necessary that he be paid to avoid
problems with the labor board, as
he had been hired and had
Letters to the Editor
already done some work.
Editor's note: Letters to the Editor must be signed. The Cazette-Times w ill not
Point-The project for which
publish unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number on all
Cline was hired had been
letters lor use by the C-T office. The C-T reserves the right to edit. The C-T is not
anticipated for over a year. What
responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters.
was the emergency that it could
not have been addressed in a
prior or special meeting?
Point—Cline had previously
To the Editor:
Financially as well as in other terminated his employment with
I get tired of it and I can't hold ways, being two separate high
my tongue any longer. It seems schools on the south end is really the city. There were/are others in
like nearly every week when I better than being together. We the city, who are just as informed
get my Heppner Gazette, there is would lose all our small school about the water system and the
an article in there that is negative funding from the state if we position as Cline and they were
not advised of the availability of
when it comes to Morrow combined.
the opening, so that they could
County School District. The
The atmosphere at each school also apply. There are also reports
person who writes it has failed to is totally different. lone offers
see the whole picture or get their everything that a larger school that Anderson hired Cline before
he contacted the other council
facts straight.
can offer in many ways. lone members.
In last week's paper, a negative school is the only one in the
Our counselors, duties,
person mentioned that Heppner Morrow County district to have
High School didn't have a an FBI.A club (Future Business responsibilities and liabilities
certified teacher to teach Leaders of America). We had (’sec II a) states-district board
advanced math. In the very same two of our students beat members have no individual
paper was an article about the competition from much larger powers separate from the powers
new math teacher, telling his schools (such as Pendleton) to of the board, and have no
qualifications (which of course, make state competition last year. authority to act individually
said he was certified to teach
The same thing happens each without the delegation of
math — he wouldn't have been year at Blue Mountain Skills authority from the board— also,
hired if he wasn't qualified).
Challenge. Our Morrow County per rules adopted by the League
I am sorry but I have taught in students do very well. Last year of Oregon Cities, no individual
several school districts in the our lone girls sports team were councilor has a legal status to act
Northwest and Morrow County is the only ones in the whole state for the council outside of an
one of the better ones. I am proud to have as high of a GPA as they official meeting, unless authority
is given to councilors by a
to be a member of the did.
Majority
"vote o f the” council;
professional team of teachers
I have taught in districts where
here in Morrow County. The there was a 4-1/2 day week to commitments on any matter
administration and the teachers districts where school went year shout# properly eome before the
council as a whole.
are all very educated and
round. I much prefer the four-day
At the September meeting.
qualified and professional and
week. Not because I teach less,
Bob Taylor stated that he wanted
are to be extremely respected.
Our teachers go out of their (because I am in the classroom the minutes of the August
way to offer special assistance about the same amount of time meeting to reflect exactly what
and classes to students. The either way) but because I feel he had said, and not just what the
students actually get more than like I am more efficient and do a recorder had transcribed, i.e.,
discussion concerning the hiring
they might in a larger school better job.
Some research has been done of Leroy (or is it LaRoy) Cline to
because they get lots of
individual attention. In lone, actually that indicates that people do the West St. water project
where I teach, kids get what they leam better when a concentrated needed to service customers
need. If it means teaching effort (four days x 60 min. each during the B St. Bridge Project
advanced classes to one student class) goes into it instead of were addressed. Bob Taylor
while the others are learning at a having shorter and more (five didn't think that it was an
normal pace, then the teachers days x 45 min) class periods. I emergency and that he should
feel like with all the outside have been hired at a meeting;
are willing to oversee that.
activities
that kids are involved therefore, he shouldn't have been
When I mention what classes I
teach, to teachers in other in our current society, the paid. Duane responded that it
districts, they are usually amazed pressure of having school five was necessary to get the job done
because I teach so many things. days a week is more than our as
Dick
Kempas,
the
Most teachers in other districts kids need. I love the four-day maintenance man, didn’t know
are not willing to put themselves week. Yes, my days are longer. how to do it, and since he was
out to offer so many different But I don't mind. I like knowing hired the town had to pay him or
subjects. If anyone is interested that maybe I am making a the labor board would be down
in seeing what all we offer here difference in someone's life.
our necks.
I love Morrow County School
at lone, feel free to visit our web
It is interesting to note -that
site
at
http://www.ione. District and it really bothers me the recorder has no problem
morrow.kl2.or.us and I know when people don't get their facts transcribing almost exactly what
that Heppner and Boardman also straight about us. Our kids have some people say, and not others,
offer lots of extras to kids. Our nothing to be ashamed of here in depending
on
her
own
Oregon test scores are above Morrow County. They can say interpretation of who might
state averages for the most part with pride, "I am from Morrow benefit from her actions.
and students do very well when County."
CDR&L (sec VI F) states —
Darlene Marquardt
compared to students in other
special meetings require at least
lone Schools
districts.
24 hours notice. Such notice
Business, Music and Computers
should include a press release or
telephone call to the media,
particularly media which has
To the Editor:
of the many.
requested prior notice. Special
After
reading
Mike
meeting notice should also
I respect both Verlin Denton
include telephone, letter or fax
McCullough’s letter of support for and Steve Myron; both would be
notice to other interested persons.
Verlin Denton, I feel it is impor an asset to Morrow County. I
CDR&L (sec VI G ) states —
tant that I do set the record know how I am voting, but that’s
emergency meetings may be
straight. At no time as sheriff of my choice.
Morrow County did I not have
(s) Roy Drago held on less than 24 hours notice.
An actual emergency must exist,
complete control of that depart
Retired Sheriff,
and
the minutes must describe
ment. As for Denton "virtually
Morrow County
the
emergency
which justifies
running” the MCSO, he did so at
Boardman
less than 24 hours notice. Notice
my direction and leadership.
of an emergency meeting must
I do not intend to minimize his
be
"appropriate
to
the
ability or effort that was put forth
circumstances",
which
should
at
during the time he acted as my
least
include
a
reasonable
undersheriff. However, I am not
attempt to contact the media and
about to give away the achieve
Holly
Rebekah
Lodge
held
the
other known interested parties.
ments that were accomplished
first card party of the year on Oct.
CDR&L (sec L) states -written
during my tenure as your sheriff.
7. High men’s winner was Elmer
minutes
must be kept of all
A short list follows: marine patrol:
Health
and
High
women’s
was
meetings.
Minutes need not be
reserve program: expansion of the
Verna Biinda. Low man was Bob verbatim transcripts, nor are tape
dispatch center to include three
recordings required. Minutes, in
Taylor and low woman, Joyce
other counties; drug enforcement
whatever form, must give a true
Buchanan.
Traveling
was
won
by
program, i.e. task force; DARE
reflection of the matters
Luella Taylor and Dorthy Wilson.
and other education programs at
Card parties are held the first discussed at the meeting and the
schools; forest patrol; and code
Saturday of each month at 7:30 views of the participants.
enforcement. These are but a few
Governing bodies must prepare
p.m Everyone is invited to attend
The Official Newspaper
of the City of Heppner and the County of Morrow
GAZETTE-TIMES
County teachers qualified, professional
Former sheriff sets record straight
Holly Rebekah
holds card party
minutes of the meetings and have
them available to the public
within a reasonable time after the
meeting.
Point— an actual emergency
did not exist, a special meeting
was not called, interested parties
were not notified, Glenn
Anderson acted on his own to
make a decision that should have
been addressed by the council,
minutes were not kept of any
meeting or action taken, and no
one in town was aware of the
situation or hiring of Cline until
he was seen at the site.
All of the above are in direct
violation of the open meetings
law of the state of Oregon.
This is not the first time that
Anderson has acted on his own,
without the authority of the
council. He has consulted
lawyers while stating he
represents the city, he has
approached the county court-
requesting tippage fees for the
fire department —(both without
the knowledge and consent of the
council).
How many more incidents have
there been that the community is
unaware of? Perhaps he needs to
be reminded that the fire
department is part of the city and
the city is not part of the fire
department. He. however, has no
problem asking for assist from
the city, if he or the fire
department have a need for
equipment, etc.
Lexington needs more firemen.
We have two trucks, and not
even enough firemen to staff one.
What is the problem? Could it be
that when potential firemen
indicate a desire to serve, that
they are made to feel that they
are not welcome, and that their
input is not valuable?
Anderson has also attempted
to undermine the recently formed
Fire Department Auxiliary
(which was formed for the
specific reason to assist the
department by obtaining needed
equipment etc). He has refused to
apologize for his indiscriminate
remarks and mistakes. And at no
time even said a word of thank
you. His wife, on the other hand,
ufr most supportive eft the
•auxiliary's efforts.
£***■
•
.«Another concern re-§he-*bove
meetings:
At both meetings there was a
quorum present, and one
councilman absent at each
meeting.
Section 17 of the city charter
defines a quorum as a majority of
the council, including the mayor,
to conduct its business.
Section 19 states, the mayor
shall chair the council and
preside over its deliberations, and
shall have a vote when necessary
to break a tie, shall have the
authority to preserve order,
enforce the rules of the council,
determine the order of business
and make appointments as
provided.
At the August meeting, when
the bills were presented there
were three votes cast, two in
favor and one against. The mayor
declared the motion as passed.
The bill, in question, being that
of Cline's.
At the September meeting,
when Taylor requested that he be
directly quoted according to the
above, there were also three
votes cast, two in favor and one
against. When the mayor
declared the vote as passed,
Anderson stated that the matter
could not be decided without the
majority of the council. The
matter was tabled until the next
meeting.
The city charter states (sec 22)
except as this charter provides
the express concurrence of a
majority, of council present (note
keyword "present") at a council
meeting, a quorum being present,
shall be necessary to decide any
question before the council.
Majority according to the
American heritage dictionary is
defined as—the greater number’
over half, a number more than
half of the total, -i.e., two is the
majority of three, three is the
majority of four and four is the
majority of five, etc.
In both of the above incidents,
there were four council members
present, the mayor did not vote,
two members voted yes and one
voted no. The majority of the
vote was yes. ( The majority of
three being two. that shouldn't be
too hard for anyone to figure
out.)
There also appears to be some
confusion on Anderson's part, re
the status of moderator who is
really only acting as a mayor, pro
tern. He is, traditionally, the
presiding officer, is bound by the
same rule, as the mayor, and as
such is not entitled to vote except
in case of tie.
CDR&L (sec F) states, in
Oregon, it takes a majority of the
entire board to adopt a motion,
resolution or ordinance or take
any other action. A majority of a
quorum is insufficient. Sec E
defines a quorum as more than
50 percent of the members of the
entire board.
The above being the case, quite
possibly the city of Lexington
has just conducted an illegal
election, as there were only two
voting members and not the
majority of an entire board. The
resolution was signed on 7-10-
2000 prior to the seating of two
additional council person. How
much better it would have been if
the levy had been held off until
there was a full council.
Over the past year, we have
observed our city government
being ridiculed, put down,
questioned, lectured about truth
and integrity by someone, who,
apparently, does not even know
the meaning of the words. We
have observed the resignation of
almost the entire council, with
the exception of the one, who
causes most of the problems. We
have observed his attempts to
twist, change, manipulate and
control our laws for his own aims
and purposes, and to further his
own personal agenda
We have allowed our citizens
to be discriminated against
according to his twisted rules.
We have watched friend tum
against friend, neighbor against
neighbor. We have allowed
ourselves to become the laughing
stock of the county, and we have
done nothing about it.
The city charter has served the
citizens of the community well
for decades. Are we now to allow
one person to make his own
interpretation, without question?
Or are we going to insist that our
laws be enforced according to
majority rule, as it was intended?
People of Lexington, we trust
and hope you will choose wisely.
(s) Robert Taylor
Lexington
This letter was presented to the
council on Oct. 10, signed by
myself (Robert Taylor) and four
other community members. The
mayor thought the council should
review before it was read in an
open meeting. It was written so
that
Lexington community
residents could become aware of
some of the things that have been
happening
in
our
city
government. What ever happened
to the rights of "free speech"?
Talk about a dictatorship.
Misconceptions about fair set straight
(Editor's note: The following
letter to the editor was
inadvertently omitted from the
Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 issues of the
Gazette-Times.)
To the Editor:
This is in reply to Mary
Garrett of Boardman's letter to
the Gazette-Times, Sept. 13.
The Morrow County Fair Board
believes
there
are some
misconceptions
about how
judging is done for open class
and we would like to try and
resolve this.
During this past fair, we had
340 exhibitors for open class, 75
from Heppner, 41 Lexington, 62
lone, 25 Boardman, 16 Irrigon
plus 21 entries from out of
county (Hermiston, Condon,
Sumpter, Albany, Arlington,
Umatilla and John Day).
We always strive to get all of
our judges from out of county but
some years it is necessary to get
one from Morrow County. (This
year we had one judge from
Morrow County). During the
judging period on Tuesday
morning and afternoon, all the
tags attached to articles of
clothing,
jams,
paintings,
flowers, crafts, etc., are closed so
that the judges do not know who
made the articles they are
judging. It is only after judging.
that the tags are opened to
display the name of the winners
for that particular article.
Why a judge prefers one
article of food, clothing, jam or
whatever, over another only
he/she could explain what the
difference was that he/she saw or
liked.
If it seems to Ms. Garrett that
this is only a "Heppner fair", then ,
we are sorry she feels that way.
We can only encourage that more
people from the north end enter .
exhibits in the open class so it
won't seem like a "Heppner
Fair". Most complaints from the
north end seems to be time and
distance. There are not many
county fairs that are centrally
located or convenient to all the
Cities in the county.. Look »t
Umatilla County Fair, they have
entries coming to Hermiston
from Milton-Freewater.
The Morrow County Fair is
open to all residents of the
county. We could only hope that
more residents from the north
end would participate in Open
Class, then maybe the Fair
wouldn't be considered a
"Heppner Fair:.
(s) Shirley Adams
Morrow County Fair Board
Member
Heppner
lone offers sound education for students
To the Editor:
lacking.
Meg Murray continues to
What seems to have been
express her view of school missed by many is that the
consolidation week after week in problem in school funding is not
your newspaper.
just a Morrow County problem.
I wish to make a few points It is those in Salem that have
clear from my lone perspective. decided who is going to win. If
First and foremost, just because you live in a rural area in
you have an lone address does Oregon, you lose.
not mean that you represent lone.
Life does revolve around more
Mrs. Murray's support for than a school, but not much in a
Heppner is admirable, but she town the size of lone. We like
needs to not mislead people who our way of life and we wish to
are newer to the area that she is keep it. Mrs. Murray seems to be
expressing an lone point of view. under some illusion that she can
She should be clear as to which start a gentle wave and it will
high school the Murray's choose slowly sweep us up into a
for their family and where her consolidated high school.
family's economic ties are.
If Mrs. Murray had more than
I agree that we must work hard an lone address she would know
to make a good sound education that the people of lone have been
available, but both South working hard for years to support
Morrow high schools have a and keep our high school. To
proud history of sending a large those that agree with Mrs.
percentage of their graduates on Murray, although I can only
to higher education. My speak for myself, it is hard to
education from lone High school defeat those that choose never to
was sound and I excelled at the give up and never to forgive.
I wish to be clear, I feel that
collegiate level. My mam point
being that the class offerings in both lone and Heppner are great
the past looked very much like places to live and raise a family.
they look today and we have a lot Let's keep it that way.
(s) Jerry Rietmann
of college degrees to support that
lone
the education has not been
City, library discuss building
Oregon Trail Library District
invite the public to participate in
a pre-design work session with a
team of architectural consultants
on Saturday, Oct. 28 from, 1-4
p.m. at the Stj Patrick's Senior
Center. The purpose of the
session will be to address design
issues and concepts before
conceptual
drawings
are
prepared.
The program will include:
* Introduction to proposed city
hall,
library
and
police
department project
• Presentation by consultants
• Workshop sessions with
consultant facilitators.
• Summary of workshop input.
• Question and answer period.
Questions about the proposed
meeting may be directed to
Heppner City Hall at (541) 676-
9618.