Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (July 10, 2024)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, July 10, 2024 -- THREE ~ Letters to the Editor ~ The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you can be reached. The address and phone number will only be used for verification and will not be printed in the newspaper. Letters may not be libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed in the classifieds under “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $15 Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net. Vote no on the recall As lifelong residents, we have lived in North and South Morrow Coun- ty and have been active participants. It has been gratifying these past 50 years to see our county become unified, working together to make this the best place in Oregon to live. It has been heartbreaking to see the current discord brought on by a few. The county governed by Oregon Statues and those ruling must be followed. Anyone interested in our county government should become familiar with their content. Jeff Wenholz, David Sykes, and Roy Drago Jr., our present Morrow County Board of Commissioners are attempting to follow those rules and do the job they were elected to. The current recall is an insult to our county and to everyone that worked hard to unify Morrow County. Please vote NO as soon as you receive your ballot. Your vote must be no later than July 22 nd . Vern & Francine Ev- ans, Irrigon, Or. Does Morrow County need another recall I am a Morrow County citizen whose family has resided in the Heppner area for three generations. I honestly feel that local politics are for others to argue about or maybe agree on, therefore over the years I personally have tried to avoid public sessions or stated opinion pieces on local issues. However, this recall election effort of our current County Commis- sioners, I do find somewhat troubling which has com- pelled me to now offer my own thoughts. I will also be the first to admit, I have not attended all the public meetings and only know what I have read and heard on the 3-4 primary issues cited as the background ra- tionale for this recall. While it seems 2 sides do disagree here, I usually find that common sense still plays a part in thinking about any workable solution or compromise. Common sense suggests to me a few things on the recall—is it possible these issues may have been carried over from the previous County Com- missioners agenda and now have become more “politi- cal or personality” driven (instead of one directed at finding real outcomes and solutions)? As a follow-on, are the expectations that our new Commissioners who began their terms in January 2024 supposed to arrive at agreements for Morrow County citi- zens on these difficult and longstanding agenda items within their first 6 months in office? Maybe a little patience, some trust and a steady leadership hand with open conversation still works in public ser- vice positions too like it should? If asked, I also se- riously doubt most citizens of this County would be excited to have the Gov- ernor appoint new County leadership to govern our internal affairs and direct our local decision-making abilities? One other thing that I haven’t read or heard about, but I can tell you it is real. I sit on a State Re- gional Advisory Council, and am an elected Board member who regularly in- teracts with local leadership and citizens alike in other Counties (Umatilla, Baker, Wallowa, Union) and in the last few months at nu- merous meetings there has not been one session where someone I knew hasn’t asked me—“what’s wrong with Morrow County”? My point is--you see what we are doing with this recall ballot election really goes beyond our own County line and others are watching and wondering too where this all goes. Remember a recall hasn’t happened but once since the late 1800’s in Morrow County gover- nance until last year, and is it really necessary now to do it again? Finally, after 28 years of active military service, I have learned you have to trust your instincts and mine say something feels amiss here. Thus, I pose this question—if you favor this recall with your vote, I hope you will consider all of the background factors and then the real impact both internally and exter- nally to Morrow County? Perhaps too, you can apply your own common-sense denominators to reach what feels right? I guess your vote and then the final tally will decide where we end up being represented as citizens of Morrow County. Chris Brown Heppner, OR. SURPRISE So, here’s a question for you. If you were getting ready to board a plane and someone pointed out the pilot, whom you watched slowly shuffle to the stairs, stumble up the steps, turn and speak with someone who wasn’t there, while looking very confused and mumbling to himself…. would you get on the plane? Not me. I’d be thumbing a ride back to the nearest bus station. Yet here we are, on this plane called AMERI- CA……with the possibil- ity of chalking up another four years of travel miles with this obtunded pilot. Seriously, with Biden in the cockpit, we’ll be lucky to make it off the runway. But then we have our trusty VP as the Co Pilot. Seems to me we’d be better off in her big yellow bus she loves so much. Surprised by the de- bate debacle? After a few minutes of pain and panic (remembering this man actually has access to the nuclear code) it was ap- parent…. someone’s meds weren’t working so well. Did I expect much more? Nope, not without a tele- prompter. Here’s the biggest surprise….that the Biden Admin actually expect us to believe that THEY are surprised by all this. Zero credibility there. They knew exactly what was happening. And while ly- ing through their teeth that the President has been “on top of his game” the whole time, they have been watch- ing the decline from close up. The only game he was on top of was the Throne of Denial. Yet we’re still hearing his number one cheerleader and Denier in Chief, Dr. Jill, tell us how great he did and how he “answered every question”. By the way…. does it count if you got them all wrong? Just curious. Everyone talks about Biden’s age. While he’s no spring chicken, I believe age is not the problem. We all know age brings some decline. But, that said, I know a man well into his 90’s that could mentally run circles around Biden. It’s my opinion that this is something more. And it’s something his administra- tion has been trying to hide for a long time. NY Times has recently learned that a Parkinson’s expert visited with the presidential Doc. Now, I’m no neurologist but I recognized the familiar shuffle a long time ago. And I highly doubt I’m the only one that noticed. In fact, Conservatives have been talking about his decline for about a year now. Have the Dems been so busy sorting out pro- nouns that they missed the memo? Maybe a few…. but my guess is that the Deep State planned a replace- ment puppet a year ago. But the options look pretty slim from here. Kamala? That’s scary. Newsome? That’s even scarier. He’s so left-leaning, he even scares the Left. Then there’s Mi- chelle…. which might be a better option. Being so close to the current puppe- teer will make the switch much easier. While I’m not so cold-hearted that I don’t have sympathy for our Pres- ident with his mental and physical decline, I don’t believe it excuses his disas- trous presidency, including his anti-American ideol- ogies. He wasn’t a good choice 4 years ago. Yet removing him from office might not be as easy as planned…. especially while He identifies as the “First Black woman to serve with a Black President.” Be- sides, Jill still wants to continue being President. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trust- worthy.” Proverbs 12:22 By Susie Crosby, Prineville, OR. Vote yes on the recall This letter is a chal- lenge to the BOC mislead- ing and false campaign to exhort vote No on Recall. I ask those that have not voted or are undecided to give the BOC an oppor- tunity to respond to this challenge in the Gazette Times next week. Citizens for Liberty and Justice is a grass roots organization and does not have the resources to take on both Morrow County newspapers, Am- azon and Windwave mon- ey, or expensive mailings. “Keep local Control VOTE NO.” I challenge the BOC to document or illustrate where Morrow County cit- izens have local control. (a) Morrow County citizens were given NO control of the Emergency ambulance ASA. Morrow County citizens voted over 70% for the MCHD ASA and were promised five public meetings in every county city which never happened. Even the new ASA advisory committee had no control over the final ASA. (b) Morrow County citizens had no control of the site for the new Circuit Courthouse. After 18 months the citizens still do not know where the new courthouse will be located or any evidence of local control. (c) Morrow County citizens had no control over the BOC giv- ing away of their priceless industrial land at the CDA. Morrow County taxpayers have no control over our cost for lawyers for the law suit the BOC caused at the CDA. (d) Morrow County citizens have no control of the Amazon tax abatements that go to special interest’s groups forcing taxpayers to subsidize BOC deals. “Keep local control” means keep the BOC in control. “Don’t let Salem Dictate Morrow Counties Future… Governor Tina Kotek will choose our next Coun- ty Commissioners.” That campaign statement is mis- information, no more than fear tactics to save our current BOC. Here are the facts this misinformation leaves out. If one Com- missioners is recalled no new Commissioners will be chosen by the Governor. If two Commissioners are recalled the Governor will be required to choose one new Commissioner. That Commissioner could serve 6 months or two and a half years. If all three Com- missioners are recalled the Governor will be required to choose two new Com- missioners. That process would not have “Salem politicians deciding our future” as Commission- er Sykes contends. The Governor’s choice would have to be Morrow Coun- ty citizens that Morrow County citizens would have a far greater control over than they presently have. In conclusion Jan and Ken Evans asked this ques- tion if you vote yes for recall: “You should be qualified and willing to do a better job for Mor- row County. Do you have the experience, skills, and vision to lead our county through these challenging times? Do you have a plan to improve our economy, health, and environment?” Here is my answer. Has the present BOC made Morrow County a better place to live? Has the pres- ent BOC upheld liberty and justice for our citizens? Has the present BOC made the lives of our citizens safer (Ambulance ASA) and less stressful? Has the pres- ent BOC done anything to make the citizens with con- taminated nitrate well water safe and healthy? Does the present BOC have a vision for our citizens or a vision to enrich special interest groups that support them? Does Morrow County have citizens that can answer the Evans challenge? If you believe the answer is yes and the present BOC has failed their opportunity, then vote yes on the recall. I challenge the BOC to respond, not with a sign or expensive mailer, but like a government of the people for the people. Stuart Dick, Irrigon, OR. WCCC Sunday Men’s Play Sixteen participated in men’s play on Sunday July 7 th at Willow Creek Country Club. The results are as follows: KP #4- 13 John Bowles 4’8”. Net 1 st Rick Britt 54, 2 nd Jerry Gentry 57, 3 rd John Bowles-Curt Day 60. Gross 1 st Duane Disque 63, 2 nd Dennis Peck 64, 3 rd David Allstott 68. The next event will be on July 14 th , with Donald Mathews and Joe Armotto hosting. Deadline: Monday 5pm Seniors enjoy outing to the Wildhorse Casino The Seniors on the buss that took them to the Wildhorse Casino with the chapperones. -Photo by Jackie Alleman South Morrow Seniors Matter (SMCSM), our local community organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior citizens, organized a thrilling out- ing to Wildhorse Casino on Friday. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over a dozen seniors, all eager to try their luck and enjoy a day of enter- tainment. The outing began with a comfortable bus ride to the casino, provided by the Loop, where the se- niors were greeted with a warm welcome. Partici- pants indulged in various casino games, including slot machines, poker, and blackjack. For many, it was a chance to relive fond memories of past visits, while for others, it was an exciting new experience. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, cheers, and the occasional celebratory shout of a big win. Con- versations flowed easily as attendees shared stories, discussed strategies, and reveled in the day’s events. South Morrow County Seniors Matter coordinator, Deb Green, expressed her delight at the success of the outing. “Our goal is to provide enriching and en- joyable experiences for our seniors, and today’s trip to the casino has been a fantas- tic success. It’s wonderful to see everyone having such a great time,” she said. The day began with a group photo to capture the memories of this special outing. And at the con- clusion of this outing, the seniors boarded the bus back home and there were already talks of planning another casino trip in the near future. SMC Seniors Matter continues to strive toward creating engaging oppor- tunities for senior citizens, fostering a sense of commu- nity and adventure among its members. For more information on upcoming activities, please contact Deb Green. Look for us on Facebook too. Lunch & Dinner Menu Specials 7-11 7/ 24 Thursday - Buffalo popcorn chicken wrap with macaroni salad Friday - 2 ham,egg, cheese English muffins with fruit Saturday - chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and green beans Monday - pulled pork nachos Tuesday - 2 pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage Tuesday night 6-9pm $2 hard shell tacos Wednesday - tuna melt and pasta salad HARDMAN POTLUCK REUNION Hardman Community Hall Hardman, Oregon July 20th, 2024 "EARS"OF EXPERIENCE Ready to help with your hearing healthcare needs 600 NW 11th Street Suite E-21 Hermiston, OR 97838 P.S. Ask us about our financing options! (541) 371-1900 Call Verna 541-371-1900 Offering complimentary hearing evaluation and/or to have your current hearing aids cleaned & checked, schedule today!
