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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 1998)
The INDEPENDENT, October 21,1998 Do it again Vernonia; your vote is needed To the Editor: I am pleased to report that Vernonia voters overwhelming ly passed the 9-1-1 measure in September. With well over a 50 percent turnout, 71.5 percent voted yes to maintain and update a healthy emergency communications system. Unfortunately, it failed coun ty-wide for lack of turnout, so we must do it again. The same measure is on the November ballot and your vote is needed to achieve our goal of quality, stable 9-1-1 service in Columbia County. Thank you, Vernonia, for leading the county in recogniz ing the need to support public safety issues. It makes me proud. Kathy Denckla Vernonia DC 2000 Kids say thanks for support To the Editor: We would like to thank everyone for supporting us in our effort to raise money for our trip to Washington D.C. in the year 2000. We have had car washes, a log race, a yard sale, pop can drives, Breck bulb sale and several other fundraisers. The community has been very supportive. The D.C. 2000 kids want you to know we appreciate everyone for your support in buying a raf fle ticket, having your car washed, donating pop cans or any other way. This trip to Washington D.C. will not be possible without your support. We also want to thank the following people and organiza tions for their support: Vernon ia Head Start, Columbia Coun ty Sheriff’s Dept., Mini Mart, Tony Hyde, Chris and Kayla Cota, Vernonia Sentry, Randy Parrow, ‘76 station, Cornelius Safeway, 47J District Office, Vernonia CATV, and The INDEPENDENT. In appreciation of our community, The D.C. 2000 Kids Yes on Measure 64 for better ecology To the Editor: Measure 64 doesn’t apply to zoned farmland, Christmas tree farms, residential zoning even if fully wooded, or even forestland wood lots under 80 acres. Trees under 11 inches in diameter don’t count. Replant ed clearcuts aren’t zoned for est wood lots ‘til more than 8400 board feet per acre of over 11 inch diameter trees stand on them so Measure 64 doesn’t apply there, but no chemicals. Navigable waters are those you can boat on, [they] always were public domain, and 64 is far more lenient than NMFS regulations which are a result of the timber industry’s own clear-cutting. We are bound by law, as — Ill a 4 b s u u i b b i By Nancy Burch Vernonia City Librarian Last month's article discussed the issue of overdue materials and the problems associated with getting them returned. Since then, several patrons have rounded up and returned library materials and several more have made restitu tion or donations to atone for long overdue materials. These patrons are to be commended, but there is still a list of about a dozen patrons who have made no effort to contact the library and whose library privileges are suspended until such time as they resolve this matter. Remem ber that it takes extra staff time and expense to remind patrons of overdue materials and return your materials promptly. During the past month we again received some really good news. The Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust is prepared to make a grant of $10,000 for furnishings in the new library. That should purchase some really nice tables, chairs, etc., for patrons to use while enjoying the new library. Speaking of the new library, have you seen that work is progressing on the beginning stage —the foundation work? Before the digging began, lines were drawn on the site indicating the layout of the buildings. It was really exciting to actually see the size, shape, and location of the library. It reminded me of raking leaves as a child and forming them into rooms to make a “pretend” house. Only this isn’t pretend! It is happening—finally! Although many of you hate to have Christmas mentioned so early, the Christmas craft books have been unearthed from their hidden spot where they reside most of the year and are available for patron use. We really do have a nice assortment, including such series as The Spir it of Christmas, Chhstmas is Coming, American Country Chhstmas, and Christmas Handcrafts. Oregonians for Labor Intensive Forestry Economics, to only make true statements while the No people can attempt to mis lead any way they please. If you have questions please call OLife at 503- 235-5895. Selective logging, tier log ging, tagging, thinning, and brushing employ more people, too, continually and locally. Measure 64 isn’t the heavy hand of regulation for smaller land owners, just big timber holders that cause too much death and destruction to other people and wildlife. Measure 64 forces us to switch to the new ecology minded forestry of the U.S. Forest Service; Mac Millan Bloeden, Canada’s largest tim ber company; and the green certification programs of OSU and many new forestry schools. Thank you, Louis Denison Vernonia Senior citizen will vote for jail and 9-1-1 To the Editor: As a senior citizen, I do not usually favor voting for any measure that will increase my property tax. This November, however, I intend to vote for two that are needed. A new larger jail would keep those confined that are in some cas es let go for lack of space. In the first six months of 1998 at least three hundred people were released for lack of Page 3 space. The 9-1-1 measure would help continue the fine service we have had for some years. During the twenty years of my late husband’s illness it was with a sense of security that I called for help. Within a few minutes help was always at my home. These two measures are a benefit to all of us living in Columbia County. Please vote yes. Sincerely, Muriel Derby Clatskanie vide funding to protect our wild salmon and other wildlife, and to create and maintain state parks, ocean beaches and recreation areas. I am writing as a native Oregonian, daugh ter of a Central Oregon timber family and supporter of educa tion and the environment. I am supporting Measure 66 be cause if we don’t protect Ore gon’s natural heritage, I fear we will come to realize too late what we have lost. Elizabeth K. (Betsy) Johnson Scappoose Former student lauds Bushnell’s teaching M64 pesticide ban isn’t broad enough To the Editor: I would like the voters to know the Scott Bushnell that I know. I met Scott Bushnell in 1993 Scott was the job coach for Tillamook High School. I was a student in Scott’s pro gram which helepd me learn job skills not out of a book. I learned hands on work experi ence on local job sights like Bester’s Salvage, Metronix Auto Repair and BLM refor estation. Scott was the first teaching staff who focused on the things I did well. What Im trying to say is when it comes to Education Scott truly under stands the student needs and I think he would be great for us to have him as are Represen tative in Salem. To the Editor: The proponenets of Mea sure 64 display a distressing ignorance of forest economics, and forest health; yet their opposition to clearcuts has some merit. Where the measure fails, however, is in its ban on herbi cides and pesticides ONLY IN FORESTRY. To be useful, this ban should extend to all Ore gon. No more organophos phates on residential drive ways, no more weed-and-feed on suburban lawns. No more flea powder for Fido, and we will all happily eat wormy apples. Purists would not even wear mosquito repellent, rely ing on the labor-intensive SWAT! Cordially, Frazier Rohm Vernonia Heith Pierce Tillamook Ed. note: The above letter was printed exactly as it was written. It was sent to The INDEPENDENT by the Bushnell campaign office. Measure 64 will make dream a nightmare My favorites of these are The Spirit of Christmas books, which include sections with ideas for the Yes on M66 for state matic home decorating, making gifts of clothing, etc., ideas for entertaining, and recipes and parks and salmon ideas for making gifts of food. We also have sev eral of the more popular books published by To the Editor: I am writing to urge my fel Leisure Arts, including The Creative Christmas Kitchen, Christmas Gifts Under $10, and Christ low Oregonians to join with mas Cheer (recipes and party ideas). Our mag Senator Mark Hatfield and azine section includes Crafts, Quick and Easy Governor Neil Goldschmidt to Crafts, and Crafting Traditions, all of which have support Ballot Measure 66, the great ideas for making things for yourself or for Campaign for Parks and gifts. Crafting Traditions includes a section enti Salmon. Over the past twenty years I have witnessed with tled “Christmas Corner” in each issue. Recent acquisitions include several new sadness and embarrassment books on quilting as well as one about making the degradation of the legacy of state parks and natural scrapbooks. These books and magazines will remain with areas. I have watched our in easy reach from now through the holidays. native salmon and other ani Come give them a look before beginning your mals one by one be officialy listed as threatened or endan holiday projects. throwing local New works of fiction include No Safe Place, gered, by Richard North Patterson, and Tell Me Your economies into turmoil and in Dreams, by Sidney Sheldon. Patterson’s novel many ways threatening the invites the reader to explore the world of high- quality of life here in Oregon. I stakes presidential politics and the people have done what I could to help involved at their worst and their best, their pas the situation; however, with sions, their ideals, and their flaws. Sheldon’s Measure 66 we have the novel is about three beautiful young women who opportunity to make a signifi are suspected of committing a series of brutal cant, tangible, and long-term murders. An arrest is made and the defense is difference. The cost of bountiful wildlife, based on startling, but authentic medical evi dence. Of course, Sheldon’s ending to the novel clean rivers and streams, and is quirky, as his faithful readers have come to well-maintained parks, is con expect. Either of these is a good choice for a stant vigilance. Vigilance costs money. State support of parks “curl up by the fire” evening. has decreased from 70 percent to 12 percent since 1980, and federal money has also been reduced. Right now, there are 65 state parks on a list to be closed. Measure 66 would pro To the Editor: I had a dream— As a young man my dream was to become a Forester, engaging in the care and enhancement of our only renewable resource, timber, and its parent, the land. What with nearly four and one half years in World War II military service, and other demands, this did not come about. The dream, however, was pursued in a practical sense with over 40 years of my life spent engaged in the owner ship and management of land and timber. Bought my first timber grow ing property in 1958. Still have it. Subsequent purchases increased the silva cultural (sic) responsibility to where an avocation became a vocation, and a full time job since 1971. Still at it — every day, and with the use of best management practices. The economic importance to me and my fam ily is substantial. If passed, Ballot Measure 64 will destroy 40 years of effort and the full and total value of both land and timber. I had a dream. Should it be destroyed? Jack N. Seabold Forevergreen Forests Hillsboro Please see page16
