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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (June 3, 2004)
The INDEPENDENT, June 3, 2004 Page 3 Letters Students object to censorship at VHS To the Editor: I have lived in this communi- ty for nine years. I have come to know every inch of this town from the green bridge to Lincoln Grade School. I have also lived in the United States of America my entire life, and love both its democratic history and its Bill of Rights. As I am certain you have noticed, several months ago, both our stand of trees (back by the shop) and our hedges were cut down. Involved in both of these actions (though not sole- ly) was the superintendent of the school district, Mike Funderburg. Mr. Funderburg has been reigning over our school district for the last two years and he has, in my opin- ion, absolutely no regard for the opinions of the community. With changes to the vegetation as dramatic as the ones that he has undertaken, it seems only decent that he consult us before carrying out his plans. Town meetings and local democracy have a longer lega- cy in America then even our governmental system. This goes down into the very fabric of who we are as a nation. Without any word in what is done to our own town, we are being subjected to what amounts to a fascist oligarchy. You may feel that I am over- exaggerating the degree of control that the school adminis- tration is exercising on us. I would almost agree with you if it were not for my being muz- zled for expressing my view on the issue above. The political cartoon (on this page) was pre- viously posted in the school I will not rest until every piece of green shrubbery is cleansed from this land! newspaper “The Timberline.” After being submitted to the principal for approval, it was rejected. When I asked what was wrong with it, and what I would have to change, I was told to go speak with the super- intendent. At the school district Curt Scholl, the principal, my best friend Ben Brookins, Mr. Funderburg and I met. After arguing about the content for an hour and a half they still would not let the cartoon be published and would only let several other things be pub- lished conditionally. Despite the fact that Ben repeatedly point- ed out Supreme Court cases that set a legal precedent for what we wanted to include in the school paper, they would have nothing to do with it. Ben and I were being very reasonable and civil, regard- less, they both only became angry and at one point Mr. Scholl threatened to get us into trouble. If it hadn’t been for me pointing out that we had done nothing for which he could legally punish us, and Mr. Funderburg quietly agreeing, we probably would have been. Their inappropriately harsh response – censorship – and disregard for the First Amendment just reinforced the opinion I had already formed; both of these men feel that they should have unchecked, unconditional control over all of Between the Bookends By Ann Krutsinger, Library Assistant Banks Public Library A big thanks to everyone who voted for the Wash- ington County Library Levy 34-77. The “yes” votes exceeded the “no” votes, but because the majority of registered voters did not vote, the measure ultimate- ly failed. All Washington County library patrons will begin to notice changes in county library servic- es due to cutbacks. On a happier note, the Banks Public Library Summer Reading Program will get under way Tuesday, June 1st with sign-ups continuing through July 17th. This summer, there will be a total of six programs. Programs are on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., as follows: June 24, Anne Glover – Uncanny String Magic. She’ll string you along and leave you in stitches as she weaves her stories using zany antics and mystifying sound effects. July 8, Pink Pig Puppet Theatre – Join us for the show “Adventure on the Arctic Trail,” a story about two friends and their discoveries on the way to the North Pole. July 15, Rhys Thomas – Wow! Did you see that? No? You won’t want to miss this incredibly talented, funny juggler extraordinaire. July 22, BJ The Clown – He’s back! Summer wouldn’t be summer at the library without BJ’s latest fun-filled show! July 29, Angel Ocasio – A very funny and high-energy one-man act. His performances combine physical comedy, jokes, magic and more! August 5, Creature Feature – Steve Lattanzi is a well-traveled reptile naturalist. He will share a wide variety of live reptiles from all over the world. In addition to the Summer Programs, Preschool Story time will continue every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. through July. For some adult entertainment, the library has purchased some new hot titles. These aren’t even on the shelves yet! But watch for them soon. Bill Clinton’s long awaited biography, “My Life,” is sure to be a best seller. Other titles include Dean Koontz’s newest, “Taking,” James Lee Burke’s newest mystery “In the Moon of Red Ponies,” and Tawni O'Dell’s newest, titled “Coal Run.” Banks Public Library: 111 Market Street. Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Preschool Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m., through July. Phone: (503 ) 324-1382 Internet: www.WILInet.wccls.lib.or.us. to browse library resources or to reserve materials electronically. the school. With no other medium, except this one, through which I could express my views, I have written this letter. I will probably end up unfairly targeted at school because of this, but I am more than willing to accept those consequences in order to preserve both the First Amendment rights of Vernonia High School students and to protect our community’s say in what our town looks like. Carrick Flynn, Valedictorian VHS Class of 2004 Ed. note: Mr. Funderburg declined to comment on the students’ objec- tions or his response. Vernonia “home” is good for SCCA Rally To the Editor: As competitors in the recent SCCA Oregon Trails Performance Rally, we wanted to express our gratitude for once again allowing us a “home base” for the event. The generosity shown by the City and its residents is much appreciated and truly assists in making the Performance Rally event a success. We know we speak for all of the Organizers and Participants when extend- ing our full appreciation for allowing us the opportunity to come to Vernonia. Thank you again for the gen- erosity and we look forward to returning soon. We hope, too, that this event has provided you all with a unique chance to be a part of our growing sport. Regards, Paul Eklund, driver Jeff Price, co-driver Primitive Racing car # 233 Tigard Performers need room with good acoustics To the Editor: I just last night attended in Vernonia possibly the best per- formance ever of a junior high school play. It was the musical: A Twist of The Tongue. Performances, particularly by the leads, were better than good. I genuinely liked Byron Schorzman as Moses Roses and Mackenzie Carr as Sally Seashell and, of course, my grand-daughter Amie Rombach as Dora Dimbulb. There was only one negative to this enjoy- able evening. The bad part was the horri- ble acoustics of the Washington School gymnasi- um/auditorium. The ambient noise level was distracting to everyone in the audience. It was so bad that I think that as a community we should all con- sider building a new theatre- type multiple use auditorium, one with decent acoustics, and locate it midpoint between Washington School and the high school. It is a matter of quality-of-life in Vernonia. I personally oppose many (maybe most) bond measures but I would vote for one to give us a first class theatre that could be used by both schools and other community organizations. Regards, James Woods Mist Help is needed for July 4th festivities To the Editor: Vernonia Pride is making plans for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks and we need the community’s support. Although we have turned over all of the legal details, per- mits, etc., to the Volunteer Fire Dept. we are still doing the fund raising for this event. Some of you have received a letter asking for a donation. For those who did not receive a letter, we are asking you to bring an extra dollar or two to the fireworks, as we will be col- lecting money that night. The fireworks display costs $3,500, so you can see your support is needed. The Buckhorn will be doing their spaghetti dinner on June 27, and all profits will go to sup- port the fireworks. The parade will start at 7:30 p.m. The Boosters and the Boy Scouts will have their usual concessions, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, etc. The walking tour books have been selling well, you can pur- chase these at City Hall or Vernonia Sentry, where I under- stand Sandra tries to put one in every bag. Watch our new reader board located next to Vernonia Realty for coming events. See you at the Fireworks. DeLoris Webb Vernonia Pride