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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (May 6, 2010)
The INDEPENDENT, May 6, 2010 Where to Find Them U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (Dem) 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 585 Portland OR 97232 Phone: 503-326-7525 223 Dirksen Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510-0001 Phone: 202-224-5244 E-Mail: http://wyden.senate.gov/ contact Website: http://wyden.senate. gov U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (Dem.) One World Trade Center 121 SW Salmon St., Suite 1250 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: 503-326-3386 107 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3753 E-Mail: http://merkley.senate. gov/contact WebSite: http://merkley.senate. gov U.S. Representative David Wu (Dem) OR District 1 620 SW Main, Suite 606 Portland, OR 97205 Phone: 503-326-2901 2338 Rayburn House Ofc. Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-0855 Website: http://house.gov/wu Senator Betsy Johnson (Dem) Senate District 16 PO Box R, Scappoose, OR 97056 Phone: 503-543-4046 900 Court St. NE, S-314 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-986-1716 E-mail: sen.betsyjohnson@ state.or.us Website: http//www.leg.state.or. us/johnson Representative Brad Witt (Dem) House District. 31 21740 Lindberg Road, Clatskanie, OR 97016 Phone: 503-728-4664 900 Court St. NE, H-373 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-986-1431 E-mail: rep.bradwitt@state.or.us Website: http//www.leg.state.or. us/witt Representative Deborah Boone (Dem) House District 32 PO Box 926 Cannon Beach, OR 97110 Phone: 503-717-9182 900 Court St. NE, H-375 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-986-1432 E-mail: rep.deborahboone@ state.or.us Website: http//www.leg.state.or. us/boone Page 3 Letters Chicago kid learned newspapers’ worth To the Editor: I grew up in Chicago, a place where politics are viewed as sport. You could always tell a person’s political affiliation by the paper he carried; The Tri- bune (the Republicans) and Sun-Times (the working or mid- dle class). I carried the Sun-Times, I worked long hours and had lit- tle time to follow what my elect- ed officials were up to and the Sun-Times was always there to tell the truth, even though they ruffled the feathers of politi- cians and government agen- cies. The Tribune was also there to tell us everything was alright and that there were no worries, as our officials were doing their best for us. I am glad to have The Inde- pendent looking out for the working class who work long hours and cannot make it to city meetings and are unable to get answers on their own. If you want to support local business, do as I do and sub- scribe to The Independent and get the facts from a paper that is unafraid to report the truth. I also enjoyed the April 1st Fools page, which would of made Mike Royko and Studs Terkel laugh. Mike Spry Vernonia Great turnout made clean-up a success To the Editor: Many, many thanks to all of you who turned out for Vernon- ia Pride’s clean up day. We had approximately 160 volunteers. We accomplished some of our goals, the Boy Scouts planted close to 150 trees and plants, the new fire rings for An- derson Park were set in, bark was spread around the play structure at Anderson, some of the moss between the bricks up town was removed, and gener- al litter was picked up in some areas. A lot of prescription drugs were turned in, and if you missed this opportunity, they will be doing this again at a lat- er date. We also want to thank all the people who donated the food for our lunch, who come through for us year after year; Sentry Market for the hot dogs and water, Reser’s for the sal- ads, Frito Lay for the chips, and Franz for the hot dog buns and breakfast rolls. Once again, thanks to all of you who participated in any way, and hope to see you all again next year. DeLoris Webb Vernonia Pride Thanks for making D.C. trip possible To the Editor: I’d like to thank everyone who helped me go to Washing- ton, D.C. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. All the people that helped me by do- nating bottles and cans, buying baked goods, coming to the spaghetti dinner/bingo night and the generous cash dona- tions – you have my gratitude. I made many new friends and met lots of new people. My favorite things there were prob- ably Williamsburg and Arlington National Cemetery. You have no idea how thankful I am. Thank you! Bridger Steward Vernonia Sykes is the leader our county needs To the Editor: Our family has known Shaw- na Sykes for many years and watched her develop as a leader. She is intelligent, com- passionate in her interactions with others, generous with her time, and she cares deeply about what’s good for Colum- bia County and its residents. Shawna knows our county and its assets and will work hard to create a better future for us. There are a lot of people in this race, but Shawna Sykes is the kind of leader we need right now in Columbia County. I hope you join us in voting for Shawna Sykes this May 18th. Pete & Debbie McHugh Scappoose Moon has integrity, will work tirelessly To the Editor: Being one of the unsuspect- ing citizens of Columbia Coun- ty and a true believer in the old adage, “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear”; why didn’t those who Russ their knees for less than ad- mirable and professional activi- ty, while holding positions in various departments in the City of Rainier stridently and loudly defend their positions? Russ Moon, on the other hand, is a man who will not let his charac- ter, integrity, or purpose of ac- tions be impinged without an all-out battle to keep his name from tarnish, no matter what it takes. For sixty of my seventy-four years spent in Rainier I have seen few men like Russ; those with moral conviction and de- sire to improve the standards and quality of life of those he serves. Many are the times he was called upon for help with difficult problems and always responded with interest and ac- tions to get the job done. Less- er men stood by, hesitant and fearful to enter the fray. If you want a man who will work tirelessly; attacking all problems with integrity and pur- pose for the good of Columbia county, then elect Russ Moon as Columbia County Commis- sioner #2. He will always give you a truthful, ethical account of his actions. I urge all of you to give the “last good man standing” your vote on election day. Barbara J. Counts Rainier Heimuller is honest, he’s the real deal To the Editor: Last night I had an enlight- ening experience. If every voter in Columbia County saw and heard what I did, they would vote to change their lives for the better. I’m not politically inclined. I’m just a simple citizen who works hard, pays taxes and of- ten wonders what planet the people who spend my hard- earned money are from. Last night a friend asked me to attend a campaign meeting. Again, I don’t “do” politics, but my friend is a wonderful person and I trust her instincts. I’m so thankful I did. The meeting was for Henry Heimuller. There I saw, for the first time in a very long time, someone I intuitively trust. He didn’t sugar- coat one topic or avoid one conflict. He affirmed his deep connection to the county and his conviction to improve any- thing and everything he can. All that and not one ulterior motive for wanting to be our county commissioner. Henry Heimuller is the real deal. He is honest, genuine and has a true desire to make things better. Better for whom? Better for you and me; the com- mon, everyday citizens who work hard, pay taxes and want to again believe in our leaders. Join me in moving toward re- claiming our government. Join me in voting for Henry Heimuller. Jan Richard St. Helens Taylor is objective, aware, committed To the Editor: People who serve in public office deserve more credit and thanks than they usually re- ceive. Promoting awareness and involvement with issues af- fecting local citizens is at times frustrating. I know this from experience, working on a letter writing cam- paign to keep Bank of America in Rainier and helping to put on a Chamber of Commerce fo- rum about LNG (liquefied natu- ral gas) and the proposed proj- ect at Bradwood, Oregon. Judith Taylor has demon- strated over the years her ded- ication, and should make a ca- pable and knowledgeable county commissioner. Her ef- forts trying to promote local business with the Rainier Chamber of Commerce have been ongoing. When she ran the outdoor Saturday market, it was in good weather and bad. As a Rainier City Councilor, Ms. Taylor has brought an ob- jective perspective to the is- sues. The only woman, she has held her own ground, using log- ic and her ability to listen. She has served on the local plan- ning commission, and her real estate background should also Please see page 8 Policy on Letters The INDEPENDENT will not publish letters with per- sonal attacks on private citi- zens. Preference will be giv- en to brief letters, 300 words or less. All letters must be signed and include a verifiable ad- dress or phone number.