May 13, 2008
He was there
To the editor:
I just want to thank State Representative John Huffman for helping me work with state agencies to get my child support order reinstated. As a single parent, it is important to me to get action as soon as possible. He was right there for me.
Barbara Nearing
The Dalles
Turn it down - or off
To the editor:
Are we a nation of idiots? Then why do we turn on the TV full blast and then shout to each other over it? Is there a law against turning it off?
For example, I had to take my car to Les Schwab’s for a minor repair, then went to the waiting room.
I stepped into total bedlam!
The TV was on; nobody could have heard the voices on TV because the people talking on both sides of the counter were shouting to be heard above the TV and each other.
What a futile jumble of noise! But the TV must be on. It’s a rule.
Or so it seems. Does anybody ever question the need for total TV saturation all our waking moments?
Dorothy Jones
The Dalles
Rally around
To the editor:
Home at Last Humane Society needs you!
It’s time for all of us who care about our animals, to come together as a caring community. Lets show everyone that all of Home at Last’s work hasn’t been in vain.
If we loose our shelter, we loose. All we will have will be a holding facility, with no exact hours to see the animals. Our no-kill facility will go back to the way it was. Animals will be euthanized in a matter of days.
We as a community cannot let that happen. The shelter needs bags of dog food, cat food and, most of all, donations. We can all do it.
We can’t lose Home at Last!
Judy Ringo
The Dalles
He was there
To the editor:
After reading the letter to the editor in The Chronicle on April 22, authored by P.K. Swartz, I feel a need to respond. I have my own opinion about the proposed track at the middle school, however Mr. Swartz struck a nerve in his letter about a topic of more importance.
I would like to clarify some misinformation contained in the 4-22-08 letter. Children with learning disabilities are enrolled in Early Intervention from birth to five years of age. This program is funded by the state through local E.S.D. Then the school is responsible through the 21 year. School District #21 receives approximately $5,900 per student from the state.
However, if a student is identified as having a learning disability, the school district gets twice that amount — $11,800 per student — to help them get a proper education. With this added help, maybe these students can function and work in our community. They can then pay taxes and not be reliant on tax dollars to live.
This year District 21 received approximately $5,000,000 to educate these students, while only spending approximately. $2,500,000 for special education. The students in these programs are often blamed for budget shortfalls, but, in fact, D 21 does not use all the money intended for these programs.
Part of the budget is transportation, some $214,000, which is reimbursed 70 percent — $149,000 — from the state, thus making the figures look even worse.
The facts are that D 21 makes a profit from students with developmental disabilities, and, in turn, people blame them for budget shortfalls.
Thirty-four years ago Public Law 94-142 was passed to allow free and appropriate education to all children. Can you imagine taking your child to school and are told they are not welcome because they have a disability?
Rich Williams
The Dalles
Casino comment time
To the editor:
The deadline for comments on the proposed gorge casino is this Friday, May 15th.
Making a submission is easy; simply log onto www.gorgecasinoeis.com and comment either by e-mail, fax or mail.
Also at that site is the casino impact study (D.E.I.S.) which is what we are being asked to comment on. This is the last chance to make comments on this phase of the process.
If you wish to review the impacts of a gorge casino to help craft your comments visit www.gorgefriends.org or www.nogorgecasino.com for more information. As a resident of the gorge, who will be affected by casino traffic, unplanned growth and all the social problems a casino and gambling will bring, your opinion does matter. Please take the time to speak out.
Peter Cornelison
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Hood River
Running again
To the editor:
Sherman County citizens have significant strengths and resources: a fine school system, leadership, ample space for growth, a strong agricultural base, a growing wind energy base, a highly-prized small town/country lifestyle, and a comprehensive array of services.
I’m prepared to continue building our capacity to shape change while taking advantage of important opportunities: 1) strategic planning for growth and economic development; 2) housing 3) building on the assets of the school district; 4) strengthening emergency services capacity; 5) continuous investment in county and city infrastructure 6) building leadership capacity and deliberate transition of power to new leaders; and 7) community decision-making and increased citizen involvement.
During nine years on the job, I’ve worked to strengthen our mental health and family services; supported the Ford Institute Leadership Program; developed content for the county’s website; drafted public transit policy; worked on the Sherman County Library capital campaign and the nomination of DeMoss Springs Park to the National Register of Historic Places; and secured significant funding for improvements to the county’s only park and the senior center, tourism brochures and website marketing, and construction of a public transit bus barn.
There are no lawn signs or posters for my campaign. Instead I contributed to local youth organizations where the need is great.
A process person mindful of principles and policy, I bring initiative, openness, dependability, teamwork and resourcefulness to the work of county government.
Please vote for integrity, independent ideas and experience by electing me to another term. On the Democratic ballot, please write in Sherry Kaseberg.
Sherry Kaseberg
Wasco
Pennies for books
To the editor:
Colonel Wright School is having its annual Penny Drive to support Reading is Fundamental (RIF.)
Through the RIF program, each student is able to select three books per year to keep.
For every dollar we raise locally, we are able to buy four dollars worth of books.
The Colonel Wright Penny Drive continues through May. If you have pennies you’d like to donate, bring them by the school at 610 W. 14th Street. Larger donations are tax deductible.
Mary Reynolds
The Dalles
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