Let's try to be more respectful, please

To the editor:

And God said: Let there be dots, purple stripes, checkered patterns and portraits painted on both sides of Main Street, after all what is good for one business owner should be the right of everyone who owns a business in Historic downtown Baker City.

Since this newspaper, Ms. Calder and her cohorts are such proponents of dots, then you all will be elated when everyone with an axe to grind paints the sidewalk in front of anybody's establishment.

Thousands of dollars have been spent to restore and preserve the historic beauty of our downtown, a place that all citizens can take great pride. It is the City staff's job to safeguard its integrity. Although the "dots" by themselves don't pose a significant problem, it sets a bad precedent for future such "art" projects. I am disappointed that a Councilor did not inquire first or at least consider the ramifications of her actions.

Now that her crew of loyal supporters has again been summoned to bombard the paper with letters to the editor and she had cleaned the sidewalks off, it is time to get on with the business at hand. Remember this dilemma was not brought on by city staffers and I don't believe there is huge conspiracy on their part. From what I gather from newspaper articles, Ms. Calder was simply asked (not cited) to remove the painted dots for reasons most downtown business persons should readily understand. Most would think that such an informed and community minded Councilor would surely recognize this, rather than simply comply. . . . I wonder if she just enjoys stirring the pot, while the entire city gets to watch many good people getting caught up in this ridiculous tirade.

Public, beware! There are multiple versions of each story and before you judge someone's character, you should know the full history of what has led up to these issues. I find it hard to believe the Baker City Herald only received letters in support of one viewpoint. Let's remember that Steve Brocato and Jeff Petry are raising families in this town. Can we please be more respectful?

Marna Fahrney

Baker City