Letter to the Editor for March 31, 2009

What a great singer and concert

To the editor:

Sunday night I left my cozy fire and went out in the cold, howling wind to Baker City.  Nickoli Strommer was performing at the high school. The concert was fantastic! He has been training his voice for opera singing at OSU, and we were treated to almost an hour of great talent!

I closed my eyes during the songs, and could have been anywhere in the world listening to a great voice. And it was all in Baker City. This fine young man, who is humble and sincere, will have the opportunity to learn from the best in Austria this summer.

I want to thank Nick and his family for allowing us to listen and be a part of helping him reach his goals. We can say  “we knew him when. ...” Bravo, Nick! 

Karen Brock

Baker City

Let Idaho Power pay more taxes

To the editor:

I have a ranch in Durkee and own a home in Baker City. I love Baker County as much as anyone. I don’t like writing to the paper but I feel compelled to do so.

I have four to five miles of Idaho Power lines going through my property and no, I don’t like the looks of them. But if I’m indirectly helping some elderly couple heat or cool their home I feel like I have been a good neighbor. Idaho Power has always treated me right.

Last year Idaho Power paid Baker County almost $800,000 in taxes and they are the second largest taxpayer next to Ash Grove. If this B2H line goes through there would be another $100,000 to $150,000. If it wasn’t for these large taxpayers I don’t think we could afford to live here.

I called Leo Adler years ago to complain about Ash Grove on what was coming out of the stack. He said, “Gary, they are our largest taxpayer and they employ a lot of our neighbors. Let’s be good to them.”

He was right. Ash Grove is a great neighbor.

What I believe in is that a family home should have more priority than a sage grouse in the placement of these lines. I also believe that it would be beneficial if instead of a one-time easement payment to property owners there would be an annual payment. It would be an asset to the property if sold or to future generations. This would also lower the initial payment for Idaho Power.

In summary, our county commissioners and employees are doing a great job. Let’s support them with a solid tax base. Let’s let the construction bring jobs and spending to Baker City. It looks like if there is a need for this line in the Pacific Northwest, we are going to get it whether we approve or disapprove. In these tough times it seems like a no-brainer to get behind Idaho Power.

Let’s give them the opportunity to place the lines with the least amount of impact and help them become the largest taxpayer in Baker County.  

Gary Bloomer

Baker City