Letters to the Editor for July 3, 2009

Think before signing petition

To the editor:

I was dismayed when I read the article about the sidewalk graffiti (Baker City Herald, June 19). The person(s) who did this are in the same class as the writers of anonymous letters, hateful, cowardly, vindictive. Do the supporters of Brocato condone this behavior?

Immediately following Brocato’s dismissal the spate of letters praising him and vilifying certain city councilors had all the earmarks of an organized campaign, especially since it was followed by recall petitions against Mayor Dorrah and Councilor Calder. All this will eliminate any possibility of helping Brocato but it might hurt Calder and Dorrah, which appears to be the intent of the campaign.

When I first came to Baker County and City more than 50 years ago, I was impressed by its civility and friendliness. I wanted to stay here. That same impression is still being given by many of our citizens and businesses. Among those are Beverly Calder’s Bella Main Street Market, Dennis Dorrah’s York’s Grocery and Sporting Goods, and some automotive service businesses who were lauded in letters to the editor. These are dedicated and skilled merchants and service people who love Baker City and County and whose likability has spread far beyond our borders. They are an attraction to both locals and tourists and enhance Baker’s reputation. So far as I know they have developed thriving businesses by their own hard work and no taxpayer dollars. Isn’t this what we want our citizens to be? Aren’t Councilor Calder and Mayor Dorrah good people to have on the City Council?

I ask people who are asked to sign the recall petitions to recall how much good these people have done as private citizens for the city of Baker and how much good they may be able to do if they retain the positions to which they were elected.

Miriam (Gus) Aschim

Unity

Rally, race are great events

To the editor:

Mr. Bill Todd has been making public complaints about several well-publicized community activities. He appears to be the classic curmudgeon. He objects to the motorcycle rally and the bicycle race and, apparently, to the concept of inviting people here to enjoy our beautiful mountains. Mr. Todd has a unique view of how Baker City should survive: put our heads in the sand and lock all gateways to the city. Obviously he doesn’t run a business that is dependent on commerce.

The motorcycle rally fills the hotels, motels and restaurants. Yes, Main Street is closed off for a period of time, but that encourages people to walk around and see new things in town. My wife located the great new Western women’s store on Main Street as we walked down to view the motorcycles.

Yes, the bike race shuts off several blocks for part of the day. On the other hand, 400 cyclists come to town, often with their family members, eat in the restaurants and purchase goods. They all talk about how beautiful Baker City and Baker County are.

If Mr. Todd would open his eyes he would see beautifully cared for motorcycles at the motorcycle rally and some of the finest athletes in the West at the bike races, all putting forth more positive energy than Mr. Todd seems to exude.

In short, it is events like these that make Baker City unique and attract tourist dollars to our town. Mr. Todd will next probably object to the cows in the country because of what they leave in the fields or the methane they produce, or that they “moo” too loudly.

If he doesn’t like the events, maybe he can suggest something else that will bring 800 people to our city that will not offend his sensitive nature.

J. David Coughlin

Baker City