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Opinion Letters Letters to the editor for October 30, 2008
Letters to the editor for October 30, 2008
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Support renewal of downtown EID To the editor: I’m writing to urge support for the renewal of the Economic Improvement District for Historic Baker City, Inc. This renewal, which comes along every five years, is an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the benefits gained from our unique downtown organization. HBC, Inc. has accomplished amazing things over the past 25 years. Physical improvements include façade renovations of many downtown businesses and streetscape amenities such as garbage cans, benches, bicycle racks and awnings, as well as freeway welcome signs. The many events created by HBC include the Fall Festival, Twilight Parade, Christmas tree lighting and parlor tour, downtown trick-or-treating, the Miners Jubilee duck race, and the kids’ bicycle races held during the Elkhorn Classic. These improvements and activities have helped to transform our city and add to the vitality that makes it more attractive to residents and visitors alike. I have served on the board of directors for two terms, working with several HBC directors. Ann Mehaffy, the current director, is outstanding. Her previous work in financial management and as Crossroads Art Center director makes her extremely well-qualified to perform her varied responsibilities, manage the budget and write grants. Ann is an enthusiastic ambassador for all of Baker County and is a master at networking. She serves on various boards and committees in addition to her full-time job as HBC director, including Crossroads Art Center, Design Review Committee, Central Park Advisory Committee, Ford Family Leadership Program and Master Gardeners. Thanks to her work in conjunction with City staff, Baker City was recently recertified as an official Main Street Program, gaining access to select funding, technical services and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Network. She is accessible to the membership and responsive to inquiries and suggestions. The billboard by the Oregon Trails West RV Park will soon invite people to visit downtown, saying “Far from Ordinary, Close to Home.” What a great description of what we have to offer! Please join me in helping to maintain the momentum of this proven organization so that we can continue to work together to strengthen and enhance all aspects of our downtown.
Carolyn Kulog
Baker City Everyone has right to be a candidate To the editor: I understand someone questions the fact that I helped gather signatures on Aletha Bonebrake’s petition to run for City Council. The day I heard that she had decided to run, but had to take care of her mother and would not have time to collect signatures herself, I volunteered to help. Given Aletha’s history as the director of our public library, I count my assistance to her as a shining example of public service. If someone wants to imply an ulterior motive to that, let them. Every citizen has the right to run for office. In the past, I and my wife have signed petitions for Gail Duman, Andrew Bryan, Terry Schumacher, and others. We don’t have to agree with anybody to support their right to run for office. Many people have asked “Why would anybody run for City Council?” Democracy only functions if the citizens participate. I would encourage anyone to run. I would sign your petition even if I thought you were a horse’s behind. Whether or not I would vote for you or vote with you is another matter. We don’t need the derogatory nonsense of guilt by association or paranoid conspiracy theories in our local politics. There is quite enough of that at the national level, thank you. I am neither an unquestioning supporter, nor an unreasoning critic of the people who currently hold office in our city. Those who are elected will either agree or disagree on particular issues. It may be too much to ask for some of them to maintain an “arms-length” relationship or put aside personal enmity, but that is what is needed for the good of the city. Let’s hope they can treat each other with respect, regardless of their opinions.
Clair Button
Baker City Council candidate Baker City Gail Duman for City Council To the editor: Diligent. Understanding. Meticulous. Aware. Nonpartisan. Vote Duman for City Council.
Jason Bland
Baker City |
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