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Uphold marriage
One key reason why I can’t vote for Sen. Rick Metsger or Gov.
Kulongoski is because they believe it is okay for men to marry men and
women to marry women, or be in a “civil union” as they term it.
Both Metsger and Kulongoski promoted civil unions in 2005 after voters
passed Ballot Measure No. 36 which stated that marriage should only be
between one man and one woman. I urge anyone who believes in the
sanctity of marriage to ask the candidates vying for office if they
favor or oppose civil unions for people of the same gender. Then,
please vote for people who uphold one man-one woman marriages.
Ned Chestnut
Hood River
Vote out GOP
The Republicans seem to have come up with a novel approach to
avoid the fallout from political scandal. Instead of being
involved with only one or two scandals that the media and
electorate can concentrate on, they have gone for the
scandal-a-day approach. The Bush lies that led us into Iraq are
ever so easily and eagerly covered up by the latest scandal de
jour; presently the Foley sex scandal. What will it be next week?
Bush and his co-conspirators have so well-used an ever-increasing
number of new scandals to cover their dirty tracks that you would
think that they create new ones intentionally. If we look back
just six years ago the number of scandals that occurred within the
Bush administration in its first nine months were well on their
way to sinking his presidency, but luckily for Bush these were
quickly buried behind what he considers his personal political
shield, 9-11.
Unfortunately, the Republican majorities in the House and Senate,
instead of doing their duty to the American people, are all to
eager to brush over their own and their masters’ dirty paths. We
all pay for these scandals, from the higher power bills we got as
a result of Bush turning his back on the illegal activities of
Enron and PGE during the first days of his presidency to the
present death and national disgrace in Iraq. Even if our local
northwestern Republican representatives have not been implicated
in any of the scandals, they have voted in lock-step with the
scoundrels who have. We need to do our part for flag, country, and
Christianity this November by voting them out.
Jim Denton
Mt. Hood
Face housing issue
I commend the Hood River News for bringing attention to the issue
of affordable housing. The rapidly escalating cost of housing in
Hood River County is a significant threat to the continued
livability of our community. Will Hood River become a community
only for the wealthy? Will those who provide our essential
services be forced to commute long distances because they cannot
afford to live where they work? The prohibitive cost of home
ownership makes it very difficult for those on the lower end of
the economic spectrum to break the cycle of poverty.
Mid-Columbia Habitat for Humanity, a non-denominational Christian
housing ministry, is dedicated to reducing poverty housing. The
high cost of building sites is the most serious problem faced by
our organization. Most of the labor involved in building a Habitat
home is donated. Much of the material is also donated or
discounted.
These donations and discounts have made it possible to provide
safe, affordable housing for a family of four earning as little as
$12,000. Now, with an average lot costing in excess of $100,000,
it has become exceedingly difficult to construct a Habitat home
that is affordable to potential recipients.
Rising housing costs threaten the diversity of our community. A
vibrant community is comprised of a diverse mix of people. A blend
of different ethnic groups, ages, occupations, income levels and
political points of view are essential for a healthy community.
I encourage residents of Hood River to support the efforts of our
elected city and county officials and administrative staff as they
grapple with this difficult issue. It is an issue important to us
all.
Rick Eggers
President, Mid-Columbia Habitat
for Humanity Board of Directors
Hood River
Vote wisely
As we approach Election Day, it’s time for you and I to do some
hard thinking. Why? Because the decisions of our elected leaders
can have tragic consequences. Witness the daily slaughter on the
streets of Iraq and Afghanistan, not to mention our own streets
and schools.
Each of us knows that life is not as simple as we would like it to
be. There isn’t a single, simple cause for most of the tragic
happenings in our world. Not Bush, not bin Laden, not the U.S.,
not even “the terrorists.” Black and white thinking is for
children, not adults — certainly not for voting adults.
Deep down we know that conflict, war, and human suffering happen
when people fail to acknowledge the blind spots and darker motives
that lie beneath their more noble aspirations.
And it’s not just our elected leaders who got us into this mess.
It is also we voters who chose to believe that the good intentions
and stirring visions of attractive candidates were a valid
substitute for the knowledge, experience, and skills required of
even adequate leaders in an increasingly complex world. Let’s not
blame Bush for the pickle we’re in. The blame belongs to us for
thinking he could do the job and not fall prey to the very human
weaknesses we all share.
The art of voting is like the art of living. It’s having realistic
expectations of ordinary people asked to do extraordinary tasks.
It’s acknowledging that in a democracy, we voters bear the
ultimate responsibility made by well-intentioned office holders.
Vote on Nov. 7, but vote wisely!
David C. Duncombe
White Salmon
Blackburn and Babitz
Hood River is quite lucky to have four qualified candidates
running for the three City Council positions. Of the four, there
are two that bring exceptional skills and talents and deserve your
vote: Paul Blackburn and Arthur Babitz.
In his first term on the council, Paul has demonstrated the
ability to listen to citizen input and make tough decisions. He is
prepared, caring and articulate. We are fortunate to have him on
the council.
Arthur Babitz, the only candidate not currently on the council,
brings strong analytical and communication skills with no hidden
agenda or axe to grind. His background in business management will
be an asset to the council as it works its way back to fiscal
stability. He shares strong neighborhood values and I found his
views on livability and affordable housing to be right on target.
He has the time, energy, skills, and passion to make an excellent
City Councilor.
Both Blackburn and Babitz deserve your vote for City Council.
Steve Gates
Hood River
Treat all children well
An aunt told me about the abuse of her nephew. She saw marks on
him from his stepfather's hands. She hadn't reported it to the
authorities for fear.
Fear that Department of Human Services would tear him from the
home, fear that the boy's parents would sever her relationship.
I told her that, in my experience working for a social service
agency, a report doesn't usually warrant removal from the home.
The outcome is often positive. Getting a visit from a case worker
could be the wake-up call that the stepdad needs. I suggested that
she ask DHS to open a file, which would begin a written history.
If a neighbor or a teacher calls DHS, then their concerns will
also be recorded. One incident might not warrant action, but a
pattern will. However, a lesson on how to report abuse is not my
point.
My hope is that parents, especially step-parents (including mom’s
boyfriend), will tread lightly on the souls of our children. My
husband and I can’t have kids, so it’s all the more
heart-wrenching when I hear of wonderful, beautiful children, here
in the Gorge, suffering at the hands of their parents.
If you take care of a child — for one hour a week or 24 hours a
day — I urge you to treat him/her with respect, kindness and
patience. Children are vulnerable. We must do all that is within
our power to protect them and help them grow strong.
Don’t hit. Learn how to talk instead of scream. There are
resources available to help parents learn how to raise healthy
families. Start by calling DHS to see what is available to you.
Don't stay stuck in negative patterns. You are teaching your
children how to live.
The aunt? She called DHS and the boy's parents are voluntarily
attending parenting classes, where they will (hopefully) learn how
to better care for their child.
Beth McCullough
Hood River
Choose VanOrman
I believe in supporting our local shops including Hi-School
Pharmacy, Safeway and Fred Meyer. These shops become hard to
support when I can buy the exact same prescription drugs they sell
for half the price online from Canada.
According to a local political watchdog group at
oregonfollowthemoney.org, the pharmaceutical industry spent over
$615,000 lobbying Oregon legislatures with campaign donations in
2003 to make sure the drug industries interests are well served by
Oregon's Legislature. Campaign disclosures for Republican Patti
Smith show she has received at least $3,000 in drug company
donations in the last six years. This does not include donations
from PACs with generic and deceptive names.
The simplest way to stop the pharmaceutical giants from exploiting
us is to vote out the legislators they are influencing with their
campaign donations. Republican Incumbent Patti Smith’s campaign
has received multiple donations from Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Pfizer
and other drug companies and when drug legislation came to the
floor, she has voted in their best interest, not ours.
There are no donations from drug companies listed in Democrat
Suzanne VanOrman's campaign disclosures. If we are to stop this
exploitation from drug companies, Suzanne VanOrman is the best
choice for State House District 52 Representative.
Carol Moyle
Brightwood
Vote for Babitz
This letter is in support of Arthur Babitz, who is running for
Hood River City Council. Arthur is a thoughtful person who
researches issues thoroughly and deliberates carefully before
making decisions. He has a clear understanding of the complex
problems currently facing the city. With his strong leadership and
analytical skill, Arthur would become an invaluable addition to
the council. He is honest, hard-working and would represent us
well.
Please join me in voting for Arthur Babitz, Hood River City
Council. For more information on his campaign, go to his Web site:
Arthur forcouncil.blogspot.com
Lynn Rasmussen
Hood River
Smith serves well
Patti Smith has ably served this district in her three terms as
State Representative. She has proven her ability to function in a
bipartisan manner directly benefiting the people of Hood River
County.
Rep. Smith was instrumental in working with ODOT and the Forest
Service last August when forest fires were raging on Mount Hood.
The agricultural-based retail businesses, namely the fruit stands
and wineries, were devastated by the closure of Highway 35.
Incorrect and inconsistent closure information had a detrimental
effect on business. Once the situation was deemed safe, Rep. Smith
ensured that our tourist lifeline was reopened with the use of
pilot cars.
Columbia Gorge Community College is planning the new Hood River
Campus, thanks to broad taxpayer support of a bond passed in
November of 2004. Patti Smith has been strongly supportive of the
college and understands the need for vibrant and relevant
educational resources in a rural community.
As chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee,
Rep. Smith is positively impacting the numerous small businesses
and farms in the Gorge. She even helped get the pear to be
declared as the state's fruit!
Please vote with us to keep Patti Smith in the Oregon House.
Christie and Dick Reed
Hood River
Trust in VanOrman
Every two years our mailboxes are stuffed with pretty pictures and
promises from all the various candidates running for office. Two
years ago, I got 12 individual pieces from Patti Smith with
promises of reliable school funding. I expect I’ll get another 12
this time.
What I won’t expect is for her to deliver. She's had three shots
at it and we still have a feast or famine system based on personal
income taxes. To compound a bad situation, she voted for a handful
of corporate tax giveaways shifting even more of the tax burden on
us working folk.
As the mother of young children, it appalls me that the education
offered in this state varies so widely year to year. Sometimes we
get music, art and sports; sometimes we don't. Sometimes we have a
full school year; sometimes we can't afford 180 days.
I will be casting my ballot for Suzanne Van Orman. Suzanne has a
record of supporting education. She also has a sense of fairness
and will make corporations foot their share of the bill. But more
than that, I trust her with our tax money. She is a fiscal
conservative who knows how to make a little go a long way. From
her work at Head Start she has firsthand experience at delivering
increased services with decreasing budgets. I trust Suzanne to
deliver for our kids.
Heather Staten
Hood River
Candidate's behavior
You can tell a lot about how a person will behave in office by how
she runs her campaign. When the bulk of her money comes from only
two sources, the candidate will serve those special interests over
the needs of the voters.
When the candidate spends those special interest dollars to
slander her opponent rather than to sell us on the cause of her
contributors, voters get a taste of the contempt she has for other
points of view.
When she puts false information in the voter’s pamphlet that
benefits her and excuses her "mistake" on the grounds that she
didn’t check the facts, she'll do that in office.
Hood River voters who have watched Carol York for years are not
surprised at her conduct. We saw her help arrange the land trade
involving our drinking water source where the county ended up
paying out over $1 million to the potential developer and losing
control of our water.
The Hood River News headline soon after read that there was a $1
million school budget shortfall. York’s implied teaching career,
her “accidental” inclusion of false information in the voter’s
pamphlet, her prideful desire to cut further our kids’ classroom
budget from 70 percent to 65 percent, the downright meanness of
her “mad dog” campaign ads and mailings, her checkered history as
a county commissioner supporting Wal-Mart and the casino, and the
fact that as of early October fully two-thirds of her huge
campaign war chest came from only two Republican special interests
certainly illustrate how poorly she could be expected to perform
as a Senator in this district.
Here’s a Web site where you can see how few people of Hood River,
Cascade Locks, Welches and all of District 26 support Carol York,
and how much the Republican Senator Ted Ferrioli and a Republican
Political Action Group do:
http://egov.sos.state.or.us/
division/elections/elec_images/
5213_2006_G100_1STPRE.pdf
John and Polly Wood
Hood River
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