Letters to the Editor, Oct. 9

Posted Oct. 9, 2014 @ 12:01 am

Vote for Talbert
Over the past years, the actions of our county commissioners have become increasingly marked by partisan politics and hidden agendas. Citizens have become frustrated with how our dollars have been siphoned off the programs they were intended for.
I have known Kevin Talbert for over 20 years as both a colleague and a neighbor. His work with the food bank, the animal shelter, RCC, the Peace Corps and other programs has demonstrated that he works in the best interest of the community. At SOU, Kevin demonstrated to me to be a problem solver and a consensus builder. Running as an independent will make him capable of moving beyond party lines. When it comes right down to it, we really have to trust our elected officials to “do the right thing”. I urge voters to do the right thing and vote for Kevin Talbert.
Arnie Abrams, Ashland
More than one Ashland
Here is an open-ended (anyone can jump in) outline of observations:
1. The president of Southern Oregon University, Roy H. Saigo, his staff, faculty, and incoming students declared “SOU Loves Ashland.”
1.1 Your article Sept. 30
1.2 A first-time commitment to 85 businesses.
2. Perhaps downtown businesses and community could reciprocate with an equal and open statement saying “Ashland Loves SOU.”
2.1 You, the editor of the Tidings, are potentially a media/marriage counselor between these two parties.
2.2 This could take us to the idea that “the business of America is education,” and not merely business
2.2.1 I think I fairly quote Arthur E. Morgan of Antioch College, in the Depression years of early 20th century.
2.2.2 We have to think about global developing countries as advancing by educating their most valuable human asset, youth.
2.2.3 I think a much larger segment of Ashland’s educated could awaken to the total of Oregon’s schools’ standing, especially of our southwestern area.
2.2.4 Successful high school graduates make more lovers of Ashland, as well as Ashland.
2.2.5 SOU’s potential are these potential students.
3. We who volunteer with our town’s Jackson County Fuel Committee see daily still more potential lovers of Ashland who are not well-off.
3.1 These, victims of our business economy, are clearly hidden and unreported.
3.2 “Fuel” insecurity means electric and gas utilities, not water — yet.
3.3 For people served by JCFC, “utilities” costs mean living in Third World conditions.
3.4 JCFC draws resources from charities, then advocates to the Ashland Municipal Electric Utility plus other companies for relief.
3.5 Firewood is collected, then delivered where and when appropriate.
3.6 JCFC has no money; unpaid volunteer means giving of time in all aspects of JCFC.
4. Attention must be paid.
Bert Harris, Ashland
Voting for Dyer
I have known Rick Dyer for several years. Our boys have grown up together playing sports here in the Rogue Valley.
Rick has volunteered countless hours doing everything for youth sports programs: fundraising, coaching, ticket sales, transporting kids to tournaments out of town, etc. All the while, he’s also been running his own business and obtaining a law degree!
Rick knows the value of sports for our kids and the lasting impact it has as they become adults. He is fair, a tireless worker, motivator, a disciplinarian (when required), and, above all else, a strong role model.
Rick recognizes the value that sports play in keeping kids off the streets and out of gangs. If you agree that youth sports play a huge part in the quality of life for families in Jackson County, join me in voting for Rick Dyer for county commissioner, position 1 on Nov. 4.
Joe Moxley, Medford
Oregon is not for sale
As Oregon general elections approach we are faced with clear choices as to the nature of the leadership that will lead us into the years ahead. I write to you today to request publication of this perspective that I believe to be of importance to your readers, to our local region and beyond.
Corporations’ unlimited contributions to political campaigns are now allowed across America through the Supreme Court ruling favoring Citizens United. This change to long-standing American law gives undue power to corporations and the ultra-rich. Wealthy donors contribute virtually unlimited amounts to campaigns, thereby influencing elections by promoting distortions that support their favored candidates or discrediting opponents.
As sovereign voters our litmus test for undue corporate influence is simple. When local Oregon candidates’ funds come from the wealthy top 1 percent, we must avoid voting for those candidates. If elected they will not fully represent us but will unduly serve the contributors who bought them.
In this election, Monica Wehby, Dennis Richardson and David Dotterrer are receiving substantial funding from wealthy outside sources. Jeff Merkley, John Kitzhaber and Alan Bates, meanwhile, are buoyed by serving the aspirations of the people. Vote with legitimate local leadership in mind to save actual democracy.
Douglas Peterson, Medford