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Friday, May 18, 2012
Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
February 07, 2012
Polk voters can
make a difference
2012 marks the beginning of a new age in Polk County. This election year we will select a Polk County Commissioner based upon merit, not party. Artificial filters are now gone: it is an exciting moment for those of us interested in governance transformation.
This year I urge all of us to take the time necessary to carefully consider each and every candidate. We should review experience, philosophy of government, and consider their value as a part of the larger team of nonpartisan decision-makers throughout Polk County.
Commissioners command a unique place within our system of self-governance. Here in Polk County they serve the citizens of Dallas, Falls City, Independence, Monmouth, Rickreall and West Salem, as well as all of our neighbors living outside municipal borders.
Not long ago, county commissioners too often believed they only represented rural Polk County. While echoes of that struggle remain, we all recognize that progress requires balance -- between the needs of the many and the few. Progress means compromise, it means collaboration and coordination.
I am hopeful that a leader will emerge from the campaign prepared for transforming challenges into opportunities -- finding solutions that unite our rural and urban communities.
Polk County needs jobs and the education/training required to master them. We need infrastructure for getting goods -- and ideas -- to market. And we need a shared economic development vision.
We need leaders that listen more, speak less. We need leaders that want to build bridges, instead of burn them. And we need leaders that understand regional success demands regional investment.
Together we can make Polk County an even better place to live, to work, and to prosper. This year cast aside the partisan goggles and choose wisely. Together we really can make a difference.
Paul Evans
Monmouth
Political attacks
go beyond nasty
It is time for politicians to pause and consider their words.
Politics has always been about attacks on opponents and a dose of lying. But generally, the dialogue has been without personal rancor or violent intent. No more. The attacks are bitter and vitriolic. There are two trends.
First, is acceptance of violent rhetoric. In 2010 during a GOP event, an attendee said about Obama, "When is someone going to put a bullet in him." The politician, a federal Representative, chuckled and said "Yah, we have a problem there." This politician fails to point out the unacceptability of such remarks.
Take a look at the "Pray for Obama" campaign which refers to Psalm 109:8. This verse and the next call for the murder of Obama and the destruction of his family.
Second is the thinly veiled racism directed at our president. For example, Newt Gingrich called the president a "food stamp president." How many protest signs have you seen depicting him as a blackface? Even Michelle Obama is ridiculed by being called such things as "Yo Mama" or the comment by the Speaker of the Kansas House that said her behind was too big. Is that politics?
See: http://www.politicususa.com/en/tar-baby-racism-obama. There are several examples of the "dog whistle" phrases and comments that allow the president and his family to be called the "N" word without actually saying it.
I'm talking about you, right wing America. If any of you can list a few examples of progressives advocating murder and racism, send them in. I would like to see them.
No good can come of this trend. The only possible outcome is divisiveness and violence. Politics has always been nasty, but the current atmosphere is toxic. It must change if America is to survive.
Fred Brown
Dallas
Dallas High bowlers
deserving of kudos
On Sunday, Jan. 29, after more than 10 hours of bowling and 32 "Baker-style" games, the Dallas girls high school bowling team placed first in districts.
By winning their district tournament, the team qualified to bowl in the 2012 Oregon State High School Finals, Feb. 24-26 at Lava Lanes in Bend.
When you have an opportunity, please join me in congratulating team members Marissa Cuno, Jennifer Cutler, McKenzie DeVault, Shelby Hylton, Michelle Jordon, Jaclynn Nichols, Samantha Smart and Bre Ziegler on their win at districts and encouragement for their next performance in the 2012 Oregon State High School Finals.
Well done, Lady Dragons.
Ted Cuno
Dallas
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