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Saturday, May 25, 2013
Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
October 30, 2012
Clem will work hard
for Polk residents
I very much agree with Dan Clem's quest to keep our county's budget balanced, restore funding to the sheriff's office, and create jobs to lead Polk County into economic recovery -- but that's not why I'll vote for Dan Clem.
I am voting for Dan Clem because he truly embraces representative democracy. Dan hears and understands even constituents who disagree, and works to help each of them.
I know Dan Clem will work hard to make Polk County its best for all residents, and that's why I'll be voting for Dan Clem. I encourage you to do the same.
Heather Swanson
West Salem
Well-respected Hill
should be retained
I worked for Norm Hill for more than 11 years when he was a lawyer in private practice, and I am proud that he is serving my home county as a circuit judge.
Judge Hill has a brilliant legal mind, as well as good old-fashioned common sense. He treats people with dignity and respect and is doing a great job on the bench.
I was not surprised to learn that Judge Hill was preferred by the lawyers of Polk County more than 7 to 1 over his opponent. Judge Hill is well respected and should be retained.
Nicola Hedberg
Monmouth
Dallas City Council
can't be trusted
When the Dallas City Council tried to impose a street fee on residents, we were told that system development charge (SDC) funds could not be used for street fees since it was a dedicated fund.
We now find out that there were two transfers from that fund, one of $583,000 and another of $784,000. The amounts transferred to the general fund could have been used for street maintenance.
Has it become standard practice to rob funds while pleading to the people about the "shortage" in effort to refill the coffers? Luckily, Dallas residents overwhelmingly defeated that street fee. What other misinformation has been given to residents as a way to justify increasing so called fees in Dallas?
I would be curious to know who was paid the $583,000 for that "study." Was it paid to any former Dallas city employees or their friends? Conflict of interest does seem to be popping up a lot. Do they not know that our local colleges would likely be willing to do the same for a fraction of the cost? What is wrong with being frugal and supporting your community educational goals?
Surely these concerns are at the top of the list. Can we trust the current City Council to oversee our tax dollars? The obvious answer is that we can't.
Unfortunately, I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Ask questions. Demand answers.
Michael Matthews
Dallas
Watch for voter
exclusion efforts
The Republican Party is messing with individuals' basic right to vote.
Joseph Stalin (and probably Karl Rove, too) said: "Those who vote determine nothing, those who count the votes determine everything."
Watch out for voter ID laws, voting machines, no paper trail and the Oregon GOP platform at Section 16.8 that says "Oregon Republican Party is opposed to Vote By Mail."
I recognize voter exclusion and suppression efforts when I see them, and I voted accordingly.
Thomas P. Augustyn
Dallas
Hill will continue
'judicial strength'
Judge Norm Hill was appointed by the governor through an intense, thorough and responsible selection process. By Constitution, Judge Hill must be elected to retain his position.
Judge Hill has run a positive, focused, knowledgeable campaign.
Being married to my husband for 42 years and being a part of the judicial system for 24 of those years, I am reminded that those character traits won't disappear but be enhanced as the community gains appreciation for Judge Hill's legal expertise and integrity, as he contributes to the strong history of Polk County courts.
Vote to continue the legacy of judicial strength.
Valeria Luukinen
West Salem
Arboretum needs
support from area
Thank you to the very special person or persons for an offer to match donations the Delbert Hunter Arboretum receives until Dec. 15, up to $7,500. This generous offer is greatly appreciated and much needed.
The Delbert Hunter Arboretum was named in honor of Delbert Hunter, who served as a park board member from its inception and its chairman for 29 years. It was his dream to have an area where people could go to see Oregon native trees and plants and a place for educators to use as an outdoor classroom.
Like all of us, the Delbert Hunter Arboretum has had to try to get by with less money. We need a new roof on the center and need to rebuild part of the deck. We have some educational projects we feel will be very beneficial to do, and we want to continue to obtain native plants for further development of the arboretum. We have repairs and maintenance to our equipment, as well as general operational needs.
The Friends of the Delbert Hunter Arboretum is asking for donations of any amount. Your donations are tax deductible and you will receive a letter for tax purposes. Checks can be made payable to Delbert Hunter Arboretum and sent to: Delbert Hunter Arboretum, P.O. Box 604, Dallas, OR 97338-0604.
I want to thank all of you who have supported the arboretum in the past. I know dad appreciated it very much. I also thank all of you who continue to support it financially as well as give your time as a volunteer, and a very special thank you to our anonymous benefactor for a much needed financial boost.
Sue Hunter Rohde, president
Delbert Hunter Arboretum
Dallas
Hill is objective
and open-minded
My family will be voting to retain Judge Norm Hill to serve in Polk County.
I have worked directly with Judge Hill in his role as president of West Salem Little League. I have found him to be open-minded and objective. Norm also has been a kind and devoted friend.
He is well respected for his good judgment, integrity and fairness. He also has nearly two decades of legal experience and has earned the respect of lawyers, judges and prosecutors throughout Oregon.
I am proud to have him serve as our Polk County Circuit Court Judge.
Rhonda Kizer
West Salem
Many made event
fun and a success
Thank you to all of the ladies who made the "History of Polyester" show on Oct. 14 a success.
There were models from the community who lead Monmouth-Independence businesses, clubs and activities; women who work for Teaching Research on the campus of WOU; mothers who have raised great children; two mayors' wives; female athletes from Central High; and descendants of early area pioneers. Four members of the Gentle family were there to add to the festivities.
In the kitchen, two talented retired Central School District home economics teachers and one kitchen queen served the guests well. Greeters at the door added to the atmosphere.
Most of all, thank you to the people who bought tickets to support a scholarship for a WOU student. Remembering our fashion history, laughing at all the right times, and finding the hidden sprinkle bottle in the "no iron zone" made my day.
After months of planning, "The History of Polyester" is a wrap.
Wanda Kenyon, chairwoman
Monmouth
Vote 'no' on two
casino measures
I don't necessarily object to casinos. I believe Oregon has a workable balance with tribal casinos. However, I do object to changing our Constitution to benefit a single business interest.
Additionally, having lived in an area where gaming parlors were newly allowed, I saw an unrestricted "race to the bottom." As each new operation opened, promising bigger winners, another closed, standing as a monument to dreams as broken and empty as their windows and parking lots.
Oregon is too smart and beautiful. We don't need this blight on our landscape. Vote "no" on Measures 82 and 83.
Danny Jaffer
Independence
Hill brings wisdom,
fairness to position
As the district attorney for Polk County, I am acutely aware of the need for judges who understand the criminal system.
In the time that judge Norm Hill has been on the bench, it is apparent he has a no-nonsense attitude toward offenders.
The judge has wisdom and a sense of fairness, but does not suffer wrongdoers to go unpunished. That is why I ask you to join me in casting a ballot in favor of Judge Norm Hill.
Stan Butterfield
Dallas
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