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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us May 5, 2005 Schools vote is essential to city Like many in Ashland, I moved here late in life when issues concerning child raising and schools were long behind me. Like others, I moved here because of all the various cultural and recreational amenities offered by this area. But, mostly I moved here because Ashland is a vibrant, thriving community. I like living where girl scouts sell cookies outside the grocery store and the high school’s snowboarding team goes door to door selling holiday wreaths. I do love the theatre, but I love the sounds of children laughing and playing as well. I know Ashland faces big issues like affordable housing and development, but I believe that an outstanding public school system is absolutely vital if Ashland wants to attract and retain young families. The well being of our schools is not just an issue for parents. It is a concern for each and every one of us who live in this community. Ballots for the upcoming school board election arrive this week. I urge you to take just one hour to watch the Superintendent’s forum with the candidates (log on to www.Ashland.k12.or.us/splash). Attend forums, consider the candidates and vote, because regardless of its amenities, a community really is known by the schools that it keeps. Jennifer Jones Ashland Protest draws woman’s ire I am disgusted with the lack of understanding in those who demonstrated against Planned Parenthood in Ashland on April 19. While I understand the importance of having the freedom to protest, it is extremely disturbing that we have people in this country, much less our Valley, who attack an organization that continues to contribute to the positive well-being of our youth, our young women, and women in general. Planned Parenthood does not “Kill Babies.” Planned Parenthood gives women a reproductive choice. Planned Parenthood also reaches out and educates us about our reproductive health, preventing pregnancy, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, preventing abuse, helping those who have been sexually abused and in understanding our bodies in general. Those who so adamantly oppose a woman’s freedom of choice concerning reproductive health need to take a moment and understand that young girls and women would find a way to have an abortion regardless of whether Planned Parenthood provided the option, or did not. Understand, the very sad thing is that the avenues they would choose, if abortion was illegal, would be unsafe, unlicensed, and possibly result in the death of both the child and the mother. Be aware that you could possibly be the sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, brother, uncle, father, grandfather or friend of a young woman who may become physically harmed and/or possibly die during a "back-alley" abortion as a result of your misguided agenda. Protest what you must, but first take time to understand fully what you are protesting. Carly Hoopes Ashland Open letter to Sen. Smith Regarding possible changes to the Senate filibuster rule, called the Republicans' “nuclear option” in the media: I urge you to continue to allow filibusters, a vital way for all sides to be heard. Debate can be long, but it won't be prolonged indefinitely if all senators will have the guts to find common ground. Our elected officials must be able to have all the information, and then vote according to their conscience — always with their constituents in mind. If the Republican party continues to allow itself to be increasingly beholden to a minority fundamentalist Christian right wing, our government will quickly become an intolerant state ruled by a church. How is this any different from what we criticize our so-called enemies for doing? The separation of church and state must remain if our democracy is to survive. Americans want to trust our elected leaders to cultivate fairness, honesty, and high ethical standards, which serve the American people — not an oligarchy or a church. Government checks and balances are absolutely essential — or America will disappear. Extremist judges (on either the right or left) ought never to be approved due to political strong-arming. Janis Hunt Johnson Ashland Liberals turn toward truth Thank you, Chris Thompson, for such an eloquent and compassionate summation of the complex issues facing Ashland and the United States in 2005. With your grasp of nuance and elegant phrasing, I’m sure you must have a brilliant career as either a diplomat or an educator. I, for one, am finally convinced by your well-documented arguments that dissent and civil discourse are simply out of fashion. I am relieved that I will no longer have to think for myself and form my own opinions about politics or city government. I’ll just ask Chris Thompson what to do and think and all will be right with the world. I do have one question: should I request the purple or the red Kool-Aid? Signed, A Whiny Liberal Kathryn Te Selle Ashland Thompson is symbol of both Chris Thompson, you epitomize compassionate conservatism, Oh, I mean greed. What the heck, they’re one in the same. Linda C. Thomas Ashland Miller for the future of schools This is a letter of endorsement for Howard Miller who is a candidate for Ashland School Board position number one. Howard is a long-time resident of Ashland who has maintained a continual concern for community improvement. He has been involved in Ashland schools for nearly thirty years and is experienced with the processes of public education. He is a person of great integrity. As a veterinarian he has proven himself to be a man of compassion on many occasions. He is committed to a mission of providing quality education for all students in Ashland. Through many years of having his own business, he is well versed in the complexities of problem solving and budgeting. As a former educator myself, I share concerns for the future of Ashland public schools. I feel that Howard Miller is an excellent choice for the school board. Vote for the future of Ashland Public Schools. Vote for Howard Miller for Ashland School Board. As we look at what lies ahead for public education in this valley, we must agree that Ashland needs the contributions of people with fine character such as Howard Miller. Jessica Capp Ashland Sue Graham for school board I am thrilled that we have a choice of so many strong candidates for the Ashland School Board. It is a sign of a vibrant, healthy community that values its children and teens. This healthy, resilient community is not an accident; it is the result of tireless volunteers like Sue Graham who have nurtured, facilitated, gently prodded and nudged our community to support our children in any of a thousand ways. Sue has worked as an active volunteer in the Ashland Schools for the past 10 years and is a strong advocate of parent and community involvement. She has served as AHS Volunteers Coordinator for two years, been an active Site Council leader and participant for 10 years, Chaired the Caring About Kids Mentors Program and served as a Mentor trainer, and been a Leader and Facilitator for BARC (Building A Resilient Community) for three years. Sue is a skilled facilitator and is dedicated to inclusion and conflict resolution. She is dedicated to helping parents and the community at large be involved in the success of our schools. Sue strongly values and always works toward honest, straight forward communication. Ashland is very lucky that Sue Graham is at a place in her life where she can give even more to our community by offering herself as a candidate in Position 4 for Ashland School Board. Please join me in voting for Sue Graham! Susan Bizeau, RN Ashland Hays offers fresh views It is our distinct pleasure to recommend Michael L. Hays as our Ashland School Board member for Position No. 5. Dr. Hays is a lifelong educator and teacher, an experienced manager, an advocate for fresh thinking and for logical problem-solving, and a forthright pragmatist of the first order. Our school systems, at all levels, have suffered huge monetary impacts. It is time for reasoned prioritization and, most important, for definitive action. We urge you to vote, and to vote for Michael L. Hayes for Ashland School Board Position No. 5. Tom and Karen O’Rourke Ashland Patton is willing to listen, lead I am writing to support Amy Patton in her race for a seat on the Ashland School Board. Amy has been involved in the school district for many years in a variety of ways and has a unique perspective of the challenges we face. The countless volunteer hours she has donated to our children and teachers speaks for her deep commitment to quality education. She is a good listener, a creative thinker, and an honest person. I trust her in this position, working for my children. Kathleen Petersen Ashland Alexander, Marr Patton get vote I am writing to express my support for three candidates for the Ashland School Board — Amy Patton, Ruth Alexander, and Mat Marr. In my opinion, all three of these candidates would do an absolutely outstanding job on the school board. It has been my great honor and privilege to have worked closely with all three of these remarkable individuals in the effort to preserve Briscoe and Lincoln playgrounds, and in the recent effort to lease, not sell, Lincoln Elementary. I have been extremely impressed with the high level of integrity and dedication that all three of these candidates have demonstrated, and I believe that we would all benefit from their contributions to our school board. Each of these candidates believes strongly in the value of small, neighborhood schools, community participation, and the importance of having a strategic plan and a vision for the future of our district before important decisions are made. They are all highly competent individuals who are dedicated to education in Ashland, as well as to the community as a whole. Amy Patton, Ruth Alexander and Mat Marr are each strong candidates with a firm grasp of the issues and challenges that face our district. Please join me in voting for them for Ashland School Board. Melissa Mitchell-Hooge Ashland Marr knows schools well I have known Mat Marr all of his life. He has always been interested in learning and teaching and is gifted at both. Mat has an inherent sense of what is right, fair and balanced. Mat is not intimidated by the powerful or the outspoken and always stands up for the meek and the humble. Mat has been educated by the Ashland School District from first grade through high school. Mat continues to help many students in the district and is also Chairperson of the Youth Activity Levy Advisory Committee while keeping well informed on Ashland School District policy and budget concerns. Mat has a natural mind for numbers and analysis and has tutored high school and college students in math and Physics. Mat aced the Advanced Placement Calculus test his junior year in high school and set the curve in SOU economics classes his senior year. He will be a sound fiscal manager for the district: whenever I see him he is carrying the district budget under his arm. By voting for Mat for the School Board you are giving a born and raised product of our system a chance to oversee that system and build a strong foundation for our Ashland education system. A vote for Mat Marr for School Board is a vote for the past, the present and the future of the Ashland School District. Tom Marr Ashland Hays, Miller for school board Here in Ashland we are presented with a double-barreled gift. Michael Hays and Howard Miller are just what the Ashland School Board needs to meet the many challenges our schools face. Dr. Hays is a bright and gifted thinker with fresh eyes and a wealth of beneficial experience. Dr. Miller offers a gently focused style formed by a long view and deep parental and citizen experience in the district. Both would make a good addition to the Board, sorely in need of a new vision and strategies. How often I hear from our school officials what serious problems we have and in the next breath: “Don’t change anything.” It is time for a change and Hays and Miller get my vote. Bill Bartlett Ashland Miller is truly extraordinary Ashland residents have an opportunity this spring to elect to the Ashland School Board a remarkable man who has already given so much to the community, Dr. Howard Miller. I've known Miller for more than 10 years and can vouch for the intelligence, commitment and concern that he will bring to the Board. We seldom have an opportunity to have someone so well qualified and so sensitive to the needs of students, parents, and the city as a whole. I urge everyone to cast their votes for this extraordinary man. David E. Newton, Ed.D. Ashland Marr a product of city schools Mat Marr is an example of how well our Ashland School District can educate a person. Mat is running for Ashland School Board Position No. 3. He will be a positive, creative and resourceful addition to the board. Mat is chair of the Youth Activity Levy, he is co-founder of the Ashland Green Bike Program and he is trained to understand complicated budgets. Let’s vote for Mat Marr and have him work to bring our parents, retired citizens, city organizations and SOU into an extended partnership to improve our schools. Magee Downey Ashland Alexander has the experience This community has a committed, intelligent and skilled leader ready to work for us. I urge you to vote for Ruth Alexander for school board position No. 1. Ruth Alexander is an advocate for our children. I have seen Ruth Alexander in classrooms teaching math to students and I have watched her at parent meetings acting to keep the dialogue open and productive. Ruth Alexander is a powerful force in both capacities and will work to insure that actions taken by the school board represent the best interests of our children and our neighborhood communities. Vote Ruth Alexander. Denis Arndt Ashland Vote Amrhein, Keil back in We are voicing our support for two candidates for The Ashland School Board. Amy Amrhein and Chuck Keil have shown genuine leadership in guiding the Ashland school district through troubled times. In the face of the state legislature’s continued irresponsibility, they have been resourceful in helping provide a quality education for Ashland’s children. Their combined experience in managing the campaign for the Ashland Youth Activities Levy, as well as their thoughtful and well-informed decisions while on the board, has been a model of responsible stewardship. Please join us in re-electing Chuck Keil and Amy Amrhein to the Ashland School Board. Kevin Cooney Linda Alper Ashland Patton has proven skills I am writing in support of Amy Sager Patton in the upcoming election for the Ashland School Board. I met Amy through a series of meetings concerning our schools, both concerning Quality Education Model Standards for Ashland, and the questions having to do with the lease or sale of school properties in the effort to remedy budget shortfall issues coming in the 2005-7 biennium. Amy has in each instance presented a very comprehensive understanding of the instructional/curriculum issues as well as the administrative challenges facing our community. She has demonstrated intelligence and insight, while maintaining tact and discretion amid much controversy. She has done her homework diligently and models the voice of reason as well as the firmness of conviction concerning views on how to bring our schools in line with the excellence we deserve for our kids, families, and teaching as well as administrative staff. I heartily recommend Amy Sager Patton for Ashland School District Position No. 4, and encourage everyone to vote in the upcoming election! Jody Hodges Ashland Supports Keil, Amrhein, Teece This year’s Ashland School Board Election has vacancies in four out of 5 positions. I think about three things in making my choices: continuity, proven experience, and leadership. For six years, Amy Amrhein has worked tirelessly for school funding locally and statewide. As Chair for two years, she has ably led the Board through very difficult decisions. She is a steadfast advocate for our schools and our children. Her political work helped insure that Ashland is well represented in the legislature and that our voices are heard in Salem. Chuck Keil, my husband, has worked with Amy on the two latest local levy campaigns and served a four-year term coinciding with hers. He brings a detailed knowledge of our school budget and of state financing realities to his passion to improve our childrens'’ education. And this from a man who left a 20-year military career as a liberal Democrat! Continuity will be provided by Amrhein and Keil. Two positions remain to fill with new members. I know Jim Teece well. One of Ashland’s own technology innovators, Jim has an informative Web site: http://www.JimTeece.com/ schoolboard. I work with him on the City/Chamber Economic Sustainability Committee. I know he will bring huge energy, optimism, critical thinking, and leadership to “working together to ensure each other’s success.” Please join me in voting for Teece, Keil and Amrhein. Kate Jackson Ashland Miller for school board This letter is unsolicited — and unlikely, since I don't even have children in the school system. But I offer my strong endorsement of Howard Miller for the Ashland School Board. I trained with Howdy in Ashland's Community Emergency Response Team, yet another area of service for which he volunteered. Howdy approaches challenges in a professional manner, with both sincere compassion and marvelous good humor. He'll bring both local experience and personal insight to the tasks at hand. The families in our school district will be fortunate to have such an advocate. Vote for Howard Miller. Gary Kliewer Ashland Patton has done her homework I support Amy Patton’s vision for “Education for the Future.” Last summer I had the privilege of working on a committee with Amy to select a new Christian Educator for our Church. In her actions, I observed attributes which will make her an excellent member of the Ashland School Board. She sets very clear goals and specific plans to achieve them, is articulate and able to explain those plans to others with clarity. She listens carefully and respects the ideas of others, is flexible and works with the group to obtain consensus. She is willing to devote time and energy outside the group to do research and bring new ideas to the solution of a problem. She does her homework! I found Amy Patton to be a very valuable member of the group, always thoughtful and prepared. I will certainly give her my vote for Position No. 4 on the Ashland School Board. I hope you will give her your vote too! 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