Document text
http:// --> Weather Forecast Ashland, Oregon HOME Archive Backpage Business Classifieds Columnists Contact Us Forum Hot Topics Local Issues Most Viewed Nation & World Obituaries Online Games Opinion/Editorial O-Zone Photo Galleries Place an Ad Rate Card Readers Polls Revels Real Estate Guide Shakespeare Special Sections Sports Subscribe Valley & State Video Weather Etcetera --> Movie Preview --> Hottest Galleries: November 4, 2008 Letters to the editor Letter Submissions ALL SUBMISSIONS for the Opinion Page should be e-mailed in text-only format to [email protected] . Please include your address and a daytime phone number where you can be reached. All submissions should be followed up with a phone call by the author to confirm authenticity. Please call 482-3456 x225 or x223 to confirm your submission within 48 hours of sending it. Letters: Submissions are limited to 250 words and may be edited for content and clarity. Letters are given priority and published as soon as possible. Letters At Length and Guest Editorials are published as space permits. Letters At Length: Submissions are limited to 400 words and may be edited for content and clarity. Guest Editorials: Submissions are limited to 500 words and may be edited for content and clarity. Local residents only are encouraged to submit guest editorials on local timely issues. All editorials must include a tag line at the bottom of the submission that informs readers of who the author is and how long he or she has lived in Ashland. The Tidings gives priority to letters on local and regional topics of current interest. It seeks to encourage thoughtful, well-reasoned leters and to discourage personal attacks, repetitive messages and personal disputes. Form letters are not published in the Tidings, nor are letters identified as having been published in other local publications. John Stromberg for mayor I've known John Stromberg for 6 years and have spent hours with him discussing his vision for Ashland's future. As a former engineering program manager, I was very impressed by John's extraordinary facility with numbers and complex budgetary matters. John has a PhD in Business Administration from Berkley as well as degrees in physics and statistics from Cal Tech and Stanford. Dr Stromberg worked for over 20 years as an organizational and management consultant for both corporate and public entities. John has acquired a comprehensive knowledge of Ashland's budget and charter. Ashland is faced with enormous challenges presented by climate change, rising energy costs and increasing budgetary constraints. I believe that John Stromberg is the only mayoral candidate with the necessary technical knowledge, intellectual breadth, practical experience and vision to lead Ashland to a sustainable future. Don Morris Ashland Support for McGeary I was raised in this community and have watched it change significantly over the years. During that time, Doug McGeary and I served together as members of the board of directors for a local non-profit. He had passion for his community and our organization valued his legal perspective on tough issues. Because of his community involvement and lifetime commitment here, he brings to cases those dynamics of knowing the community and understanding how it works. I believe this will make him a very effective judge. I encourage others to also vote for Doug McGeary, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge, position 6. Bill Little Ashland Support for John Stromberg If we Ashlanders don't pull together in this time of economic instability and looming climate change, we're likely to face a future of shuttered businesses, lost jobs, foreclosed homes, food and water shortages, and worse. If we do pull together, we can build on our city's considerable strengths and use our remarkable intelligence and creativity to create a community resilient enough to thrive for decades to come and be a model for the rest of the nation. The right mayor can help enormously. We need a strong, knowledgeable "bridge" person able to bring citizens together across the spectrum — insiders and outsiders — to commit to a common purpose, reach agreements, and get the job done "on budget." John Stromberg is the only candidate who fits this large bill. He's committed to bringing every segment of our community to the table to agree on a plan for our future — and he can do it. He's gained the respect of environmentalists and developers, renters and homeowners, and visionaries and pragmatists through his four years on the Planning Commission, his success with budget reform, and his commitment to ecological and economic sustainability at all levels. I've seen John listen with equal understanding and respect to tough, old budget hawks and brilliant, young sustainability experts. Ashland's current divisions don't faze him. In his 27 years as a management consultant, he repeatedly helped headstrong individuals and factions within organizations reach agreements they could all support. For a strong, united, green and thriving Ashland, vote John Stromberg for mayor. Carolyn Shaffer Ashland Relying on McGeary I wish all of our choices in this general election were as clear as this one. Doug McGeary was the attorney assigned to the County's Roads, Parks and Planning Department while I was the Assistant Director to that department. Our department had a wide variety of complex issues that needed Doug's constant legal review. Whatever the problem, Doug worked competently and his attitude was always positive. Doug solved problems and came up with workable solutions with balance and common sense because he understood how important our work was to us. Hard working, good attitude, competent and understanding: Those sound like good judge-like qualities, and that's why I'm supporting Doug McGeary for Jackson County Circuit Court Judge, position 6. Gerry Douglas Medford McGeary's peers know who will be best judge I'm not an attorney and rarely find myself in the legal arena. That's why I put a lot of trust in who local attorneys think would be the best Circuit Court Judge. Doug McGeary overwhelmingly was selected by our legal community in the Bar Preference Poll — 150 to 31. Lawyers in our community know and work with the judicial candidates day in and day out throughout their careers. They have the best perspective in choosing the best candidate. I'm going with Doug McGeary, the choice of his peers, for Circuit Court Judge, position 6. Heidi Flenner Medford McGeary for experience We have known Doug McGeary for over 10 years and have always found him to be fair and clear minded. This, combined with his 20 years experience in our local judicial system, will make him an excellent Circuit Court judge. Please vote for the experienced candidate for Jackson County Circuit Court Judge, position 6 — vote Doug McGeary. Mike and Caroline Walker Medford Stromberg for mayor Long ago I gave up expecting politicians to bring change, as time and again they remained beholden to the money-bags that put them in office. Now with the economy imploding, global weather weirding and world-wide food shortages (three easy symptoms among many more), it's clear to me that massive change is already upon us. To continue with a "business as usual" approach to politics is not only ignorant but grossly negligent, given our high stakes and crumbling institutions. I want leaders who will respond wisely to the changes already here. The fact that over 95 percent of our food is imported from thousands of miles away is a little-discussed vulnerability that most of us, including politicians, tend to ignore. We all take our industrial food supply for granted, and it is neither safe nor secure. It's time to create a dependable, local food supply for the Rogue Valley and embrace as the highest priority the preservation of our water resources and productive topsoil. Anything less, to me, sounds like smoke in the wind. Sustainability is not about green homes or hybrid cars, it's about the basics; food, water and warmth, and insuring that we have enough of them for a long time. I've only met one serious politician who willingly talks about any of this — and he's getting my vote: John Stromberg for Ashland Mayor. Scott McGuire Ashland An open letter to John Stromberg: Good morning, John. I'm privileged to endorse your candidacy. I'm especially impressed by your thoughtful and serious approach to the office, your organization, communications and, especially, your clarity and depth on the issues you deem as key for Ashland. Good luck. David Alexander David Alexander Ashland Taking McCain to task Senator McCain criticizes Senator Obama for not supporting the "surge" in Iraq and claims this is a 'lack of judgement' that questions his ability to be 'Commander in Chief." Is not Senator McCain support for beginning the Iraq War, continuing the conflict without a clear exit strategy, thus violating the Powell Doctrine, a colossal misjudgement that ought to disqualify anyone from becoming 'Commander in Chief?" Frank Hieber Medford McGeary for judge As an attorney practicing in Jackson County, I recognize how important it is to have the right person for judge. I've been involved in legal matters in which Doug McGeary was my opposing counsel. Mr. McGeary was always professional and courteous to me, my clients and witnesses. He worked to solve the problem, accommodating where he could, while continuing to protect his client's interests. Mr. McGeary has proven to be competent, fair and effective, and that's what we need in a judge. I encourage you to vote for Doug McGeary for Circuit Court judge, Position 6. — Jerry Shean, Medford Gerald M. Shean III Attorney at Law Medford Support Measure 15-87 It's been just over a year since Ashland residents voted to keep our library open 40 hours a week, and the library is now circulating more items than in 2006, the last full year before closing. And if historical trends continue, it's going to get even busier because traditionally public library usage soars when economic times get tough. More than ever, it's important to continue the community's support of the Ashland library when the current two year levy expires in July, 2009. The levy on your November ballot will simply continue existing levels of service for four more years, including our 40 open hours each week. In fact, the levy cap (21 cents per $1000 assessed value) is actually lower than it was in 2007. (In 2007 the cap was 25 cents, and in 2008 it was 20 cents.) Because of a carry-over (when the library was closed for 6 months) just 13 cents of the 20 cent levy was collected. Closing the library was a rough way to save money, and while we appreciate the savings, it is a situation we hope is never repeated. Regarding use of the Timber Funds, Measure 15-87 is clear. If the County should provide additional funding for complete library service, the City of Ashland will not collect this levy. This is a prudent measure and a good investment. Please continue your support of this most essential community resource by voting Yes on Measure 15-87. Amy and John Kinard Ashland Support Stromberg I have lived in Ashland for over 25 years, and in that relatively short time I have observed that we have improved our quality of life in many ways. I am grateful for that. However, it is my perspective that in order to thrive into the future, the city of Ashland and the greater Rogue Valley must define a vision and take action with the goal of living more in balance (more sustainably) with every living inhabitant on this earth — this includes, of course, us people. The phase that comes to mind is "building environmental and community resiliency". In order to build this environmental and social "capital", it will take strong community involvement, visionary leadership, and the willingness of Ashland to partner with other local communities. I have observed each candidate for Mayor, and each has presented their perspectives of how they think that they can best serve our community. Quite frankly, I am proud to live in a city where there are so many fine choices among candidates. However, one candidate in particular - John Stromberg - has demonstrated to me a unique combination of competency, vision, open mindedness and inclusiveness. We are at a critical juncture: we have an unprecedented opportunity to act as adults in a way that will provide a brighter future for our children, their children, and many generations to come. I feel a sense of urgency to adopt a more sustainable way of living. Please join me in voting for John Stromberg for mayor. Jim McGinnis Ashland Support McGeary for judge If you're still undecided about who is the best candidate for Circuit Court Judge, position 6, please consider the following: Both the public and our local attorneys have already chosen the best candidate Doug McGeary. He was picked first by voters in May's primary election and is endorsed by both senior judges and peers. McGeary, a lifelong local resident, was chosen overwhelmingly in the latest Oregon State Bar Preference Poll (150 chose McGeary; 31 chose his opponent), as well as the primary bar poll (110 for McGeary; 23 for his opponent). Doug received the endorsement of the in Mail Tribune in both the primary and general elections. There's no difference this time around — Doug is the superior choice for judge with an excellent reputation, integrity, experience and a passion for his profession. Please join both of us in supporting Doug McGeary for Circuit Court Judge, position 6. Robert & Rebecca Webber Medford Support Measure 15-87 Please vote yes for Ashland's library. It's not a new levy, just a continuation of the one that currently keeps our library open more hours, helps homebound people and funds programs for kids. The county commissioners have decided that the timber money is going into a rainy day fund and won't be used for libraries, so there's no help coming from them. Now more than ever we need access to books, the internet and learning resources. Measure 15-87 is way down in the lower right corner on the back of your ballot, at the end of a long line of state measures that you may be voting NO on. Please pause to vote YES to keep Ashland's library funded. Edwin Johnson Ashland RVTV bias in favor of Belcastro I often listen to RVTV community television to hear the candidate forums, speeches and presentations that I was unable to hear in person. Recently I have discovered that Pete Belcasto's one hour campaign program has run over 60 times in the last several months. I understand that the norm for reruns is three repeats. Other candidates have not been afforded the same coverage which demonstrates a very partisan bias toward Mr. Belcastro, a past employee of RVTV. It is very disturbing that a publicly funded, community television station would tarnish their bipartisan reputation by participating in an unethical act of obvious favoritism. I would ask that RVTV to examine their actions and take appropriate action. Bud Marler Ashland Support Peter Buckley Representative Peter Buckley has my vote to return to the Oregon House and continue his dedicated leadership there for another two years. This man works hard, communicates well and is passionate about making Oregon and southern oregon District 5 a better place to live. He believes that government can work if you elect people who are committed to making it work. He is a doer not a naysayer. Mr. Buckley has been Chair of the House Education committee; leader of the House majority caucus; majority whip during the supplemental 2008 session. Please get on his website to read for yourself about the good work he has done. No surprise he votes on the Democratic side of the issues but he is an open minded person who can say no to interests if that is appropriate. I trust him and hope you join me in putting your pencil to the bubble beside his name. He wants to get more done and is ready to go. Steve Haskell Ashland Buckley is best I am writing to express my strong endorsement for the re-election of Rep. Peter Buckley and encourage voters to support the thoughtful, collaborative, and tenacious leadership on behalf of all Oregonians demonstrated by Rep. Buckley in Salem. I know Rep. Buckley through my advocacy for Oregonians impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders, and even though not personally affected in his family, he is an amazing champion of many complex issues ranging the lifespan from Early Intervention, to an array of services throughout adulthood. Rep. Buckley has educated himself on the occurrence of autism, research on interventions, policy in other states, direct service providers, and has made alliances with DHS, ODE, DCBS, and advocacy groups to develop and move forward with collaborative solutions. Rep. Buckley is ever mindful of the state budget and economic condition so is proposing solutions that leverage existing private, public, and nonprofit services, existing legislative initiatives (Healthy Oregon Act) and matching federal dollars. Much of Rep. Buckley's work is based on talking directly with people (parents, self-advocates, school district and ESD professionals, Asante, insurance) to really understand the issues. Please join me in re-electing Rep. Buckley to send an exceptional leader back to Salem. Janel Salazar Talent Advertisement: Advertisement: Partners: Security Cameras & Systems Advertisement: Copyright © 2008 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved. Southern Oregon Media Group: Mail Tribune.com – Ashland Daily Tidings – Medford Nickel Del.icio.us