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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, Dec. 30 MailTribune.com Writer Posted Dec. 30, 2015 @ 12:01 am Posted Dec. 30, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Center was recommended Over the past forty years, or so, the City of Medford has commissioned at least four studies of the downtown area. As I recall, each study recommended a convention center near the site now occupied by the Lithia building. One idea would involve a convention center and high-rise hotel combination located on the Commons hotel site. The owners of the existing hotel would be the owners of the new hotel. The building complex could have terraces, for dining and outside meetings, overlooking Bear Creek. A common kitchen could serve both structures. A walkway over the creek would provide access to Hawthorne Park and the Greenway. There are vacant buildings in the area, so additional land may be available. Medford still has some of the old charm and there are nice restaurants withing walking distance. The parking structure is nearby and rerouting of some roadways may be required. Such a complex would certainly be beneficial to downtown merchants. C. Beck Central Point Who's a denier? The Mail Tribune recently published a national opinion piece with the headline “Livestock produce a whopping 51 percent of all greenhouse gases.” In the article, the author states, “It is an amazing fact that livestock produce more greenhouse gases than all the cars, trucks, airplanes, trains and ships in the world combined.” Amazing indeed! He refers to an outdated and widely discredited 2006 United Nations report that concluded that 18 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions were caused by livestock and then mentions unnamed recent studies that have raised that number to 51 percent. Let me give you just one of the many assumptions that these studies rely on to conclude that livestock production will lead to the demise of human civilization. In these studies, the carbon gases that ruminant animals release during the digestive process are counted, while all the carbon sequestration that occurs while their pasture forages grow is ignored. I produce grass-fed beef and I consider myself first and foremost a grass farmer. To ignore the carbon cycle and pretend that there is no connection between forage production and its utilization is absurd. And yet I am the one who is called a denier. Larry Martin Central Point Pillage continues Thanks to Gary Roberts' letter Dec. 27 for calling our attention to Avista's complete disregard regarding their continuing reduction in product purchase followed by virtually no reduction in local user fees. My review of my last seven years natural gas costs resulted in annual increases in every year. Furthermore, Avista's stock market shares rose from $19.38 a share to $35.20 while increasing their dividend from 18 cents to 33 cents/share in those seven years. No wonder! This, of course, is the result of zero competition and the typical greed of the energy sector. I'm confident that their seven figures-earning board members are smugly satisfied. My question is, where are the regulatory agencies while this pillage continues? C. Meyer Medford Toy run a success It's with pride and pleasure to report the success of this year's annual Christmas Bikers Toy Run. I was told there was a total of 640 bikers, both individuals and from numerous area motorcycle clubs participating, each with toys intended for needy and foster children — apparently a record-setting number. Thanks go to the Eagles Lodge for their support, for accommodation and distribution of toys, and for the lunch and entertainment provided for us at their facility. The Medford Police Department is to be commended for their cooperation and outstanding traffic control. In addition, we appreciate the patience of Medford residents as we blocked side traffic during our sojourn through town. Harry Howard Medford MailTribune.com Writer Posted Dec. 30, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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