The Newberg Graphic
| Letters to the Editor |
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| Duvendack should recuse himself from the landfill issue |
To the editor: Concerned Yamhill County citizens have called on George Duvendack, district manager of the Riverbend Landfill, to recuse himself from voting on, or directing the activities of the consultant team who have been hired at the request of Yamhill County commissioners, to prepare a study of solid waste alternatives for our county. This study was requested as part of the decision-making process regarding the land use application to expand the existing landfill. Mr. Duvendack serves as an industry representative on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. SWAC is guiding the study. In this role the SWAC members will determine the criteria of the study. Mr. Duvendack's financial well-being and his future depend upon the continuation and expansion of Riverbend Landfill. This presents a direct conflict of interest and it is unethical for Mr. Duvendack to continue in a voting and recommending role on SWAC. I spoke directly with Mr. Duvendack after the recent SWAC meeting and he believes he has a right to vote on the issues. In other counties, industry representatives are not given voting rights because of the inherent conflict of interest. Commissioner Leslie Lewis would not allow comment regarding this issue at a recent county commissioner meeting. She cited the county's paramount desire to protect the integrity of the land use hearing process. When asked what citizens should do if they have concerns about potential conflicts of interest, County Counsel John Gray advised us to take it to the state ethics committee. Matt Dunkle sits on the county planning commission and recused himself because he has, at times, done work for Riverbend Landfill. Commissioner Mary Stern recused herself from the land use hearing because her husband works in the garbage industry. I respect the integrity of these two individuals. Mr. Duvendack should follow their lead and do the same. Kris Bledsoe, McMinnville -- City employee a wiz with garden spaces To the editor: Speaking about city of Newberg public works employee Bryan Stewart, where do I start? The gardens he blended together are super. I know he did a lot of research on all kinds of gardening techniques. I also talked to Bryan about the gardens he works on around Newberg, lots of areas in Newberg. Our city is beautiful. I urge all of you to go to the city parking lot on Hancock Street, near the Newberg Public Library. Bryan can really blend flowers and greens together. I have lived in Newberg since forever - even raised three boys here. I've seen a lot of changes and growth. Our city workers do a great job keeping it all together to make a great city. Look around, you'll see the changes. Dorothy Adams, Newberg -- Family gives thanks to those who helped out To the editor: The family of Olga Hammond wish to express our sincere thanks to the Newberg Charitable Organization and the generous donation given to the Providence Newberg Medical Center and Providence Health Foundation in memory of our mother, who passed away June 3. We would especially like to thank Lolly Peavy for her kindness and being in charge of the donation. Our mother loved donating her time at the Newberg Thrift Shop and took great pride in knowing she had a part in helping others in that way. Thank you all for being her friend. She loved working with you. LaVerne Thorp, Jacob and Lester Stevahn |
