Sept. 19, 2007
Measure 49 will correct mistakes of Measure 37
   To the editor:
   Why will I vote yes for Measure 49? Because Measure 49 will allow small property owners immediately to build or transfer up to three lots to family members; because it will allow property owners to build up to 10 homes if they can document financial loss if the property is not on prime farm or forest land and if water for drinking and irrigation is not limited; because it will allow development rights to be transferred to future buyers.
   Because Measure 49 will correct the unintended consequences of Measure 37 by preventing, for example, 100 one-ace lots along Highway 47, 105 one-acre lots on another country road, 600 one-acre lots near Newberg, by requiring gas stations and convenience stores to be built in planned zones, by protecting our forests, and thereby, our water supplies, from not cabins in the woods but from subdivisions in the woods — subdivisions that will demand roads, schools and fire protection. Because Measure 37 has allowed 454 claims to cover an area the size of five McMinnvilles.
   I hope you will join me in voting yes for Measure 49 to keep Yamhill County’s farm lands, forests and towns prosperous and progressive.
   Shirley Kimball, McMinnville

Animal Shelter Friends’ annual auction is near
   To the editor:
   It’s finally arrived! The Wags and Whiskers Buccaneer Bash dinner and silent auction, held by the Newberg Animal Shelter Friends.
   Mark the date of Sept. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Chehalem Armory Center, 620 N. Morton St. There will be more than 470 items to bid on with a total value of more than $25,000.
   Donation is $30 per person and includes two beverage coupons — your choice of wine, beer or soda. Our entertainer, Tony Lee Frost, is back by popular demand.
   We have limited seating, so please order your tickets now by calling Robin at 503-537-9244.
   It’s a real fun evening and you will be supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds go to our building fund. Please join us.
   This event is sponsored by myself, Jud Herrity, Cusick Picture Frame and Rozeann Dey. There will also be a free drawing of more than 20 items. Wear a costume, become a pirate or a buccaneer. Hope to see you on the 22nd.
   Darlyn Adams, Newberg

Didn’t the voters already nix this annexation?
   To the editor:
   On Aug. 26 developer (JT Smith) and the Gueldner family invited the community to a free barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs. Their intention was to educate the public on the proposed annexation of the Gueldner property across from Providence Newberg Medical Center on Highway 99W.
   In exchange they asked for your two cents worth of advice. This property is being proposed for annexation into the city of Newberg on the Nov. 6 ballot, the same property the voters already voted no on in May.
   According to the 2006 Election Law Summary, was this gathering legal? On page 4 of the summary it states: “Food or refreshments, at no charge, cannot be the featured attraction to induce people to attend a political event.” Interesting, you be the judge. Were they trying to buy your votes?
   On the front page of the Newberg Graphic on Aug. 29 the story relating to this annexation and barbecue insinuated this was a Benjamin Road issue. I wonder, who lives closer to this property? The Gueldner’s with a Sherwood mailing address, the developer from West Linn or the Benjamin Road residents that live in close proximity?
   What is this, really? It is a community issue. The citizens of Newberg will have to decide: Do they want increased traffic and another strip mall in their town? If not, vote no again. The Springbrook Village developers have already stated it will be their responsibility to build the new Crestview Road extension (Newberg Graphic, July 14). If that is so, let’s slow growth to a wise and steady pace.
   Remember the issues have not changed since the last election when this annexation was overwhelming voted down.
   Dan Shepherd, Newberg

Commercials too sexy for TV
   (Editor’s note: This letter was first sent to Portland television stations).
   Dear local television manager,
   I am highly offended by the sexual content in the latest Hardees/Carl’s Jr. television commercials known as “Patty Melt” and “Flat Buns.” In my opinion, they violate local community standards.
   Because you are licensed to serve the public interest in our community, I request that you refuse to air these ads. If you are already airing them, I ask you to stop.
   As required by law, please place a copy of this e-mail letter in your station’s public file to be readily available to FCC representatives, specifically during the license renewal period for your station.
   Joan Cleary, Newberg

Fund-raiser a tribute to Ernst’s
   To the editor:
   Locally based goodwill is an amazing thing. Here’s an example:
   For 10 years, Newberg residents Randy and Shannon Ernst have organized a golf tournament of their friends and neighbors. This year the tournament was held at Chehalem Glenn Golf Course and a dinner/auction followed at the Ernst’s home. The golf was fun, the food excellent and the company superb.
   But what makes this event so remarkable is that Shannon and Randy organize the event every year not just for the enjoyment, but to help others.
   This year, the event raised more than $8,000 for a local organization. Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity was the fortunate recipient of the Ernst’s time, effort and generosity.
   We simply cannot thank Randy, Shannon and their friends and neighbors enough for their giving spirit. The funds raised will help us to continue to build decent, safe, affordable homes with those in need.
   The Ernst’s annual benefit golf tournament is a stellar example of the goodwill that helps to better our community. We are all better for their efforts.
   Rick Rogers, executive director
   Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity

Fix M-37 before it destroys Oregon
   To the editor:
   Let us not be deceived again. Let’s fix Measure 37 before it destroys Oregon’s sustainable farm and forest economy.
   Remember the Thirty-Seveners, outfitted and grub-staked by Oregonians in Action, to pan for wealth from Oregonian’s prime agricultural and forest lands and ground waters?
   Measure 37 is pitting neighbors against neighbors, friends against friends, and even relatives against kin. In short, it results in unforeseen ills that even the promoters of the measure never envisioned. Measure 37 is not only a mess, but also a fraud.
    As a result, the Oregon Legislature passed the Measure 49 referendum as a reasonable compromise that would permit limited development. It prohibits large rural subdivisions and commercial development, but allows qualified landowners to build a few dwellings. As citizens, we can support or reject the legislature’s wisdom on election day, Nov. 6.
   Voters, be forewarned. The proponents of Measure 37, now dressed in anti-Measure 49 garb, will be mounting a vigorous campaign to mislead us again with lies, half-truths and scare tactics funded by large developers. They cannot and dare not defend Measure 37.
   On election day we can become a new kind of Forty-Niner. But not the kind that plundered California’ inestimable riches, especially gold, and as byproducts created untold greed and corruption along with wealth.
   In contrast, we new Forty-Niners seek truth, justice and fairness for all Oregonians. If you are concerned about Oregon and the future of our state, vote for Measure 49 on Nov. 6. Become a charter member Oregon Forty-Niner.
   Remember, Measure 37 will stand as the law of the land should Measure 49 fail.
   Henry Reeves, Amity

Sept. 15, 2007
Measure 49 will further tighten control of private property
   To the editor:
   Concerning The Newberg Graphic’s Sept. 7 editorial, when words like “hyperbole,” “fevered pitch” and “obfuscation” are used when describing opponents of Measure 49, including a Newberg man, state Sen. Larry George, the paper’s editorial board has a very distinct responsibility as a representative of responsible journalism. That responsibility is that in a very near future edition of the paper, a section needs to have a layout which includes the following:
   A complete version of Measure 49. The total number of Measure 37 claims currently (which would include total acres of land in these claims and percentage of total Oregon land affected). In addition this section on Measures 49/37, specifics should include a percentage of land in Oregon already controlled by all governments (federal, state, county, city).
   With these details provided by The Newberg Graphic, the voters after a “long, hard look” will see that hyperbole and obfuscation are being used by supporters of Measure 49. I am sure Measure 37 supporters will still claim the “fevered pitch” description as passage of Measure 49 which will further tighten government control of private property. It should make everyone sick.
   Mike Wilhoit, Newberg

Elliott a great teacher
   To the editor:
   I am a graduate of Newberg High School, class of 1969. While attending Newberg High School I was extremely fortunate to play my clarinet in the band directed by Dick Elliott. I still play that same clarinet.
   Mr. Elliott was without a doubt one of the best teachers I have ever had a class from. He knew how to handle difficult students, get the information across and make band a great learning experience.
   I treasure the memory of every second I spent in band class. Because of the instruction I received from Dick Elliott, I was able to go on and play in other bands, including the Cascade Winds concert band in Bend. My love of music comes from Dick Elliott’s gift of music.
   Dick Elliott has been and still is a great asset to music education in the Newberg community. Without him, the music program at Newberg High School would not be what it is today.
   I feel I can speak for many other former students about the excellent instruction received under the direction of Mr. Dick Elliott. I am very proud to say I played in his high school band and feel sadness for those who will never have that same opportunity.
   Sara (Fisher) Weeks, Bend

Patraeus brings good news from the front
   To the editor:
   Judging by the reaction to some positive news from Gen. David Patraeus, like for instance the very leftwing Moveon.org putting a graphic in The New York Times that says “General Patraeus: More like General betray us,” way to give him a chance to report what he sees the troop’s progress in Iraq. If that doesn’t make you think about voting Republican, what will? Oh, maybe another Sept. 11. Take care, open your ears, listen and stay informed.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Thanks to Serve Day participants
   To the editor:
   I want to publicly thank some great, hardworking students from George Fox University. Their names are Chelsea Renner, Lauren Kewley, Jared Edwards, Sarah Hoffman, Mollie Gattiercoal and another young lady who left early and I didn’t get her name.
   They cleaned up my back yard of weeds, grass etc. They also laid down a plastic cloth to keep the weeds out and covered that with bark dust. They worked from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
   This is a great program. I had visitors from California and they couldn’t say enough about the program and the great students. I appreciated it more than words can say.
   Wanda Siler, Newberg

Sept. 12, 2007
Do away with welfare state and jobs will be more attractive
   To the editor:
   If we follow the advice cited by the Albany paper and reprinted in the Sept. 1 edition of The Newberg Graphic, maybe we should return to the 1800s and have 10-and 12-year-old children work 14 hours a day, seven days a week in garment shops because we need the labor done. And it is O.K. to call someone who is here illegally an illegal — they are, regardless if they provide a service or not.
   Maybe it hasn’t occurred to everyone that it really isn’t a necessity to have strawberries or landscaping. And crops can be modified as necessity dictates. I picked hops and beans as a child. See anyone picking those by hand commercially now? But they do get harvested for profit don’t they?
   Maybe if we did away with our welfare state, those jobs “Americans won’t do” would get done by Americans. In the past it was easy, if you didn’t work, you didn’t eat. Either your church, family or friends were your emergency relief, not the government. And I think all the framing crew jobs may not fall in the “jobs Americans won’t do” category.
   And even a lot of us who don’t want illegals working here (myself included at times) don’t do a good job of self policing. When I want a job done, I may take the cheapest bid even though I may suspect the contractor is using illegal help because I don’t want to try to get involved to the point of trying to solve the problem.
   I fully support the government making it a larger financial risk for employers to hire illegal (not undocumented, they have lots of documents, someone’s Social Security number, fake driver’s license, etc.) aliens because individuals don’t have the resources or enforcement means to be effective.
   I spend several weeks a year in Mexico and two paradoxes are interesting. One, they have a very difficult time keeping tradesmen such as welders, etc., because as soon as they become proficient, many cross to the United States. Second, one of their main complaints in the community is that many of their corporations are now outsourcing jobs overseas. Odd, that didn’t bother them when they were taking our jobs and doing them down there.
   Don Wright, Newberg

M-49 is kick in the face to the American dream
   To the editor:
   I found Viron Fessler’s letter on Measure 49 distressing.
   As a consulting civil engineer and professional land surveyor with 35 years of experience in the development field, I have found that those “unscrupulous land owners” are people like you and I. They are hard working and conscientious people with dreams and visions, or parents or grandparents that are putting their children through college, or professionals that are doing their best to provide our children and ourselves desirable places to live, work and shop.
   I hope voters can think back to the reasons that Measure 37 passed ... not once but twice. It passed because after 30 years of our land use regulation system, too many people realized that they no longer had the rights that they purchased, and that their hopes, dreams and retirement plans were dashed by regulations proposed and adopted often without their knowledge.
   If you had attended the hearings on Measure 49 you would have heard from many people on how they have invested thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars in their property under the existing rules.
   Measure 49 is a kick in their face to the American dream. Passing of the bill would be absolutely devastating to a couple of my clients who have proceeded in good faith.
   As a free society, we cannot pick and choose whose rights we are going to protect and when, because if we don’t stand up for the rights of others, soon there will be no one to stand up for ours.
   Leonard Rydell, Newberg

Serve Day work boon to Outreach
   To the editor:
   Youth Outreach would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the hardworking students and staff of George Fox University, who painted, painted, then painted some more our facility on Serve Day 2007.
   Laughter, hard work and a spirit of willingness ensured a fun day as well as a fresh place for our teens to hang out.
   We are grateful to the university and the organizers of Serve Day for providing such practical and much appreciated support.
   Kate Stokes, Youth Outreach, Newberg

Sept. 8, 2007
Annexation will be a positive addition to Newberg
   To the editor:
   Recently more than 200 of my neighbors and friends joined other Newberg residents at my property to review my plans for our families’ Crestview Crossings project.
   We talked with and listened to each other about our families, our hopes and dreams of the future, and how my piece of land could become an important part of how Newberg addresses issues of housing, economic development and traffic.
   Not everyone who attended my get-together and picnic agreed with me about the project and all of its elements. Yet we were able, in most cases, to agree to disagree in a respectful and neighborly fashion.
   My promise to the city council, when I asked for the opportunity to place the annexation of property into the city limits before the voters, was that I would make my case about my plans for Crestview Crossing known. I have actively been making good on that promise and look forward to strong support and many yes votes on election day this coming Nov. 6.
   If Newberg citizens have any questions about my project regarding the homes, businesses or the private funding of the extension of Crestview Drive, please call me at 503-538-6896 or go to my Web site at www.crestviewcrossing.com.
   Thank you for your consideration of a project that I believe is of, by and for Newberg.
   Ella Gueldner, Newberg

Illegal immigrants root of country’s problems
   To the editor:
   An editorial recently printed in The Albany Democrat paper and then reprinted in The Newberg Graphic Sept. 1, “Farmers need immigrant workers to survive,” points out some very real problems that are not solved by blanket amnesty given to all illegal immigrants, like the Bush/Kennedy Bill would have approved.
   A guest worker program will be needed, but we don’t need all of the illegal alien thugs that are running around, driving drunk and killing innocent Americans when we can’t even control our own drunk drivers. Not to mention the two illegals charged with murdering Danni Countryman here on vacation from Texas to stay with her cousin in Portland, reported on KATU earlier this summer.
   And you may not have heard about illegal immigrant gangs in Canby, gang fights broken up by Clackamas County deputies in July, reported on the evening news Aug. 31 on KPTV. What about the illegal immigrants just arrested for counterfeit checks in California, Arizona, then Nevada and finally here in Oregon to the amount of $600,000 from U.S. banks?
   Also reported on Channel 12 KPTV Aug. 30, Juan Delacruz Reyna, ringleader of a drug cartel of 300 drug traffickers, was arrested. Some of them are still wanted for trying to kill border agents in Texas.
   And also reported Aug. 30 on Good Day Oregon on Norris Street in Portland, two illegal immigrants shot another illegal immigrant for killing a family member while still in Mexico.
   They all sound like upstanding immigrants, huh? And these are just the ones we know about. Our “Sanctuary State” is protecting illegal immigrants rather than protecting us law-abiding citizens.
   I understand the need for immigrant workers, just not illegal immigrant workers. There is a difference between illegal immigrant and immigrant. If immigrant workers cannot stick around long enough for the IRS to check out the Social Security numbers they are using, that tells me they are not legal immigrants. I’m sure most people understand that. If farmers continue to disobey immigration laws, a fine is warranted, isn’t it?
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Sept. 5, 2007
Public must be educated on payday lending schemes
   To the editor:
   Recently Anthony Stinton offered the public his opinion of the potential fallacies in the recent legislation that provided payday lending regulations. Stinton’s arguments were typical of abusive entities within our culture.
   Stinton opened with the argument that valuable employment has been lost and that the users of payday loans will just turn to other (equally usurious) sources for their money.
   Drug laws also reduce employment opportunities. Perhaps we should legalize methamphetamine and heroin (using Stinton’s own analogy with Prohibition) to provide job opportunities for “more than 300 Oregonians.”
   “Oregonians these regulations were meant to protect, have less access to credit.” Stinton makes this statement as though it is a bad thing. By comparison, making drugs illegal just reduces availability of methamphetamine and sends the drug addict to new sources for their high.
   “Store closings outside the Portland Metro area have an especially large impact on access to credit. People outside the metro area used payday lenders at much higher rates than Portlanders (3.8 percent versus 1.4 percent).” This seems like the most reasonable of Stinton’s arguments, given the increased level of education in metropolitan versus rural areas. The problem with the argument is that close inspection exposes the predatory nature of the business.
   The final direction of Stinton’s arguments is perhaps the most interesting. Stinton attempts to expose Ms. Martin as out of touch with Oregonians by using statistics from California. Nice touch. Seventy percent of this sample (of typical Oregonians?) reported using “payday loans to meet unexpected expenses or to offset temporary reductions in income.”
   When I was a noncommissioned officer in the Army one of the most distressing parts of my job involved watching young soldiers with limited education getting caught in the payday loan cycle. In the end these soldiers served the lenders almost as much as their country.
   Their failure to set aside money in anticipation of “unexpected expenses or temporary reductions in income” was due in large part to the predation of a plethora of usury wolves dressed in sheep skins near military bases.
   The only area of real agreement between Stinton and me involves the lack of education. Educating the public about the nature of the loan industry would be a valuable benefit to the public.
   R. Keith Hansen, Newberg

Vote Yes on Measure 49
   To the editor:
   There’s more to the Draconian Measure 37 than meets the eye; if left unchecked it remains ripe for abuse. And if the current rural subdivisions weren’t bad enough, every claimant has the ability to “amend” their claim, demanding more money, lots or commercial usage.
   Measure 37 was a think-tank focus group’s way of attacking Oregon’s stellar land use regulations. Sold as a way of “compensating” longtime owners for alleged loss, it’s become a greed-fest for timber corporations and unscrupulous landowners looking to cash in big.
   Longtime land owners haven’t lost, I know many of them. As is, their land’s worth astronomically more than they paid for it. And that doesn’t include three decades of below market value property taxes; ongoing tax breaks enacted to compensate for their inability to subdivide below zoning.
   Don’t be mistaken — farmers, ranchers and timber owners have prospered under Senate Bill 100 (enacting land use regulations) and SB 101 (granting them tax breaks). If there’s any merit to a compensation claim, the proposed fix of Measure 49 will allow it.
Measure 49 grants instant and transferable rights for a limited number of additional homes, but not the egregious open-ended demands exhibited by many.
   Help strike a balance by voting yes on Measure 49 this November. It’s plenty generous.
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

Sept. 1, 2007
Cancer survivor gives thanks for support, friends, research
   To the editor:
   On July 28, I had the privilege of walking with fellow survivors of cancer. I was deeply touched by the crowd response — we frequently experienced supportive clapping and, in fact, many people stood up for us as we passed by. It was a very touching experience.
   It occurred to me that, yes, I’m a survivor, but it is not like I scaled this mountain alone. I want to thank my cancer team, which consists of Dr. Sean Stadtlander, who had the insight to see that preliminary tests warranted further investigation, and Dr. Thomas Hatch, who delicately explained the options at a family meeting and demonstrated compassion throughout my preoperative and postoperative care. Dr. Hatch was a perfect fit for me (referred by Dr. Stadtlander).
   I want to thank the wonderful staff at Providence Newberg Medical Center, who rendered timely and tender care during my stay there. I want to thank my family, my church family, and my God, who no doubt has future plans for me.
   Lastly, I wish to thank you, the quiet warriors who support us with your encouragement and the funds necessary to continue lifesaving cancer research. As a member of www.LiveStrong.org, I’m aware of the progress that we’re making toward this cause, and want to thank you for your cash donations, your encouragement and your obvious love for cancer survivors.
   Dr. Dan Carpenter, Newberg

GodSong program is making a difference
   To the editor:
   The leader is Kevin Pierson.
   He is well known in Newberg and Yamhill County. He hasn’t always been the leader of “Get Real for Men” at GodSong Community Church. He was better known as a hard drinking brick layer in Oregon. His picture was on the front page of The Newberg Graphic at least once before. That was on June 8, 2005, I believe. He had been in a gun-ready confrontation with Yamhill County sheriff’s deputies and Newberg police.
   Neither Kevin nor the police won out that day. Jesus Christ did, however.
   A few Sunday’s later Kevin stood up at the close of worship at GodSong. Pastor Ron Thomason turned, looked at him and said “Kevin, are you ready? “ Kevin said “I am ready!” Ron said “Come on!”
   There is now a new version of Kevin Pierson. Rather than downing a half gallon of Black Velvet on the way home from work, he listens to Christian music and drinks Dr. Pepper. At least, that is what he buys for me when they arrive together at “Get Real For Men” at GodSong on Monday nights.
   Kevin always starts each session by leading this prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
   He then lays down the ground rules, which are: Whatever you say or others say stays here; this is not a Bible meeting or prayer service, although some bring their Bibles and other’s pray; we do not give advice; we usually tell each other what is happening in our lives; and we do give our support to each other.
   We are “Get Real For Men at GodSong and we are not all from GodSong, we are from different churches. We believe men, all men, even myself, need a place where they can get real. And we need a place we can, if we wish, tell it all and not be condemned. And, that place is at GodSong.
   By the way, Kevin would want me to say he is not a Christian because he has stopped drinking Black Velvet and started drinking Doctor Pepper. He is not a Christian because he puts a considerable amount in the offering plate. And he is not a Christian because he treats his wife and children with love and respect. He bought me a new pair of beautiful white tennis shoes for Christmas, but that does not make him a Christian. He loves people, he loves everyone, and he is a good man, but that does not make him a Christian.
   However, he is a Christian. He is not a good Christian. He stills has some problems in his life. But, yes he is a Christian. He is a Christian because Jesus Christ came into his heart, forgave his sins and made him a new person. But that is not something Kevin did, it is something God did.
   See you at Get Real for Men at 6 p.m. on Monday nights at GodSong.
   Bob Hutchinson, Newberg

Aug. 29, 2007
Return regional bypass route to the discussion
   To the editor:
   Two expressways?
   The Aug. 13 Oregonian featured an article about various routes from I-5 to Highway 99W headlined “Where would you put an expressway?” This prompts readers to ask: why push a bypass through Newberg and Dundee, bisecting and disrupting both towns, and then force an expressway through Tualatin and/or Sherwood?
   The Oregon Department of Transportation dismisses the regional bypass, a direct route via McKay Road and then westerly to 99W or Highway 18, as not welcomed by Marion County and too expensive.
   The decision shouldn’t be Marion County’s to make; it’s a statewide (or at least northwest Oregon) issue. It should be made at the state level (with local input, of course).
   It’s hard to believe that there would be much cost difference between the two expressways and the regional route, even though the regional route would require a new bridge over the Willamette River. ODOT’s real concern is more I-5 traffic south of Tualatin.
   The recent setback of the Newberg-Dundee bypass, and the state’s announcement that the project will be on hold for at least a year, gives ODOT (and those of us whose lives would be affected) time to step back and reassess the options. Farm land is not more important than people; let’s get our priorities straight!
   Debbie Soderquist, Newberg

Animal effort forges on
   To the editor:
   Yummy! Yummy for the tummy! Our second annual Pancake Fest was held Saturday at the Astor House. People enjoyed a fabulous breakfast and supported our endeavor for a new animal shelter. All proceeds went toward our building fund.
   We are very busy making preparations for our Buccaneer Bash Dinner and Silent Auction being held from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22 at the armory. At present we have more than 375 items to be auctioned. Our favorite entertainer, Tony Lee Frost, is back by popular demand to entertain us. For more information please call me at 503-554-0153. We’ve been working on making this our best event ever and look forward to greeting you with an “Ahoy Matey.” This is real fun event, so won’t you please join us?
   Our next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Public Safety Building. All ideas are welcome. Please come.
   Darlyn Adams, Newberg

Bill good start to curb illegal immigrants
   To the editor:
   I’m a bit passionate about a few things; I think America, as a country and Americans as a defined people, should be respected and this country should hold its ground on sovereignty.
   So, no to illegal immigrants. It seems as if most of Congress has swung that way, as well. Look for a Senate bill this fall demanding that all cities and states enforce federal immigration laws or be denied federal funding.
   Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R - Virginia) and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R - Tennessee) co-sponsored a bill which already passed in the House and now has to pass in the Senate for it to become law. It is called “Clear Act, 2007” (House Resolution 842). It basically calls for cities and states to enforce immigration laws, give federal funding to those who enforce immigration laws, deny federal funding to those who don’t, allow funding for additional detention centers, training for police and other officials who need it, etc.
   So long sanctuary cities (as in Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and many others). Federal funding will be denied as long as immigration laws are not enforced.
   Just a little information I heard on The O’Reilly Factor on Aug. 23. I’m just glad people are talking about the state of our state and country. They don’t all have to agree — just listen and stay as informed as you can.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Aug. 25, 2007
Gather your news from the comedy channels?
   To the editor:
   Bruce Freeman, your guest opinion in The Newberg Graphic on Aug. 18 hardly deserves a response. It was laughable.
Bruce, you can’t be seriously telling me you get your news from Comedy Central?
   Their shows are quite funny. Stephen Colbert went on The O’Reilly Factor and they were quite amicable. There was a certain amount of respect between them. Kind of funny, don’t you think. I believe Bill also went on The Colbert Report shortly after.
   They understand the difference between news and entertainment. This is what is happening to our country. Apples and oranges Bruce.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

No one should have to preserve neighbors’ view
   To the editor:
   I am a bit disappointed in some of the comments I read about Measure 37 claims. Some people seem to think the only reason people should buy land is to keep it as a park for their neighbors to enjoy. Maybe I’m selfish, but if I spend my hard-earned money on land, I will do it for myself and my family. The public already owns most of Oregon’s land (55 percent). It doesn’t need the rest.
   My wife and I own a few acres in the country. We enjoy the rural setting, but we certainly don’t expect our neighbors to worry about maintaining our scenic views. Our control of the scenery ends at the property line, as does theirs.
   To take away someone’s private property rights just for a better view is not something to brag about. Oregon is a big state and more than half of it is owned by the government already. The mountains and rivers and valleys are not going to go away because a few citizens exercise their private property rights.
   In November, we will get to vote on a bill that will effectively kill Measure 37 and send land use back to government control. Getting approval for even three houses will become so expensive that only the rich will be able to afford property rights.
   That just isn’t fair.
   Craig Pubols, McMinnville

Things are going much better in Iraq
   To the editor:
   Some people think we need to leave Iraq by next year.
   After hearing a report on C-Span from a reporter embedded in Iraq, the surge seems to be working. The Iraqi policeman told U.S. soldiers he wanted to get Al Qaeda out of his town. He said, “Al Qaeda is ruining our country. He also stated they killed us, now it is our turn and your turn... U.S. and Iraqis working together.”
   The IED explosions where American soldiers were helping the Iraqi police has gone down from one every day to none. From that it looks like the presence of the U.S. soldier is needed until the Iraqis can get the insurgents out — such as Al Qaeda. The U.S. soldier reported that those leaders in the towns who were against us are now coming around to our side and helping them find the IED’s before they cause damage.
   My question is what do those people think they will do with the war on terror, which happens to be in Iraq as well as Afghanistan. President Karzai in Afghanistan stated some of the killers that had been killing them for years escaped death when America came to liberate Afghanistan people from the Taliban after Sept. 11. He stated those that escaped death left his country and went to Iraq for safe haven. That is the main enemy our soldiers are facing right now.
   Leaving Iraq without helping the Iraqi people stand with us and face the enemy of the world would be admitting defeat against Al Qaeda. It is my concern they would be more emboldened to create chaos in America.
   Can you negotiate with someone whose purpose in life is to create a caliphate in the world using terrorism to reach their goal? I think the natural instinct is to run away, but sometimes you have to gather more people to face a bully and that is what Iraq can do to help us defeat the radical terrorists. If we left too soon, would that be wise? If you leave a friend to the hands of a bully, would that person call you friend?
   Carolyn Gilmore, Newberg

Vote no on M-49 and administrators
   To the editor:
   Administrative rule versus “Oregon’s people” — again!
   Appointed authorities in Oregon seem to have control over our governor and legislators. Measure 49 (HB 3540), cleverly drafted to disallow any public testimony, was crafted by politicians who are unconcerned about public need and lack knowledge of land planning. It is lengthy, complex, but error-laden. If Oregonians are lulled to sleep by the complexity, this bill may pass, resulting in:
   — Claims that will need to start over.
   — Most claims will be limited to three home sites, if any.
   — No new claims allowed.
   — No property appeals inside the urban growth boundary.
   — No commercial or industrial zoned property appeals.
   — You foot all costs to defend yourself, win or lose.
   — No provisions for delays, they could stretch out until a new rule is adopted, ensuring public taking of your property.
Defeat Measure 49.
   Dwayne Brittell, Newberg

Aug. 22, 2007
Don’t mistake political commentary for news
   To the editor:
   I am truly amused to watch the far right and the far left clash in my local newspaper.
   I’m referring to the letter by Renee Mehus and the response by Bruce Freeman. Both embody the ridiculous partisanship that has crippled our country.
   For both their information, Bill O’Reilly is not a reporter. Nor is Sean Hannity, both of Fox News. Personally, I can’t stand either one and haven’t watched them for years.
   But neither report the news, they give their opinions and their ideas are often as off the wall as Al Franken’s.
   But I really laughed out loud when I read where Mr. Freeman declared Bill Moyer as “fair and balanced.” He’s as fair and balanced as Dan Rather when he introduced President George W. Bush’s first state of the union address by saying, “No matter what you think of him, he’s still our president.”
   That same Dan Rather refused to report President Clinton’s affair with a 22-year-old intern for several weeks after the news was first released.
   Rather was speaking at fund-raisers for the Democratic party even before he retired. And let’s not forget why he retired, he was so anxious to skew President Bush that he dropped what journalistic ethics he had.
  Even the most liberal of my friends don’t kid themselves that Moyer isn’t a far left journalist.
   Only a far left radical could possibly believe he reports unbiased news. But I admittedly laughed as hard when Ms. Mehus declared O’Reilly was a journalist.
   I recently read where Joe Savage complained that the newsroom of NBC cheered when they got the news that Karl Rove resigned.
Those are the people giving us fair reporting?
   A couple of years ago, a poll was taken of national journalists and they admitted they had a liberal bias. Conservatives have complained about bias in the news for decades, but liberals thought bias was just fine until Fox commentaries showed up.
In reality, look at the Fox News Web site and then look at ABC’s, CBS’, CNN’s and MSNBC and you will find the news on each site is pretty much reported the same.
   If you watch their “news” programs, they are as good as any. But please don’t mistake political commentary as news.
   Jim Bellah, Newberg

Aug. 18, 2007
We created the animal problem — it’s time we fixed it
   To the editor:
   On the way home from work today, I saw a dead cat in the road. Obviously, this little guy was an orange-striped feline. It was difficult to make out how big he was, for automobile tracks had disintegrated most of the bottom half of him.
   Yes, an unsightly thought, and an even more unpleasant view, but I found myself thinking of that poor little animal all day. Had he been fed well and the owner’s now mourned his disappearance, or had he been one of the tens of litters that the mama had, with his death going virtually unnoticed, except by those who hugged the yellow line?
   I am older and wiser in my years since the ownership of my first pets, in which unknowingly I did not spay or neuter them. I think it was different back then too, for it wasn’t common to see the dead little striped lumps in the road. Even further back, as a child, we welcomed feral cats to help clean the barn of rats and mice.
   Now as neighborhoods sprout up in virtually three days, and land is in short supply, the need to keep our pet population down seems to be urgent. I realize that there are still a few “homesteads” out there that still have the want and need for cats running amuck, but frankly you would think that as a civilized society we would confront our cat gluttony and absolute laziness and stop the suffering among our furry little friends.
   Organizations that cater to this impending problem are underpaid and understaffed and unfortunately fighting a losing battle, so they need our help. Please, please spay or neuter your cat. Let’s be mindful of the generous attitude when it comes to those outreach programs. After all, we created the problem, why wouldn’t we try and fix it?
   Lacie Nash, Newberg

Can opener indicative of China’s problems
   My electric can opener finally gave out after 25 years.
   I decided to go to the variety store and buy a crank type. I bought this one instead. It wound up in the garbage after using it just a few times; it refused to grip and turn properly.
   Then I purchased a more expensive crank type at the drug store. It worked on small cans, but not on large cans. This time I decided to return it and go back to an electric type like I was use to using, but I noticed they were all made in China. The hand type was made in China and I wanted an American made can opener.
   I am not too happy with China right now because of the poison found in the dog food. I have two dogs.
   Then I went to the department store and asked to see any can opener not made in China. No luck. I returned home without one and feeling sad. What has happened to my country? Then I rummaged through all my kitchen utensils and found a beer opener. It was hard to do but I finally opened that can of albacore tuna.
   And you know, I had that beer opener about 40 years. It was mad in Vaughor, Chicago, USA, by Tap Boy. The pattern number is also imprinted on the metal portion. I would like to have one of their can openers. I would gladly pay more for one made right here in this country, on this soil.
   Virginia Elardo, Newberg

Fund-raiser proves a success
   To the editor:
   Thank you for running a story on the fund-raising sale to benefit The Nora Madelyn Fund for Infant and Child Loss (named after my daughter), which is part of the Providence Newberg Health Foundation. The sale was held Aug. 4-5 at Providence Newberg Medical Center and, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, raised nearly $2,700 for Nora’s Fund.
   On behalf of Nurse Lecia New, who organized the sale, and myself, we would like to thank Coyote Joe’s, Nap’s, Chumly’s Shaved Ice, and Providence Newberg Medical Center for their support. Our volunteers were amazing and we thank them too.
   The money raised at this event will help The Nora Madelyn Fund for Infant and Child Loss to continue its mission of raising awareness of pregnancy and infant loss issues by providing resources to the medical professionals at Providence Newberg Medical Center who care for bereaved parents and their babies, supporting the families in our community who experience these losses, and working with affiliated groups such as Brief Encounters, which holds a pregnancy and infant loss support group the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at The Coffee Cottage.
   For more information on Nora’s Fund, please visit www.noramadelyn.org. Glass butterfly pins ($25) are sold through the hospital’s gift shop, with proceeds benefiting the fund. All are invited to visit the butterfly sculpture dedicated in memory of children lost before their time; it is located in the Providence Newberg Medical Center’s healing garden.
   Raina Dey, Newberg

Aug. 15, 2007
Fox News the only reliable journalism around
   To the editor:
   I think Mr. Don Kaul’s statements from his column printed in the Aug. 11 Newberg Graphic are right in some respects, but I believe the only news that is mostly accurate is Fox News. Especially Bill O’Reilly.
   He almost always includes live interviews of those who are willing to be questioned in O’Reilly’s “No Spin” way. By the way, Democrats and judges who make questionable judgments are most likely to decline the invitation to stop in “The No Spin Zone.” You should see it for yourself, many people do.
   His Fox News show is the highest rated show of all cable news shows. CNN is getting better, but even O’Reilly’s 1 a.m. show has the highest ratings.
   It is difficult to depend on almost all print press, with The Oregonian at the top of the list locally. I actually believe The Newberg Graphic is pretty good, although some articles are a little too one-sided. I am specifically referring to reporter Amanda Newman’s first installment on Aug. 8: “Illegal Immigration: What’s the story.”
   She has some good information, yet she doesn’t provide any information about illegal immigrants that are involved in criminal activity and those who don’t assimilate, which are probably many judging by the number of Hispanics in the part of the paper that shows local police arrests.
   But we don’t get to know if they are illegal or not because that is not supposed to be asked, even though federal law wants to know so ICE can be notified and enforce the current laws.
   If the laws would be enforced we wouldn’t have an illegal alien problem. About 75 percent of Americans (in the USA) have shown they wouldn’t be against deportation after illegal aliens serve their legal sentences.
   But that’s where the state and federal judiciary need to be held accountable to federal laws to which they have sworn allegiance. Judges, like police, swear to protect and serve citizens of America over those here illegally.
   We citizens need to try to keep ourselves as informed as we can. I don’t think we should keep our children out of journalism. Journalists just need to try much harder to be aware and share the whole truth.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Aug. 11, 2007
Eagles song illustrates housing boom’s effect on towns
   To the editor:
   Regarding the current boom (more like a cancer) in building in the Newberg/Dundee area, I quote “The Last Resort” by the Eagles:
   “They call it paradise, I don’t know why, somebody laid the mountains low while the town got high ...
   “To light their neon way and give them things to do ...
   “Some rich men came and raped the land, nobody caught ‘em, put up a bunch of ugly boxes and Jesus, people bought ‘em.
   “And they called it paradise, the place to be. They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea ...”
   This was written about Southern California, but if you think it won’t happen here you’re being naive.
   After all, Southern California was farm land too.
   Jennifer Fergus, Dundee

Aug. 8, 2007
It’s time Bush got off vacation and went to work
   To the editor:
   In order to find a solution, it is understandable during this time of war that the White House would ask the Iraqi lawmakers to shorten their vacations even though they have already cut them in half.
   What seems ironic is that it comes from a President, who with almost a year and a half to go, has already taken more vacations than any president in the history of the United States.
   And that during a time when over half his term of service was during a war.
   Don Wright, Newberg

Meredith should get on with his life; stop signs
   To the editor:
   Well, here we go again. Mr. Meredith has raised a new sign and this time it isn’t funny. I am offended and disgusted by this new tirade by Mr. Meredith and any credibility (if any is left) that he had is now gone.
   Every man, woman and child knows what the “F” means, Mr. Meredith, and the sign is an abomination to Dundee.
   I have lived in Dundee as long as Mr. Meredith has and I have never been more shocked at this latest snit. Yes, shocked, and I am sure Mr. Meredith had that very intention when he displayed his sign.
Enough! Get on with your life and stop this tirade once and for all.
   Faith Gerstel, Dundee

Our priorities mixed up
   To the editor:
   Sometimes it is really easy to recognize what we value in Newberg. I am now required to stop 24/7 for golfers or others who cross Fernwood Road — but I only need to slow down for children at school crossings.
   Barbara Schaad, Newberg

Aug. 5, 2007
Business comes to the aid of the NHS Class of 1957
   To the editor:
   It was nice to be involved in the Old Fashion Days this year and with all the good memories that came with it. But maybe most of all it reminded us that Newberg still takes care of it’s own.
   This year marked the 50th class reunion of the Newberg High School class of 1957. Our committee decided that it would be great to have a float in the parade and show the people of Newberg that we still care and are proud of our heritage.
   However, with so many of our class living out of town, getting the vehicle to ride in the parade could have been a problem. One of our members approached Lumbermen’s of Newberg to see if they could possibly help us out. I’m pleased to report that the people in Newberg have not changed in 50 years. Lumbermen’s not only provided the truck for our class to ride on during the parade, they made it available to us the night before to get it decorated, and provided the driver both Friday and Saturday to get the float around town safely.
   We had a great time riding in the parade, waving and shouting to old friends and neighbors we saw along the route. We thank Lumbermen’s for their support and the city of Newberg for not changing too much in the past 50 years. We are looking forward to being a spectator next year during the Old Fashion Days parade and shouting to our old friends and neighbors when they ride in the parade.
   Brad Mills, McMinnville

Oops! My mistake
   To the editor:
   In response to Ellen Grijalva’s history lesson, thank you for the correction. I quoted from a program about Independence Day. They were probably talking about distinguishing between John Adams and John Quincy Adams (the eighth president). I should probably pay better attention.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Newberg’s silent heroes
   To the editor:
   Every town has them. They keep our streets safe, our homes secure. They are our 9-1-1 operators, police and fire departments. In the 1990s, I negotiated three union contracts on behalf of the police department and the 9-1-1 operators.
   On Sunday, July 22 around 5 in the morning, I awoke my wife with these words: “Call 9-1-1. I’m having a heart attack.” The operator stayed on the line trying to gather any helpful information and to offer information back to my wife.
   As the trucks pulled in I laid back on the bed and told my wife it was too late, I wasn’t going to make it. My wife said that six EMTs, firepersons, a chaplain and the fire chief came down the porch and into the house. I had passed out by the time they came in, but my wife said as soon as oxygen was applied I began fighting their efforts to help me.
   That’s when my heart stopped the first time. They would start my heart on three different occasions before the night was over. I was taken to Providence Newberg Medical Center and then moved almost immediately to Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital. A stint was put in my heart to allow blocked blood flow to continue.
   I had lost 50 percent of my heart and the medical staff had said that on a scale of 1 to 100 my heart attack was 1,000. As I said, the 9-1-1 call went in on July 22 and I am at home writing this letter on July 30.
   Thank you for responding on the night of the 22nd. You are and will always be our silent heroes.
   Rich Oare, Newberg

We should all honor the flag
   To the editor:
   It was another great Old Fashioned Festival and I thank all that work so hard long to make it so. I attended the festival on Thursday evening and watched the coronation of festival queen and court. During the playing of our National Anthem most folks stopped what they were doing and gave due respect to our flag. There were several adults and other children who did not. They kept talking and horsing around. I know they could hear our anthem being played.
   All I’m asking is that you give a few minutes of respect to our country, flag and those who gave their lives so you could horse around during this ceremony.
   Perhaps you don’t like the United States, our way of life, or our leaders. Or perhaps you just were not aware of the anthem being played. That is your choice, but we just want you to remember all those that gave their lives ... so you could act that way.
   Neil Cohen, Dundee

It’s time to produce another alternative to the bypass
   To the editor:
   So the Yellow (Gold) Brick Road to Oz, otherwise known as the bypass to nowhere, has finally dead-ended. That is a charitable interpretation of the Bear Stearns June 15 evaluation report on Macquarie Infrastructure Group’s plan to toll both the Newberg-Dundee bypass and Highway 99W.
   Not that we don’t need to improve 99W’s traffic flow at certain times, but by an uneconomical, land-damaging bypass through prime farm land? Let’s get real with better alternatives.
   Yes, citizen opponents to the bypass were “listened to” in any number of public meetings, and then their recommendations promptly ignored in favor of a preconceived ideological conviction that only a bypass would suffice.
   Meanwhile the Oregon Department of Transportation, Yamhill County and other bypass boosters have dumped untold dollars and time over many years into the ill-conceived project. We paid a “consultant” in Washington to wrangle public funding from the federal trough. Project promoters went so far as to contact landowners along the bypass route and ODOT even bought a few properties. All this before the completion of an environmental impact statement and assurance of the project funding.
   Commissioner Leslie Lewis is regarded by many as the godmother of the bypass and it is she and fellow commissioners who now must consider better alternatives. In the process they should heed some time-tested truisms: sometimes the cure is worse than the illness; don’t buy something you can’t afford; don’t expect others to pay for what you buy; don’t throw good money after bad money; keep an open mind; and don’t undertake vast projects with half-vast planning. Further, consider the future of fossil fuels in 2024, the projected completion date.
   In the meantime, let’s have an accounting of the money spent so badly and begin planning for a responsible, workable and economical solution.
   Henry Reeves, Amity

July 28, 2007
With Hagglund’s help Tunes on Tuesday a blast
   To the editor:
   I would like to express my appreciation to Kelly Hagglund of the Kelly Group for sponsoring the Tunes on Tuesday at Rotary Centennial Park.
   Seven members of our family spent Tuesday evening sitting on the grass listening to a live band, visiting with friends, watching the little ones play with bottles of bubbles and colorful beach balls provided by the Kelly Group for every child there.
   It was free, family friendly and very nostalgic of a simpler time. It was heart warming to see a couple of hundred people peacefully enjoying a sense of community.
   Alexis Rehm, Newberg

Don’t be fooled: House a ‘dirty campaign tactic’
   To the editor:
   The sign on the purple house in Dundee is not only gross and offensive, it is not true. The legislature did not repeal Measure 37.
   The purple house is just an eyesore. The sign is obscene and vulgar. Don’t be fooled by this dirty campaign tactic.
   Measure 49 fixes the many flaws and legal uncertainties in the poorly written Measure 37. All that fine print in the ballot measure confused voters and delighted attorneys. It has been a mess.
   The legislature crafted amendments that provide some claimants an opportunity to build a few new rural houses. More important, it provides that those lots can be transferred to new owners, something Measure 37 did not allow.
   It requires claimants who want to develop small rural subdivisions to prove their property lost value because of Oregon land use laws. It prohibits commercial and industrial development and large scale rural subdivisions
   Howard Meredith, the owner of the purple house, was unable to prove to Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge Carol Jones that his market value had been reduced as a result of land use regulations. Judge Jones ruled that he had failed to identify any land use regulations restricting the use of his property.
   The November election will permit voters to decide if they want to fix the legal mess caused by Measure 37, which has resulted in hundreds of lawsuits all over the state.
   Voters can decide if they want to protect productive agriculture and vineyard land and ground water resources. Voters can decide if they want to fix legal flaws.
   Vote yes on Measure 49 in November. Don’t be fooled by propaganda and lies. Measure 49 does not repeal Measure 37.
   It provides protection for precious ground water resources, productive farm land and vineyards.
   Merilyn Reeves, Amity

July 25, 2007
A history lesson on the presidents
   To the editor:
   I wish to offer a correction to the July 24 guest column written by Rene Mehus.
   John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same date, July 4, 1826. John Adams was president of the United States from 1797 to 1801, our second president. John Quincy Adams was John and Abigail Adams’ son, born in 1767. He was president of the United States from 1825 to 1829.
   Ellen Grijalva, Dundee

July 21, 2007
Will ‘me good-you bad’ work again for the conservatives?
   To the editor:
   Dave Scott would be an ideal newsman for Fox Broadcasting. He asks us all to join together to defeat Ms. Clinton because of all the scandals she was involved in as co-president. As a Fox broadcaster, don’t feel any obligation to cite a single incident or verifiable fact that could be debated, just berate the other side.
   Me good-you bad should work as well as it has in the past.
   Don Wright, Newberg

Family gives thanks
   To the editor:
   The family of Carl Adams wish to thank the following: Providence St. Vincent Hospital, Providence Newberg Medical Center and all the doctors, nurses, etc., for their wonderful services, and Dr. Cummings for his personal care. Thank you to all his friends who cared.
   The Carl Adams Family, Newberg

Vote yes on Measure 49
   To the editor:
   Newberg’s “Purple House” is a standout example of what rural residents may expect by the hundreds.
   Though I hadn’t requested it, as an active member of Friends of Yamhill County (our local 1000 Friends Of Oregon affiliate) I was pegged to receive every state approved Measure 37 claim within our county. Although they’re still trickling in, they’ve been ugly. As ugly as that purple house!
   It’s too easy to point at those living in the country and claim they’re only considering their own. Those living on the land are doing so within our long established land-use regulations and have by default become stewards of that land. Their insight remains valuable testimony to the permanent loss of resources associated with helter-skelter rural sprawl.
   Once a mystery on a crowded presidential ballot, bombarded with commercials (heavily financed by the timber industry) depicting an octogenarian’s desire to build on her land, Measure 37 mistakenly passed.
   Well, the demands and figures are in. Although I’ve seen more than my share, a recent “Yes on 49” flyer listed a few more: “two Wal-Mart’s, several rock quarries and rock-blasting operations, a mine, and expanded garbage landfills.” And, “There are now 7,500 claims covering over 750,000 acres, with a documented potential cost to taxpayers of over $15 billion (with a B).”
   Unlike the purple house, you may not drive by a rural subdivision daily, but many of us will, with some living next door. With no reason new claims won’t continue or previous claims aren’t “amended” to demand more, left alone Measure 37 remains a nightmare.
   Along with every living Oregon governor, from Vic Atiyeh to Ted Kulongoski, please join the “Yes on 49” campaign at www.yeson49.com/. As my sister put it: “The one Measure 37 should have been!”
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

July 18, 2007
Woes of Bush presidency pale in comparison to Clinton’s
   To the editor:
   I’m glad that Mr. Freeman and I finally agree on something (Letters, June 30). He’s right, there has been many abuses of presidential power in recent years.
   However, the real and imagined offenses of the current Bush administration pale in comparison to the previous administration.
   That’s why we must all band together, liberals and conservatives, in opposition to the campaign of Sen. Hillary Clinton. Her long history of scandals while acting as co-president makes her unfit for office.
   Dave Scott, Newberg

Youth pastor doing a fantastic job with kids
   To the editor:
   After the many big stories in The Newberg Graphic about the youth groups at local churches, it is obvious that the group at Grace Baptist must certainly be Newberg’s best kept secret.
   Our youth and family pastor, Ryan Welsh, has done a phenomenal job strengthening and growing our young people.
   His focus on Jesus, in-depth study of God’s word and empowering the kids to claim their faith as their own, has grown the group to an average of more than 100 young people per week.
He really teaches them to develop their ability to think critically for themselves and not just wait to be spoon fed.
   Ryan and his wife, Kate, are young but mature beyond their years.  They bring refreshing, up-to-date vitality and a clear commitment to Christ. Ryan has taught the kids that the church is not about “religion” and “what’s in it for me.”
   For more than a year our group has been a part of Night Strike (the Portland ministry to the homeless), they go to Mexico on mission trips and have found many creative ways to do what Jesus would do.
   Our son is still in grade school, but we hope that when he enters middle school we will be blessed to have Ryan and Kate Welsh to help lead him through those difficult and life changing years.
   Ryan, I know you would never think of blowing your own horn, nor do you really care who knows about your success, but I want to applaud you publicly.
   Thank you for letting the Lord use you to make such a dynamic difference.
   Sue Fryer, Dundee

July 14, 2007
There was a reason cable barriers fell out of fashion
   To the editor:
   There is talk that the Oregon Department of Transportation will install cable barriers between the northbound and southbound lanes on I-5 and on Highway 26 toward Mount Hood.
   How soon we forget. I remember the big square posts with cables between them and the posts with big solid planks between them and the horrible statistics of deaths and serious injury from having stationary barriers for cars to crash into.
   So they came up with the cable barrier mounted on small steel posts that would bend over when ran over by a vehicle. But the cable was very strong and very few vehicles could break it. So as a car traveling at a high rate of speed would slam into it and slide down the cable, the posts would fold over and the cable would act like a saw blade and cut through the body of the car and the bodies of the people inside.
   It was that horrible scene that prompted testing new ideas for barriers. And they came up with the concrete wall we now have, and nobody knows how many lives have been saved by that barrier. It works very well. But it is expensive. The cable is much cheaper and can be installed very quickly. But to me that is a terrible trade off.
   Bryce Jones, Newberg

Let the governor know
   To the editor:
   Oregon citizens should write to the governor at Oregon.gov; the national governors convention is July 20-23 in Michigan. He should be told about anything you disagree with or agree with or maybe even other suggestions you might want to share.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Vote down HB 3540
   To the editor:
   The legislature’s hatchet job on Measure 37 (House Bill 3540) is an insult to Oregon voters. We overwhelmingly voted for Measure 37 to enforce the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It states, “nor shall private property be taken for public use without compensation,” which is to prevent government from stealing from us.
   Now, in a very partisan, one-sided vote, the legislature has referred back to the voters HB 3540 to trick the voters into nearly repealing Measure 37. HB 3540 is a badly flawed bill that nearly takes away the rights of thousands of well deserving land owners.
   Don’t be deceived. Don’t vote for this freedom-robbing bill that overturns what we voted for in 2004.
   Mary Ann Novak, Yamhill

Growth motivated by money, not livability
   To the editor:
   In reply to Don Wright, who apparently misread the intention of my letter of a week ago on the subject of annexation, I was in no way advocating zero growth for Newberg. That would be impractical and not realistically desirable.
   I would only ask that our city government be a little less rabidly enthusiastic in promoting growth. And just for the record (if it matters), my husband’s family has been living in Newberg for four generations. He was merely moving home and I was lucky enough to be with him.
   I knew from the first time that I visited Newberg that it would be a wonderful place to raise a family and I still believe that.
   And yes, people need a place to live, but growth is more often motivated by the capital gains of landowners and city government than providing homes for newcomers. As was pointed out so succinctly by Rick Rogers in the guest opinion column a few months ago, more homes do not necessarily mean more affordable housing for the lower income families among us.
   My thanks to Lon Wall for his pointed column on annexation and for being forward-thinking enough 11 years ago to promote the original ballot measure. The citizens of Newberg now have the chance to abandon their complacency on this issue and consider the Newberg of their future. Perhaps the city council should also take the time to consider the will of the people.
   Sue Osborne, Newberg

July 11, 2007
City loses livability with every annexation, development
   To the editor:
   Observing the debate on why Newberg citizens axed the last two annexations, it seems those pro-annexation are mostly people benefiting financially: owners and developers of current and future land to be developed, and those paid by them.
   Others that live in the community who are not directly involved see increasing traffic issues and inaffordability of living post-DR Horton image, mass home price rises and influx of highly paid vineyard employees. There are positives for sure; being good for our economy and attracting nice people. Personally, we bought a home right before the price hike and thank God.
   Those of us that live south of Highway 219 between Hoover Park and the Sportsman Airpark are seeing a harsh reality of semi-planned development, though. Our three accesses to the outside world are Highway 219 at Church Street, Everest Road and Second Street.
   Those traveling southeast on 219 may notice many pedestrians daring to cross at Everest to Walgreens. I’ve seen cars screech to a halt because they didn’t see pedestrians ahead of time. There are many families with strollers and bikes and skateboarding teenagers that need to cross. When bike riders cross 219 at Second Street to head east, we’re faced with an intersection that has frequent auto accidents.
   Then, Willcuts/Coyote Homes began development in our area that will add about 200 homes. The math of adding 400 cars (averaging two per home) is insane. Did the city make the developers pay for additions to the 219 intersections for safety and higher use? No. A polite city employee let me know that the only change will be a courtesy sign posted at Everest to let people know they can use Church Street to access 219.
   There are rumors that the Second-219 intersection will be closed or made right-turn-only, concentrating traffic at Everest. Already traffic waits there can last five minutes between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
   These livability issues hail greed over common sense and may be example of why annexations were halted by Newberg residents.
   The sense this makes is that the property owner, the Willcuts and their subcontractors will make a lot of money. The beauty and peace of several wildlife-bearing tree groves and fields are gone; reduced to flat dirt and asphalt. If the homes are built well (quality over quantity, sustainable, etc), values could rise. If the homes are built fast with some exterior aesthetics, we could see a price hike then drop after homeowners see results of quantity-over-quality construction.
   Other than adding nice, new neighbors we see few other benefits.
   Shannon Eoff, Newberg

Treatment horrible of horses at St. Paul Rodeo
   To the editor:
   I have been doing a follow-up on the St. Paul Rodeo through the local newspapers, trying to see if anything had been mentioned about the death of a horse in the wild horse race at the 1:30 p.m. show July 4. To my dismay, nothing is being said about this.
   My daughter and I, both responsible horse owners, were attending and were appalled at this reckless so-called “competition.” We had enjoyed the rodeo up to that point, but ended up leaving there totally saddened and sickened by what we had witnessed.
   We have been to other rodeos, but have never seen anything so cruel and tortuous toward horses as this event. There is nothing entertaining about seeing any animal so frightened out of it’s mind from being wrestled to the ground by a 250-pound man that has more brawn then brains, to have a saddle thrown on it and be ridden to a finish line amidst total chaos.
   The horse that I’m referring to had ropes hanging from it from being held down and when it finally was mounted, started running frantically, the rope getting wrapped around all four legs so tightly that it fell, and I assume, broke it’s neck.
   This is not a vision that I will be able to get out of my head for quite a while. What a careless, preventable death of a horse. And all the while this was happening, the announcer was going on about how these cowboys care so much for these horses and livestock. After witnessing this, I beg to differ. No one with an ounce of sense would ever willingly put a horse through this. There were other horses that had taken bad falls also, but this particular one didn’t survive the stupidity of these people.
   From investigating this, I have found that this was not an isolated incident, but yet, they keep doing this sadistic event. If that would have been the cowboy dying instead of the horse, I wonder if they would put a little more thought into having this as part of their rodeo.
   Becky Gerondale, Wasilla, Alaska

July 7, 2007
Medical marijuana program helps many, costs little
   To the editor:
   I want to thank Pamela Sterling for standing up for herself and educating the public about Kevin Mannix’s initiative to criminalize thousands of sick and disabled patients while giving pharmaceutical companies a handout at the expense of Oregon’s taxpayers.
   Mannix should not be making medical decisions for Oregonians and our state should not replace a program that actually brings in revenue with a system that would cost Oregonians millions.
   Our medical marijuana program has a budget surplus even though the Oregon Legislature gobbled up most of that surplus during the 2005 legislative session.
   Our state should be working toward ensuring that our patients have safe access to medical marijuana and building up this great program that can bring in millions to the state budget.
   Please say no to Mannix’s initiative as patients should not be treated as criminals and Oregonians should not be a money trough for pharmaceutical companies.
   Anthony Johnson, political director, Voter Power

Mannix plan hairbrained for medical marijuana
   To the editor:
   Kudos to the Newberg Graphic for printing David Sale’s excellent article, “Taking up the fight to protect medical Marijuana (June 30), on Kevin Mannix’ latest attempt to destroy the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act.
   Mannix, an apparent lobbyist for our nation’s drug war industry and corporate pharmaceutical giants, once again seeks to take pot away from Oregon’s patients. After a failed attempt in 1999 Mannix has returned and this time he seeks to replace the nation’s most successful medical cannabis program by coupling it to the methamphetamine problem.
   Unfortunately, the proposed initiative would only increase the burden on Oregon taxpayers by removing a program that actually is self-supporting and increasing the burden on a prison system that already costs more than we spend on higher education.
   Perhaps Mr. Mannix and his associates can explain how his plan will benefit our state by increasing state costs at a time when we are making across the board cuts in programs and services essential to our cities and counties.
   Allan Erickson, Drug Policy Forum of Oregon, Eugene

Dog needs better care
   To the editor:
   A young, married man with two children comes by my house in 90-degree weather, riding a bicycle. Running alongside on a leash is a Pomeranian dog. He rides to the skate park, stays a while and runs the dog home. His wife (who came to my house to talk to me about it) told me, “The dog loves to do this. The guy has water in his backpack and the dog is well cared for.”
   I do not feel that this is appropriate exercise for the dog, with his tongue hanging out and his short legs going fast, even at the bicycle’s slow speed. I confronted the man at the park, but he wouldn’t talk to me, and when I went to find a phone to call animal control officer Darlene Harding, he went out the back way of the park and I didn’t see him go out.
   I talked to Darlene Harding on June 26), again, after seeing the dog running in 90-degree heat again. She told me she had just checked the dog (coming from the skate park) and said, “The dog is fine and I’m not going to do anything about it.” What about heat stroke and heart attack?
   The man’s wife, when I asked her why he wouldn’t talk to me at the park, said he was scared. I asked why he didn’t stop and talk when  I yelled at him in the street. First, she said “He had on headphones and couldn’t hear you.” (But he directed her on how to find my house). Later, she said, “he was afraid he would get too angry.” (He rode by my house while we were talking, but didn’t stop to talk.) They live about six blocks from the skate park.
   Just wondered how the public feels about this issue and if it bothers you as much as it does me. The little dog keeps looking at the guy. Is he saying, “Am I pleasing you?” or is he saying, “How much farther until I get to rest?” If this is permitted, I think common sense needs to be factored in.
   Virginia Jungwirth, Newberg

July 4, 2007
Is city doing an ‘end run’ around the will of the voters?
   To the editor:
   The last paragraph in the Newberg Graphic’s June 20 article on the city budget states: “The councilors voted 5 to 2 to reconsider providing city water to the McClure development.”
   It would have been nice if your reporter could have explained to the good people of Newberg why the city council is reconsidering their no vote.
   Furnishing water to new developments outside the city limits seems to me like an end-run around the will of the voters.
   And lets consider when A-dec’s giant development of homes and apartments comes on-line in a few years, will the city be telling us once again we have a water shortage? And of course the city will need a large rate increase to dig more wells so they can issue more building permits so they can balance the city budget.
   Wow! Makes sense to me, how about you?
   Dennis Startin, Newberg

Doing nothing makes the problem worse
   To the editor:
   We visited Chapters (corner of First and College streets) today and saw a quote by Edmund Burke (1729-1797): “Evil only needs man to do nothing to be totally successful.” Hope he doesn’t sue me, that’s not word for word.
   His statement is a basic truth which we should certainly heed, but how often do we hear ourselves claim total innocence by saying, “I didn’t do anything.” That’s right, nothing. We stood by and did nothing.
   Rich, at Nap’s Thriftway on First Street, believes in doing things — one of the few stores at all that is community conscious. He helps us at F.I.S.H. by giving rebates on his receipts and he sells us food at cost — these days, a lot of food. His employees are encouraged to attend school while holding their jobs. They often give a reduction on food for a church meeting. Nap’s is interested and involved.
   Turn your receipts in at the thrift shop, F.I.S.H., Zion Lutheran Church or many other places around town.
Shop at Nap’s!
   Jeanne Hesedahl, Newberg

Newberg really reaches during relay time
   To the editor:
   On June 22-23, the city of Newberg held the seventh-annual Relay For Life. As the American Cancer Society staff partner for the relay in Newberg, I want to say thank you to your amazing community.
   I have been so impressed by how generous the residents and businesses of Newberg and the surrounding areas are with their time, money and energy.
   A city so dedicated to community service is a rare find. The support of Newberg and surrounding communities helped us to raise more than $100,000 for cancer research, education, advocacy and service. While this is a very impressive figure, even more impressive is the way the community showed up to support those who have battled cancer or who are currently battling.
   Every fight becomes easier when you know your neighbors stand beside you.
   Thank you to all the businesses and individuals involved in the Relay For Life of Newberg. I am so grateful for everything you have done to make this a successful and fun event year after year.“
   Lacey Castellano, community relationship manager for the   
   American Cancer Society

People have to live somewhere
  To the editor:
   It was interesting reading Susan Osborne’s lament about the future of Newberg and it’s growth potential since she and Jeff moved here. I wonder if they thought about the possibility that the 11,000 people here at the time may not have wanted them to add to the population?
   I was even more fascinated to read recently an article in The Oregonian lauding the Austin project and condemning the winery resort project. They said the resort was ruining prime agricultural land.
   I guess when you don’t live in the area it isn’t necessary to know what you are talking about. My understanding is the resort land (a few acres) has never grown any crop in it’s entire history (I did hear it was a pig farm for a short time) and the Austin project will take hundreds of acres of land that can be used out of production forever.
   I do think the Austins have done wonderful things for Newberg and this is a very well planned project, but I just wanted to demonstrate what press coverage can do if the reader doesn’t know the actual situation.
   Very few people want to see population growth where they live, but unless we see zero immigration (legal or illegal) and maintenance birth rates, new people have to live somewhere. It is all about choices.
   Don Wright, Newberg

Senators hardly deserve a raise
   To the editor:
   A $4,400 pay raise for our senators! Here is a perfect example of how out of touch our representatives are with us commoners.
   It is very difficult for me to imagine how our senators can justify a pay raise for themselves after such a travesty that they tried to force on the American people — the “Comprehensive Immigration Bill.” It failed.
   As more and more of the details come out about this bill, it is obvious what some of our politicians think about the intelligence of the American people. I called the offices of both of our senators, and both of them voted for closure on that bill. And for this, we owe them a very big thank you.
   Now can anyone tell me why Sens. Edward Kennedy and Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi deserve a $4,400 pay raise, bringing their salaries to $175,000 per year plus full benefits for life?
   Bryce Jones, Newberg

June 30, 2007
Legislators right in referring Measure 37 fix to the voters
   To the editor:
    No longer called “civics,” the June 23 letter to the editor of Robert de Forest left me wondering if he’d slept through its equivalent? What part of “representative government” does he misunderstand?
   Shared nationally, this form of state government designed the very land use regulations that have coaxed thousands to Oregon. In fact, it was a strong bipartisan agreement between Republican Gov. Tom McCall and the Democratic-run state House and Senate that established Oregon’s land use protections for farm, ranch and timberland.
   Sure, they anticipated anger from property investors no longer able to subdivide the state. But for three decades our land use regulations kept Oregon at the top of national livability charts, while protecting our rural industries from urban sprawl.
   Problem is, a greedy cadre of land speculators and “elitist” property owners (those with more land than scruples), along with industrial timber companies, used their depth of resources to pound away at public opinion. It apparently paid off. The mistaken passage of Measure 37 triggered an avalanche of greed for which Yamhill County often appears to be at Ground Zero.
   But survey after survey of Oregon voters confirm that Measure 37’s a disastrous mistake. And finally, Oregon’s elected representatives have acted. Honestly, their proposal will continue to reward this coalition of speculators, but (so far) it’s better than continued inaction.
   So why the rhetoric of Mr. de Forest? Like most pawns of the powerful, they may simply await the scraps. But don’t be duped by his implied lack of representation; as was proudly proclaimed, our representatives voted. If they’ve nothing to fear they’ll let us do the same.
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

Sadly, empire building alive and well in the U.S.
   To the editor:
   With all the CIA disclosures in the past few days, it has come to light that the worst the United States has done in its empire mentality is not at all in the distant history of an exuberant, burgeoning young nation riding the crest of manifest destiny to its Pacific conclusion.
   We see now that that empire did not end with the genocide of Native Americans, nor with the repression of Black Americans and others after the Civil War continuing to this day, nor with radiation and other experiments on its own citizens.
   Empire building, inwardly and outwardly, continues. Still. Couple this with constant assaults on the Constitution and it is, sadly, frighteningly more than likely worse now with Cheney and clan in power. For it is becoming ever more apparent that it is Cheney who is the chief conniver.
   And he has assembled a small army of silent minions, each equally without conscience or compassion. This is why he doesn’t want his papers and records made public.
   Bush is just an arrogant, ignorant toad, perfect for their purposes — and for those and other reasons, a very dangerous doofus Bush is. This is why it is all important to elect a next chief executive that is wise, fair, yet firm, trusts the people, and is humble — and can sincerely present that face, along with policies born of those attributes, to the nation and to the world.
   That is if there is a next election and the “decider” doesn’t decide, with Cheney’s encouragement, to dissolve the election process and somehow devise a way to stay in power in a time of global war on terror — even though that action would be unconstitutional and illegal. Such small bumps in the road to tyranny hasn’t slowed their march yet.
   Bruce Freeman, Newberg

Shop around for your prescriptions
   To the editor:
   Buyers beware. My husband recently took a prescription for 40 milligrams of Simvastatin into his usual pharmacy. He was told that a month’s supply, 30 tablets, would cost $90. He was horrified and called his doctor’s office to request some other, less expensive medication. The doctor held firm on that particular medication, but suggested he call around to find the best price. I offered to do that. What I discovered both amazed and horrified me.
   One grocery store pharmacy in McMinnville wanted $85 for a month’s supply of the 40 milligram dose. A grocery store pharmacy in Newberg wanted $77.99. A private pharmacy in McMinnville was charging $21.60. Another private pharmacy in Newberg wanted $16.95. Two chain stores with pharmacies in Newberg and McMinnville were charging $35.69 and $74.99. A large chain store in Newberg wanted $121.95. And the granddaddy of all prices came from another private pharmacy in Newberg, which wanted $151.75.
   An interesting footnote here is that my husband decided to go back to his original pharmacy ($90, remember?) and tell them about the two lowest prices that he had found for the same prescription — $16.95 and $21.60. When they were faced with losing his business, they agreed to match the lowest price he had found.
   I haven’t mentioned the names of the pharmacies here because I suspect that prices will vary widely depending upon the kind of prescription. I do suggest that we all make a lot of phone calls before we ever agree to pay exorbitant medication prices. The only way those high prices will ever come down is if we refuse to pay them.
   Carole Whitehead, Dundee

June 27, 2007
Why not require larger water consumers to reuse water?
   To the editor:
   In response to the water reuse article, instead of giving large industry and golf courses a 40 percent break for this reused water (and maybe the city of Newberg has no intention of doing so), why not enact a city ordinance requiring these large users to use this reused water for industrial applications and irrigation? Charge the exact same rates they currently pay. Use the profit to reduce everyone’s rates (I saw no mention of a resulting rate reduction for all users in the article).
   No one loses, everyone wins.
   In many water districts nationwide, large-use industries and golf courses are actually charged a surcharge. Hillsboro recently changed to a scheduled rate, where you pay more per cubic foot the more you use.
   I’m not proposing this for Newberg. But certainly there’s no reason to consider a cut in rates for current large-use companies for water they’d use anyway. And everyone could share the benefits. Give ‘em a choice: Surcharges for large-use organizations using fresh water or the same rate for reused water. That’s the national trend and it seems right to me.
   I certainly hope I’m not squashing any good ‘ol boy deals between the city and golf course folks. It might have looked pretty darn attractive to the golf guys, water they’d buy anyway at nearly half-price (were that proposed).
   Bret Lieuallen, Tigard

Illegal aliens need to go the path Americans did
   To the editor:
   As of June 22 there is still no negotiable illegal immigration bill. Amnesty for illegals is not a popular notion, I mean with current legal immigrants, and we are all immigrants from somewhere (I for instance am a child of my mom, who is primarily German, and my dad who is English and Polish, and my husband’s parents are Norwegian).
   There is no way I will agree to call illegal immigrants my fellow Americans. I am proud of my heritage and how our country has come to be. Do people remember how our country was born and where we all came from?
   It’s obviously not immigration I’m opposed to, it’s giving amnesty to those whose families chose to come here illegally. I feel bad for them not being fully supported by their own government. That is something they should go home and change.
   We didn’t get to where we are easily. It took time and many supportive activists and politicians with a dream. It’s not perfect here but most Americans have dreams and goals. It shouldn’t be to give away everything for which we have fought long and hard.
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

June 23, 2007
Shame on those who stole American flags
   To the editor:
   On June 14 there was an opportunity to show our patriotism by flying the flag. The flag display through Dundee is sponsored by local businesses and individuals who believe in patriotism by honoring the United States flag.
   The American Legion Post 57, in cooperation with the Dundee Woman’s Club, displayed the flags along Highway 99W and elsewhere in Dundee this year. Unfortunately, someone decided to steal two of the flags before we could take them down.
   Please return the flags and poles to the Dundee Woman’s Club.
   It is not especially the funds involved with replacing the equipment, but the idea that someone would steal United States flags. Did you need one at home?
   We would gladly sell you one at a moderate price. If it was kids on a lark, shame on you!
   Parents, if you see these flags, call me at 503-538-9151 or drop them off at the Dundee Woman’s Club.
   In the 15 years that we have been involved with this project with the scouts, we have never lost a flag to theft. The Independence Day flag display is coming very soon. Please leave the flags in the holders.
   Faith Gerstel, president, Dundee Woman’s Club and
   Commander American Legion Post 57

Measure 37 levels the playing field for citizens
   To the editor:
   There have been many letters to the editor arguing against or in favor of Measure 37 based on how it will effect specific individuals or counties. The important question is how the handling of Measure 37 will affect government by the people?
   The question is: Who is to rule? Will our state be governed by the will of the people or by the will of an elite minority? This country was built by people who came here to escape nations ruled by the elite. Do we really want to go back to rule by the elite, a system that has in the past and in many nations continues to reward the few at the expense of the majority?
   With regard to Measure 37, our legislature is putting a measure before the voters that “fixes” the measure. It “fixes” it all right; it essentially shuts Measure 37 down in spite of the fact that the voters have passed it overwhelmingly twice. Are we doomed to keep voting on this the way we keep voting on the sales tax?
   Some people blame Democrats for an attempt to gut Measure 37. Let’s hope that is an unfair accusation against a party that has historically billed itself as defending the average citizen. Let’s also hope that any legislator who was party to this “fix” will be removed from office next election time.
   By the way, all of our local legislators voted for the people and against this attempt to “fix” Measure 37. We are so lucky to have senators and representatives who actually stand for us: state Reps. Donna Nelson and Kim Thatcher and state Sen. Gary George.
   Robert de Forest, McMinnville

City shouldn’t extend water outside city limits
   To the editor:
   “Come and Get It!” That is what we need to write on the Newberg signs.
   On Monday night the city council voted to reconsider the McClure water issue. This is the policy to send water outside the city limits and the urban growth boundary of Newberg. The current city ordinance, if memory serves me right, is only to allow water to a hardship case for health reasons or well failure.
   In fact, when one gentleman (the water pipe went by his property line) proved he had no water, his request was only approved with some big stipulations. He was to give up a major part of his property for a new road as well as agree to meet all city standards.
   So now the council is considering delivering city water outside the UGB with the developer providing streets that will not comply with city standards when annexed. The developer is building with no sidewalks on one side after we voted Monday to approve a major plan to comply with handicap access in Newberg.
   So, to that end, the only way that this development will ever comply after annexation is for the owners to be willing to spend the money to do all the improvements along with storm sewers. We get all this as well as the one-acre home lots when we had planned for a bit more out there “when” traffic conditions allowed for it.
   Now, what you must understand is that the McClures are approved under Measure 37 and Yamhill County to build the homes and a retirement facility. They were going to go ahead and build the homes and not the retirement center. So, now they persuaded the council to look at this again at the next regular meeting.
   Developers please take note of this precedent: we will have on the books that we are delivering water outside the UGB without you agreeing to comply with city standards when you annex. And you do not have to comply with the ordinance of health or hardship issues.  You also do not have to declare “all” of the traffic impacts — like those created by the retirement center. File and keep this letter along with the resolution number if this passes to use for your future development.
   Roger Currier, Newberg

Blessing success despite the rain
   To the editor:
   Well, it sure rained at our Blessing of the Animals. We almost canceled the event, but decided not to and wait to see if there were any brave souls who would weather the weather. We are happy to report that we had 10 dogs and one bird who attended and we received $32 in cash donations and a good quantity of dog and cat food.
   Thank you to all who came to our blessing. Next year we promise not to have it on the same day as the Rose Parade (a day that sends in the rain).
   Our next event is our parade entry in the Old Fashioned Festival parade. This year it is dedicated to our furry friend, Trixee Adams, who went to doggy heaven Jan. 26. We will also have a booth at Memorial Park. Please stop by and say hello. We’ll bring you up to date on our shelter funding.
   Our next meeting is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at the Public Safety Building, 401 E. Third St. We are open to all suggestions — please join us. Our meetings last usually less than one hour, and we’d be happy to see you.
   Darlyn Adams, Newberg

June 20, 2007
Development wouldn’t help general fund in the short term
   To the editor:
   This is in reference to Mr. Chuck McClure’s letter, published in the June 13 Newberg Graphic, in which he implies that had the city council not turned down his development they would not have lost $260,000 in property taxes once that development was annexed into the city. He stated that amount would far offset the $205,000 reduction in the general fund budget for the coming fiscal year.
   It’s true that property taxes fund the general fund and that’s where the coming year’s shortfalls occur, but even then property taxes have not kept up with inflation. So by the time his development was completed, the county assessor set values and the property was annexed into the city, we’re talking years from now.
   Those taxes won’t help the general fund for years to come. Also, once the development was annexed into the city, the city is then responsible for street maintenance.
   The $205,000 the budget committee put aside in the 2007-2008 budget will help somewhat in the 2008-2009 budget year, as those dollars were kept as savings. Several letters to the editor in previous editions of the Graphic (i.e., Planning Committee member Lon Wall and City Councilor Roger Currier) did an excellent job of pointing out that the general fund in Newberg is in trouble. The majority of its dollars go to fund public safety and the library, so every dollar saved now will help in forthcoming budget periods.
   Mr. McClure didn’t ask for his project to be annexed into the city, just to use city water and sewer services. It did, however, include substandard street widths and streets without sidewalks, both required by city code. So if the property were ever annexed into the city, those shortcomings would have to be fixed at considerable cost.
   Who does Mr. McClure think would pay those costs, the current developer? No way, they will be long gone. Either the property owners or through a local improvement district (LID), the property owners and the city would have to fund those upgrades.
   The city council did the right thing in turning down this development. Newberg, or for that matter Yamhill County, doesn’t need it.
   Thomas Barnes, Newberg

June 16, 2007
Promise Pantry benefits from postal workers' food drive
   To the editor:
   The Promise Church of Dundee wants to express our heartfelt thanks to the people of Dundee for their very generous support of the recent postal workers food drive. More than 2,500 pounds of food was donated by you and delivered by Dundee’s postal workers to the Promise Pantry.
   The Promise Pantry (located at 23330 Fulquartz Landing Road) was started in January of this year to provide food for the hungry of the area. We are now helping to feed more than 80 people every week.
   This is possible through the efforts of willing volunteers and generous citizens.
   We pray God’s richest blessing upon all who contributed. You are helping the Promise Church to fulfill its goal of “touching the heart of God and reaching the heart of men.”
   Donald Hall, Dundee

June 13, 2007
Sounds like city really could have used the money
   To the editor:
   After reading today that the city of Newberg has a budget shortfall of $205,000, I can’t help writing that our development project, when annexed into the city, would generate a projected $260,000 annually in taxes for the city, all at no cost to the city.
   Under our proposed development agreement that the city council turned down, we would have paid for the building of all infrastructure, and the development is going to maintain the streets at no cost to the taxpayers.
   Chuck McClure, Newberg

June 9, 2007
Voters can make mistakes, just look at Bush presidency
   To the editor:
   Play it again, Sam, “a million people voted for it.”
   The radical right will probably be placing this mantra alongside the Pledge of Allegiance. But people do change their minds. The developers and timber interests who brought, or perhaps bought us Measure 37 won’t change their minds. But many of that famous million have changed their minds upon seeing what Measure 37 could do to our state.
   Millions of people, almost half of the electorate, voted for George Bush for president. How many minds have changed on that one?
   James Annala, Dundee

Heaven forbid city’s borders are a patchwork
   To the editor:
   In the June 2 edition of your paper, commissioner Sally Dallas said: “I see no point in forcing them in, if there’s no reasonable expectation that those properties will be developed any further. But I see a bad precedent here — if we allow everyone to opt out who wants to, we wind up with a checkerboard for URA and that concerns me.”
   Imagine the horror of setting up a precedent that people can choose what to do with their properties regardless of city government wishes. Messing up such nice looking city map.
   What’s could happen next? What about if people get the idea that government is a servant not a master?
   I say we offer them to sign into the city on voluntary basis and if they do not get the message let’s call in the Air Force to teach them a lesson.
   Vlastic Trnka, Newberg

Solution to bottleneck is 99W corridor boulevard
   To the editor:
   In response to a June 6 letter by Mr. Bruce Currier, the bottleneck at issue in the current Newberg/Dundee 99W transportation “bottle bill” is the single light and two-lane Highway 99W through Dundee. Mr. Currier’s belief that the removal of that single Dundee light in exchange for the removal of “all but three traffic lights along Highway 99 through town” in Newberg will satisfy the regional transportation issue, is to have one’s head in the sands of time. It is a recycling of old worn-out arguments and is not a light at the end of the tunnel.
   There is a solution if Dundee really wants to help with this regional transportation issue. They can accept a boulevard that would extend from Newberg through Dundee. Think of a European parkway with trees running down the center of a four-lane divided roadway with separated bike paths along both shoulders.
   Let’s face the fact that the two cities are almost one, sharing school districts, fire prevention and police force. A boulevard extending from one to the other would certainly unify the two as well as alleviate the Dundee bottleneck.
   This action by Dundee would also open for review the need for an Oregon Department of Transportation-driven freeway that, as proposed, will cut through valuable farmland, cut Dundee off from the Willamette River and drive a spear through the upper Yamhill Valley that will also separate Newberg from the Willamette and divide Newberg into a city with a north-of-the-freeway/south-of-the-freeway urban problem that will haunt that city for years to come.
   Recycling the same old transportation “bottle-bill” with the easy add a freeway solution is not the answer to the basic problem; a bottleneck caused by two lanes and a single stop light in Dundee.
   Rod Pelling, Newberg

Don’t miss choir’s final performances
   To the editor:
   I want to encourage anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to experience “Evidence of Grace,” as presented by the Community Cantata Choir, to not miss their last performance at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Dayton at the First Baptist Church.
   You will not be sorry you made time to attend. You can’t help but be moved by this group’s voices, energy and all out love for our Lord. You will hear the Lord in their voices, see him in their faces and feel him exude from their hearts. If you have been looking for a way to introduce an acquaintance or family member to the Lord, let this group share their God-given talents and his wonderful message to them.
   The choir includes members from many churches and denominations. They accept a free will offering at each performance, which is used to support the Yamhill County Food Bank.
   Penny Smith, Newberg

June 6, 2007
Dundee will remove its light when Newberg does the same
   To the editor:
   Tell you what, the citizens of Dundee will make Newberg councilman Roger Currier a deal: In the interests of keeping traffic moving through Newberg and Dundee, Dundee will remove its one traffic light if Newberg removes all but three traffic lights along Highway 99W through town.
   Roger is welcome to keep perhaps the lights at Springbrook and Villa roads, and one other light of his choice.
Otherwise, buzz off.
   Bruce Currier, Dundee

PUDs looking a lot more attractive now
   To the editor:
   I cannot understand why we trust corporations more than we do the people?
   The people may not always get it right, but for the most part they have common sense and it is not common sense to trust a mega corporation which still has left over Enron executives running the show here in Oregon.
   If we had voted for a publicly held power utility we home owners would be paying at least $10 a month less for electricity than we pay to PGE; that is $120 less per year (see Graphic article of May 26). Of course, in reality we would be saving more than $10 a month because every publicly held power utility in Oregon has lower rates than PGE.
   Now that Bonneville Power Administration has stopped monthly payments of federal power benefits to PGE, they, of course, are passing the higher costs on to the consumer, an increase of about 13 percent. Public utilities still get the reduced rate.
Well, maybe next time, we will vote for the better deal.
   Marni Haley, Sherwood

June 2, 2007
Elected officials actively resisting the will of the people
   To the editor:
   The foundation of our society is the belief that our elected representatives will do the work of the people. The remarkable stability of our government lies in the fact that if the government is found to not be carrying out the will of the people, then that government can be peacefully removed from power, one election at a time.
   If the people come to believe that it doesn’t matter who gets elected, that both parties are equally willing to sell out on matters of national security, economic stability and social responsibility, then who are they to elect?
   It has been clearly demonstrated by the treatment of Measure 37, and by the passage of the Civil Unions bill, that Oregon’s legislative branch is willing to disregard the will of the people. The proposed immigration bill is a clear example of the same thing on a national level.
   There is no relief available through the courts. Activist judges throughout the country disregard the constitution, our national security and the rule of law in favor of their own brand of liberal humanism and multiculturalism.
   So, we have arrived at a point where a large portion of the population feels disenfranchised. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of our government are not following the constitution, the will of the people or the rule of law. What happens now?
   One of the first things that happens is that people begin to lose respect for the law. Social pressures that previously prevented anarchy begin to weaken. People begin to feel that stronger statements need to be made. I fear that the assault on the two immigrants in Oregon City this past week is but the beginning. I will never condone or excuse such actions and those responsible must be held accountable under the law. For the reasons stated above however, I do expect that we will see more of this kind of thing in the near future.
   The government officials who are so aggressively pursuing the open borders policies and amnesty for illegal aliens should ask themselves if they share in the responsibility for these unintended consequences of their actions.
   David Briggs, Newberg

Memorial Day ceremony one to remember
   To the editor:
   The board members of Gibbs Cemetery on Chehalem Mountain want to thank the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion, the honor guard led by Ed Savage and the two buglers that played Echo Taps for the Memorial Day ceremony honoring the veterans buried in our cemetery. They are volunteers giving their time for remembrance of the veterans. The attendance was around 65 plus several children. Greatly appreciated. Thanks to all.
   Irene Tessman, secretary/treasurer of the Gibbs Cemetery

Immigrants: Join us
   To the editor:
   I am very glad that they are trying to make it OK for illegal immigrants to become legal citizens. They would then be equal to those of us who were born here. That way they too can be refused help from welfare, food stamps and free medical care just like we are.
   Karolyn Hughes, Newberg

May 30, 2007
A country overrun with immigrants ceases to be a country
   To the editor:
   Why is there such a brouhaha about these illegals? Don’t we have a constitution — the law of the land? Don’t we elect legislators to uphold these laws?
   Aren’t we the citizens of this nation?
   For illegals to become citizens, there are laws to follow for the privilege. Seeing that they have broken the law, are getting free medical care, education, etc. and are proclaiming rights they don’t have, how do we know they will abide by the law?
   Also, on page 317 of this bill there is a provision for our taxpayer money to fund the attorney fees for these illegals to get their papers.
   We raise our protests and are ignored, yet we have to abide by the law. So here comes the amnesty bill to reward them for breaking the law. They won’t even have to pay back taxes. But the thing most don’t know is that the rider to this bill would pass the SPP agreement.
   It’s up to you to defend your rights and country if you want to be under the rule of the constitution with guaranteed rights. Your legislators should be accountable to us citizens - not to the illegals.
   History has shown that a country overrun with immigrants ceases being that country.
   Mary Ann Novak, Yamhill

Dogs in restaurants? That’s going too far
   To the editor:
   I read this in the April 28 edition of The News Register. Since that time, I hear people talk — some for and some against — especially where food is concerned.
   It really disturbed me. I don’t believe Rep. Brian Clark has thought of anyone but himself. I don’t believe dogs (seeing eye dogs excepted) should be allowed in restaurants. He wants to let dogs in restaurants.
   I have dogs, but we know their place. I don’t believe Rep. Clark realized how many people have severe animal allergies or he would not try to make this a law.
   There are those of us who like to go out to eat in a comfortable atmosphere and don’t want to worry about this discomfort. It’s bad enough to hear cell phones going off.
   I believe Gail Shibley, environmental public health administrator, has the right idea. Many things should be considered before this is made law.
   Dorothy Adams, Newberg

May 26, 2007
Urge legislators to ensure accurate vote counts in Oregon
   To the editor:
   The Oregon House Ethics Committee is considering a bill, HB 3270, which would set up a system to verify the counting of votes in Oregon elections. Like most Oregonians I like the mail-in ballot system we have. The ballots are counted by scanning machines which use proprietary (secret, trade protected) software. Then sometimes the count is checked by the same machines using the same proprietary software.
   House Bill 3270 would require a random hand count of a small percentage of each vote to check the machines. State Rep. Kim Thatcher is on the House Ethics Committee which is considering this legislation. I have written to urge her to support this bill and encourage other voters to do so as well. This would help us guarantee accurate vote counts, something we all want.
   Helge Berg, Newberg

Councilors, commission: Are you listening to your voters?
   To the editor:
   This last election has been very interesting to watch. We had one school board position hotly contested with multiple candidates and others having only one candidate. We also had what is typically a mundane annexation vote turn into one of the most talked about issues that I have seen in Newberg for quite a number of years.
   This annexation vote was not the typical under the radar kind of thing. It took on all the importance of any major election. Ads were purchased, banners raised, flyers mailed, information handed out door-to-door, editorials and articles were written and a grassroots effort was spawned. All in all the electorate was well informed by both sides.
   I would like to give credit to The Newberg Graphic and its staff for helping present both sides of the argument in a very fair and open way. As the paper of record, you say that this was an issue that concerned the citizens of Newberg and Yamhill County and highlighted it in your publication. Just like the contested school board positions, the citizens spoke and their decisions are to be acted on.
   It is my hope that the elected leaders of our county and city take this election as seriously as the staff of the Graphic and the people of Newberg took it. In the past, annexation votes in this city have been approved every time at the ballot box — that is until now. It appears that the citizens have spoken with a loud and informed voice that we have had enough growth and that the plans of out-of-town developers, moneyed interests, and high paid lawyers are not what the people want.
   Are you listening to your voters city council and county commissioners?
   David Jensen, Newberg

Family encouraged by students’ work
   To the editor:
   My family would appreciate the chance to thank some members of our community for their great kindness.
   My son, Kevin, has been in the hospital for an extended stay and it has been a very difficult time for us. You cannot imagine our gratitude and surprise when teens and parents from Newberg High School arrived at our home to mow, weed, clear blackberries and sweep up. Not only did they put our yard into order, but beautified it with many gorgeous pots of flowers.
   I know some of the students were from the tennis team, and there were parents from the booster club. A special thanks to Dave Brown, Lisa Hazenburg and Doug Jorgensen for their hard work.
   I so wish I had a list of the many students who gave up their evening off and worked so very hard for us. It boosted our spirits more than you will ever know. Kevin, Mary and I will always remember your kind deed and generous spirits.
   Jennifer Suing, Newberg

May 23, 2007
A tale of fishing, family and a Willamette River sturgeon
   To the editor:
   A few weeks ago my grandson and his uncle had plans for a fishing trip on the Columbia River to try to catch a sturgeon or two.
   The evening before they were to go, his uncle got a telephone call from a person they were to go with telling him the trip had been canceled because no sturgeon had been caught in that part of the Columbia for several days.
   So Jeff decided to take his 4-year-old daughter fishing in the Willamette. They went to a little park across the river from Champoeg state park. Jeff had a bite and thinking it was a small fish, he gave Jaimie the pole. She soon cried, “Daddy I can’t hold it.” Jeff grabbed the pole and knew it was no small fish.
   After a struggle of some time, he landed a sturgeon, a little over three feet long. He flipped it on its back and removed the hook, took a picture of it and put it back in the river.
   Sorry no one was there to see it except Jaimie and she was afraid of it.
   Margaret Clemmens, Newberg

Animal effort continues
   To the editor:
   Thank you to everyone who supported us at our Mega Yard and Plant Sale. Our net was $6,025 and our expenses were 2.69 percent of the gross. Our net was 5.95 percent more than last year.
We are now in the process of judging our logo coloring contest and will announce the winners on May 28. We wish all who entered good luck.
    From 1 to 2 p.m. June 9 the Blessing of the Animals will be held at North Valley Friends Church, 4020 N. College St. All well behaved pets are welcome; no aggressive animals please.
   We’re working on our parade entry and invite you to stop by and say hello at our booth at the Old Fashioned Festival in July.
   Our next meeting is 7:30 p.m. May 31 at the Public Safety Building. Join us. We are always eager to hear of new ideas. Again, thank you for your continuing support. We truly do appreciate it.
Darlyn Adams, president
   Newberg Animal Shelter Friends

May 19, 2007
Tell your legislators to leave Measure 37 alone
   To the editor:
   Property rights opponents couldn’t defeat Measure 37 in 2004, so now they are asking the Legislature to completely repeal Measure 37. House Bill 3540 will repeal Measure 37 almost entirely, even though the measure remains popular with the voters.
   House Bill 3540 is the result of partisan, backroom deals which excluded the general public. Actually, several news reports detail the fact that these backroom deals were created without any input from legislative Republicans. So much for a bipartisan solution to Oregon’s land use laws.
   One comment that is made by these legislators and their proponents is that “Oregonians did not know what they were voting for when they voted for Measure 37.” When I talk with people in the markets, at work, and out and about, they are aghast that these comments are made. They find it hard to believe that after Measure 37 was so overwhelmingly passed by the voters of Oregon, the governor or the legislature would even consider repealing or stalling the measure.
   In fact, most are under the impression that this is the law and can’t be reversed. Well, voters of Oregon, apparently, this is not so. Please call your legislator and ask him or her to vote no on House Bill 3540.
   Mary Holtan, Newberg

Justice is lost in America
   To the editor:
   Do we have real justice in America?
   Let’s examine the case of a 16-year-old. He is arrested for stealing a car and other offenses. Pleads guilty, receives probation in lieu of a nine-year sentence. This person, time after time, has violated his probation terms. Yet he is still loose on the streets.
   Is this justice? I don’t think so. Sounds like injustice to me. Guilty, but free?
   Let’s go on and examine the case of a 20-year-old, accused of a crime by the aforementioned 16-year-old. Arrested, but he sits in jail because he can’t afford the ridiculous amount of money wanted for bail. No trial has taken place; no conviction been handed down. Yet he sits in jail.
   Let’s review. The guilty one is free on the street. The accused but not convicted sits in jail. Justice or injustice. Think about it.
   Innocent until proven guilty is our standard. It is in reality, guilty until proven innocent.
   Justice for all. Is it in reality, justice for some who can afford it? Do we really need to revisit the O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson-type cases. Do we really need to revisit the escapades of the Kennedy clan over the past 40 or 50 years?
   Justice for some who can afford it. Injustice for those who can’t. Think about it. Remember, the guilty walk the streets. The unconvicted sit in jail. This is not justice.
   As a one-time friend of people on both sides of the issue, I say there is a skunk in the wood pile somewhere, because something just doesn’t smell right about this story.
   One man’s opinion. After all, we still have the right to our own opinion or do we?
   John Chatman, Newberg

Voters: Scrutinize annexations
   To the editor:
   For the first time in a long time the citizens did not give a blank check to large developers. Hooray!
   When developments are as large as these, special care must be taken to ensure the quality of these projects. We will, no doubt, see these proposals again someday and I would like to leave us all with this thought.
   When a huge project is proposed, insist on the details. How big are the lots? Exactly where will the green spaces be located? How really will traffic improve? If jobs are promised, what kind of jobs are you talking about? Tell me exactly what kind of impact will this have on all city services?
   It is easy to make sweeping promises. We as voters must verify the truth of these claims. These were the questions that were not adequately answered.
   Newberg is our home. What we add to our home and community must be carefully considered.
   I guess I’m preaching to the choir; the citizens that voted these measures down did think about these matters. I really am writing to those who might have voted yes because the promises did sound good on the surface. So this letter goes to the next time when again we are assured of many good things. Empty promises are no longer enough.
   Deborah Soderquist, Newberg

May 16, 2007
It’s time we fully fund the Oregon State Police
   To the editor:
   I just wonder how long this Ping-pong ball can bounce before we do not have any law enforcement personnel in our state.
   House Bill 3535 has been voted to the floor of the House by an overwhelming majority, yet is being held up by Democrats in the Ways and Means Committee.
   Don’t you think the the Oregon State Police needs a fair shake to promote the safety for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of all people in Oregon?
   John Newhouse, Dundee

Why buy food from people who dislike us?
   To the editor:
   Due to recent wake-up call (and for the people who lost their pets it was much more), I have told people many times if you can find a person that will give you as much love as a dog, grab on to them.
   Getting back to the problem with pet food, we are now getting food for people from China. I for one will not eat any food from China or countries that don’t like us and that is many.
   Also, not putting the bypass from the Donald exit across to Dayton or McMinnville is shortsighted. Think to the future and keep Newberg off a freeway. To quote a Kevin Costner movie, “Build it, Ray, and the people will come.”
   Emil Shutts, Newberg

It’s time to join forces against developers, bureaucrats
   To the editor:
   We in the Newberg area should have acted about 10 years ago if we did not want crackerbox subdivisions, dreary strip malls and congested traffic.
   Check out www.smartgrowth.org and www.nationaltrust.org for information on how towns have managed to keep their character and history by managing growth in a creative and sustainable way.
   But that only happens when people who care about their quality of life band together against the developers and the bureaucrats who tell us what is good for us, saying more annexations, more malls and more houses mean a solution to traffic problems.
   It’s an old story: big developers come in and sweet talk the gullible, local bureaucrats with tales of new roads, more tax money, a better life for everyone. Puffed up with self-importance and hubris, the local officials buy into the developer’s vision.
   But let’s look at how the story ends. Where exactly are these towns that have a fabulous quality of life thanks to D.R. Horton et al? Is there a local organization with the goal of sustainability and quality of life here vs. developer profits? I would like to know.
  Corinne Waterbury, Newberg

May 12, 2007
How do we fix the mistake that is Measure 37?
   To the editor:
   Wow, four letters in a row, each bemoaning our legislature’s overdue effort to correct a mistake. If I didn’t know better, I’d say there’s a conspiracy afoot. But then maybe I do know better?
   I know, you’re likely sick of hearing about Measure 37. But just think how we neighbors feel. Not only do I live next to a potential 131-lot “rural subdivision,” I’ve also reviewed every state-approved claim in Yamhill County (for free) — a 15-inch-high stack growing daily.
   So who stands to gain if this mistake is ignored? Those looking to make millions at the expense of the majority, that’s who. And they’re screaming bloody.
   But tell me, constitutional scholars, how do we fix this mistake? If we disapprove of a legislator, a governor, or even a president we can impeach or simply vote for another. What exempts a ballot measure (turned statute) from correction?
   Every poll has consistently shown Oregonians feel duped by Measure 37. Had its promoters (and stealth backers) wanted it further from our reach they could have sought a constitutional amendment. They didn’t, thus our legislature has an obligation to review this “statute” and if necessary revise it.
   Although the next campaign will likely center on real examples of this one-sided statute, if its promoters are so confident of sustained voter approval what’s to fear? And as their back-peddling and badmouthing of our legislature attempts to shift the focus, just who are they badmouthing? If the local father and son team of state Sens. Gary and Larry George truly represent the majority of Oregonians, no problem, right?
   While my stack of county claims grows, I’ve seen plenty. In fact — I’ve seen more than enough. But as most Oregonian’s haven’t seen the half of it, this should be a very interesting campaign.
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

Sad to see how few people attended funeral
   To the editor:
   To the people of Newberg, especially our leaders, I just came back from the military funeral procession for Sgt. Michael Vaughan, who gave his life for all Americans. There were about 15 to 20 people like my wife and I there to pay respect to a hero. It’s very sad that our city showed that kind of disrespect.
   I want to say more but my wife said no. I do want to say thanks to the fire department and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
   Jimmy Gigandet, Newberg

May 9, 2007
What happens to our rights when ‘illegals’ get amnesty?
   To the editor:
   The amnesty bill sponsored by Democrat Denise Gutierrez of Illinois and Republican Jeff Flake of Arizona contains the following provisions:
   1. Grants an almost “pathway to citizenship” to most of the 12 to 20 million illegals living in the United States.
   2. Sells citizenship for $2,500.
   3. Illegals do not have to pay back taxes.
   4. Amnesty recipients will receive Social Security benefits base on their illegal work.
   5. Employers are absolved of any civil or criminal tax liability for  having hired illegals.
   6. Creates a “common security perimeter” with Canada and Mexico which is a big step towards a North American Union.
   Under the North American Union will the citizens of the United States still have their rights which are now guaranteed by the American constitution? If not what rights would we have?
   Robert Swift, Newberg

Bill nixes Measure 37
   To the editor:
   Do we have a democracy in Oregon? I ask, because some of our legislators are trying to kill Measure 37 that was approved by an overwhelming majority of Oregon voters.
   The latest trick is House Bill 3540, cooked up behind closed doors. Apparently those who want to pass this bill in the legislature, get it signed by the governor, and refer it to us voters, hope we won’t understand that it is a poison dart aimed for the heart of Measure 37. It will be helpful to a few elite landowners and developers and includes, as I understand it, special rights for large corporations using Oregon land.
   If enough people contact their representatives in Salem to stop HB 3540 in the legislature, we will do the legislature a big favor. If HB 3540 makes it to a referendum, the anger level of the Oregon voter may reach a boiling point that was just narrowly averted by the passage of Measure 37.
   Bob de Forest, McMinnville

Bill would overturn the will of the voters
   To the editor:
   Four-hundred years ago the English landed at Jamestown. So began 400 years of deprivation of the property rights of Native Americans by disease, starvation, exile and, if all else failed, military force.
Yesterday, the Queen of England acknowledged the impact of the English on the native Americans.
   Today, after 400 years of American democracy, we have the Oregon House of Representatives (pun intended), voting to overturn native Oregonian’s rights to use property returned through majority vote on Measure 37.
   Will the queen still be alive in 400 years to apologize again?
   Leonard Rydell, Newberg

Initiative process is being ignored
   To the editor:
   Oregon’s initiative process is being ignored. More than one million of my fellow Oregonians voted for land use reform by approving Measure 37 in 2004. Now, almost three years later, the Oregon legislature has introduced a bill, House Bill 3540, that effectively repeals Measure 37 and ignores our one million votes.
   The Oregon legislature has stopped listening to Oregon voters. They seemed to have lost focus on who voted them into office. After attending every meeting of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Land Use Fairness, it was apparent that the voices of Measure 37 supporters were ignored in favor of special interest groups, namely: 1,000 Friends of Oregon, timber companies and corporate farmers.
Oregonians should have the right to live as they choose. Government should not be empowered to force us to live on postage stamp lots. Government should not tell us that our children must live in an urban environment.
   Joe Robinson, Newberg

Not fair to give land, take it away
   To the editor:
   In June 1969, Yamhill County commissioners granted me one-acre zoning on our property. Of course you know what happened in the 1970s.
   I testified during that time about the soil type. I took photos of the field in front of our home that I had just plowed, showing the large boulders that were plowed up, to no avail.
   Since that time I find part of the same field has less than one foot of top soil, which won’t even allow for any type of septic system.
   No we have Measure 37, which allows me to proceed to do what was legal 35 years ago. Whoa, not so fast. The legislators are at it again. After more than two years I may be headed for the 1970s again. Only this time I’ve spent many thousands of dollars preparing for a subdivision.
   Where is the fairness in my situation? Are you going to fix it or nix it?
   I appears that if this was a criminal situation, I think, it would be called double jeopardy.
   Leave Measure 37 alone.
   Ralph Johnson, Newberg

Planning in the words for years
   To the editor:
   I would like to comment on the planning work that has gone into bringing the current annexation plans to vote on this month’s ballot.
   As has been stated in several letters and in the article published Saturday, this annexation has been in the city’s plans for years, and over the past 10 years there have been many meetings where public comment has been welcomed regarding the future expansion of Newberg.
   The topics of these meetings has included transportation planning for our city; urban reserve and urban growth boundary planning; commercial, industrial and residential planning. The Ad Hoc Committee for Newberg’s Future was the mechanism for synthesizing the community’s input and needs into recommendations for land use.
   These meetings were carried out by city, county and state units on behalf of the citizens of Newberg, to assure that growth was managed wisely to meet the needs of the future. And yes, they were carried out with your tax dollars to make sure Newberg would be the best it can be, with the broadest voice of the citizens included.
   Now is not the time to throw out the work that you, as citizens, have participated in and/or paid for over the past few years. A yes vote on the annexation proposals on your ballots supports rational planning for Newberg.
   Kimberly Dunn, Newberg
 

May 5, 2007
Don’t believe developers’ claims on NewB annexation
   To the editor:
   Oh for Pete’s sake. Has everyone seen the fliers that are being distributed in Newberg asking that residents vote on annexation measures 36-112 and 36-113? Does anyone else smell something funny?
   The flyer promises new jobs, relief from traffic congestion and improved livability for ... someone. Given the potential problems that may arise with some of the proposed annexations, and the “NewB” (36-113) annexation in particular, I wonder who will live better. Besides the developers, I mean.
   Please pardon the cynicism, but I’m not sure the facts bear out the claims made by the city, developers or whomever paid for the flyers that want to bulge Newberg’s city limits.
   As many of us know the NewB annexation has unique problems because of the proposed bypass plans that may be years down the road. Hastily developing this area at this time without knowing definitively what the bypass development will look like simply makes no sense from a livability standpoint.
   According to the traffic study that was filed with the developer’s proposal, “A weekday total of 8,306 trips are expected with half entering and half exiting.” More than 8,300 new cars daily at the entrance into town doesn’t seem like less traffic. More than 8,300 new cars is the equivalent of a line of Toyota Corollas lined up bumper-to-bumper from the edge of Newberg into downtown Portland.
   Perhaps the bypass, if and when built, would bleed off some of the increased traffic at the base of Rex Hill. However, at this point it seems a no-brainer that the bottleneck will be relieved to a degree by drivers just turning more often into Springbrook or other residential areas.
   I do not consider that “improved livability” for Newberg residents.
   In addition, on one side of the flier I also noticed a cute little boy on park swings. Yet I haven’t seen any new parks or green space left in the plans. Perhaps the little boy just represents the increased usage and recreational traffic in and around residential parks like the small Springbrook Park off of Vittoria and Aquarius drives.
   The flyer says, “Don’t believe it? The city of Newberg does,” and then goes on to say how much revenue the new development will create. Ah, there’s the skivvy. More revenue. More money.
   If our representatives won’t do it, I’d ask Newberg residents to consider all annexations very, very carefully.
   And the developers’ claims? As the flier suggests: Don’t believe it.
   Frank Dennis, Newberg

Developers apologize for no disclaimer
   To the editor:
   We recently mailed many in Newberg information about measures 36-112 and 36-113 and the benefits that support of these measures would bring with them.
   We failed to place a disclaimer on the mail stating that we, as Vote Yes for Measures 36-112 and 36-113, were responsible for these pieces. We regret having done so as we are very proud of the work we have done to bring these measures to a vote. We are proud to have gained the support of the Newberg City Council, Newberg planning commission, Yamhill County commissioners, Providence Newberg Medical Center, Ken and Joan Austin, and so many others who have had a stake in this process and ask for your vote.
   Timothy Speakman,
   JT Smith Company and NewB Properties

We need to look out for ourselves
  (Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Oregon’s congressional delegation).
   It is my personal opinion that the recall of the dog and cat food that was responsible for the deaths of a number of family pets is directly related to fast track and free trade.
   And now look at where we are headed. With so many of our farmers and meat processors being legislated out of business, we will be forced to import more and more of our food. With the fast track and free trade agreements that are now in place, it is impossible for us to inspect all foods coming in. And how easy it would be for some evil person to wipe out a few thousand Americans and not fire a shot.
   It is plain for all to see that the United States is headed in the wrong direction.
   It is time to cancel out, fast track free trade, NAFTA and the European Union.
   I agree we cannot isolate ourselves from the rest of the world. But we can get back to negotiating our agreements and standing strong like so many have given their lives for. And now we give it all away because we are afraid we might offend someone.
   Bryce Jones, Newberg

Activities should be as important as athletics in schools
   To the editor:
   Recently the Newberg School District offered a survey to district patrons about athletics and activities. I’m very disappointed that they chose to ask us questions for which they know the answer.
   In short, one of the questions asked was would like your participation fees for Newberg High School sports reduced? As expected, we all said yes. Additionally, they asked us if we would like to see more jobs added to support athletics and activities in middle school and high school? Again we said yes.
   But did you know that the task force responsible for this survey supports contributing to the gross inequity between athletics and activities at NHS and the middle schools?
   Activities are funded at less than 10 percent of athletics. In 2001, more than 1,200 kids participated in activities at the high school and this was back before an activities director was cut.
   For the past six years activities at NHS and the middle schools have been neglected and participation has dropped to 744 at NHS in 2006. Yet, the task force is recommending that an activities director only be funded half time with a budget less than 10 percent of the athletic budget.
   Where is the equity in our community between art, drama, music, leadership, community service and sports? Did you know that your “yes” was creating the justification for them to subsidize more athletics that your child can be excluded from, have no other alternative programming available to them as they change their priorities, or gain essential life learning skills?
   If you are concerned at all about this, I highly recommend that you let a board member know your opinion of this situation by Monday evening. If you are concerned about any activity occurring or not occurring at NHS, you need to get on the phone and get some answers as decisions are being made and changes are occurring rapidly over the next four months. Your voice matters and you have the opportunity to be involved.
   Amy Bearden, Newberg

May 2, 2007
Why won’t authors of annexation flyers reveal themselves?
   To the editor:
   Today I received in the mail a very professional flyer. It explained to me all the swell reasons I should vote for two measures, 36-112 and 36-113. These measures will annex a large amount of land in the northern part of Newberg.
   I learned about the great traffic benefits this will allow. It will also improve my livability. Isn’t that great? The flyer even mentions some city ordinance that “proves” what a good idea this would be.
   But wait ... who are the authors of these expensive and well done flyers? Nowhere on the flyer is that mentioned. Such wonderful promises and yet no one lays claim to writing this document? To whom may I address my questions?
   I did a little snooping and discovered who had mailed the flyers. It’s a big company in Portland that does flyers and mailers for a living. I called them and asked who paid for the mailings? They knew who hired them but would not tell me who these people are.
   I don’t fault the company but I find the omission very disturbing. If this annexation is such a great idea, why would no one proudly place their name on the flyer? Hmmmm, I wonder. I must assume the author is most likely a real estate company or large real estate/builder.
   Sure, it’s a windfall for them, but what positive benefits will we truly have? There will certainly be more traffic on Highway 99W each morning and evening, caused by more commuters.
   Of course more houses mean more stress on our infrastructure. We would need more water, sewer, more police, more fire staff and equipment and more schools. The fees builders pay do not cover these ongoing costs because they go on long after the builders have gone.
   Since we have had such a boom in growth, tell me, have your property taxes gone down? So how do more (large) developments translate into good news?
   I’m not sure I can afford all this good news from a flyer with no author. How about you?
   Deborah Soderquist, Newberg

City didn’t print annexation flyers
   To the editor:
   Citizens, please be advised that the bright and colorful flyer that you received in the mail promoting a yes vote for annexations was not sent by the city of Newberg.
   The city cannot give any advice on how you should vote on anything at anytime. We only provide answers to questions on general information, not a yes or no vote for anything.
    It is unfortunate that the creators and backers of flyers like this do not have to tell you who they are. They can just produce items like this with select statements that they wish to use from a meeting and it may look like the city produced it. If they wish to do this and place their name on it as the creators and person to contact, that would be great. But to mail something like this, where all you recognize in names is the city of Newberg and the city council should be illegal.
   Ask the creators to come forward with who paid for the layout, printing, mailing costs and be forthright with you the voters and not hide behind this kind of tactic. Could it be that they are developers?
   I just wanted to set the record straight, in case you wondered about us using your tax dollars in the wrong way.
   Roger Currier, Newberg City Councilor

April 28, 2007
Attorneys generals’ job to put the laws of the nation first
   To the editor:
   Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez defended his leadership of the Justice Department as free from partisan politics in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing April 19 over the firings of eight U.S. attorneys last year.
   He has again rebuffed his own defense when responding to questions posed by Sen. John Cornyn. Gonzalez stated that among the criteria to be taken into account when judging the job performance of U.S. attorneys is that “attorneys should support the policies of the president.”
   Demanding obeisance to the policies, and therefore, ideology of the president is the central controversy in the attorney firings case. This behavior fails to put the laws of this nation first, and in so, ignores the needs of the people they suggest they serve.
   Finally, this obsequious behavior on the part of administration leadership is why White House communications, which obviously do not pertain to imminent national security, should not be given executive privilege.
   Cory Hawkins, Newberg

Government’s hands are tied by act
   To the editor:
   We all are touched by the events at Virginia Tech and now there will be a rush to restrict guns and many more ideas already put forth. But if you sit back and look at the facts, you can see where we all played a part in this senseless act.
   The young man responsible for this had a history of trouble. But it was not possible for the authorities to track him because of the insanity built into our “Privacy Act?”
   It is possible that when this law was passed that the people who wrote it and discussed it had no idea that it would be interpreted or implemented in this manner. But, after all, it is a government program and until that “Privacy Act Law” is revisited and allowances made for our doctors and police departments to share information, then we are all set up for another tragedy.
   I pray this does not happen.
   Bryce Jones, Newberg

Vote no on annexations
   To the editor:
   Is bigger always better? Who benefits when a city grows?
   As the discussion over annexation of bringing more properties into Newberg’s urban growth boundary and urban reserve area continues, I’ve been asking these questions. When a house on an acre gets torn down to build eight to 12 homes with tiny lots or 20 condominiums, is that progress?
   It seems to me that the real winners in development are landowners who are ready to leave the area (or who are keeping 20 acres for themselves) and large developers who will import the “14 different exteriors” and “five floor plans” that they have used across the country to gobble up our woodlots and farms.
   Because our land is cheap, relative to metro acreage, big developers love us! They also love touting our rural vistas, at least until Phase 2 of their master plan obliterates them.
   Sherwood city officials may be thrilled to have the Comfort Inn folks establishing themselves on land currently displaying tractors for sale. As a city grows, it is justification to hire more planners, inspectors, surveyors, etc., thereby insuring seniority and job security for existing employees. City bureaucracy always benefits from uncontrolled growth.
   Unless Newberg residents are willing to say, “Enough is enough!” on the sprawl of subdivisions and strip malls, by voting no on annexation, I’m wondering how long it will be before we never have to slow for a piece of farm machinery on North Valley Road or see a deer along Crestview Road?
   Let’s keep Newberg an affordable home town for real people. Let’s just keep it Newberg!
   Vote no on annexation May 15.
   Dotte Smits, Newberg

April 25, 2007
Everyone allowed shootings to happen one step at a time
   To the editor:
   Sadly, I do not find the university killings surprising.
   We have become a nation where cowboy justice prevails, where laws do not apply to everyone. We live in an atmosphere where degrading and demeaning language is acceptable on our air ways; where violent video games are vividly realistic; where the most popular media shows are crime violence or dumbed down reality shows; where mental health care is unattainable for those who need it the most.
   We are a selfish, greedy country where in the accumulation of wealth is the most honored status symbol, where regulations are evil, where we are dismantling all of the social safety nets, where caring about our brothers and a sisters is a weakness.
   Don’t blame the kids. Oh, you don’t think you are to blame? Think again. Everyone of us, even those of us who call ourselves Christians, have allowed this to happen one tiny step at a time.
   Marni Haley, Sherwood

Players show class in dealing with Imus
   To the editor:
   Rutgers Scarlett Knights, I salute you, classy ladies.
   I hope the world knows about and honors the young women of Rutgers University who Don Imus referred to in a nasty, macho, sexist and racist way.
   We can only hope Imus will learn from this situation and not continue to make insulting people his focus in life.
   Vivian Stringer and her team of beautiful young women did us all proud when after two hours of questioning him mostly they ask why? Good question. They forgave him as he asked them to, then one of them said to Imus (I quote Newsweek April 23): “I don’t want you to think that I question myself because of what you said. I’m a classy woman at a great university. I will pray for you.”
   And so will I, Mr. Imus.
   Jeanne Hesedahl, Newberg

M-37 needs to be reworked or tossed
   To the editor:
   On the evening of April 17 I had the opportunity to testify before the legislature’s Joint Committee on Land Use Fairness. The committee had before it a “framework,” based on several Senate and House bills, regarding legislative changes necessary to correct the countless, unforeseen problems generated by Measure 37.
   Hundreds of citizens attended. Most of those speaking made thoughtful suggestions as to how the inequities and problems of the measure should be corrected. Their opinions were in keeping with a recent independent survey that reflected the general dissatisfaction of Oregonians with Measure 37. Of those queried, only 19 percent still favor the original measure. More than two-thirds think it should be fixed or repealed entirely.
   Clearly, some compromise among both proponents and opponents of Measure 37 is necessary to allow claims on small acreage and involving single-dwellings to proceed, while denying large subdivisions and commercial developments on productive agricultural and forest lands.
   In the public hearing, state Sen. Larry George expressed his view on the frameworks under consideration, “I could list you dozens of reasons why this proposal is so troublesome.” (The Oregonian, April 18).
   Troublesome? Considering the senator’s involvement in Measure 37, this like the kettle calling the pot black. For every one of George’s supposed concerns there are hundreds of examples of his Measure 37 having gone astray.
   Henry Reeves, Amity

Use your land wisely Oregon
   To the editor:
   I’m writing to agree with Mr. Frank Dennis (Newberg Graphic April 14) that rapid growth may not be the answer for Newberg.
   I live in California, a dirty word for most Oregonians. My husband and I (native to the Bay Area) have seen our beautiful Santa Clara Valley paved over rapidly since the 1960s. We caution your residents to proceed carefully before your lovely area becomes a megalopolis like Silicon Valley.
   In 1988 we purchased a summer home in your area on 10 acres to enjoy your beautiful state while visiting our children and grandchildren. And we plan to maintain our land the way we bought it back then. Even though we know that growth is inevitable, we were glad that your state has laws to preserve your precious farmland. We have been following in the Graphic about Measure 37 with some concern.
   We hope that your residents value what they now have and resist large developers with their glib promises. That’s why we were glad to read Mr. Dennis’ letter.
   Be very careful Oregonians.
   Marcia Citta, Saratoga, Calif.

Businesses do right by customers
   To the editor:
   I want to recognize a few local businesses that make the extra effort regarding customer service and satisfaction. Having lived in Newberg for the past 30-plus years, I have had the privilege of doing business with many of our merchants.
   The good folks at Les Schwab, under the leadership of Warren Hunt are always quick to offer great service at very fair prices. Newberg Body and Paint, owned by Karl Raudsepp and managed by Dave McClaren, offers exceptional quality work. They are always willing to work around the customer’s schedule. Finally, Darrell at D+D Towing is a truly fine person who exemplifies a positive, neighborly attitude with more than fair charges.
These are solid folks with great attitudes and products I trust.
   Mark Cooke, Newberg

April 21, 2007
Language of the dark underworld permeates national media
   To the editor:
   As a Christian interested in what is going on in the national scene, I was amazed at all the preoccupation the Don Imus episode generated in the media the entire week following Easter. At first it irritated me that so much time was spent on this particular event. David Gregory, hosting “Hardball” for the week, devoted nearly every minute of each program to it, as if there weren’t any other issues of pertinence going on in the nation.
   Then on Sunday, as I watched “Meet the Press” and the splendid panel assembled by Tim Russert discussed it, it finally dawned on me that I and the nation had witnessed a major instance of the Rule of God touching the life of our nation.
   Don Imus was the catalyst; but Gwen Ifil’s article in the New York Times was the prophetic voice which uttered what I read as God’s response to the whole affair. Too long, has the language of the dark underworld of society permeated the national media without being seriously and effectively challenged. A robust national dialogue resulted because of this faux pas.
   I hope a curbing of violent expression and polarizing discourse that pervades the news media, the broadcast media and the Internet will be somewhat curbed. On my part, I rejoice that in this week after Easter, the Kingdom of God impacted our society and in its way perhaps demonstrated that Christ is risen, indeed!
   Ed Liebman, Newberg

Get your plants, shrubs
   To the editor:
   It’s here, it’s finally arrived! Newberg Animal Shelter Friends’ mega yard and plant sale, is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27-28 at Zion Lutheran Church, Third and River streets.
   We have fruit trees, maples, flowering cherry, dogwoods, spruces and many shrubs for your selection.
   Call me at 503-554-0153 for an appointment in making your selection and arrangements for pickup. We’ll have lots of goodies for sale at awesome prices you won’t be able to refuse. Coffee and homebaked cookies, also a special treat, will be available.
   This is a big event for us and we would appreciate your support.
Mark your calendar for the May 4 First Friday Artwalk. Meet artist Sean DeLong, photos of animals (framed and unframed) will be available for purchase at Blue Trout Gallery from 5 to 6 p.m., Newberg Gallery from 6 to 7 p.m. and Cusick’s Picture Frame from 7 to 8 p.m.
   This is Sean’s senior project. All proceeds go to our building fund.
   Your continuing support is sincerely appreciated.
   Darlyn Adams, president NASF

NCO thanks PNMC
   To the editor:
   We would like to thank Providence Newberg Medical Center, especially Crystal Hubel, for the wonderful volunteer luncheon they put together for all of the Newberg Charitable Organization volunteers.
   Julie Sully, Newberg
  
Intersection now much safer
   To the editor:
   Thank you, thank you to the Newberg City Council, Traffic Safety Commission, police and fire departments for the new four-way stop at Springbrook, Second and Fernwood roads. It’s well marked, super and a relief to all of us. Also, special thanks to Bob Larson on behalf of us Mountainview Mobile Home Park and Nut Tree Mobile Home Park residents.
   Phyllis Busenbark, Newberg

Alert your legislators of NAU
   To the editor:
   Our legislators need your help. Two have introduced legislation to block the North American Union (NAU) and to get us out of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) — the treaty that was supposed to increase our economy. But it did the exact opposite and is threatening our sovereignty and freedoms. It is also in the works to stop you from buying supplements over the counter. It is forerunner to the NAU.
   Our legislators, along with other state legislators, are in battle to stop the NAU through the Security and Prosperity Partnership. North Carolina is the first state to have the resolution passed by both House and senate. There are 14 states that have introduced similar resolutions while we are still under the constitution and they retain legislative power.
   We all need to call, e-mail or write all our legislators to pass this legislation to restore our sovereignty, our constitution and our freedoms.
  If you don’t know what the NAFTA or SPP is about, do some research. We are on the brink of losing our country, pray for America. Stand up for God and our country.
   Mary Ann Novak, Yamhill

April 18, 2007
Agencies worked together to add stop signs at intersection
   To the editor:
   First off, I would say that I tried to place a letter before this, which was deemed too long, dealing with the same subject. So this one will be very short and to the point.
   I would like to thank everyone that worked together from the city of Newberg to the County Commissioners and staff, to solve a problem for at least the interim. That problem was people being injured in car accidents at the intersection of Springbrook and Fernwood roads with East Second Street.
   Many long hours of staff, police department, Traffic Safety Commission, city council and the commissioners’ time have made this resolution possible. This is not to say that the 400-plus signatures from the homeowners near there did not help; it did help to open eyes.
   This intersection is now (temporarily) controlled by a four-way stop. The city of Newberg Public Works Department went out in force and placed the signs in a very efficient and timely manner. Thank you to all.
   Roger Currier, Newberg City Council member

Police go above and beyond the call of duty
   To the editor:
   I would like to thank officer Joel Moreland at the Newberg-Dundee Police Department for being so kind to come to my home on Easter evening to tell me that a member of my family had called to let me know that my aunt in Cincinnati had passed away.
   I appreciate his kindness and making sure I was all right. I just can’t say enough. Thank you so much Officer Moreland.
   Virginia Denton, Newberg

Intersection is now much safer
   To the editor:
   April 12 was a milestone for the city of Newberg. On this date one of the most dangerous intersections in Southeast Newberg — the intersection of Springbrook and Fernwood roads with Second Street — had stop signs installed on all four sides.
   I want to thank Police Chief Brian Casey and all the city staff members involved in getting the job done now and not waiting any longer with the chance of more automobile accidents happening.
   And I want to thank the residents of Nut Tree Ranch Mobile Estates and Mountain View Park for all their work getting petitions signed and attending Traffic Safety Commission meetings and city council meetings. We also had the support of many residents that live in Oaks at Springbrook that use this intersection almost every day.
   I also want to thank Newberg’s Traffic Safety Committee and chairman Michael Simpson for their many discussions on this matter and their March 19 recommendation to the city council.
   And thanks to all of our Yamhill County commissioners and Bill Gille for their support and approval in getting these stop signs installed immediately.
   Bob Larson, District 6 city council member

April 14, 2007
Newberg doesn’t need to grow just for growth’s sake
   To the editor:
   Another election is soon upon us allowing the opportunity to tell our representatives how we feel about them and other issues offered for our consideration.
   Another annexation or two will be on the ballot for Newberg residents to vote on. Again. Does anyone other than me notice how often annexations are on the ballot? Does anyone else feel there is an explosion of annexations in the county and in and around Newberg? More importantly, do we really want Newberg to grow this fast? Faster than many think is well beyond what we actually need to support our population growth and common good? Shouldn’t annexations be considered more slowly and with greater care?
   I for one like Newberg being a “sleepy bedroom community” — distinguished against the likes of busy, sprawling, congested cities like Beaverton and Hillsboro. No disrespect intended, but Newberg is different, and I suspect the majority of our citizens enjoy the reprieve from the rat race.
   Many of us probably vote no on many annexations because of our concern over expansion for expansion’s sake. So the concern over the new annexation at the base of Rex Hill may seem like nothing new. Yet, this particular annexation is unique. It will yield problems that will affect all residents traveling west into and through Newberg. It will likely cause significant Dundee-like problems beginning at the base of Rex Hill.
   In fact, according to the traffic study that was filed with the developer’s proposal, “A weekday total of 8,306 trips are expected with half entering and half exiting.” Imagine what it will be like trying to get into Newberg if 8,000 more cars are moving through the intersection adjacent to Providence Newberg Medical Center?
   Proponents of the annexation say never fear. When pressed about the integration into the bypass plans, they claim that the development will be built with consideration of the bypass. When confronted with the possibility that the bypass may be years down the road or in fact may never be built at all, the response has been words to the effect: “It doesn’t matter, it will still work out.”
   We have all heard the “All is OK” comment before from government or developers having different ideas or goals than many of the people living in or around new development. In the case of the NewB annexation and it’s proposed development, the potential for “unintended consequences” exist (Dundee-like traffic jams is just one) that the developers themselves, of course, won’t have to live with.
   However, Newberg residents, as well as all travelers on Highway 99W, will have to deal with the added traffic. The NewB annexation may have greater effects if developed at this time as opposed to slowing down, taking a deep breath, and incorporating the annexation and development into a bigger plan when definitive action is taken on the bypass.
   I hope voters will consider this when voting on this unique annexation: the “NewB” annexation. And I hope voters will consider all annexations carefully.
   Newberg doesn’t need to grow just for growth’s sake.
   Frank Dennis, Newberg

April 11, 2007
Been a pleasure working with developer
   To the editor:
   I would like to thank Michael Gougler of MJD Development for the opportunity to build his award-winning project, Oak Meadows.
   Most community members are aware of his continued dedication and efforts to the positive growth in the city of Newberg, and each of the businesses which have flourished in our beautiful valley. It has been my pleasure to not only work with Mike, but learn from his vast business and personal experiences from around the world. Mike has my trust as a business partner, as well as a friend.
   Again, I would like to publicly thank Mike for the trust and faith he has put in me to build his project for the betterment of the community in which we live.
   David Eberhardt, Chehalem Custom Homes

Funds go to Make A Wish Foundation
   To the editor:
   We would like to thank the community of St. Paul for the kindness shown to our family during Nick’s illness. From the cards and gifts for Nick, to the dinners and errands, we have been totally overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. We appreciate all the folks that turned out in the rain to support the eighth annual St. Paul Parochial School Easter Egg Hunt and Bake Sale, this year benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Nick’s name.
   We would also like to take this opportunity to correct an error in The Newberg Graphic on April 7 stating that profits from the bake sale were to defray our medical costs. The entire proceeds from the bake sale went directly to Make-A-Wish Foundation as stated at the event. We hope this error did not cause any undue concern for the supporters of this wonderful annual charitable event.
   Thanks again to everyone for their invaluable support.
   The Gooding Family

Would God create evil in the form of gays?
   To the editor:
   There are times when I see free speech at work and, despite myself, I feel this deep lamentation. Such was the case when I read Ralph Koozer’s hate-filled letter April 7 against gays.
   I, admittedly, feel this visceral need in me to respond and squelch such venom in kind. Instead, I will stifle myself, and I too will use my freedom of speech to counter Mr. Koozer’s homophobic hatred by at least being glad such a person identifies his vehement intolerance to the community.
   Imagine, if you will, if such intolerance as Mr. Koozer exhibits were given real power — power over others such as was the case in Nazi Germany where gays were thrown into holocaustal camps with Jews and Gypsies and all others the power elite deemed deficient in their purity standards and, thus, unworthy of the right to exist equally (or exist at all) and be left alone.
   Personally, I feel God didn’t make any mistakes; we may not understand some of his actions of creation, but such is often the case with faith in the all-knowing God.
   Did God create evil in the form of gays, as Mr. Koozer seems to think, or did he simply create souls with counter-balancing attributes of DNA we don’t fully understand? Are you willing to make that judgment on God? Are you really questioning God’s wisdom?
   If we are to be so arrogant, perhaps we should, likewise, question and take action against those who voice volatile intolerance. Would that be a fair trade? As Jesus non-judgementally worked with and helped lepers and other outcasts, perhaps Mr. Koozer should make it his life’s mission to work with and help gays.
   Bruce Freeman, Newberg

April 7, 2007
Newberg could use an outdoor pool
   To the editor:
   My husband and I have young children and we’ve often commented on how great it would be if Newberg had an outdoor pool. What a fun place it would be for the community to gather and to swim.
   I was recently in a conversation with someone who encouraged me to verbalize my desire for an outdoor pool; therefore, I’ve written this letter to the editor. They pointed out that the Chehalem Skatepark was a direct result of members of the community rallying together and expressing their desire for its construction.
   I would love to see the Chehalem Park and Recreation District seriously consider construction of an outdoor swimming facility for the community. It would be wonderful to have a leisure pool (also referred to as a “No Depth Pool”) with fountains and features that young children would enjoy. An accompanying outdoor lap pool with a curving water slide would be an excellent addition for a new pool complex.
   My husband and I would vote for a proposal in support of its construction and, as taxpayers, would be willing to pay our share. I believe such a facility would also be a draw for the surrounding communities, and that it would be a steady source of revenue for the Chehalem Park and Recreation District (aiding in covering construction costs as well as providing a steady income for pool maintenance and other great programs that they provide).
   I am confident an outdoor swimming facility would be widely supported and greatly utilized. Our goggles and towels are in hand! We’re eager to buy a pass to come swim and play!
   Beth Muthiah, Newberg

Giving gays civil rights an abomination to God
   To the editor:
   It is with deep and foreboding sadness to see our Oregon Senate enact such a travesty upon the people of Oregon as to pass Senate Bill 2, which proposes to mock God by giving civil rights to a sin God defines as an abomination.
   Why is Oregon giving civil rights to evil?
   In Senate Bill 2 the sin of homosexual behavior is being given the same civil rights other true ethnicities have under the United States Constitution. The creator, who we recognize as the source of our human rights in the Declaration of Independence, states that homosexual behavior is an abomination and is to be punished by death.
   To allow legal status to this great evil is to call evil good and to call good evil. You may rely on the fact that this will propagate bad results. Good fruit cannot come from an evil tree.
   This bad governance will bring evil upon many unintended victims. The fundamental role of government is to protect the people from evil. It is an egregious violation of the basic role of government to protect evil instead.
   The Lord Jesus said it would be better for people that they had never been born who cause little ones to be led astray.
   Since Jesus Christ has instituted the age of grace, we must always be aware that any sin may be forgiven by Christ when the sinner repents and turns from evil.
   I hope you will join me in fighting this outbreak of evil in our state of Oregon.
   Ralph Koozer, Newberg

April 4, 2007
Measure 37 simply righted a previous wrong, nothing more
   To the editor:
   Your front page story March 28 states that Bruce Hall’s Measure 37 claim “illustrates debate on land use.” Nothing is further from the truth. There simply is no debate. There is only the law which permits land use that was legal when the property was obtained. There is nothing in that law to mandate that the owner must develop the law to the full extent allowable, only that he can or he must be compensated.
   There is no debate that Measure 37 effectively nullifies all ex post facto land use regulations that reduces the market value of the property. The fact that Mr. Hall chooses to develop his land to a lesser extent than is legal under the law doesn’t change the effect of the law. The only issue is whether or not his ownership of that land legally predates the land use restrictions passed in 1973.
   It is unfortunate that Mr. Hall may not be allowed to develop his land in accordance with his wishes. Is it too much to question whether those who supported those regulations in 1973 really meant to have hundreds of acres of fallow, unprofitable land growing weeds in the name of “preserving farm land and open space?”
   If actually preserving farm land was the intent, wouldn’t allowing development to help subsidize that marginal enterprise, be in everyone’s interest?
   It is also unfortunate that Mr. Hall has chosen to only partially utilize his land for building home sites which will only aggravate the discontinuity of living spaces for the upper middle class rural elite and the growing concentration of more and more working class Oregonians into more densely compacted urban environments. However, it is his land and he has a right to develop it in any legally permitted usage.
   David Terry, McMinnville

Take responsibility for your own actions
   To the editor:
   There’s been much writing about Christians and the judgments of them. There is a saying my mother always told me when I was growing up. “What I suspect of others, I do myself.” That usually stopped me in my tracks when I was criticizing the actions of someone I knew.
   Among many verses, there is a verse in the Bible that a Christian or those who want to criticize the actions of Christians might be a good one to think about including myself. In essence, it states that everyone should do his very best because then he will have better self-respect with the happiness of doing a good job and won’t feel the need to compare himself with someone else.
   We all need to take responsibility for our faults and actions, for none of us is perfect.
   Christians are just human beings that are forgiven. In case you want to check it out is is in Galatians 6:4 and 5 in the Living Bible translation.
   Many religions are man’s feeble way of trying to reach God. Christianity is God’s way of reaching man through Christ. It is each human being’s choice which way of life they will accept.
   Carolyn Gilmore, Newberg

March 31, 2007
There’s more than one way for cities to absorb growth
   To the editor:
   In my interview on my Measure 37 claim I must have misspoken, as the document signed and recorded by my uncle and myself in 1959 made no reference to the partnership or corporate form of business, but only to our interest in Willamette Farms. The “vision” for the 20 or so acres to be split off from the farm was for “cluster homes,” with common ownerships of ponds, streams, wood, etc., and I now think the dwellings should be restricted to eight or less.
   This is, of course, an evolving concept and, unfortunately, no one from the Land Conservation and Development Commission or potentially opposed parties have ever requested to view the land. I hope the commission will come up with a mechanism for evaluating these lands (and who better than the counties?) that do not meet viable agricultural standards and those such as French Prairie and Dundee Hills which would require more permanent protection.
   While I practiced law I spent a lot of time in Portland. And in accommodating the million or more new Oregonians predicted for 2040, I do not believe that ever-expanding urban growth boundaries are the only solution.
   Bruce Hall, Newberg

Vote no on annexations and slow growth
   To the editor:
   In our upcoming election, there will be many important issues for us to decide on. I believe that one of the most important issues will be the question of whether we will continue to allow additional annexations happen to our city. I say happen to our city because, with every added parcel of land that comes into the city limits our downtown is hurt more and more.
   These new developments, especially commercial developments, draw traffic to themselves and away from existing businesses. By adding new commercial development, such as the one proposed by the hospital, to the outside edges of our city, congestion is added and suburbia sprawl is added without building up our city itself.
   To continue down this path of adding more and more commercial development along Highway 99, does not support our city. These developments only serve to enrich the pockets of outside developers and make us more like the mess that is the Portland metro area.
   There are many sites within the existing city limits to build new buildings and support our city without pulling the vitality out of the hometown feel of Newberg.
   The downtown of a city is its heart and soul, and the heart and soul of Newberg is being hollowed with each new annexation. There has been much very commendable work done by downtown merchants to build up our city and this hard work will be for naught if we allow developers to shape the city we love.
   We have a choice to of how our city will look and live, you will exercise that choice by how you vote on annexations. Supports our city, stop unneeded and unwanted development.
   David Jensen, Newberg

March 28, 2007
Determining fair market value of land nearly impossible
   To the editor:
   Professor Jaeger would have us determine the value of our property based on a very big “if”. We live in a world of facts and the fact is that the state legislature has made many years of arbitrary, unfair decisions about the use of our property and has denied us the right to subdivide and sell portions of our property to the highest bidder.
   The professor is crazy if he believes that every claim can be researched to determine a fair market value increase over time. This is a very strange approach and a lot of double-talk.
   The majority of voters indicated that they want to control their property, so leave it alone, professor. I don’t want to be the victim of one of your “scatter-shot” graphs.
   Barbara Lowe, Newberg

ODOT must reduce speed on Highway 219
   To the editor:
   The subject of this letter is safety and state highways in and near Newberg. The Oregon Department of Transportation people who address this subject seem to be elusive, almost unapproachable.  But I’ve heard that they are swayed by public attitude and opinion, so I’m writing this.
   The Newberg City Council recently addressed a safety issue on Second Street and Springbrook Road, but they cannot change the speed limit on Highway 219 in that part of town. Several accidents have occurred near the airport/Second Street intersection with Highway 219.
   It looks like ODOT is considering closing off that Second Street and also the Sandoz Road/Wilsonville Road intersection (further south) and replace both of them with one new improved intersection. That might help reduce the number of accidents, but a more economical solution would be to reduce the 45 mph speed limit to 35 mph in that section of Highway 219.
   A little survey of speed limits on state highways in Newberg shows that 45 mph is out of line with the others. Highway 240 is 25 mph (in the city limits); Highway 219 going north is 35 mph; Highway 99W going east toward Rex Hill is 35, then 40, then 55 as you get further out of town. But Highway 219 is posted 45 mph before you get to the Second Street/Airport intersection.
   For safety sake that needs to change, and would be a lot cheaper than building a whole new intersection.
   As a town grows further out, the speed limits need to reduce for safety. Highway 219 north has done that, but 219 south has not. And the old 55 mph sign on Highway 99 before you get to the new Providence Drive signal light (by the new hospital) seems wrong also.
   The Rex Hill four-lane section of Highway 99W needs its lines improved for safety. On dark rainy nights some of those lines seem to disappear. Some center median reflectors would also help a lot.
   Thank you ODOT for listening, if you are.
   John Lyda, Newberg

State’s health care system is broken
   To the editor:
   What are you passionate about? I can truthfully say that my primary focus for the past 25 years or more has been family — with job and church mixed in somewhere.
   Recently, I have been looking beyond these fundamental areas. As I near retirement, I feel the need to become involved in causes for the greater good of our community, state and nation. Health care for all is a focus for which I can work passionately.
   I have health care through my job and can continue after retirement. How many in our community cannot say the same?
   I have long felt that there is an inequity in our system. Some employers are able to offer health insurance and some not. Emergency rooms have become the only access to health care for thousands of Oregonians.
   Oregon and several other states are investigating answers to this complicated issue. In Oregon, the Archimedes movement has moved the discussion to the table. Senate Bill 27 — the Oregon Better Health Act — is currently under discussion in Salem.
   There are several Archimedes group chapters in the area, Newberg among them, and there have been presentations to several city councils — Newberg and Beaverton in our area.
   The Web site for the movement is www.WeCanDoBetter.org. Visit the Web site and join me in becoming passionate about the future health of our citizens, our children and our grandchildren.
   Carol Marshall, Dayton

March 24, 2007
Being a Christian isn’t a title you can give yourself
   To the editor:
   Applause goes to Debi Carlile for her guest opinion, “To call yourself a Christian, you must act like one.” She made wonderful points in regard to the fact that a Christian should indeed act like one by helping others. I am a born-again Christian and felt conviction that I need to step up to the plate more often for others.
   Debi is partially correct in that “A Christian is not a self-given title.” It truly isn’t a self-given title, but one that is given to you when you surrender your life to Jesus Christ. It means Christ-like. It really isn’t, as Debi said, “Given to one who earns it.” Jesus paid the full price for all of us and gives salvation freely. When a person asks Jesus to be their savior they then help others out of gratitude for what Christ has already done for them.
   To divide Christians into those who help and those who don’t is not quite the extensive breakdown that is needed. We must also consider the classification of “Those who claim to be Christians, but really aren’t.” If we include this grouping it makes the percentage of hypocrites much more understandable.
   Many people have the erroneous idea that going to church, being baptized, being an American, doing good deeds or even believing in God, the Bible or Jesus makes one a Christian. Self-efforts such as these fuel hypocritical weaknesses. Only the power of the Lord living in your heart and doing his work through you can sustain good behavior. And even then we must continually relinquish our control to him.
   True Christians will always be far from perfect. But when someone acts less than Christ-like, please don’t assume they are a hypocritical Christian. They may not be Christian at all. They may not even realize that they aren’t really a Christian in the true sense of the word. Don’t choose your eternal destiny based on the behaviors of any human being.
   This makes me wonder: Many professed non-Christians do wonderfully good deeds. When they fail, what shall we call them?
   Sue Fryer, Dundee

Why bother with a traffic safety committee?
   To the editor:
   I was so disappointed to go to a city council meeting Monday night and hear an approval for a flashing light at the intersection of Springbrook Road, Second Street and Fernwood Road turned down.
   All the discussion and hashing over of ideas, etc., had already been gone through by the Traffic Safety Committee over the past month. Money was spent on studies and a light was recommended.
   Why weren’t the Traffic Safety Committee’s recommendations approved? Why didn’t the city engineers have more information to present on what could be done? Why wasn’t the Yamhill County road department represented? No updates on the number of accidents last year? And this year? No one had that information?
   When the general public has more information on this corner and what can and can’t be allowed, then why can’t the engineering department get it all together and the city council be informed? Why can’t someone be appointed to coordinate everything so that traffic problems can be resolved? And when we have all the answers, so when the need arises after many months and still nothing is done and confusion and coordination has gone down the drain, it can be handled.
   More traffic, more accidents and I pray no deaths are going to happen while the buck gets passed and the time, studies and money gets wasted. Yes, a flashing light would work until a stop light can be put there.
   Have you heard of recycling? That flashing light could be used at other places when traffic light is in place; they’re definitely going to need it with all the growth.
   This is the only crossroad on south Springbrook Road and the streets, roads and lights should be the first to be installed, not long after the fact. Let’s put the horse before the cart in future projected plans and costs and get rid of a lot of this hassle and peoples’ injuries.
   Phyllis Busenbark, Newberg

Americans can be proud of their sacrifices in Iraq
   To the editor:
   You won’t hear it on the mainstream media or read it in the newspapers. What should be on the front pages of every newspaper are the words I heard on CSPAN.
   No, all you see and hear are the protests against what we are doing in Iraq. It that really American when the vice-president from Iraq was visiting the president today in the Oval Office on March 15, giving thanks to President Bush, the soldiers and the Americans.
   This is four years after the liberation of Iraq started. The vice-president of Iraq visited the wounded soldiers to thank them. Can we please get a different perspective about Iraq and get behind their liberation until they can be stronger?
   The Iraq man that risked his life to save one of our soldier’s lives stated in the book “Because Each Life is Precious” the Iraqi people were hoping the United States would not leave as quickly as we did in the Desert Storm war.
   We need to unite behind President Bush in trying to help them defend themselves against the terrorists that President Karzai stated last September left his country and went to Iraq to cause disorder there.
   When the country of Iraq can be more secure, the government can operate more efficiently. That is the new plan according to President Bush. Imagine how chaotic it would be here in our country if we had terrorists running loose and killing innocent people.
   When Muslims refuse to give a person who is blind a ride in his cab because they have a dog, that is just the tip of the iceberg we could see if we don’t defend our freedom of religion here in America.
   There are some that carry it so far they infringe on the rights of others. Like Gov. Mike Huckabee stated, when we foist our faith on others for political gain, it is not a faith anymore, no matter what religion we might have.
   Like many of us are reminded of hearing “Remember the Alamo,” now we need to remember 9-11. Remember, they attacked us repeatedly before we chased after them where they live. The attacks started long before President Bush was the president.
   If anyone is to blame for the war, blame Saddam and the radicals such as Taliban and Al Quaida terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq.
President Talibani of Iraq stated last September, “I want to thank President Clinton for making into law the liberation of Iraq in 1998 and President Bush for implementing it.”
   Why is it the mainstream media never repeats that statement made on Sept. 26, 2006, at the Woodrow Wilson Center?
   Carolyn Gilmore, Newberg

March 21, 2007
Drive to erect animal shelter can still use your help
   To the editor:
   Our first big fund-raiser of 2007 is our Mega Yard and Plant Sale scheduled for from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27-28 at Zion Lutheran Church, 301 S. River St.
   We’ll have plants, shrubs and trees as well as all kinds of goodies you won’t be able to resist at very reasonable prices.
   Also we’ll have home-baked cookies and coffee available.
We need your support for this very worthy event. Every dollar we make goes into our building fund for a new animal shelter.
   If you have any items to donate please call Sheri at 503-572-0655. If you would like to order your plants before the sale, please call me at 503-554-0153 and arrangements can be made for your selection.
Our next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. March 29 at the Public Safety Building, 401 E. Third St. All are welcome to attend.
   We have more than $243,000 in our building fund account, but we do need more. Anyway you can support us will be truly appreciated. We are anxious to build this new shelter, but we need the funds and are striving diligently to see this new shelter is built.
   Donations of $5, $10, $20, $100, $500 or $1,000 are welcome. We have recently received a donation of $1,000, anonymously challenging anyone to match it. May we hear from you?
   Darlyn Adams, Newberg

March 17, 2007
School district is serving well the community’s children
   To the editor:
   I have been approached by a number of Newberg School District patrons since an article appeared in the March 3 Newberg Graphic concerning the May 15 school board elections.
   I want to clarify a quote of mine that appeared in that article: I stated four years ago that I have a strong personal belief that public boards retain their health and vitality through the infusion of fresh ideas.
   I further stated that when someone stepped forward who wanted to contribute to the Newberg School board, that I would gladly step aside.
   While that didn’t happen four years ago, it now has. Jeff Tant is someone with fresh ideas and, if elected, will make a major contribution to the Newberg School board.
   My comments were not intended, and should not be taken, as any criticism or concern that I have for the board or the district.
   The district served the children of our community well prior to my joining the board and, under the leadership of this board and Dr. Paula Radich, will continue to do so well into the future.
   Jim White, Hillsboro

Bicyclist should be cited for going wrong way
   To the editor:
   I read with interest the story about the bicyclist injured last week on Portland Road. If I interpreted it correctly, the cyclist was riding east against traffic in the westbound cycling lane — the equivalent of driving the wrong way on a one way street. In my opinion the cyclist should have been given a citation.
   Lewis Schaad, Newberg

‘Shock and awe’ is now ‘shocked, feeling awful’
   To the editor:
   Four years ago we hard lots about “shock and awe.” Little did we know that we were the ones who would be shocked and feel awful.
   Ralph Beebe, Newberg

Why can’t city get its act together?
   (Editor’s note: This letter was addressed to Eve Dolan, Dundee city administrator).
   Do you think that, as work proceeds, an arrangement could be made between the city of Dundee, the contractors, the developers, (and whoever), to notify the residents of Dogwood Drive, or as I call it “Nightmare Alley,” when their water is going to be turned off?
   Yesterday, the latest outrage occurred when the public water supply was turned off without notice. I do not need to tell you or the public works superintendent what can happen when the water pipelines are suddenly emptied and then filled with compressed air.
   The mess we had here yesterday could have been avoided by doing what NW Natural did when they turned off the gas yesterday. They very kindly hung a notice on the front door stating that the gas would be turned off and when. (They even showed up to turn it on).
   Can’t you guys get it together? The question, “Who’s responsible?” is getting to be a joke around here — not a very funny joke. I brought the issue of the lack of coordination or this dirty, sloppy work to your attention in my letter to you of Feb. 26 at a time when raw sewage was backing up through the drains in my house. I was told “It couldn’t happen.”
   We all know what happened. Lets leave it at that.
   Meanwhile, the mystery continues. Why is this job taking so long? Why does the right hand not know what the left hand is doing? Why is it that we suffering residents must bear the burden of your collective ineptitude? Is anyone in charge?
   On Feb. 14, your letter, reprinted in the Newberg Graphic, stated “The public has been extremely patient during this disruptive time.” It ended with, “We appreciate the public’s patience.”
   Is our “patience” the only card you have to play?
   Hank Franzoni, Dundee

March 14, 2007
Fire department service is above and beyond the call
   To the editor:
   I want to thank the concerned and kind lady from the Open Bible Church who called 9-1-1 Thursday morning because of my chimney fire sending open flames above my roof. She even knocked on my door to see if I was all right, and I neglected to get her name.
   I also want to thank Fire Marshall Chris Mayfield and his crew for their professionalism with their response. I was surprised that they had a special tool with a fine spray nozzle to put out chimney fires without creating water damage. They extinguished the chimney fire, put out the fire in my wood stove, crawled into my attic to confirm that nothing was amiss with my stove piping, set up a big fan to air out my house, then left.
   We in Newberg are fortunate to have neighbors that look out for us and a knowledgeable, well-equipped fire department. While everything turned out OK on my chimney fire, it was reassuring that they were here in case it didn’t.
   Thank you all.
   Leonard Rydell, Newberg

Elected officials are up to no good again
   To the editor:
   Check out what our elected officials are secretly doing now. They (the Republicans and Democrats) are being funneled into secret meetings to support illegal immigrants receiving amnesty!
   Do you really think this should happen? Contact our senators, Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden, and also our representative, David Wu, and let them know how you feel.
   I already did. I called their Portland offices: Smith 503-326-3386; Wyden 503-326-7525; Wu 503-326-2901. I also sent them all e-mails stating my displeasure.
   Look at http\\numbersusa.com to read what is going on. There is a Senate bill they are looking at adopting. They were hoping to slide it through without any of us knowing. I called the White House comment line at 1-202-458-1111.
   You should also be concerned about local legislation allowing same sex marriage. Didn’t we vote on that? Check out the Web site www.oregonfamilycouncil.org, to see just another example of our state government not listening to us. Seems about normal, right?
   Renee Mehus, Dundee

Grad Night auction/dinner proves a success
   To the editor:
   A note of thanks to the community and to the businesses who supported the Class of 2007 dinner/auction.
   The funds raised will go toward insuring that every senior who wants to celebrate Grad Night in a safe, alcohol/drug free environment will get to do so.
   The evening could not have happened without the volunteer parents and friends who worked so hard. Thank you. The entertainment by talented students of Newberg schools was much appreciated as well.
  Graduation is June 8 and there will be opportunities to volunteer that night before, during and after the party. If you would like to help please come to the meeting March 20 at Newberg High School. You may also contact the committee at gradnite2007@ yahoo.com.
Thanks to all who made the dinner auction a success.
   The Grad Night 2007 Committee

March 10, 2007
How can wanting to care for the troops be unpatriotic?
   To the editor:
   Do we have an epidemic sweeping the nation of the loss of the logic gene?
   It’s bad enough to have been called unpatriotic because we don’t believe the decision to go to war was a wise decision; differing opinion is judged to be unpatriotic. It’s bad enough to be called unpatriotic because we favor honesty rather than deception. It’s bad enough to be called unpatriotic because we want to see the troops brought home.
   Now to be called anti-troop because we want the men and women who are representing us to be as safe as possible, adequately equipped, and with appropriate periods of rest is beyond belief.
   Some of the troops are having to sacrifice necessary training in order for the “surge” to take place. Is this logical? Is this supportive? What about the fight that continues when the wounded return home to inadequate care, housing, pay, etc.? Is this logical, considering what we have asked of them? Is this supportive?
   The troops have been deceived in many ways. Some of them are so patriotic that they will continue to deceive themselves, even when their government isn’t showing the support they deserve.
   Let’s wake up, regardless of party affiliation, and get our definitions straight. The illogical actions all around this war are unpatriotic. Let’s support the troops.
   Shari Bowman, Newberg

Tell the city to return broadcast of meetings
   To the editor:
   Did you know that at the front desk of the city of Newberg water department there are short survey papers pertaining to the who, what, where and how of dealing with the city having a regular TV program about Newberg again? Perhaps, broadcasting the Newberg City Council meetings again?
   I have heard many complaints of people not being able to see the council meeting on TV. People, now is your opportunity to put your opinions on paper and be heard.
   With a little share and tell who knows what might result from it. It is a great way for people to view town happenings that are forthcoming if they do not subscribe to The Newberg Graphic. It is also a way to see some of our town’s people in action and up close and know what they look like and what things they do in town. It is also possible to e-mail the city at info
   I myself would really like to see people help this idea along. A lot of older people are rather housebound. There are also people with young children and work, people who do not want to take the time to go to city council meeting but are very interested in town happenings, fund-raisers going on, etc.
   Come on everyone, put your pencil where you mouth is.
   Virginia Jungwirth, Newberg

University shouldn’t allow gays on campus
   To the editor:
   I am a Christian grandfather visiting relatives in Newberg. Having been in journalism earlier in Minneapolis, Minn., I always ready the local paper with interest. I admire your little city and especially its fine Christian university, George Fox.
   Today, I am appalled to read that the university is considering having Soulforce, an organization of queers, come on campus.
   I don’t care how they present such an action ... the very fact they recognize ... why doesn’t the university refer to the Bible’s description of such sinners: “Abomination in the eyes of the Lord.”
   They should only be called “abominables” by all Christians and I cannot believe the university will recognize them.
   Up to now I have told relatives and parents I hope they send their students to Fox. Now, I’m having second thoughts.
   Ed Floyd, Minneapolis, Minn.

Groups agenda an abomination
   (Editor’s note: This letter was in response to a column printed in the March 3 edition requesting comments about a gay rights groups’ plan to visit in April George Fox University).
   After reading the column in last Wednesday’s Graphic regarding Soulforce, I am concerned greatly about the reason for this visit. I am concerned that the community at large is not going to be invited to hear these people speak — that it is only involving George Fox University.
   I believe this group has an agenda that involves not just “opening lines of communication” between the university and Equality ride representatives. They are out to get those 50 Christian colleges to accept — be inclusive — of their lifestyle.
   I just pray George Fox is not taken in by their agenda.
   As a Christian I oppose any attempt to have a Christian school be accepting of what is an abomination before God.
   I believe in free speech as one of our basic freedoms, but I believe what Soulforce is doing goes way beyond that. I believe what they are doing is trying to gain acceptance for an immoral lifestyle. As Christians, we are to love the sinner but hate the sin. Just look at the title of their purpose, “Equality Ride.” Just what do they mean — truly mean — by that?
   As Americans we all have the same basic rights. But our rights are not based on sexual orientation, but on rights given to us by God.
   I strongly oppose this visit because it is not a visit for the purpose of “opening a dialogue” or free expression of an idea, but to gain acceptance of a lifestyle that goes against Christian teaching.
   Larry Vosseler Jr., Newberg

March 7, 2007
Petshow practiced good community journalism
   To the editor:
   Newberg is losing an outstanding citizen as Joe Petshow moves on to bigger things with a larger newspaper in Hood River. His personal commitment to the total scope of journalism will be sorely missed.
   Publishing has changed radically in the past few years as large corporations buy up the media for the sake of profits and control of the news we get. The latest example is the Boston Globe, which last month closed all three of its remaining overseas bureaus. This is another indicator that the metropolitan press is getting out of the national and international news.
   But, as large newspapers are struggling with shrinking budgets and content, Joe has managed to keep the Graphic a vital service to the community. He has walked the tight rope of serving the interests of the whole community and at the same time preserving his advertising base. Not an easy task.
   Joe in every sense represents the values and ethics of journalism in its vital service to the community and the Republic.
   Thanks Joe, you will be missed.
   Marni Haley, Sherwood

Small schools a great idea, but five principals?
   To the editor:
   I read the Feb. 28 article headline “NHS continues search for five principals” with a greater understanding on why our taxes are so high and the continued chorus for even more money for education continues.
   Having just moved from Tennessee where our schools have or had what was called “Mini Schools within a school,” I believe that I have an understanding on what Newberg High School is attempting. What I don’t understand is the perceived need for an additional five principals.
   Aren’t the students attending school in the very same buildings? Is the student body increasing in size fivefold? Are there five times as many teachers under this new concept? If not, why is there a need for five additional principals?
   For a baseline comparison, Central Middle School of Murfreesboro, Tenn., had but one principal under the “Mini Schools” concept. Based upon my four years experience in Murfreesboro, I wholeheartedly support the “Mini School” concept. However, utilizing that same experience I do not see a justification for and cannot support the idea of five additional principals for Newberg High School.
   Rick Johnson, Newberg

Happy to see historic house will be preserved
   To the editor:
   It was with surprise that I saw a picture of “Grandpa’s House” up on blocks on the front page of your Feb. 28 issue. Since Sam Parrett was my grandfather and this house is where I lived the first two years of my life, I was very pleased to learn it was going to be saved.
   My parents lived in the house the first four years of their marriage, as Sam’s wife had passed away previously, and my father ran the farm while Grandpa worked at the bank. The farm included the land that is now the airport and extended from where the mobile home park is now on Everest Road to the property where the Assembly of God church stands (the highway to St. Paul at that time crossed the river on the old bridge south of the pulp mill).
   The dining set that was in the formal dining room mentioned in your article now sits in our dining room (furniture and house were well built in those years), and our oldest daughter uses one of the bedroom suites that was in the house.
   I appreciate your researching the history of the house and my grandfather; however there is one error I would like to point out. My parents built a home in the 1500 block of East Second Street when I was 2-years-old. Around three years later Dad built a house next door to that for my grandfather at 1553 E. Second St., and that is where he lived until he died in 1957.
   Thank you and the Willcuts for helping make people aware of Newberg’s history.
   Carol Parrett Morter, Newberg

Petrie family gives thanks to all
   To the editor:
   We would like to express our sincere appreciation for this generous community. It is great to know that even though our town has grown, it really still is a small town.
   The support and generosity we have received during and after my husband’s illness has been truly amazing. We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Jim was a very friendly person who knew many people; I didn’t realize just how many until his death.
   We especially wish to thank: family and friends, Bi-mart coworkers; Dr. Vu and staff; Ron and Wendy Halstead; Tom and Linda Vondrachek and Jem 100; Newberg School District; the entire staffs at Mabel Rush, MVMS and NHS; Kyle Kern DMD; Providence Hospital; Kim, Donna and Katherine from Providence Hospice; Northside Community Church; Abby’s Pizza; Wine Country Caterin; Loren Van Tassel; Sandra Brooks; Chehalem Park and Recreation District; the city of St. Paul; the city of Newberg; Alternative Burial; the Vineyard Church; Newberg Fire Department and Boy Scout Troop 520.
   We would like to thank everyone personally, but there are far too many, so to those that we have not listed, please accept our thanks.
We truly were all blessed to know Jim and we really will miss his involvement in our lives.
   Petrie family, Newberg

March 3, 2007
Real support for the troops means helping the wounded
   To the editor:
   It’s time to do more than just display “Support the Troops” ribbons. We have an opportunity to take real action.
   Because of serious problems in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., many of our wounded military men and women are unable to get the care they need and deserve. The outpatient care facility is reported to have moldy walls, mouse droppings and roaches.
   In addition, a maze of regulations and paperwork to establish disability payments is difficult to navigate, and it moves at snail’s pace. It can take months or years for a determination to be reached.
   Let’s not wait for the military to fix Walter Reed or for Congress to hold hearings on the situation. Ask Gov. Kulongoski to bring Oregon vets home immediately to get the medical attention they need. The governor can request that local public and private medical facilities take our vets now.
   We can stand with the governor, volunteering to help get the soldiers here, help with federal benefits paperwork, or even just give them a warm welcome home.
   Please phone the governor’s office at 1-503-378-4582 and leave a message letting him know that we want our wounded vets home. You can also phone our senators to rally their support as well. Sen. Ron Wyden’s Portland office number is 503-326-7525; Sen. Gordon Smith’s Portland number is 503-326-3386.
   Then raise your hand and volunteer to really support the troops.
   Susan Walsh, Newberg

Fire department gets a shout out for their work
   To the editor:
   Our family had never needed to call 9-1-1, but the night we did the response was immediate and the care given was professional, caring and thoughtful.
   We wanted to not only say thank you, but share with out community how thankful we should all be to have these folks living among us.
   Thank you Newberg Fire Department.
   The Wahl Family

Something must be done to fix street
   (Editor’s note: This letter was originally sent to Eve Dolan, Dundee city administrator).
   To the editor:
   As you can see from my stationary, I live smack in the middle of “Nightmare Alley.” I am one of the “extremely patient” people to whom you referred in your recently published exchange of letters with Mr. Hirte in which you discussed Dogwood Street. In my particular case, “extremely patient” no longer applies. In fact, I’m at the end of my rope.
   When is this nightmare going to end? Can’t the city and these contractors and developers do better than this sloppy, ill-conceived and ill-coordinated work? The Empire State Building was built in 18 months, and without the fancy equipment we use today. These guys have been at it since last August. Maybe these developers should hire union labor.
   Mr. Hirte touched on only a few things in his letter: the mud, the inconvenience, the lack of signs. Living in the middle of Nightmare Alley is actually quite dangerous. in the summer and fall, red dust fills our lungs and coats everything in sight — dust which becomes red mud when the rains come.
   Despite developer Faber Austin’s generous offer of two free $4 car washes, I was still unable to get my car clean. How tight is a developer’s profit margin?
   Here’s the latest: Last week the workers dug a big hole in front of my driveway. I think they were putting in drain pipe. Now I have chopped-up leaves and muck welling-up through the floor of my first floor shower. I’m looking forward to having this fixed. Fast, I hope.
   Oh, I forgot the mail delivery. My wife and I count heavily on getting our mail, as well as getting it on time. I’m a semiretired lawyer who does consulting on legal matters; my wife, Carolyn Bracken, is a children’s book illustrator who has done hundreds of children’s books and has a half-dozen under production at the present time. We are regular users of the services of the U.S. Postal Service and Federal Express. Both carriers are having a hard time with Nightmare Alley.
   You may recall that last Sept. 20 a number of us attended a meeting of the planning commission to consider a developer’s request for an extension of time. It was granted. Promises were made. One of our neighbors summed it up: “Time will tell.” It has.
   Henry Franzoni Jr., Dundee

Soccer club gives thanks to sponsors
   To the editor:
   The Newberg Soccer Club sends its gratitude to the Rob Molzahn group, Elite Homes, Newberg Hardware, George Fox University, Cancun Mexican Restaurant, La Sierra Mexican Grill, and USWebLink for believing in us and our mission.
   We want you to know we put your gifts to work nurturing the kids and integrating a fun soccer community in Newberg. As you know, two of our club teams ended the 2006 season in first place (NSC Real U-11 girls’ team, and NSC Dynamo U-12 boys’ team). Our other two teams finished their season in second-place and third-place, respectively (NSC United U-11 boys team and NSC Pumas U-13 boys team).
   More important than the competitive standings, friendships were made and lives were changed because of the resources you helped the club provide: coaches who modeled positive moral character for our boys and girls, as well as the club’s outreach opportunities that teach our players that they have valuable skills with which to serve the community.
   The modeling and serving together continues. Last fall our club players contributed their time and soccer skill to the families of the Chehalem Park and Recreation District’s Little Kicks Program (for ages 3-5). Last spring our past and current players chipped in to make Soccer in The Park a success, where families gathered around the game and played together at Renne Field.
   These boys and girls also marched in Newberg’s Old Fashioned Festival, juggling and distributing soccer beach balls that thrilled the crowd. Our U-11 through U-14 teams will re-form on May 6 and the cycle will be renewed.
   Our sense of unity is growing as evidenced by the warmth and camaraderie witnessed in our Newberg Adult/Teen Indoor League this past winter.
   Your contributions help stimulate faith in our board of directors, which moved from biannual meetings to monthly meetings and grew in size from four to 12 officers, plus the committee members who get things done, including starting a fund for an artificial turf field in Newberg.
   As you can imagine, opportunities to share and lead have been created on many levels. We really are helping the community join together as a nurturing environment for the kids through the great game of soccer.
   Newberg Soccer Club

Feb. 28, 2007
Don’t restrain troops — let them take the fight to the Iraqis
   To the editor:
   I hope that in this new plan there is a part for the U.S. Army to play. I mean a real part. This war has been a folly because we aren’t letting them kill the bad guys. Mutada al Sader is now possibly in Iran. His escape is on a par with Bill Clinton letting Osama bin laden get away. We knew where this guy was and let him go so as not to upset anyone and get some negative public opinion.
   If this is truly a war then let them fight it as a war. War is horrible and innocent civilians die. But that is how it is won. If the Republican party and the president keep restraints on the troops then I am very much against this war; it only endangers my two sons.
   I’ll not donate another dime until the Republican party acts like it stands for something. I am an extremely frustrated longtime Republican.
   Bill Boyle, Sherwood

Caring for the foliage all these years
   To the editor:
   A special thanks to the Yamhill County people who let me finish my 20-year plant rescue and watering programs. Great fun. The Queensland umbrella tree grew to be 10 feet tall; I have pictures. After retiring from Green Thumb on Feb. 28, 1987, I needed some volunteer work to do and saw these overdry plants at the courthouse and thought that is just the thing. Thanks.
   Doing the plant watering in McMinnville involved much riding of buses and planning of which tools to take along for grooming, in order to make the trip worthwhile. I also began a walking program and shopped at the bookstore and New-to-You.
   I shall of course, health permitting, and weather be damned, continue with the upgrading of the Newberg post office grounds, which I began June 29, 1979, with a permission slip from Postmaster Brumback. Whew! No wonder I can no longer successfully run for the bus.
   M. Ruth St. Marie, Newberg

Small Schools may not be best for students
   To the editor:
   I’m concerned about this upcoming change to our high school, namely Small Schools, and many people think that it will not make too much of a difference. But, what happens behind the scenes is what really bugs me most.
   I am a very active member of the Newberg FFA Chapter. (It no longer stands for Future Farmers of America; Mr. Beckner calls it Foundation For Achievement.) As with all high school clubs, sports, organizations, etc., the FFA relies on its membership to continue its program. This FFA chapter’s membership is primarily obtained through the classroom, agriculture classes to be specific.
   Small Schools decrease agricultural classroom enrollment, thus devastating our FFA program. Plus, we are no longer allowed to reach out to middle school students, for whatever reason.
   Small Schools bring grief to all FFA members because our organization will be on the verge of shutting down as students are now having to choose between band, business, art and agriculture. I myself would have never thought to join an agriculture class unless my schedule allowed, which fortunately it did, but not any more.
   If Small Schools affected sports in any way, there would not be support for this cause. Why should FFA be exempt? I’m sure other clubs who rely on classroom participation will hurt as well, whether they see that now or not.
   The school officials say they hear us, but do they really listen? FFA has been the best thing to ever happen to me, and I won’t let it disappear. If only there was some way to change or edit Small Schools so that they did not create with this problem.
   Our new membership this year has been the lowest in 30 years! We are positive Small Schools has played its part in this new record.
   Urgency has only increased with the announcement of Senior Small Schools for the year 2007-08. Please do everything you can to help.
   Garrett Duyck, Newberg

Disappointed with senators stumping
   To the editor:
   On Channel 8 at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 was a open town hall meeting with Sens. Smith and Wyden.
   I was very disappointed with both of them. I felt as though the questions, however sincere, only gave each of them a chance to campaign. They talked about the war, the war, health care, the war, school funding, the war, more about a health care idea that the Oregon voters rejected a few years ago, and then the war again.
   When one man asked a question about the veterans hospital in Vancouver being forced to lay off staff and suffer cutbacks, Sen. Smith jumped right into say that there was a 75 percent increase in money for vets. Then went on and on about the high quality care the vets are getting.
   There would have been time to answer another question or two if either could have limited their campaigning. Questions like: outsourcing jobs, open borders, the speaker of the house vowing a five-day work week, the super highway from Canada to Mexico, or why do we here in Newberg have to have an Australian company build our bypass when we have Compton right here in McMinnville that could do it very well, and keep the money in Oregon.
   All in all it was a waste of TV time.
   Bryce Jones, Newberg

Governor should listen to Taylor
   (Editor’s note: This letter was originally addressed to Ed Ray, president of Oregon State University).
   During the past few days I have been reading media articles regarding OSU Climatologist George Taylor. It appears Gov. Kulongowski desires Mr. Taylor’s viewpoints on global warming and his title of OSU climatologist to be minimized, if not deleted all together.
   I would hope Oregon State University would distance itself from the pressures of political philosophy and pursue scientific truth.
   One needs only to look at our own human history to see the persecution of those that argued the accepted theories of the day. Specifically, those that dared to think the earth was round, germs caused disease, and genetics dictated human characteristics were routinely discredited and often incarcerated.
   I would think as a modern society we have evolved from the dark ages to realize the debate is never over. Scientific theory is always under scrutiny and must survive ongoing challenges.
Scientific methodology should not be driven by political philosophy.
   Neil Cohen, Dundee

A big thanks to our police officers
   To the editor:
   Thank you to the Newberg-Dundee Police men and women!
   I know some people lambaste you (and maybe sometimes you’ve earned that criticism), but I want to tell you I’m glad you are here, working to protect us. I can hardly imagine what a terrible place we would live in if you were not in our communities. I’m sure there would be more robberies, more drunk drivers, more drugs in the schools (and other places) and all kinds of things.
   I pray for you. You are on the front lines protecting us form evil ones. Thank you again, and may God go with you each day (and night).
   John Lyda, Newberg

Feb. 24, 2007
Medical center should have specialists available in town
   To the editor:
   I wrote to you several months ago about the fact that the new Newberg hospital did not honor my Blue Cross/Blue Shield Med Advantage program, popular with seniors as gap coverage for our Medicare.
   I am happy to write that, since then, the hospital now accepts this coverage.
   However, I have a new problem. It seems that not all of the doctors who care for patients at the new hospital honor my health coverage. As a matter of fact, I could not find any gynecologist or gastroenterologist in either Newberg or McMinnville who accepts the Med Advantage program.
   I had to go to another town to find the specialists that I needed, to be able to be referred back to the Newberg hospital.
   I surely hate to be spending money on doctors “outside our area” to be able to be served in our shiny new hospital.
   To avoid confusion for us older folks, wouldn’t it make sense to have doctors and the hospitals that they work from all be covered by the same health plans?
   We need someone to advocate for us on this matter, and I appreciate your reader’s comments.
   Marianne O’Connor, Newberg

Parochial school fund-raiser a success
   To the editor:
   St. Paul Parochial School’s major annual fund-raiser was held recently and again achieved overwhelming success thanks to the many individuals and businesses from the surrounding area.
   Although it is impossible to list all who took part in this event, we would like to extend out thanks to all who contributed in any way to the 2007 dinner dance and auction.
   We sincerely appreciate the tremendous response to this major school fund-raiser.
   Dinner, Dance & Auction Committee

Let’s support the arts when they come to town
   To the editor:
   Newberg failed to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity last Sunday by missing the playing of pianist Gianluca Luisi at George Fox.
   Bauman Auditorium is a world class venue for music performance. The Oregon Symphony has made recordings in its acoustically perfect setting. The Bosendorfer Imperial Grand is one of only a few in the world.
   And finally, Mr. Luisi gave a breathtaking performance through a wide repertoire. He deserved to play on the instrument, but more importantly, the instrument deserved to have him.
   The audience wasn’t quite world-class. In such a perfect setting, the slightest sound carries, so key jingling and paper rattling carry to every member of the audience. While there were no cell phones ringing, when you hold up your digital camera to take pictures, remember everyone sitting behind you is blinded by your LED.
   All of this for $10. You will never have such a bargain anywhere else. What better way to educate your children about live performance. Next time let’s do better and fill the auditorium.
   Darlene Wingfield, Newberg

Newberg library worth the support
   To the editor:
   When residents are impressed enough with their public library to write to the local newspaper about it, you have to believe that the library is something special.
   Beth Muthiah of Newberg felt that way when on Feb. 17 she expressed her appreciation in The Newberg Graphic for the library, particularly for their children’s programs and their celebration of Black History Month.
   I’d like to second Ms. Muthiah’s thanks. The Newberg library is something special.
   The Newberg library is an extraordinary gift that has something to offer everyone: adults, toddlers, teens, Spanish speakers, beginning readers, everyone.
   I understand that the library will be offering free wireless Internet access from the second floor — one more reason to be there.
   I hope everyone in Newberg has the chance to use the library — and support it as well.
   It occurs to me that there is a painless way to help support our Newberg Public Library: First Federal has two branches in Newberg, one of which is in Friendsview Retirement Community. Each year First Federal donates thousands of dollars to nonprofits in Yamhill County.
   Each year First Federal sends each of its customers a ballot with a list of nonprofits, asking who they would like to send money to. Several Yamhill County libraries are on that list, and receive First Federal money each year, but our Newberg library is not.
   In order to be put on that list, bank customers must suggest it.
   My request: If you are a First Federal customer, fill out the request form the next time you’re in the bank. The nonprofit to indicate is the Newberg Library Foundation. Then, next year, our library can expect to receive some of these funds.
   Alan Meyer, Newberg

Animal shelter effort burgeoning
   To the editor:
   The latest meeting of the Newberg Animal Shelter Friends was held Thursday. We finalized our 2007 fund-raisers.
   If you have an account with First Federal, please mark your 2007 Customer Ballot Program for us. Your ballot must be returned to First Federal by Wednesday. Your supporting us on this is truly appreciated.
   Our building fund account is now at $239,482 and continues to grow with your support. We have a few wine/Dog calenders still available at a donation of $10., and boxes of See’s candies for $5 or two for $8. Call me at 503-554-0153 to place your order.
   Our Mega Yard and Plant Sale is scheduled for April 27-28. Mark your calenders for this super event.
   If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me.
   Darlyn Adams, Newberg

Being American means speaking the language
   To the editor:
   Two previously published letters about Donna Nelson’s bill harped on the nonsensical idea that making English our official language would prohibit use of Spanish words. That is ludicrous. People can speak any language they wish.
   And, of course, as the third letter stated, most of the immigrants that came here in later days didn’t speak English. They learned English fast, however. In the past, unlike today, there was enormous pressure to do so.
   That was one of the primary reasons for the “melting pot” that history books talk about. That melting pot took people from every ethnic background, speaking any number of languages, and made them Americans, speaking our version of English, in a very short time.
   We have always been proud of that heritage. English is what, at least up until now, has made us one nation, indivisible. Why deliberately turn our backs on that?
   My ancestors came from various countries, some spoke English, others German and French. But I speak English and I’m proud to do so. If you think I feel this way because I am prejudiced, think again. My very dear husband was second generation Mexican/American and you know what? He felt the same way I do.
   Let’s be realistic about what’s happening in this country without throwing around accusations of prejudice.
   Mary Brillas, Newberg

Feb. 21, 2007
Legislature must increase investment in public education
   To the editor:
   In a Dec. 29, 2006, editorial, The Oregonian urges Oregon legislators to listen to Kirby Dyess, vice-chairman of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education, as he explains how investment in higher education brought prosperity to Ireland.
   Headlined “A first step for a future ‘Northwest Tiger,’” the editorial advocates increased investment in Oregon’s colleges and universities. Wise advice — but it doesn’t go far enough.
   During the past six years, community college tuition has nearly doubled. In 1999-2001, the average cost to attend an Oregon community college was $1,700. By 2005-2007, that cost was up to $3,000.
   In practical terms, if a college student worked at a minimum wage job to pay for school, by 2002 he would have to work 55 hours a week, leaving virtually no time to study.
   We need to bring tuition costs down, so workers can afford education.
   When I was a member of the Oregon State Senate Education Committee, we contemplated starting a commission to figure out what a quality education in Oregon would cost. Later, the legislature created the Oregon Quality Education Commission. The commission has concluded that we have a gap in excess of $1 billion between the cost of a quality education and the amount that Oregon currently provides.
   In 2002, commission chairman Kenneth Thrasher asked, “Have the reasonable goals of a quality education become a broken promise?” In 2007 it’s time to restore that promise. I hope that this year the Oregon legislature will significantly increase investment in public education at all levels.
   Pete Sorenson, Lane County Commissioner, Eugene

Graphic needs to edit copy more carefully
   To the editor:
   As we received the Feb. 3 Newberg Graphic we recognized the mountain climber in the photograph as our friend, Dan Burns of Newberg. Then we read the caption under the photo. We know this person, and unless he changed his name since seeing him recently, he is not Dan Brown.
   We know that Gary Allen took the picture at the Burns Agency. How did Mr. Sale, who wrote the article, get the name of Dan Brown, not Burns?
   It has been a long time since taking journalism in high school and college, but this seems like careless reporting. It has been evident in our almost eight years here in Newberg that the Graphic could use a good proofreader who might also do some editing.
   So far as a clue to the correct name of the mountain climber, look at the e-mail address: burnsagency@att.net.
   For such an important event, mountain climbing to collect dollars for cancer research, it would be nice if the information was correct. Wouldn’t you agree? At least, at our friend’s expense, it was worth a good laugh!
   Earl and Annie Tycksen, Newberg

Arts are a mirror of society
   To the editor:
   There was a strong statement at the Grammy Awards Feb. 11 with a Dixie Chicks sweep — for lack of a better term — in all top categories. This also was a statement in favor of education in the arts, and the arts’ place in our lives, perhaps in politics in particular at this moment in our history, as a mirror held up to society.
   Speaking as an artist myself, this is why the right, most conservatives, always seem to be trying to defund NPR, PBS, and all too frequently, the arts in general as a frivolous waste of time because they (conservatives) cannot stand what they see in the mirror. They cannot stand to look at truth and what it does to their oft-delusional self-image and how it exposes their intolerance, absolutism and inner fears, which they try so hard to project outward onto all around them.
   When you can, donate to and support freedom of expression in the arts in all genres, and promote teaching music, art and writing in the schools at all levels. The more we see ourselves as others see us, the better suited we are to live humbly in reality.
   And “right on!” Dixie Chicks! You were way ahead of most of us.
   Bruce Freeman, Newberg

M-37 completes McCall’s dream
   To the editor:
   Gov. Tom McCall had a dream.
   The legislature fulfilled the dream — except one crucial part — the payment of loss of value to affected land owners. This nightmare was mine and many others’.
   Many of us had dreams of using our land as our retirement funds, by being able to divide off parcels as needed to enable us to live the good life in our remaining years. Until Measure 37, we were thwarted. A considerable number of us are from the so-called “Greatest Generation,” which provided the resolve to keep this country from being overrun by the likes of Hitler.
   Many, like myself, put our lives on the line at that time, and now it’s the legislature’s time to have the courage to keep our dreams from turning into nightmares again.
   Ralph Johnson, Newberg

Hospital needs to provide specialists
   To the editor:
   I wrote to you several months ago about the fact that the new Newberg hospital did not honor my Blue Cross/Blue Shield Med Advantage program, popular with seniors as gap coverage for our Medicare. I am happy to write that, since then, the hospital now accepts this coverage.
   However, I have a new problem. It seems that not all of the doctors who care for patients at the new hospital honor my health coverage. As a matter of fact, I could not find any gynecologist or gastroenterologist in either Newberg or McMinnville who accepts the Med Advantage program. I had to go to another town to find the specialists that I needed, to be able to be referred back to the Newberg hospital.
   I surely hate to be spending money on doctors “outside our area” to be able to be served in our shiny new hospital.
   To avoid confusion for us older folks, wouldn’t it make sense to have doctors and the hospitals that they work from all be covered by the same health plans? We need someone to advocate for us on this matter, and I appreciate your reader’s comments.
   Marianne O’Connor, Newberg

Next time let’s fill the auditorium
   To the editor:
   Newberg failed to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity last Sunday by missing the playing of pianist Gianluca Luisi at George Fox.
   Bauman Auditorium is a world class venue for music performance. The Oregon Symphony has made recordings in its acoustically perfect setting. The Bosendorfer Imperial Grand is one of only a few in the world. And finally, Mr. Luisi gave a breathtaking performance through a wide repertoire. He deserved to play on the instrument, but more importantly, the instrument deserved to have him.
   The audience wasn’t quite world-class. In such a perfect setting, the slightest sound carries, so key jingling and paper rattling carry to every member of the audience. While there were no cell phones ringing, when you hold up your digital camera to take pictures, remember everyone sitting behind you is blinded by your LED.
  All of this for $10. You will never have such a bargain anywhere else. What better way to educate your children about live performance.  Next time let’s do better and fill the auditorium.
   Darlene Wingfield, Newberg

Feb. 17, 2007
Racing for what? Pigeon owners must be more responsible in care of birds
  To the editor:
  We recently had a lost pigeon make a home under the eaves of our front porch. It was a beautiful bird, but as you can imagine, a little messy. He lived on the roof for about a month, then the weather turned rainy and he was getting pretty miserable.
   We trapped the bird and found out from its leg band, it was a racing pigeon. We traced the band number on the internet and, after a few calls, found the owner, who lived in Seattle. The bird’s racing number was 332. We kept 332 in our garage for several weeks and never heard back from the owner.
   We had no idea how to care for a pigeon. As the weeks went by, 332’s health declined. We contacted the owner again and got no response. We took the bird to an avian vet (in Lake Grove) and discovered 332 had been shot by a pellet gun and was in the healing stages. The vet gave us some medication and suggested we allow the bird more time to heal, then bring it back. Come to find out, the vet has a barn where she provides pigeons a place to fly until they get their strength back. When the flock is ready, she releases them to the wild and they fly home.  We were amazed to find out she has a waiting list of people with lost pigeons that need to go home (90 percent were racing pigeons).
   Unfortunately, 332 never made it home. His health declined and he died before we could get him to the barn to enjoy free flight again.
   I don’t completely understand the sport of racing birds, but I do know pigeons are not toys; they are beautiful creatures. I would have thought someone who raised these birds would have more concern and compassion for them.
   We spent over $200 trying to aid 332 and the owner couldn’t even return a phone call. Money isn’t the issue. I would like to see all racing birds have leg bands that clearly identify their owners and owners be more accountable for their birds.
   We’re buying an engraved brick from the Newberg Animal Shelter Friends organization to commemorate 332 and all other pigeons left homeless, hurt or lost.
   To No. 332, may all lost pigeons find their way home.
   Gregg and Jan Floren
   Newberg

Lady Liberty is not smiling down on Nelson, George
   To the editor
   Our state representatives must be out of creative law making. How quickly we forgot our own heritage. My grandfather came to America from Denmark and others of my heritage from England and Western Europe. And I am quite sure most did not speak English. My mother’s heritage was Cherokee. Just maybe some of those languages were more American than the English we speak.
   I am quite confident Rep. Nelson and Sen. George came from a heritage which was not English-speaking peoples. I do affirm what was written by Shauna Archibald.
   Our son-in-law has Mexican heritage and we have many friends who are of Mexican descent. I do agree they should learn English, but to make it a law is absurd.
   Let’s remember the words written by Emma Lazarus for the dedication of the lady standing on Ellis Island in New York. The lady is the Statue of Liberty, and a gift from France. Emma Lazarus’ poem, like the Statue of Liberty, came to popularize American’s mission as a refuge for immigrants. Here is compassion as a national policy, one of our country’s great national policies:
   “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
   With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
   Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
   A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
   Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
   Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
   Glows worldwide welcome; her mild eyes command
   The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
   “Keep, ancient lands, you storied pomp,” cries she
   With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
   Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
   The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
   Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.
   I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
   With all that is a rainbow of wonderful people, languages and culture. Let us reach out to understand, not create another law to alienate other language speaking peoples. Let’s be builders of bridges, not barriers.
   Earl Tycksen
   Newberg

Diverse library programs a bonus to community
   To the editor:
   I would like to thank the Newberg Public Library for the outstanding children’s services and programs they provide our community. I greatly appreciated their recent program highlighting Black History Month.
   Thank you for providing our community with opportunities to learn more about the significant contributions made by Martin Luther King, Jr., and other African-Americans. The bilingual Spanish/English storytimes and movies are another valuable contribution.
   I am thankful I can take my children to local programs that expose them to different cultures of our community and the world. Thank you for all your work and the tremendous impact you’re having on the families in our community.
   Beth Muthiah
   Newberg

Feb. 14, 2007
Dundee's muddy roads explained
   (Editor’s note: The following letter was written to the City of Dundee and reprinted with permission.)
   To the editor:
   Hi Eve and Don,
   I know Eve, I have written you before about the condition of Dogwood for the citizens of Dundee and I must write again. This morning, Dogwood from 1st Street to the old pavement to the north is an absolute mess! It is nothing but mud and I find this not acceptable. The contractor has been installing utilities on the west side of the street, loading out dirt and moving it. The trucks have been maneuvering on the remainder of Dogwood and the existing pavement is breaking up considerably, an issue I believe the city needs to be aware of and the contractor needs to repair.
   However, it is the mud that is inexcusable and the contractor should be required to scrap the mud off the grade and place new clean gravel and compact it on at least a weekly basis until this project is completed.    Earlier, I thought you told me the project was going to be done towards the end of December. We are now well into February and the final street work looks no closer to being completed than it was in November when I first wrote. It was frustrating to see nothing done and the beautiful sunny days of January go by with little accomplished.
   There are times when we don’t even know how to get off the hill. I have gone down Viewmont to go out on First only to find it blocked. I have had to turn around, go down Walnut only to find Fifth blocked as well and eventually found my way out on Seventh. Not properly signing the project so we all know when streets are going to be blocked is again not excusable.
   The City of Dundee owes its citizens better control and communication of what is going on and when streets are going to be closed, both coming and going. I have come up First street to go home and have had to turn around and go up Seventh. Where is a sign at 99W letting me know I can’t get home that way?
   I believe your citizens have been very patient, but I hear a great deal of frustration with the project and the lack of consideration for those of us that must traverse it on a daily basis. Being in construction myself, I know stuff happens, but there is no excuse for the lack of communication and action by the City of Dundee and the contractors to ease the burden and inconvenience. I urge you to find a way to let us know what is going to go on, when streets are going to be closed and when we are going to see an end to the work.
   Jim Hirte
   Dundee

(Editor’s note: The following is a response from Eve Dolan, interim city administrator, and reprinted by permission.)
   To the editor:
   Under construction on the hillside of Dundee are two small subdivisions, Graystone Ridge with 14 lots and Vineyard Estates with 22 lots and both in close proximity of each other. The two developers, Austin Homes of Sherwood and Willcuts Developers in Newberg, have been working on their developments simultaneously for the past several months and those improvements include laying new pipes beneath the streets. The public has seen the results which are street pavement torn up, open trenches, trees cut down, household water being shut off, and a hillside transformed almost overnight in preparation for the last major developments to be built on Dundee’s hillside. Traffic problems that are always present in Dundee have increased to include the local traffic loop between Fifth Street, Upland, Dogwood, and First Street in the area of where construction is taking place.
   When the construction is completed, the city benefits by having $2.6 million of new public infrastructure dedicated for public needs. A major new stormwater line is now connected from Dogwood Street to the Third Street line that crosses under Highway 99W and eventually makes its way to the Willamette River.   Properties in the area of Seventh Street, the school ball field, and businesses along the highway previously flooded by storm run-off have already seen relief. A much needed major water line has been installed on Fifth Street near city hall. The corner of Fifth Street, Upland and Dogwood is being reconfigured to improve traffic safety and visibility.
   But the inconvenience to local residents is beginning to wear on those who have spent the winter taking detours. The end of street repair is in sight, but not for another month to six weeks. A meeting with the contractors, C & M Construction and Saunders Company held Feb. 12 revealed the following:
   1. During the next month to six weeks motorists should avoid traveling the Dogwood, Upland and Fifth area whenever possible.
   2. The recommended route for the upper hillside traffic is use First Street to Dogwood to Viewmont to Alder or Seventh Street to Alder.
   3. Either Upland or Dogwood will be open for travel, but usually not at the same time.
   4. Street construction will not begin until 8:30 a.m. in order for the school busses to complete that portion of their morning route.
   5. Danger is present when a street is closed. Heavy equipment operators have narrowly averted accidents when vehicles refused to obey the closed street sign and traveled into the construction area. Flaggers are present to help traffic flow and closed street signs are placed there for the public safety.
   6. Additional signs will be erected to explain the best routes around the construction zone.
   7. The water will be off for about an hour next week in a small area of Walnut and Second streets while new connections are installed. Property owners will be notified the previous day by a personal visit or door hangars.
   8. Dogwood Street will get additional grading and gravel to ease the temporary driving conditions.
   9. Near the end of the project, the water will be off for a short time on Briar Street when the connection is made to the Vineyard Estates subdivision. Residents will be notified of the shut-off the previous day.
   10. Near the end of the project, paving will occur on Third Street, Second and Walnut streets, Dogwood Street, Upland and Fifth streets. This may occur as early as the first part of March if all the communication and electrical utility lines are moved in time. Announcements will go out the public prior to paving.
   The public has been extremely patient during this disruptive time. To better inform motorists and pedestrians of the construction zone, weekly announcements will be posted on the city's web page at www.dundeecity.org, and posted outside City Hall on the bulletin board in addition to a copy being sent to The Newberg Graphic. In the end, Dundee will see new sidewalks, the replacement of the city street identified as being in the poorest condition in town and development paying for major public works infrastructure. Soon to follow will be some attractively built new homes and new neighbors. We appreciate the public’s patience.
   Eve Dolan
   Interim City Administrator

Feb. 10, 2007
Springbrook Road intersection already unsafe
   To the editor:
I read your article “City closes turn pocket on Springbrook Road,” published in your March 31 edition, and have the following comment: The last paragraph states “The shopping center will have right-turn in and out, as well as left-turn in and out, until such traffic becomes too much,” Danicic said. “Then, it’ll become right-turn only as well.”
   I frequently use Springbrook Road and I can tell you the traffic has already become “too much.” I don’t think that a left-turn in and out is safe.
   Jose Chavez, Newberg

Americans not willing to make the sacrifices
   To the editor:
   When is it OK to fight? Is it only OK to fight when there is no doubt we are winning?
   I realize I am not over there (either Iraq or Afghanistan), nor do I have any family there. Many people I know of are too cowardly and too used to the many entitlements they are eligible for here. Most people here couldn’t possibly understand the sacrifice it would take to be a soldier there or sacrifice running water and indoor toilets.
   We all know how difficult things are just when our power goes out. What if we didn’t have power, ever? Or running water, or indoor bathrooms, etc.?
   I’d like to think if I were able, I’d do something more to support the troops and even the president. I do believe in the causes, even though I know there have been many missteps. I see them too.
   But history has taught us many things. What they are is in the eye of the beholder. This country has no foresight and no appetite for sacrifice. I understand that. I just don’t understand why so many people are so willing to let those who have given their lives and limbs be shamed and have lost so much in vain.
   This in response to Bruce Freeman and Bob Hutchinson and the many posts they have written over time. I know I could learn a lot from both of them and do every time they both write in. Thanks you guys. Your experiences are invaluable.
   Renee Mehus, Newberg

Small schools need parent input
   To the editor:
   I support the Newberg High School Small School Teacher Leader Proposal. This proposal will move forward differently and more aggressively than the previous Small Schools Recommendation approved by the Newberg School District Board of Directors in January of 2006.
   The reason I support the small school teacher leaders is because I believe that they and their peers, the teaching staff at Newberg High School, still have the passion for teaching our kids about subject matter and life that has historically been the primary source of accountability in our educational system.
   Is passion enough to sustain public education? No. Is my support short sighted? Yes, it is. But it is a decision I justify because I know that the teachers have been trained for several months now to be empowered to develop solutions to provide the extraordinary service our kids deserve. Their proposal lacks some solutions to some very difficult service issues. Their first draft spoke nothing to “special needs”, and I know that my feedback told them that if I needed this service that I would go somewhere else. They listened and they made several changes to address the gaps in the first draft.
   Based on my experience in industry and being a parent, I have found that the educational system separates themselves from other similar service industries. Is this because they are tax funded, while most other industries are privately funded? In the private sector we are subjected to significant stands for service and we are subjected to accountability systems to support our effort. If we perform badly we get help to improve, if we perform well we get a raise or a promotion. There is no good excuse to be in a service industry and not provide measurable services. Service is a philosophy, and to provide good service your employees must be trained and held accountable. To do this takes a rigorous plan that is multi-faceted and includes staff training in service, teamwork, personality analysis, relationship building, empowerment, Six Sigma concepts, root cause analysis, and corrective action. To top it off you need measurements. Sound expensive? It is, but that is why we have a grant to pay for staff training and the measurements associated with this effort.
   As parents, we have a job to do. Get involved. What does this mean? Do not stop educating yourself on how to be a parent when your kid enters into public education. Involvement doesn’t just mean walking through the halls of the school as a volunteer (this is a great experience). Involvement starts at home. It means that you should talk to your kids about the seven hours of their day at school, help them with their homework, discuss the social issues, give them good advice to keep them healthy and safe, and seek information from the school to offer opportunities that they may never consider. Most of all, if you have a service requirement of the school your child attends, or you have a service issue, chase it up the ladder until you have resolution else we will never have the service we need for our kids.
   Amy Bearden, Newberg

Unbridled growth is next
   To the editor:
   Your Jan. 31 article regarding Sen. Larry George (or any of his family) being appointed to a committee studying M-37 is like appointing the fox to count the chickens.
   The entire George family is well known as being for unbridled growth, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
For you, citizens who don't care, I hope you enjoy being a suburb of Los Angeles. Believe me, your lives will be greatly diminished by wall to wall houses and asphalt.
   Dennis Startin, Newberg


Feb. 7, 2007
Doesn't Nelson have more important issues to pursue?
   To the editor:
   I am puzzled by the proposal from Rep. Donna Nelson (House Bill 2459), which would make English the “official” language of Oregon.
   I thought we had important issues to address in the state, such as education, health care, land use, poverty and meth addiction. Nelson didn’t state the reason for this bill, so I can only surmise its intent and consequences.
   If it were to pass, would it mean I could no longer practice my Spanish or German language skills in public? Perhaps we would have to remove all non-English books from our stores and libraries. And remove foreign language courses in our schools; what would be the point of learning them?
   While I doubt that any of these examples represent Nelson’s intent, I do believe measures such as this are based on intolerance, fear and bigotry. They are divisive and have no place in our society.
   If you travel to other countries, you typically see signs and instructions in many languages, particularly English. Tourists feel welcome and immigrants feel comfortable while they learn the general language of their new country.
   I encourage state Reps. Nelson and Kim Thatcher and state Sen. Gary George to focus on issues that better serve Oregon’s people.
   Susan Walsh, Newberg

Put legislators on the clock, watch them squirm
   To the editor:
   It is quite common to hear that our politicians are not in touch with the real world. And I believe that too. How difficult it must be for them to imagine what the people want, and still get elected. But think about their position: their wages and full medical package and lifetime benefits are not related to job performance. In fact, they can be convicted of a crime and still collect wages while in prison.
   I wonder what kind of response we would get if it were announced to all our congressman and senators that for the next six months they will be stripped of all wages and perks, including medical and dental coverage. And for the next six months they will survive on the minimum wage and public services, like food stamps, etc. And they would be expected to punch a time clock in and out of the chambers, and they would be paid accordingly.
   I can imagine a collective inhale that would suck all the furniture into the middle of the room, than exhale it all out through the walls. But one thing for sure when the power is shifted, there will be some real blood letting in both houses and we all will have a ringside seat. And there will be lots of opinions on each side.
   Bryce Jones, Newberg

Feb. 3, 2007
Speak English? And give up our linguistic heritage?
   To the editor:
   A new bill being sponsored by state Rep. Donna Nelson, state Sen. Gary George and others would make English the official language of the state of Oregon. (See “Nelson: Speak English,” Jan. 27 Newberg Graphic).   Passage of the bill would raise a few concerns for us all.
   Ms. Nelson and her friends would no longer be able to attend our St. Paul rodeo, watch macho cowboys and ranchers (who feed alfalfa to their stock) swirl lariats or lassos. I’m sure those ranchers may be upset about giving up their tobacco, too.
   A damper would be placed on all of our summers with the loss of barbecues on the patio, no more swinging in the hammock while listening to guitar music, or the contented consumption of guacamole, tortilla chips, tomatoes, tuna, yams, or (O my Dios!) chocolate.
   This crusade against Spanish will make us unable to visit the states of Colorado, Nevada, Montana or Florida. I’m sure they won’t be happy about losing all of us touristas.
   I suppose there are a few things we can live without. I’m willing to give up cannibals, embargoes, filibusters, grenades, guerrillas, tapioca, hurricanes and mosquitoes. Good riddance.
   We English speakers have given the Spanish language more than a few of our own words. Where would Spanish be without software, el blues, el jazz, shampoo and jeans?
   The United States is shared with more than 31 million Spanish speaking people, or about 12 percent of our population. I emphasize the word share. Even George Bush, in his 2000 election, promoted his ability to speak Spanish, recognizing the growing numbers of Spanish speaking electorate and consumers.
   This proposed bill is part of a much larger agenda of exclusion. It is the punitive beginning of a movement to deny services and civil rights to non-English speakers. Let’s remember that many of our Spanish speaking neighbors are American citizens.
   I close with one more word we have acquired from Spanish, and that is booby, which derives from the meaning “silly” or “selfish.” Perhaps it is a useful word to describe both this new bill and its advocates.
   Shawna Archibald, Dundee

Girls’ hard work enriches the community
   To the editor:
   In regard to community involvement with Mountain View Middle School’s canned drive for F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service to Humanity), I want to extend my compliments and thank you to two lovely young ladies and all the homes that donated to them in their efforts. Kaitlyn and Alana visited enough homes to collect 200-plus cans and boxes of nonperishable items.
   These two ladies took their day off from school, performing voluntary community service by collecting for hours.
   With all the negative attention the 90s generation receives, it is my belief that there are still good youth.
   Michelle Saddoris, Newberg

Jan. 31, 2007
Camera thief takes away woman’s pastime
   To the editor:
   There is a thief in town! While shopping at Fred Meyer in Newberg on Jan. 3, my camera was stolen from my vehicle.
   I am a disabled widow living on Social Security disability. It took me a month to save enough money to purchase my Pentax Optio 450 digital camera. I will not be able to replace this camera. My medical costs, especially prescriptions, eat up my monthly income. Savings? Nonexistent.
   The person who stole my camera took away my favorite pastime and left me feeling violated. I will truly miss the camera and the many hours of enjoyment it gave me.
   Shame on you, thief, for stealing. Shame on me for thinking my dog could protect my vehicle and its contents.
   Nancy Gerling, Albany

Pray earnestly every day for an end to the war
   To the editor:
   Bob Hutchinson’s Jan. 24 column says we should pray for an end to the Iraq war. When advocating prayer as a means of solving issues, especially the Iraq war with which we are now confronted, Bob mentioned that “the next prayer service of Christians United in Prayer at St. Peter’s Catholic Church is at 7 p.m. Feb 1.”
   My questions: “Why only one prayer service, and why are you waiting until Feb. 1?”
   This issue, war, is too important to have only one prayer vigil. The doors of all churches and synagogues and mosques should be flung open wide and remain open round the clock for those wanting to pray in such a place to save our troops and innocent civilians caught in violence which they neither initiated nor desired.
    Prayer does not come with the proviso: “when convenient.” Prayer should be paramount and constant. Prayer should not be limited to a structure. Personally, I always thought one was supposed to “go into a room alone, and be at one with God in prayer.” You don’t have to get dressed up or be on parade for prayer. Stop what you are doing; get down on your knees where you are, right now, and ask for guidance and divine intervention that egos might be set aside so lives might be spared the ravages of this and other wars.
   Ask for divine guidance that those in deadly contention find resolution and compromise and live in peace thereafter. Don’t ask me, or Bob, ask God to provide all of us with the answer to “What, Lord, should I do?” It’s a one-on-one deal.
   Next, listen in your heart for the answer. Then act. And don’t wait until it is “convenient” for the action to be taken. God’s answer most likely will not come when it is “convenient” for you.
   Bruce Freeman, Newberg

Jan. 27, 2007
People should use common sense when snow arrives
   To the editor:
   My life revolves around a couple things: school, snowboarding and sometimes work to make sure I have money for the first two.
   Every year, as soon as the law allows, I have studded snow tires put on my four-wheel-drive SUV and wait for the mountain to open. I use Rain-X on my windows, and carry all sorts of de-icing and anti-freezing provisions.
   The interesting thing is that even before I was a snowboarder I already did the same routine of being ready for snow or ice; it is just common sense.
   I found this latest winter weather encounter disappointing. Not so much because it made travel a pain in the rear, but because many people lost their common sense. The worst thing I saw was people sledding down Zimri Drive. I almost hit one sledder. I also saw many people being towed down the road by cars, trucks, SUVs, and even ATVs.
   There were people driving on the sheet of ice that seemed to be everywhere without any kind of traction tires, and numerous other really bad ideas. The whole towing thing even cost one little (Portland) girl her life.
   The bottom line is that people need to be prepared, or walk, if this kind of event happens. Those who choose to play in it need to do so safely, not on a busy street. I am not saying don’t enjoy it. All I am trying to say is think about some of the ‘what if’ possibilities so you do not get yourself killed.
   David Lilly Jr., Newberg

The debate on Measure 37 rages on
   To the editor:
   I am beginning to seriously question the comprehension level of some of the contributors to this forum.
Viron Fessler’s letter on the Jan. 20 Viewpoint page claims that I “mangled” Mary Stern’s “wisdom.” How is this possible?
   Whereas the quote that I referred to was the one the Mr. Fessler provided. And whereas, as readers will remember, I was skeptical of the quote and prefaced it in my letter with “If she actually said what Mr. Fessler claims,” since I had no firsthand knowledge of what Mary actually said, and I said so; if anyone is guilty of mangling her words, Viron should “fess up”
   Mr. Fessler claims that the public is “outraged” that people wish to “grow houses.” Does he live in a tree? Or does he only expect everyone else to? If $250,000 is not too much to pay for a ‘tract house,’ then how much is? Should Oregon be the only state were Habitat for Humanity is considered a “controlled substance?”
   Fessler facetiously asked what a Libertarian is. That’s easy. A Libertarian is someone who adds two plus two and comes up with four every time.
   David Terry, chairman,
   Libertarian Party of Yamhill County

Jan. 24, 2007
Letter writer far from ‘landed gentry’
   To the editor:
   In an attempt to repair what appeared to The Newberg Graphic news editor as tortured grammar, my last letter, titled “Terry ‘mangles’ Stern’s wisdom on M-37,” mistakenly gave me quite a bit more land than I own.
   In his nasty letter of Jan. 17, David Terry of McMinnville likened me to landed gentry. Although I am a fourth-generation native born Oregonian with property, my originally submitted text read: “I neither hold, nor seek office - and my homestead’s 371 acres smaller than the George Living Trust claim.”
   The Graphic’s revision read, “my homestead’s 371 acres is smaller than the George Living Trust claim.”
   Although I wouldn’t turn down the additional acreage, what remains is far from elite. And, my great-grandparents grew children on our small hill-farm, not houses.
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

Parrish family reunites
   To the editor:
   Amidst laughter, music and softened merriment, red roses, balloons and sharing in the birthday cake highlighted the 97th celebration for Wilma Josephine Cornell Parrish at her home in the Fernwood district of Newberg on Jan. 14. The highlight of the occasion was opening a special gift to Wilma from the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team, her favorite since their beginning.
   Ms. Parrish was born on North Morton Street in Newberg on Jan. 12, 1910, the daughter of William Arthur and Josephine McGuire Cornell. She has lived her life in various cities throughout Oregon, also traveling with her husband, the late Dr. Elery Parrish, and children to destinations for evangelistic meetings in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California. She has also been an administrative assistant and professional pianist throughout her years.
   Attending the special occasion were members of Wilma’s family: Warren, Melisa and Joseph Parrish — her son, daughter-in-law and grandson; Corinne and David Waterbury of Newberg — her niece and nephew. Also sharing the event were Jessica Ley of Pullman, Wash.; Nancy Pearson of Tigard; Faye Filby and Leila Zehrung of Turner; Howard Neal and David Johnson of Portland.
   There were 25 cards from family and friends. The most special was from Ms. Parrish’s only remaining out of 12 in-laws, 10 Parrish siblings and three Cornell siblings: Ms. Lillie Marcella Parrish Kendall of Newberg, age 95. Five special telephone calls received were from Wilma’s daughter, Dr. Edith Parrish of Sunriver; grandson Nathan Parrish of Depoe Bay; Miss Pitsmai Pachotikarn of Bangkok, Thailand; Janice and Eugene Kuch of Yuma, Ariz.; and Verlaine and Lynn Cutsforth of Clackamas.
   Ronald Parrish, Newberg

Jan. 20, 2007
There are many people to thank for library’s successes
   To the editor:
   The children’s staff at Newberg Public Library would like to thank local service organizations for their generous donations to children’s programming during the 2006 year.
   Newberg Library Friends provide funds that supported our summer reading program that served more than 1,000 children last year. The Newberg Rotary Noon Club provided funding to encourage our early literacy and frequent reader programs. The local P.E.O. chapter purchased award-winning Caldecott and Newbery books. The Newberg Kiwanis Club provided funds for our lap-sit story time and books for newborns, as well as outreach to local child care facilities.
   Without the generous support of these local agencies, programming in our library would be greatly reduced. We are honored to serve in a community that values children and literacy.
   Korie Jones Buerkle, Mary Lynn Thomas,
   children’s librarians

If only we could skip this presidency
   To the editor:
   Normally, I dislike computerized gadgets, but Santa brought me a great one.
   It’s a digital chronograph with a small display screen in the form of a key fob. It keeps ticking down time and presently reads 739 days, 8 hours, 49 minutes and 58.3 seconds.
   You’re right if you guessed that this is the time left in the Bush presidency that we must in some way endure. That’s the bad news.
   Further, President Bush presently seems beyond impeachment. Arrogance, misjudgment, ignorance or stupidity fail to qualify him. Neither does bankrupting the country. Nor attacking other nations without congressional approval.
   Unlike the British form of government, in which the prime minister must stand before parliament weekly for questioning and defend his government’s actions, we have no such opportunity in our form of democracy. The prime minister also may be subject to a vote of confidence at any time, and he and his party replaced by the opposition. Considering his popularity, rather the lack thereof, how would Bush fare under the British rules?
   But there is a glimmer of good news. Seventeen minutes and 37.2 seconds have elapsed since this letter was begun, bringing our suffering time down to 739 days, 8 hours, 32 minutes and 21.1 seconds. Just think, 17 and a half minutes of no more Bush.
   You’re right again if you guessed that this electronic gadget was made in China. And where do you suppose Santa got it?
   How I wish that I could fast forward the time shown on my chronograph so that it shows the Bush presidency has expired. Unfortunately my electronic device is tamper-proof.
   Henry Reeves, Amity

Terry ‘mangles’ Stern’s wisdom on M-37
   To the editor:
   Likely bitter from his 96 percent loss as the Libertarian Party’s candidate for House District 24, McMinnville resident David Terry’s Jan. 17 letter to the editor had me wondering if he’d read mine — or The Newberg Graphic edition it came from?
   Had he also ignored Leslie Lewis and Kathy George’s cheerleading for Ballot Measure 37? Definite insiders, it likely contained their “personal opinions and prejudices” and both knew full well its potential for abuse.
   Hardly a mind reader, Mr. Terry’s attempt to demonize a fourth generation Oregonian, while supporting opportunistic newcomers, is quite a trick. His charge of “elitism” rings hollow. I neither hold, nor seek, office and my homestead’s 371 acres is smaller than the “George Living Trust” claim.
   With supposed “respect for Mary Stern,” Terry attempts to mangle her wisdom, too. Ignoring 30-plus years of land use laws, providing property tax protection to farm and timberland, does he suggest Mary ignore the public’s outrage at those now demanding to grow houses? Homes within an urban growth boundary or rural tax lot are planned, Measure 37 claims are not. Development is not the problem, unplanned sprawl is.
   If Mr. Terry wants a public soap box, I suggest he run as a Republican. Then, as did state Sen. Gary George, become a Libertarian, whatever that is.
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

Jan. 17, 2007
End this war now and bring our troops home
(Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Oregon’s congressional delegation).
   It is now clear that our endeavor in Iraq cannot be “won.”  When an enterprise is conceived in hubris and dishonesty and carried out with sufficient incompetence, even the most powerful nation in the world can fail.
   It is gravely humiliating to admit failure in this case, but honesty requires us to do so. To evade this admission for another month or 18 months would be a criminal sacrifice of lives and treasure.
   We have no credibility left to preserve at this point, only self respect to attempt to regain.
   End this war now and bring our troops home.
   Peter and Emily Gladhart, Dayton

F.I.S.H. has good month
   To the editor:
   Newberg F.I.S.H.’s figures are in for December and show that 205 households received regular monthly food boxes, plus more than 200 families also were given special dinner boxes for Christmas.
   Our community is so responsive to the needs of our less fortunate neighbors. On their behalf, thank you each one who donated service, money and food to help.
   Gwen Schwabe, F.I.S.H. secretary

Words add to animosity
   To the editor:
   In responding to Viron Fessler’s litany of half-truths and distortions, I am presuming that the quotes he listed are accurate. It is the egregiously self-serving spin he put on them that is at issue.
   First he quotes Leslie Lewis: “I don’t necessarily approve of these one-acre lots myself ...” Has Mr. Fessler never heard the expression, “I don’t agree with what you said, but I will fight for your right to say it?”
   This is what happens when you have a nation of laws and not of men. Even those in power have to follow the rules, whether or nor they agree with them. Does Mr. Fessler propose that the commissioners rule simply on their own personal opinions and prejudices? Apparently so.
   His attack on the George family is bad enough, but it is really an attack on everyone that is not one of his chosen class; second-, third- or fourth-generation native born Oregonians with property. What does he think happened to the land use laws in effect when his ancestors first followed the Oregon Trail west?
   I have a lot of respect for Mary Stern. However, if she actually said what Fessler claims, she sadly is not reading the law correctly, nor is she following the logic of her own words. If she approves of folks being able to do with their property “what was allowed when they bought their property,” it does not follow that those who bought their land, originally, for the purpose of farming must continue to do so and not be allowed to convert it to other use, unless it was prohibited by law at the time they took title.
   This is clearly an example of distorting the meaning of the law to fit one’s personal preferences.
   Finally, his attack against “developers” is pure demagoguery. It is the moral equivalent of blaming ambulance drivers for a train wreck. Developers do not build because they have nothing else to do. They build to create a product that other citizens want, need and are willing to pay for.
   Mr. Fessler’s and, indirectly, Mr. Lilly’s demonization of honest hardworking individuals only adds heat and animosity to the equation and precious little light.
   David Terry, chairman,
   Libertarian Party of Yamhill County

Jan. 10, 2007
Measure 37 should be revised, or dissolved altogether
   To the editor:
   Consider the following quotes regarding the flood of Measure 37 claims:
   “I don’t necessarily approve of these one-acre lots myself, but (the board) doesn’t really have a choice in the matter,” said Commissioner Leslie Lewis. A striking comment from an outspoken proponent of Measure 37. Fully aware of its devastating implications, right down to this punishing timetable, Leslie promotes the problem, not the solution.
   Commissioner Kathy George says, “We have a 180-day limitation on hearing these claims, so we’re trying to push through.” Kathy George and Leslie Lewis were two (of few) county commissioners pushing this flawed ballot measure.
   After relocating from California, the George family of politicians have relentlessly attacked our land use laws. While Kathy “pushes them through,” she’d best avoid the George Living Trust claim. At 394 acre’s it’s one of the largest.
   Back, with a 70 percent re-election victory, Commission Mary Stern continues to stand alone. Says Mary: “Under Measure 37, owners should be able to do what was allowed when they bought their property, but I don’t want to approve cases where the land was bought for farm use at the time and now the owners think they can convert it to housing.”
   Mary has long called for diligence regarding Measure 37, describing it once again as “an exceptionally poorly-written law.”
   In his letter of Jan. 6, David Lilly Jr. described this measure as, “something that effects us all negatively, except for the developers that only stand to get rich and move.” A recent poll confirms that his opinion now reflects the majority of Oregonians.
   Let’s encourage the governor and our legislative leaders to suspend all Measure 37 waivers. If, after allowing statewide citizen input, this statute cannot be revised to reflect the fairness it originally touted, it should be dissolved.
   Viron Fessler, Gaston

Jan. 6, 2007
Business owner thanks police for great service
   To the editor:
   On Dec. 8, right in the middle of the holiday shopping rush, our family-run jewelry store, Ken & Daughter Jewelers, experienced our first burglary in 27 years. The shop was cleaned up that day and business continued as usual; despite everything we had a successful Christmas season.
   In the aftermath, since we have had a moment to breathe, we felt a strong desire to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Newberg-Dundee Police Department and its detectives.
   The officers and detectives involved in our case truly went above and beyond the call of duty from the moment they arrived on scene until they walked through the door with news of the arrests.
   They may have just been doing their jobs, but their consideration to the emotional impact on us as victims, made us feel as if we were more than just a few members of the larger community; we felt like nothing less than family.
   They paid just as much attention to the collection of physical evidence as they did to even smaller details, like cleaning up large pieces of glass and making it safe for us to come back in.
   We feel proud to know such kindhearted and warm people are patrolling our streets; protecting and serving others in the same manner they did us. We wanted to let those officers, detectives, and the whole community know their efforts were recognized and appreciated.
   Best wishes to the entire department and their families in the New Year. We cannot thank you enough.
   Edie Salmon, Ken & Daughter Jewelers

Let developers develop, but make them pay
   To the editor:
   In today’s world of inflation, technology, political as well as social crisis, we find ourselves yet once again on the brink of yet another disaster for those who live within the reach of Measure 37.
   While land use was at one time decided by city planners, it is now decided by a measure that has the power to make our decisions for us. When the measure went into affect it gave people the power to ask again for permission to develop their land, but this time if the county, city or anyone said no, we (the taxpayers) have to pay them the profits that the developer would likely make.
   Therefore with so many claims coming in, and millions at stake, it becomes easier to just say “go ahead and build.” As these people develop their lots they increase traffic and congestion in the immediate location of the new development, our schools become even more crowded from the families that move into those new homes, making the fair and good education that we expect for our children a thing of the past, and the lines in our stores grow longer.
   More importantly, as the beauty of wine country fades with the wide open views of rolling hills being altered to views of small acreage developments and townhouses, I imagine that the property value may go down.
   Most of us know someone who moved here because of its closeness to the country, and its beauty — something that seems to be hard to find in today’s world of suburbia.
   Despite all of that I say let them develop, and do some other things as they do. The developer should pay a certain amount per house to the schools, and to the city. This would help fund the new schools that we would need, the additional police officers’ salaries to keep our streets safe, and even help pay to relieve the traffic issues that these new home (people that own a home often drive, you can be sure of at least two cars per house) would cause.
   The developers have every right to do what they see fit. Just as our children have a right to small classrooms, open parks and a fair chance. Just as we have the right to not be stuck in traffic, and the bypass would not help if they were mostly local drivers going home.
   I could of wrote about raising college costs, drug problems, the war in Iraq, our fallen president, or any other matter that concerns us all. But I didn’t, I wrote about something that effects us all negatively, except for the developers that only stand to get rich and move.
   David Lilly Jr., Newberg

Ford good man who left behind a bad legacy
   To the editor:
   I convey my condolences to the family of President Ford on his passing and congratulate a life well lived. He was an honest man with conviction and vision, but he was no hero.
  I submit that in fact, he was a patsy, the genesis of the kind of cynical, unresponsive form of government we now suffer under.
   Richard Nixon established a presidency that flaunted law and common decency. Under his administration he pursued illegal wars, illegally spied on American citizens and participated in undermining our form of representative government.
   When President Ford pardoned Nixon, he sent the terrible message that if you’re powerful enough, and connected enough, American law doesn’t apply to you. We see the result’s of that today with this current administration.
   George W. Bush was installed in the presidency under surreptitious circumstances, involved our country in a war under faulty rational, and attempted to establish himself imperially through signing statements excepting himself from American law.
   President Gerald Ford did not save us from a “national nightmare.” He exacerbated it and transferred it to a new generation by shielding Richard Nixon from the full extent of American jurisprudence. The result is, we now have a Congress that are slaves to special interests and a president that is governing out of the Richard Nixon “How to Circumvent the Constitution to Do What You Want” handbook. Who says that George W. Bush doesn’t read?
You may rest in peace President Ford, but you have left us a terrible legacy.
   Terry Holdahl, Newberg