Don’t let non-votes count

I am writing to respectfully disagree with Hasso Hering’s opposition to Ballot Measure 56.

One of the cornerstones of democracy is the “one person, one vote” rule, which says that a person must actively participate in the democratic process — by voting — in order to have a say in government policy, including taxes. The fact that my yes vote can be negated simply by someone sitting on their rear and not even bothering to fill out a ballot and mail it makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. If you can’t be bothered to vote on a tax issue, then why should your non-vote count as much as my vote?

If someone wants to try to enact a 55 percent majority requirement (as in California) or other “supermajority” protection, that is fine. Just don’t reward those who don’t bother voting.

If you oppose a new bond or levy then vote against it, but don’t allow people to block initiatives by not voting at all.

Those citizens of Albany who did vote for the $55 million bond (both times) can see how that money is making a difference in the lives of the students of Albany. I hope they feel good about what is being done.

Tom Sramek, Jr., Board Member, Greater Albany Public Schools

Math and the recall

Headlines have abounded recently about the “math crisis” at Lebanon High School. It is clearly apparent there has been and still is a problem with the performance of our students at the high school level, but I would like to remind the public of some facts that have been largely ignored in the current turmoil.

The crisis is not limited to our school district. It is a statewide trend for math scores at the high school level to plummet. Lebanon schools’ math scores prior to high school are actually above the state average, according to the ODE website report. Our dropout rates are the lowest they have ever been.

The data was presented to the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce by district administrators and to the Lebanon School Board at the Jan. 3, 2008, meeting. I was present for both presentations. I would encourage you to review the board minutes available on the school district’s website.

There was no comment from our school board members in regard to those statistics. Essentially, our board members are so focused on their personal agendas they are ignoring the children they were elected to serve.

Those minutes also contain considerable audience comments from past board members, citizens and a representative of the Samaritan Health system in reference to the board’s behavior and how it has hurt our community.

Rick Alexander and Josh Wineteer only acknowledged “the math crisis” when parents finally made enough noise. Instead of encouraging parents to work with school district employees to find solutions, they pointed fingers in yet another version of their blame game. In addition, these two have continually ignored the efforts of the district administrators to get charter school teachers and administrators at the charter schools registered with the state. They accepted absolutely no responsibility themselves.

Vote yes to recall these two so we can fill their seats with leaders who will focus on student achievement.

Connie Schmidt, DVM, Lebanon

Foolishness in schools

The Lebanon School Board has a penchant for hiring inept school superintendents. Then when any members call the board’s attention to this ineptness, the board wants them removed. I suppose they are afraid the general poor quality of their education system might be in jeopardy. This person has been carefully chosen, overpaid and given a contract that has no end.

Ineptness in the teachers is also a problem. All through my youngest daughter’s bumpy journey starting at Green Acres and lasting through high school, my questions about what I felt were problems in teaching omissions were most often answered with “We don’t stress that at this level.” My complaints to the inadequate teaching in algebra directly to the principal brought a scary response: “The superintendent and the teachers union set up the courses. There is nothing I can do.”

Lebanon will continue to have problems as long as they fill the schools with the inept and waste time on movies and computers. The people who designed TV and computers used their educations to make the end product. Gray matter cannot be replaced with the foolishness that is all too common in the classroom.

M. Paul Lindsey, Lebanon

For mayor of Albany

Intelligence, experience, dedication and judgment. These words describe Dan Bedore and explain why I hope he will be elected mayor of Albany.

I first got to know Dan when he was appointed to the Albany Planning Commission. He impressed me with his ability to wade through long staff reports and zero in on the real issues for both the immediate neighborhood and the larger community.

His experience in local government is impressive. In Albany, he has served as a planning commissioner, city councilor and mayor. He was a planning commissioner in Springfield and the mayor of Junction City.

Dan also has years of experience in the private sector. He has management experience in setting goals, determining priorities and navigating through challenging economic times.

This year as mayor, he has participated in numerous events, ranging from the great River Rhythms concerts to neighborhood clean-up efforts.

He is articulate and represents Albany quite well, both here and out of town. He is accessible and listens to the opinions of Albany residents.

Dan takes yesterday and tomorrow into account in decisions he makes today. He respects Albany’s great history and wants to build on it as we move into the future.

I see him as an advocate of “managed” growth. While he does not want to put the brakes on growth, he does not have a heavy foot on the accelerator either. He “gets it” about the importance of jobs, especially those that pay well, to the quality of life in Albany.

Dan’s primary opponent in this race is Councilor Sharon Konopa. During my career in city government, I had the pleasure of working with both Sharon and Dan. I like and respect Sharon. She is a passionate and consistent advocate for her positions.

Helen Burns Sharp, Albany