What’s a little disagreement?

I hope people in Linn County will join me in voting for Will Tucker and Roger Nyquist for county commissioners. In my opinion, these two candidates have the experience and dedication to manage our county.

So, you don’t agree with them on a thing or two? Bet you don’t agree with your spouse or your best friend on everything.

Please feel free to call me about these races or the other positions or issues on the ballot, (541) 369-2544.

Liz VanLeeuwen, Halsey

How trashy place was handled

In response to “Conditions not fit for life,” editorial, Oct. 14:

I worked for Children’s Services Division (now DHS) for many years, and investigated many complaints about substandard living conditions. We had funds available to hire steam cleaning, minor repairs, de-lousing, interim housing, garbage removal, and many other services designed to fix problems and avoid costly foster care for neglected children. Once the initial problem was addressed, we relied on many other community agencies to assist the families and provide ongoing monitoring and support.

I recall one especially egregious situation, in a house on Maple Street in Albany. The house was slipping off the foundation, and the screw-in fuses blew out every time it rained and leaked into the fusebox. They bagged their garbage, and filled the garage with bags over the period of a year. I contacted the rental agent about repairs. The owner lived in California, and had a local real estate company manage the property. They would not make any repairs, blaming it on the out-of-state owner.

I called the city inspectors, who came and condemned the house on several counts. We moved the family into other housing, and paid to haul off the garbage.

I was impressed with the city’s responsiveness, but not by the landlord and agent’s inaction.

The house remained empty, unfixed and deteriorating for about 10 years, an eyesore for the neighborhood, and a symbol of the greed and irresponsibility of some landlords and agents. It was finally razed, and a nice home now occupies the site.

There are many people living in substandard conditions who need an effective advocate. There are many substandard properties that need constant attention from the city, the neighbors, the county and attorneys if improvements are going to happen. If it’s not a priority, only the very worst cases will get addressed.

An aggressive enforcement focus is needed, and no one person or agency really wants to put the time and energy into it.

I suggest the cities look for grant money to fund a Focus on Housing program, identify some “worst case” targets, and have a high-profile “Housing Month” or quarter, with aggressive and highly-publicized activity. There are grants for seat-belt enforcement and other “focus” issues. I expect there are some for beautification, or civic improvement, or housing rehabilitation.

Maybe a task force style approach, with all the agencies and enforcers working together on fixing these problems. Just because it’s the right thing to do.

Michael Ransom,Albany

Lawsuits or leadership?

Wouldn’t it be great if the Lebanon City Council could focus on what’s best for Lebanon instead of the latest lawsuit levied by one of its own members? Lebanon is at the forefront of some very exciting developments and it’s going to take a united city council to address the issues that comes with growth. In November, you will have the chance to choose between Ray Weldon, the incumbent who has consistently exhibited poor leadership and even worse judgment, and Aaron Falotico.

I have served with Aaron on the Lebanon Planning Commission, where he has shown the leadership qualities necessary to help address the difficult decisions that confront the city council.

I’ve been impressed with his character and integrity since I’ve gotten to know him. In my opinion, the choice is clear —- lawsuits or leadership? I’ll take leadership and Aaron Falotico for Lebanon City Council.

Don Robertson, Lebanon

Why merit pay can’t work

A few comments concerning Measure 60, Billy Sizemore’s favorite idea: merit pay for teachers.

In theory merit pay looks good, but then it comes unglued. Students come in all sizes and shapes, with differing attitudes and abilities. The teacher does not get to select those students. Some kids are eager to learn; for others learning is not a part of their plan. Yet under a merit pay system, if the teacher is to get a raise, all students must do well.

The teacher has no say over the problems that some students bring to school. Some parents, for example, insist that homework must be done. Others may be unaware that there is such a thing.

The teacher has no control over the attendance factor. Some students never miss a day, others attend only under duress. Some parents, usually for economic reasons, move frequently and the child is bounced around from school to school, which is not a healthy educational situation. I once knew a girl who attended 13 different elementary schools before she reached sixth grade. Yet, by the time she was in junior high she was able to overcome those negative experiences. Have you any idea what a family breakup can do to a student? This can create a situation that the teacher can do nothing about.

The idea of merit pay is nothing new because it has never worked. There are too many variables, such as who would decide whether a particular teacher is deserving of extra pay. Who would make such a decision? Most people would say “the principal.” Forget it. Even principals disagree. Then who decides on how a principal should be graded? Any way you look at it, the negatives far outweigh the positives.

Chuck Halstead, Albany

‘Obsession’ should be seen

Let us not forget! October 1983, 25 years ago, the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, was blown up by “Hezbollah,” killing some 250 Marines and other military personnel and wounding another 100. Hezbollah is largely funded by Iran and is now an influential part of the Lebanon government.

In February 1993 the terrorist attempt to destroy the World Trade Center killed six and wounded more than 1,000. President Clinton considered it a police action. However, the terrorists were eventually identified and are now serving time.

These, among many other terrorist activities against the United States and U.S. personnel, occurred prior to 9/11.

The recent DVD “Obsession” lays out the extent of terrorist activities and should be required viewing by high school students and others. We all need to be reminded of how many years Muslim terrorists have been active and are still plotting the destruction of western civilization.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Lanman,Albany