City codes and subdivision

As the co-chairs of North Albany Citizens in Action over the last three years we have attended countless meetings at City Hall. We’ve had the opportunity to observe how different members of the city council use their decision-making responsibilities.

We have presented evidence that clearly showed the proposed Thornton Lake Estates subdivision would violate several of Albany’s own codes. After witnessing several votes by council members concerning this and other developments, a trend became apparent regarding how different council members voted.

Sharon Konopa always appears to be prepared and well read on the material presented and asks knowledgeable questions with salient points. She does her homework. She listens to the concerns of Albany’s citizens and votes appropriately.

The other mayoral candidate, Dan Bedore, seems disconnected from the concerns of a majority of Albany’s citizens. When clear facts are presented concerning code violations, he chooses to ignore the facts and votes for approval of subdivisions.

What is more appalling is that Dan Bedore was appointed to represent Ward I, but when it came time to follow Albany’s own development codes, many concerning safety issues, he essentially told his own constituents to take a hike.

We strongly recommend that you vote for Sharon Konopa for mayor and ask that you encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.

Dirk Olsen, Vi Anderson, North Albany

The qualities for mayor

Dan Bedore had demonstrated the qualities needed to be an effective mayor for the city of Albany. He is not only a good listener, but weighs differing opinions and guides the members of the city council in productive discussions. When a tie vote occurs, Dan will vote for what is best for the city and its people.

We can trust Dan’s leadership and wisdom to bring economic growth to Albany and, at the same time, to care about the environmental impact.

He will lead the city in responsible growth while still retaining a smalltown feel.

I urge you to vote for Dan Bedore.

Ronald Loney, Albany

Dogs, cats and nice yards

In response to Trish Hultberg’s letter of Oct. 14:

Yes, you most certainly are a pet owner. If you weren’t, you would know there isn’t anything that will keep pets out of our yards.

Your comparing Mr. Savage to a “grinch” simply because he likes a nice yard (without having pets in it because of inconsiderate owners) was childish, to say the least.

But this is what I would expect to read, when that person compares euthanizing children to euthanizing animals in the same sentence. It’s not only a sad thing to read, it’s scary!

Yes one can have too many animals. Did you not read about the 31 sick and dead dogs in Sweet Home? As for dangerous dogs! Pit bulls and Rotties both were bred to kill. One should take care when coming in contact with one they don’t know. That’s just good common sense.

Surely a person has an American right to have his own yard as he likes. Without having it messed up by pets of inconsiderate owners.

By the way! I would love it if all the “cat lovers” in my cul-de-sac would come by and clean up after their beloved 16 cats.

Sign me as another “grinch” who loves her yard.

Marie Little, Albany

Responsive to concerns

Just a short note of support for Floyd Collins’ bid for city council. I have always appreciated Floyd’s approachability as a member of the city council and, prior, when he was working for the public works department.

I have found him extremely responsive to at least two issues of concern I have had with the city this past year. This is the type of person we want representing us as we move forward in what will surely be a challenging year or two.

Roger Kroening, Albany

Help furnish our library

Let’s get out of the windy political rhetoric for a minute to feel the joy of our new city library getting ready to open in a few months. It is a much larger library to better serve our greatly grown user population.

But it needs to be furnished. Besides donations and grants, the Friends of the Library will be contributing from our annual book sale proceeds. That big book sale will be Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, at our Linn County Fair & Expo Center. So let’s be sure to donate our no-longer-needed books, and get to the sale to get those new ones we’ve been wanting. Prices are from 50 cents to $3 for books in all categories as well as CDs, DVDs and cassettes.

Evedene Bennett, Albany

Control would be nice

Re: Bill Neal on Sarah Palin:

While abortion may not be the answer to global warming, a little birth control wouldn’t hurt.

Amanda Anderson, Lebanon