Tax and spend in Lebanon

I see the mayor of Lebanon is doing a major whine about Councilor Ray Weldon.

The mayor is a tax-and-spend liberal while Weldon is a conservative. The mayor has never seen a dollar he didn't like to spend and has never seen a tax increase or a water and sewer increase he hasn't liked. If he ran out of money, he just took it from the water fund and then raised the water rates. Lebanon has the highest property taxes and the highest water rates in the state of Oregon. The mayor's statement as to economic progress is a life raft with a hole in it.

Bringing in chain stores who put small businesses out of business, who only hire part-time, pay the minimum wage, no health insurance and no pension is hardly progress. It's better than a kick in the head, but just barely.

Follow the law and take legal fees out of employee PERS and the problem will end.

William J. Purcell, Lebanon

A commitment to Lebanon

Ken Toombs is running for re-election as mayor of Lebanon. I would encourage voters to mark the circle on their ballot by Mayor Toombs' name for several reasons.

First, he has been a Lebanon resident for many years and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community through his years on the city council and as a small businessman. Through those years of service Mayor Toombs has developed a deep understanding of this community and has looked out for the long-term good of the community, not just the special interests of a few.

Second, his record demonstrates substantial, positive contributions to Lebanon. His economic development efforts as well as his efforts to pass the bond for the construction of a new justice center and a new library are just a couple examples of contributions to a better Lebanon.

Third, Ken Toombs believes in the process but he also believes the process is about more than just endless discussion without constructive action.

Ken Toombs truly models public service and more than anyone deserves the title of Mr. Mayor. Keep Lebanon moving forward and vote for Ken Toombs for mayor.

Denice Lee, Lebanon

Forensic Group homes and I

In response to Dianne Farrell's letter (Mailbag, Oct. 28), I can sympathize with her wanting to see mental patients return home to be near family and friends. However, I strongly oppose the housing of forensic patients (the criminally insane) in group homes in residential neighborhoods. I'm not alone in this. The state's police chiefs' and sheriffs' associations also say this is a bad idea.

At age 71, with no wife or kids and a big, black watchdog, I wouldn't be too inconvenienced by having a house full of six or seven forensic patients move in next door. However, if it was 40 years ago and I had my pretty wife, two cute preschool kids and three or four kittens playing in the yard, there is no way we could stay in this house.

If the state used its arbitrary and capricious powers to move in a group of forensic patients (the criminally insane) I would have no alternative but to move.

If you and your neighbors like the idea of the state moving forensic patients or other mental patients into your neighborhood, I'm sure the state would be more than happy to accommodate you. If you like this idea, Ms. Farrell indicates you should vote for my opponent, Andy Olson, who apparently would lead the way.

If you prefer a state representative who will do all he can to stop this strong-arm, insensitive, muscling in on our residential neighborhoods by the state, vote for me. I personally resent being pushed around by the state.

Dick Olsen, Albany

An enjoyable Scio evening

Last week I attended a town hall meeting in Scio. The purpose was to discuss ballot measures for the general election.

Prior to the discussion was a presentation for the 4-H/Extension program. The presentation was informative and well done. I was enthused to hear what the program has to offer the Linn County community, and saddened to think that the voters may vote no on Measure 22-81. This is a tax to benefit all of Linn County residents. I continue to voice my support.

We then decided which measures to dig into, and proceeded to have questions and discussions that held all of our attention. I came away thinking that the evening was one of the most enjoyable and informative I had during this campaign season. To the organizers and participants, thank you.

Gordon Kirbey, Albany

Change may not be better

Before I retired, the union that I belonged to always told us which candidates we should support to make our union stronger. In the past few weeks many or our unions have come out to support candidates for the upcoming election. Many have based their support on what the people say they will do for their unions. Not considering what they will do for our country, home or life to be stronger.

Remember the story of the man that had a deformed hand and asked the Lord to change his hands to be the same. Remember change may not be the way that you envisioned when you asked. Vote for what is best for your country, family and faith; you will get a better result.

Ray H. Bidwell, Albany

Gun control's off the table

Karl Grenz's letter, "What I fear Obama will do," is a perfect example of single-issue politics. Last year's Supreme Court decision regarding the Washington, D.C., law on gun control probably put dramatic changes or challenges to the Second Amendment to bed for quite some time.

I suspect Mr. Grenz's concerns are from an NRA pamphlet and are a perfect example of how special interests attempt to control or influence elections.

The next president, McCain or Obama, will have far too much on his plate to make a Second Amendment challenge a priority. Instead of focusing attention on narrow interests, we are better served by looking at the fact that we have an economy balanced on the precipice of ruin, a foreign policy that lacks direction or commitment, a health care system that is failed, and an education system in need of more than a catch phrase (No Child Left Behind).

If the next president focuses his attention on the issue of gun control, then we will have elected the wrong man to office.

Once we have an economy that is growing, a foreign policy that is directed, a health care system that adequately treats patients regardless of wealth, and an education system that supplies a workforce with literate workers, then we can turn our attention to the issue of gun control.

I suspect neither I nor Mr. Grenz will live to see that day. In the meantime, let's focus on the issues that are relevant to today's world.

Kenneth R. England, Sweet Home

Pro-choice for babies

I am both pro-life and pro-choice. Pro-choice for the unborn baby. Did you ever know a baby who wanted to die? Aren't you glad your mother didn't abort you?

I cannot in good conscience vote for a candidate for president who advocates murdering babies, unborn or born. Please join me in voting for John McCain as our next president.

Jim Piske, Albany

The chamber's slate

On behalf of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and our membership of 700 business members representing over 19,000 employees I am pleased to add our support to the slate of candidates endorsed by the Good Government Council.

Chamber member businesses are committed to helping the Albany area prosper and grow, providing a multitude of jobs and a strong, stable economy and tax base for the community.

These business leaders, entrepreneurs and employees understand the need for positive, effective leadership and policymakers who will work with them to create a healthy competitive business climate and maintain an open dialogue and partnership between business and government. The Good Government Council's endorsed candidates are committed to helping the Albany area succeed and I encourage you to vote for them when you mark your ballots.

Albany mayor: Dan Bedore.

Albany City Council Ward I: Floyd Collins.

Albany City Council Ward II: Bill Coburn.

Albany City Council Ward III: Jeff Christman.

Linn County Commissioner Position 2: Roger Nyquist.

Linn County Commissioner Position 3: Will Tucker.

Janet Steele, President, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce