Questioning Pepsi delay

I am wondering about the real reason behind the postponement of the PepsiCo Plant. Could it be that when the people out here on Columbus, Ellingson and Highway 99E got a chance to ask our questions along with the Army Corps of Engineers submitting environmental plans that PepsiCo might have been brought up short on their plans.

Don't get me wrong; I am not against the new jobs that will come to our area. We the land and home owners will be affected. We were never brought into any of the discussions with the county, city or any other entity involved with this decision.

The plans for PepsiCo involved wetlands that would need to be replaced. The new wetlands would encroach on our land. We had concerns about this. Other concerns of our neighbors are archaeological sites, endangered species, many issues about water and the long-term management of the site. A letter was sent to the management of PepsiCo on April 13 addressing these issues and within two weeks PepsiCo has postponed its plans.

The land and home owners were sent copies of the letter PepsiCo received.

Cathy Baker, Albany

Hilton appeal? Ridiculous!

I am shocked that little Miss Paris Hilton would even consider asking the governor of the state of California to give her a pardon for the 45 days in jail that was just issued to her. I know Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a lot smarter than that. The information, in her petition that is posted on MySpace, is ridiculous. When did rich and famous people think they were above the law? If the general public drives drunk, we get busted. If the general public drives with a suspended license, we get busted. If we do anything that breaks the law, we get busted. It will be good for little Miss Hilton to sit in the slammer for 45 days and reconsider her ways.

It is a shame that she gets so much attention. She is nobody's role model. I encourage everyone to write to the governor and fax the letter to his office, the fax numbers are: 916-445-4633 and 213-897-0319, and encourage him to not even consider a pardon for this troubled child.

Nancy Patton, Sweet Home

Only issue was school safety

In his endorsement of Frank Bricker (Mailbag, May 7), Dick Olsen indicated that Frank had been the only director who showed any concern about the future of Central School. This statement is blatantly false and serves to malign the conscientious efforts of the other four currently seated school board members.

I have carefully reviewed the minutes of all school board meetings from August through November of 2005, and what these notes reveal are five board members each concerned about the safety of students at Central and interested in exploring creative ways to preserve the school in its present capacity as an elementary school. Furthermore, there was never a recommendation from the District Facilities Advisory Committee, staff or any board member that the facility be condemned or demolished.

Liisa Reid, Chair, Greater Albany Public School Board

Taking a stand on children

Way to go Steve Druckenmiller (D-H May 7). There are two conflicting sides to this story and it really doesn't matter where the real facts lie. Bottom line: It is good to see a public official take a stand against unruly unsupervised children. I think many of us have been subject to this type of behavior and nobody takes a stand. County Clerk Druckenmiller and Commissioner Wooten are to be commended for their actions. I am really beginning to change my outlook on our elected officials in Linn County.

Louie White, Lebanon

Not all names in pamphlet

After looking over my voters' pamphlet, I think that a shake-up at the very least is needed over in the county clerk's office. Several names and positions were omitted from the inside although the names are on the ballot. Those omissions are an unfair detriment to the involved candidates.

Wake up, little Suzy! The name is wrong, but the thought is right.

M. Paul Lindsey, Lebanon

Accountant and instructor

Prior to my retirement as an administrator at Linn-Benton Community College, I had numerous occasions to work with Dick Running when he served as the auditor for the college. In that capacity, he proved to provide valuable insight and suggestions into monitoring the college's fiscal activities. In addition, he gained further awareness of the college by serving as a part-time instructor of personal finance and accounting classes. In recent years, he has worked closely with the LBCC Foundation Board on fund raising campaigns. His interest in the institution is unquestionable and the experiences cited have provided him with a high degree of knowledge related to the college, which makes him the best candidate to serve the interests of the citizens of Linn and Benton counties as a member of the LBCC Board of Education.

Robert A. Miller, Albany