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June 26, 2008 Opinions |
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—Editorial—
Rally, Races, Celebrations and Parades
Baker County has been hopping lately with local events including the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally, the Elkhorn Bike Races and the Leo Adler Day and Parade, Catfish Tournament, Train Robberies, Eagle Valley Days.... and it's not over yet, still to come the Haines Stampede and Rodeo, Old Fashioned 4th of July in Haines, Huntington and Halfway, Sumpter Flea Markets, Miners' Jubilee, Elks Bull and Bronc Riding, Shrine Game, Halfway and Baker Fairs, Highland Games, Fall Fest... I would venture to say that our little chunk of rural eastern Oregon "is where it's at!"
Boise may boast and Portland may pontificate about all of the things they have to offer, but Baker County has bragging rights that equal, and in some areas surpass, any metropolis. What we lack in chain store giants, operas and red carpet premiers, we more than make up for in clean air, beautiful scenery and friendly people.
It never ceases to amaze me how the people in Baker County can pull together and put on the ritz for nearly 6,000 visitors like we had for the recent Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally, and provide entertainment with mostly local talent. Baker County residents opened up their homes and properties to house the visitors, businesses extended their hours, service clubs donated their time and labor, Historic Baker City, Inc., the Chamber and Biker City Riders as well as numerous individuals all promoted, worked during, and organized the event. We even had a group from out of the area, Bikers Fighting Cancer, who raised money with a raffle and sales booth for a local child. The local police department worked extra shifts to ensure the safety of participants and the community.
I'm sure I'm leaving out many of those who worked behind the scenes on the Rally and continue to work on local events, but my point is — where else could you garner this kind of support and camaraderie to not only bring in outside dollars, but provide entertainment for the local community as well. I heard many comments during the Rally from out-of-town guests who said they were overwhelmed by the hospitality shown to them, the warm and friendly greetings they received and the overall beauty of the area.
Our little slice of heaven on earth though doesn't just happen by accident, it's due to the hard work of the city and county officials, the clubs and organizations, the business owners and the residents. I'm proud to live and work in a community that cares, a community that shares, and a community that continues to give as much as or more than it receives.
I'm sure you can dance in the streets at concerts, taste home grown food at the local Farmers' Markets and enjoy a double mocha latté at a cafe with sidewalk seating in just about any town, but we have something really special here — a community spirit that you won't find everywhere. Thank you to all of those who helped make the Rally and Bike Race a success, and thank you in advance to those who are working on the events that are being planned for the remainder of the year.
And thank you to all of those who continue to offer their hands in friendship to visitors, their time to worthy causes, and their trademark Baker County smiles to everyone. (DS)
—Letters—
‘Final Shot’ At Advisory Committee’s Worthless Evaluation
To The Record-Courier:
On Thursday The Record-Courier featured an article concerning Mr. Dielman and how his advisory committee rated Mountain Valley Mental Health. As I am the retiring Chairman of the MVMH Board of Directors, I thought I couldn’t pass up this opportunity for a “final shot” at this worthless evaluation, and the paper, for that matter, for printing such drivel.
The purpose of the Mental Health Advisory Committee is to inform the County Commissioners concerning the needs of the community. Mental health agencies are evaluated by the State of Oregon Mental Health Division. Why Mr. Dielman, who has no mental health training, believes he has the expertise to evaluate MVMH is incomprehensible. Mr. Dielman has always been antagonistic toward MVMH.
Furthermore, there is a member of his committee who is the spouse of an individual who was fired by MVMH. Certainly this creates a conflict of interest, and an atmosphere where any evaluation of our services would be suspect.
Recently MVMH was evaluated by GOBHI and by the State of Oregon. While there were three areas involving internal documentation, which need some work, the State awarded MVMH a two-year certificate, and interestingly, the surveyors, commented on the quality of care provided at MVMH.
Until the County Commissioners appoint an Advisory Committee with a serious interest in mental health and not just a political agenda, we will look at the group as merely an inconsequential irritant.
Laurence W. Levinger M.D.
Nothing To Hide?
To The Record-Courier:
Dr. Larry Levinger, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mountain Valley Mental Health Programs, Inc., condemns an evaluation of MVMH recently conducted by the Baker County Mental Health and Developmental Disability Advisory Committee, of which I am the current chairman.
What Levinger does not tell the readers of your newspaper is that all 10 active members of the committee signed off on the report and evaluation. In calling the committee's report "worthless," Levinger disparages 18 months of diligent and conscientious work on the part of all the committee members, members who were specifically appointed by the Baker County Commission because of their expertise and broad representation of the social service agencies and citizens of Baker County.
Levinger has some words for me personally. He states correctly, "It is well known that Mr. Dielman has always been antagonistic toward MVMH." However, that antagonism — I would call it "active concern" — which comes from many months of study of MVMH's operations and employment practices, does not disqualify me from being a valuable member of the advisory committee. I'm just a messenger, I'm not the problem.
The problem — the major problem — is MVMH's lack of transparency in spending over a million dollars of public money channeled to it via a contract with the Baker County Commission. The board of MVMH hides its decision making by having secret monthly board meetings, a secrecy it justifies with the oft-repeated phrase, "We're a private non-profit corporation." What Levinger does not point out is that for many years the MVMH board opened its meetings to the public and welcomed public input, until the present board came into being. Nothing to hide? Then why the secrecy?
Gary Dielman, Baker City
(This is my personal statement and not made in my role as committee chairman.)
Diversity Of Issues
To The Record-Courier:
Isn’t it interesting how so many things that effect us are on the rise these days? It can be weather related, gas prices soaring. Now they are predicting $5 to $10/gal. Awk! Just wish they would let things be as they are or have some stability to say the least. Wishful thinking I do believe.
With all the summer activities, gardening, etc., it makes me wonder if those things might cease in the future. I hope not. Anyway, with all the activities taking place and my new found interests related to work, and many of you have noticed the ads and cards in and around the city. I would like to thank all who have complimented me on my letters to the editor and supporting my work related interests. And of course to The Record-Courier in keeping my letters as is as much as they are able to and even some titles, and they usually in some cases came up with even a better title... most of us like a little humor if it makes sense, and something to think about. Some of course have a sense of dogmatic issues, and others, well, whatever goes!
I would also like to thank Bi-Mart for exchanging my iron for a new iron even without the receipt, but one needs to have a receipt when returning their items. They were very good to me knowing I needed a professional one to do what I am doing. It is pretty rare that I ever have to return anything.
If I ever get a funny bone and I am amused in observation, or whatever the issues, and just can’t wait for it to go to press, in the newspaper that is, fax machines are simply wonderful, or email because it could get burned in the other direction. My letters won’t be as often. There is enough to keep anyone busy, yard work, etc. As Paul Harvey would say, “and that is the rest of the story, good day.” Thanks again. Coffee anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
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