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October 1, 2009 Opinions |
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—Editorial—
Recall Expensive And Unnecessary
Although the recall of Baker City Mayor Dennis Dorrah and Councilor Beverly Calder was initiated shortly after they voted to fire City Manager Steve Brocato, we realize there may be other reasons why some are condoning the recall. However, until we hear something more substantial than their decision to fire the city manager, we oppose the recall.
Dorrah and Calder were elected into office to make tough decisions for the community. The majority of us trusted their ability to make those decisions when we elected them, and we don’t see where they have done anything to lose that trust.
We can understand recalls that are initiated shortly after an elected official takes office, once they have had an opportunity to flex their governing muscles, but Calder and Dorrah are coming up on their last year of a four-year term. As far as we can tell, they haven’t changed their stands on city issues nor have they changed the way they conduct themselves as city councilors. So why a recall now after all this time?
Recalls should be reserved for those who have done something illegal, immoral, grossly incompetent or in some way violated the voter’s trust. We don’t see any evidence of this with Calder or Dorrah.
Oregon election laws don’t require specific grounds for recalls, and is one of only 18 states that allows them. Recalls are our democracy in action, but let’s not abuse this power by undermining our elected officials and creating a situation where no one wants to serve in an elected capacity.
We don’t want a city government where elected officials can’t vote for or against an ordinance, a resolution or even the firing of the city manager without fear of reprisal in the form of a recall. Nor do we want to dissuade others from running for future city council positions for the same reason.
In the event of a successful recall election the remaining councilors will appoint new councilors to fill the rest of Dorrah and Calder’s terms. We don’t like the idea of putting this responsibility in the hands of those councilors who openly favor the recall and opposed the council’s firing of Brocato.
This recall is unnecessary and expensive, especially in these economically depressed times.
Tami Green, Baker County Clerk, says a recall election costs taxpayers around $6,000 to $8,000. Calder and Dorrah’s terms will expire next year anyway so if Baker City’s citizens want a change in city government, it would make more sense to accomplish this during a budgeted election.
If indeed the firing of Brocato is the only impetus for the recall it should be noted that we have a council of seven where nothing is passed without a majority to prevent the town from being run one or two rogue councilors.
We urge you to vote no on the recall of Dorrah and Calder and let our elected city council get back to the task of running the city.
—Letters To The Editor—
Odds And Ends
To The Record-Courier:
You know in my last letter a few more of those things that bug us the most came up in conversations etc. but just couldn't write them in the letter without it taking up most of the page which I am sure the editor would have had to condense some at that.
One thing that I had thought of that I know is a bugger at times is those of us who seem to know how to be a back seat driver. I am guilty as charged of that.
And yes there is always the middle man or woman as well telling the driver the best direction to take etc. while in commute at that. Unlike me when we are in heavy traffic so to speak my right foot gets pretty well worn out for being a brake peddle at that. And just think I got my driver’s license in Seattle and have been there a few times and all, but you know realization set in and I figured country living is better than those city folks.
And the crazy thing is that politics can act a lot like this as well thinking that we can do a better job than those running for office can. Then there are the complainers that make a living at doing just that.
Yes I did manage to get out of town a few times this summer even went to Bend where I had never been before, even growing up here as a kid etc. It’s me just like any other city to me at that. Busy, busy, busy.....not to mention the traffic. My friend and I even managed to hit a yard sale after not getting out this summer here for yard sale-ing which we have managed since then. I am however looking forward to the Bazaars coming up on Oct. 3, 9 a.m. sharp, love those bake sales, etc. Check local papers for listing of bazaars and locations.
And yes all those gardeners getting ready for next year’s fertilizing etc. My peppers are about 3 ft. tall now and they are all producing sixteen of them at that and will do that amount next plus a few more.
Yes again on the robot issue of life they are making fish out of robots now as well.
I can hardly wait to see what they do with the bug issues—anything goes these days I guess. Bug, bug, bug along with the ding, ding, ding.
And isn't it a funny thing when our computers talk to us and use the same message etc. especially when printing pictures and all and you can actually put that thing in the deaf mute mode. Interesting how we can shut things out if we really want to for selective hearing. I am really amazed by the surgery that is out there for making hearing be at its best that if you are the right candidate for it they can do an implantation etc. and make life a little more enjoyable for those who desire to have this particular surgery.
Fall-like weather is upon us again, and is more than enjoyed by everyone. All the beautiful colors that make it exquisite. Once again all that fresh apple cider, and apple butter, etc.to be enjoyed given the season.
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City, Ore.
Health Care Changes Are Reckless
To The Record-Courier:
President Obama continues to pitch his reckless and unrealistic health care initiative to the public. “Big Brother“ Obama wants Congress to pass a bill quickly before Congress and the public understand the plan.
A proposed government imposed health care program will cost U.S. taxpayers about $1 trillion over 10 years, and the Medicare system will suffer cuts of $500 billion.
Thirteen million illegal aliens will access Obama’s health care system because many of them have drivers licenses and forged social security cards, and Obama’s health care package does not include verification of citizenship.
Obama says he will have to live with his program, but it is the American people who will have to endure the harmful impact on our health care system. About 80% of the American people are satisfied with the best health care system in the world.
Any changes will be implemented in 2013, well after the 2012 election. Is this timetable designed to give Obama the opportunity to be reelected before a failed health care program is implemented?
Some European countries and Canada embarked on Socialized health care and they have endured long waiting times for services and reductions in the quality of care due to inadequate numbers of doctors, nurses and hospitals. We could suffer the same fate.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH
Drive A Greener Car
To The Record-Courier:
It doesn’t matter if the car you’re driving is new or old, big or small. Driving technique and proper vehicle maintenance go a long way toward protecting the environment. By following five simple steps, you can do your part by improving gas mileage, which will also save money at the pump.
Drive Green – How you drive has a lot to do with fuel economy. Avoid sudden starts and stops and go the speed limit. Jerky and aggressive driving decreases your miles per gallon (MPG) and increases wear and tear on your vehicle. Minimize unnecessary miles by combining errands in one trip.
Get a Tune-Up – Regular tune-ups, maintenance and having clean air filters will help your car pollute less and burn less gas. With a proper tune-up, you can save four percent on the cost of gas and up to 40 percent by replacing a faulty oxygen sensor. Simply changing the car’s air filter can improve efficiency by 10 percent.
Lighten the Load – Get the junk out of the trunk and the stuff out of your car, with the exception of emergency items such as a spare tire, flares and a first-aid kit. Extra items weigh the vehicle down and cause an increase in gas usage.
Tire Checks – Around two billion gallons of gas each year could be saved if the tires on every American’s car were properly inflated. Optimal tire pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner’s manual. Tires that are not properly inflated add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. All of this increases fuel costs as much as three to five cents per gallon, and increases the risk of engine damage.
Gas Caps and Fill-Ups –Approximately 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Topping off your gas tank when filling up your car can also release harmful vapors into the environment.
Vehicle owners who do their own maintenance should remember to recycle or properly dispose of fluids and other vehicle components, including used motor oil, tires and batteries.
For more information about making your vehicle environmentally friendly, visit www.carcare. org and check out the popular digital Car Care Guide.
Rich White
Executive Director
Car Care Council
Bethesda, MD
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