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December 3, 2009 Opinions |
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—Editorial—
This We Think...
Horse Adoption
Kudos to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office for rescuing the abandoned horses and those who took care of them before they were old enough to adopt out. It is deplorable that someone would leave animals too young to fend for themselves (or any animal for that matter) by the roadside, but it is wonderful that there are so many kind and compassionate people who came to their aid. We are confident those selected to adopt them will provide kind and loving homes. We just love happy endings!
Ferguson Honored
It warmed our hearts to see the BHS football team players, coaches and cheerleaders pay homage to Jack Ferguson, who recently passed away. Jack was a staunch supporter of the Bulldogs and they did him proud, not only by beating the Astoria Fishermen last week, but by honoring him during their victory chant with “1, 2, 3, Jack!” We are also touched by the team’s thoughtfulness to Jack’s widow, Dixie, by lining up in her front yard and paying their condolences as only the Bulldogs can. Sometimes you never know whose heart you may touch in life, it is evident that Jack, with his unbridled enthusiasm, touched many.
Civil War Game
Go Beavers! Need we say more? O.K., some of us, who will remain nameless are cheering the Ducks. So go Ducks too!
City Manager Position
As the Council mulls over the qualifications of the finalists for the position of city manager, we hope they will take much more into consideration than the ability to promote economic development. Although important, a city manager also needs to have the skills to manage, and build upon what we already have, rather than always promoting a future endeavor. We definitely need job creation and business opportunities, but we already have a dedicated economic development staff working in those areas. The city manager is expected to work with those folks, but we don’t think that should be his or her primary job.
We don’t know, but we are guessing, that if people here really wanted to live in a highly populated, touristy, commercial community, they would move there.
Ulrey Retires
We would like to wish 5J Superintendent Don Ulrey many happy days in his retirement. He has been a good influence on Baker schools during his employment, and acted in the best interests of the students, teachers and staff.
We also appreciate his professionalism and willingness to visit with and provide information to our reporters over the years.
—Guest Opinions—
Benifits Of B2 Hemingway Transmission Line Would Produce Irreparable Harm To Both Private And Public Property
To Idaho Power:
I am writing to you because of my grave concerns regarding the proposed B2H 500kv transmission line.
Statements by Idaho Power indicate that the purpose of the line has nothing to do with producing more power, but rather to enhance the company's access to "the northwest's major power-trading hub" in Boardman—presumably before further development of the nation's movement toward less reliance on fossil energy.
Ironically, some of the earlier opposition to the line has come from the very people of southern Idaho who were supposedly the main beneficiaries of the project. They argued instead for "distributed generation"—smaller generation sources closer to the point of use—as more economical, sustainable, secure, diverse, and in line with the nation's move toward renewable energy.
From geographical, engineering, logistical, and construction points of view, both common sense and the user destination favor the I-84 corridor The main argument against that choice that Idaho Power has offered is "stiff resistance."
It appears that the company's main response to that resistance has been the classic military strategy: divide and conquer. First they propose a route farther west, through Baker and Malheur Counties. Here, of course, the population and the financial resources are sparse and scattered, making the resistance much less stiff. But resistance was indeed raised, so the strategy went the next step: move even farther west to Grant County, with even more limited population and economic resources for raising objections. Not only that, but proposing three possible routes not only pits county against county, but neighbor against neighbor.
And finally, Grant County is brought into the skirmish late, on short notice, with meeting times and places erratic and fragmented and with pressures for rapid decisions, so that the so-called Community Advisory Process is weakened from the start. In short, Grant County is seen as a sort of throw-away population whose interests can be trumped by the financial and political forces of the Ontario and western Idaho people and of Idaho Power. It feels as if we have been presented a fait accompli, a done deal, so that the "Community Advisory Process" is simply a feel-good formality and justification for approval.
Any possible benefits from this line to Grant County—as with Baker and Malheur—would be trivial and fleeting, yet it would produce irreparable harm to both private and public property and to past and future decisions and actions in forest management, watershed rehabilitation, roadless and pristine areas, scenic and recreational uses, and to the laborious collaborative progress that is being achieved between opposing interests in uses of the land. With extensive public land in Grant County, the power company's negotiations with the USFS and BLM will be easier because they can be carried out across a desk, rather than on a private land owner's hillside, pasture, or creek bank—and I am told that they even negotiate under different rules.
The website of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission states that on June 25, 2009, your company was granted a delay "to provide the firm additional time to perform an updated analysis of the B2H project using current load forecasts [my emphasis added]. I don't know what these "forecasts" were or how they were arrived at, but in view of all the other information available the forecasts must at best be highly suspect.
I stand ready to be corrected for any factual errors or any unjustified paranoia in my perceptions of the situation This project flies in the face of shifting public forces — philosophical, political, and economic, as well as the poorly defined personal hazards of being exposed to the massive electromagnetic field surrounding a 500kv line.
Having grown up in Idaho, I know that Idaho Power has a sterling history, going back many decades, of service to its customers. I'm sure you can find a better way to continue that legacy than to build such a monstrosity, ultimately to be paid for by us, the ratepayers.
To Senator Ted Ferrioli
Note: A letter was sent to Senator Ferrioli with the same information as the one sent to Idaho Power with following comments:
Thank you for your continuing efforts in support of the interests of the folks in Grant County and neighboring parts of Eastern Oregon. It appears to me that we are just now in special need of your help. I realize that the issue of Idaho Power's proposed new B2H transmission line is not directly a legislative problem, but Grant County sorely needs a prominent and influential representative in the current debates over the power line.
I apologize for any factual errors or any unjustified paranoia in my perceptions of the situation; and I acknowledge that you represent all of the other counties as well as ours. But I trust that your advocacy for us in Grant County will be as forceful and diligent as for any of the other protagonists.
Ted Merrill, M.D.
John Day
Definition of Disability
Roy Barnes, retired OSP
This is part three of a three-part response to an article in The Record-Courier Aug. 27, 2009 issue referring to the Aug. 19 Baker County Commissioners meeting, at which the USFS was present.
To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability.
It States in The ADA Title 42 - Chapter 126 - Equal Opportunity for Individuals With Disabilities that:
Sec. 12102. Definition of disability
As used in this chapter:
(1) Disability
The term "disability" means, with respect to an individual
(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;
(B) a record of such an impairment; or
(C) being regarded as having such an impairment (as described in paragraph (3).
(2) Major Life Activities
(A) In general
For purposes of paragraph (1), major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
(B) Major bodily functions
For purposes of paragraph (1), a major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.
(3) Regarded as having such an impairment
For purposes of paragraph (1)(C):
(A) An individual meets the requirement of “being regarded as having such an impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an action prohibited under this chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity.
(B) Paragraph (1)(C) shall not apply to impairments that are transitory and minor. A transitory impairment is an impairment with an actual or expected duration of 6 months or less.
(4) Rules of construction regarding the definition of disability
The definition of “disability” in paragraph (1) shall be construed in accordance with the following:
(A) The definition of disability in this chapter shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under this chapter, to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of this chapter.
(B) The term “substantially limits” shall be interpreted consistently with the findings and purposes of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
(C) An impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be considered a disability.
(D) An impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active.
Remember these freedoms are guaranteed by the US Constitution, the 14th. Amendment, Civil Rights Act.
Many of our Veterans, Miners, recreationist, hunters, aged etc. are the disabled that the ADA speaks of. The freedoms that we cherish, have been paid for with life, limb and treasure. WE THE PEOPLE must protect it and insist that our government do the same. No government agencies should be able to have final authority (“lead agency”) over our freedoms.
—Letters To The Editor—
Jack Ferguson Would Have Been So Proud!
To The Record-Courier:
On behalf of the family and friends of Mr. Jack Ferguson we would like to congratulate and thank the Baker High School football players, cheerleaders, and their coaching staff members for their outstanding playoff performance last Saturday. What a great victory over a very tough Astoria team – Jack would have been so proud of you all!
Not only did these fine young citizens work their hearts out on the field, but they all offered their condolences, support, and recognition of Jack, his family, and his friends before and after this great game. Dixie, Jack’s widow, was especially touched by all the visitors, some who traveled great distances for this memorial. Having the football team and cheerleaders doing their “Jack” chant for Dixie in her own front yard after the game was a very emotional and sincere memory for everyone.
Jack was always there to support the Baker High players, cheerleaders, and their families during their high school careers. Several generations of Baker High athletes have had the privilege of experiencing Jack’s encouragement and support. Nobody had more passion or could yell louder than Jack in his support of Baker High. His sense of humor and encouragement will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in those lives he has touched.
Thank you once again to the Baker High players, cheerleaders, and coaches for the great game and the great memorial celebration for Jack. We wish you continued success and more playoff victories. Remember, Jack would have been so proud of you all and we know he will always be watching and cheering. Thank you to the friends and families who visited before, during, and after the game to share memories and offer condolences, as it means so much to Dixie and her family.
Go Bulldogs!!
Dixie, Scott, and Wade Ferguson and their Families
Sticky Business
To The Record-Courier:
Well here it is that time of year again, for celebrations, etc. and schedules to keep itineraries and agendas you name it—anything to make our holidays enjoyable, and all the memories that go with them and to see how we do for sticking to business.
In The Record-Courier’s last issue, their wonderful editor wrote a cute article about those wonderful make shift cars having to do with driving a stick. I couldn’t resist myself in this wonderful match for competition on one’s driving of a stick; it can be pretty sticky at that, for having anything in life together as one would put it, and get a handle on how to take control of all the obstacles in our lives. Well, this jogged a memory in my lifetime when we were kids and all and had to concur with the editor that driving a stick should be learned first thing. I never did. I do remember that when my aunt and uncle had the ranch out of Pilot Rock, Ore., they would always tell my brothers or brother, whichever came first, that if they wanted to learn to drive they would have to drive the fields and learn to drive the stick before they ever got out on the highway—no, ifs and or etc. about the issue itself. And if you got yourself stuck it was pretty sticky business to get yourself out of the ditch or whatever obstacle came up to make it a challenge for learning.
I did have the opportunity to learn how to drive when we were without there for awhile of a car. But as the editor said, yes it’s all too confusing, let alone having it all-together and think that you do. Did I ever catch on let alone ditching the clutch or coming close. And of course in shifting gears and what to listen for is bad enough at that. But think of all those horse and buggy days etc, and the Model T Fords, man oh man how time flies.
Can’t wait to see how many fair out when cell phones can no longer be used in driving. Seems to me driving a stick one would have to have three hands instead of the two we already have.
Yes, now that the season is upon us and all the traffic, etc. with being busy it can be difficult to drive at times given certain times of the day and the weather. We all need to be careful and really look out for each other on the road, whether shopping or whatever.
Not to mention, while shopping, I ran into some more classmates that reminded me of our 40 year class reunion coming up. So I am sure we will be hearing something on that one, and you think I knew them from Adam... my oh my need to catch up on memories these days.
I encourage anyone and everyone who hasn’t signed up to receive The Record-Courier in their mailbox etc. to do so. It is so much fun and a time for catching up on the latest news of our county.
And also would really like to thank our wonderful EMTs and all the volunteers who gave their time, and even my husband, who were at the scene of the accident here a few weeks ago. My husband did have the opportunity to be in attendance with one of the victims and now we are like family to them in Colorado. Since then the pastor has called us and was really awe struck of how my husband assisted the individual who passed on and all, and that she got the individual attention as well. It was an awesome closure for the situation and he was forever grateful how everyone came together and played a part of whatever had to be done and to be organized as well as it was.
So yes, weather at this time of the year can be unpredictable. Whether it be downtown or freeway driving, etc. we all need to be careful and be safe for this holiday season and have more memories to share of our adventures, etc. Happy Holidays, and best wishes.
Eggnog, anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
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