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January 14, 2010 |
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—Editorial—
Bob Thomas — A Cowman With Heart
Baker County lost a valuable member of the community last week with the passing of Bob Thomas.
Bob often wore a white hat like the heroes in the old western movies, and although I’m sure that’s not why he wore it, he deserved to have the designation that comes with it. He was truly one of the good guys, and he will be remembered fondly as a cowman with heart.
He always had a firm handshake and and an energetic smile every time he greeted you. It made no difference if you had two cows and five acres, were a 500-head producer on a multi-million dollar ranch, or a U.S. Congressman, he treated everyone like they were important to him.
I remember the first time I interviewed him for an article years ago. Being fairly new to the cattle industry and journalism, I was a little nervous about interviewing someone so prominent in the Ag industry. But five minutes into the conversation I knew I could ask him any question about the cattle business without fear of being scoffed at for my lack of knowledge in this area. It didn’t matter if I asked him something as simple as why he liked black cows or something more complicated like what expected progeny difference variables he used in selecting a bull — he answered them all with the same enthusiasm and as if they were equally relevant. I also learned that Bob had a great deal of patience (in explaining to me) when I asked him about the artificial insemination process they used on their registered Angus cows.
After that first interview every time I saw Bob, whether it was in passing on the downtown sidewalks or at a local meeting, he always took the time to speak to me. And at the Thomas Angus Ranch’s yearly cattle sale, with hundreds of people to attend to, he always made a point to welcome me and make sure I knew the steak meal they provided to guests was also intended for me.
I’m sure Bob treated everyone he met with the same kindness and respect. He knew how to make people feel special — and in doing so — he was special.
Bob and his wife, Gloria, personified the American Dream starting with a single cow, calf and bull in 1950, growing their business into one of the largest seedstock producers in North America. They accomplished this partly because they never believed that they couldn’t do it.
That dream will now live on through their family. And Bob’s contagious zest for life and his can-do attitude will live on through everyone’s whose life he touched. (DS)
—Letters To The Editor—
66 And 67 Are More Tax And Spend Legislation
To The Record-Courier:
Thoughtful voters who read the Voters Pamphlet and rely on the ballot title and explanatory statements about ballot measures 66 and 67 (tax increases) are being duped once again by the tax and spend legislature.
This time the voters information pamphlet leaves out important considerations:
1. All businesses will pay higher taxes. Corporations and small businesses, profitable or not profitable.
2. The tax on business is NOT a tax on profits; it taxes gross receipts—before any expenses are paid, employees are paid or profit is made. It is likely to lead to small business closures and lost jobs.
3. The personal and corporate tax increases are RETROACTIVE and PERMANENT. Oregon businesses, corporate or small, will be taxed —even if they lose money.
*Many small businesses report business income on personal income tax returns. Small business owners are not the “rich,” but they are employers. The tax burden would be crippling.
*Corporations pass tax increases on to their consumers, so this becomes a tax that everybody pays indirectly.
I expect the information in the Voters Pamphlet to be clear, impartial and complete—not propaganda for the legislative agenda of tax and spend and spend and spend... A NO vote does not mean that education programs will be cut, but jobs that support families and produce tax revenue for vital services like education will definitely be cut if you vote yes.
Carol A. Martin,
Baker City, Ore.
Vote No On 66 And 67
To The Record-Courier:
The State, and the public employees evidently don't realize that this economy is hurting. They are asking the taxpayers to increase State taxes by 9%! When most businesses in the state are forced to cut back, because of the recession, they aren't willing to do the same.
The average income for a public employee in our state is $38,000. In the private sector it is $28,000. That's $10,000 a year more! Already this year, the young men, ages 25 to 54, have an unemployment rate of 20% and this State wants to add to that by taxing the small businesses. Don't they realize what they call "The Rich" are the only ones who create tax paying jobs? Not only does the state want to burden business with a new tax, they are making it retroactive and businesses will have to come up with the money for this year without being able to pass charges on to the already state-burdened taxpayers. There is nothing fair about this tax.
The tax sounds small to some gullible ears, but any business that is a "C" corporation will have to pay the increase in taxes on every dime that goes through their till. That means the money they pay for their products, City, County and State licenses, fees, advertising, wages, and yes, even donations they make to all our local causes, which is far bigger than most small-minded selfish people can imagine.
One of the local business owners told me that if this bill passes, he will have to figure out where he is going to get the $20,000 to cover the extra taxes for 2009. He knows he will have to put his employees on part-time, and have them draw unemployment. He will have to cut out of his budget all his civic donations, such as schools, 4H, and all local civic drives just because he won't have the money. Also, the only way he will be able to pay the state this retroactive tax will be month to month, which costs him added interest.
Taxing business and hard working entrepreneurs for the state's inability to make the cuts necessary to balance their budget is wrong! Please vote NO! If you vote yes, please don't come to church and tell me how much you love the Lord! If you love Him, you wouldn't steal from your neighbor, who you are supposed to love.
George Wilder
Baker City,Ore.
Library Might Use Certified Mail
To The Record-Courier:
This by no means was to start a mud slinging fight of Concerned Citizens versus the Baker County Library, but I felt that a response was needed. In my letter to the Editor on Dec. 24 in regard to the issue of the late library books, let the record show that I did not fault the Baker County Sheriff's Department for taking action in recovering missing public property. That was not an accurate statement in Mr. Stokes' letter to the Editor on Jan. 7. The officers were only doing their job in which we all appreciate their work and dedication.
I unreservedly agree that everyone needs to be responsible and return their library books. Regardless of the circumstance, they need to be accountable and have them returned to the library on time. I felt the consequence was a bit extreme and horrendous for this family.
After reading the letter to the Editor from Mr. Stokes, I took the liberty in visiting with the family once more regarding this matter. They again said they did not receive any correspondence regarding their overdue library books. Another person has come forward with the same story as to not receiving any notice from the Baker County Library, and had this humiliating experience as well. In both of these cases, the fines have been paid, library books returned and charges dropped. All of which are good things.
It was stated that "four printed overdue notices" were sent out. Perhaps a certified letter with a return signature receipt would possibly result in a more timely return of the books and cost the taxpayers less money as well and avoid interaction with the law enforcement. The Baker County Sheriff's department was able to locate this family and the other individual to cite them. Reporting overdue library books as a theft seems a bit extreme. How can anyone profit from children's library books?
Hopefully none of the readers will find themselves in the Powder River Correctional Facility. The Library provides an educational bookmobile service for inmates there, but what if they fail to return books or if they get lost or destroyed?
Teri Brown-Johnson
Haines, Ore.
Tuesday Night Live
To The Record-Courier:
I often wonder if Will Rogers were alive today, what good materials he would have to fill his column.
After observing the Baker City Council meeting of last night, I have a few observations to make:
1. The (interim) City Manager has more self control to listen to this bickering and keep his cool - thank you Tim.
2. City Council should take a sabbatical and adjourn for six months or more. While gone they should read Oregon Laws No. 221.905 through 221.924 and a few more. Also Roberts Rules of Order and some of Dale Carnegie’s books.
To sit there for two hours and try to micro-manager a city worker and constantly dredge up old wounds is completely uncalled for. I firmly believe if if left alone by City Council their department heads would keep this City running smoothly without the nervousness this environment produces.
Eric Romtvedt
Baker City
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