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January 21, 2010 Opinions |
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—Editorial—
City Manager — To Be Or Not To Be
Will this matter ever be resolved? We understand Tim Johnson’s need to be with his family during an illness, but life happens to all of us. We all have tough decisions to make. He needs to decide what is best for his circumstances and either take the job or not. The City Council needs to give him a reasonable amount of time to make arrangements and move, say 30 days, to begin the position, with an immediate commitment to have his seat planted at his desk at the end of that 30 days.
Mayor Dorrah reported that he had assured Johnson that the Council understood his situation and would keep the position open for him. However Dorrah said there is no way to know when that might be.
If any of us were offered a job at a local business, and we told the perspective employer we didn’t know when we could start — what do you think are the odds of them holding that job open for? We’re betting close to none... with the high unemployment rates around the country there are dozens of qualified applicants lining up for every position available who can start immediately.
Undoubtedly a city manager position is a tough one to fill, but surely there is someone qualified who can offer a more reasonable time frame other than “no way to know.”
Either Tim Collins or Steve Bogart are qualified to continue as an Pro-tem City Manager until Johnson arrives, but what happens if after a few months Johnson still needs more time or decides he can’t manage it at all in view of his circumstances? Baker needs a full time, permanent position, city manager now, not at some undermined date in the future.
We have nothing personal against Tim Johnson, but when three City Councilors say they would not hire Johnson because of information discovered in his background check, that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
The other four Councilors contend that there is nothing in Johnson’s background check that would prevent them from hiring Johnson. O.K., we’re willing to buy that, but if there is, as Councilor Bonebrake said, nothing indicating “illegal or inappropriate conduct, law suits, or other major problems in Johnson’s 30 years of public service,” why is his background check such a big mystery? When people or organizations fail to disclose information pertinent to a public position, it makes us think there is something to hide.
Even though the city manager is not an elected position, it’s supported by taxpayers and as such Baker City’s citizens should know what kind of person is being hired to take care of their interests... that is if he ever takes the job...
According to most prospective employers Johnson already has two strikes against him — it appears the Idaho firm that conducted Johnson’s background check recommended the City Council not hire him, and Johnson apparently doesn’t know when he can begin the job.
—Letters To The Editor—
Harney County Will Have Another Tea Party
To The Record-Courier:
Harney County and Southeast Oregon citizens hosted their first People’s Tea Party on Saturday the 9th of January. About 300 citizens gathered in Burns, Ore., despite typical cold winter conditions, to listen to and question 12 speakers from across Oregon about the issues that are facing Oregon and the Nation today. This turnout was a truly amazing turnout for the small community.
The emphasis was on the tax measures 66 and 67 and controlling the infringement of government on the private sector. Other topics of concern were: cap and trade, education, water, job creation, patriotism, federal control of health care, freedom of speech and voter importance. Participants included: The Cascade Policy Institute, Oregonians In Action, FreedomWorks, Americans For Prosperity, Harney County 9/12, Harney County Republicans, Oregon Firearms Federation, Senator Ted Ferrioli, Allen Alley, Common Sense for Oregon and Voter Impact Project. Local citizens participated with the speakers in four public comment and question and answer periods.
All speakers had some firm common opinions. They warned that passing measures 66 and 67 would be economically disastrous for Oregon and that these measures were not at all about cutting education, as suggested by ads; they encouraged all citizens to stay involved and be more informed; and were glad to see that Harney County is clearly concerned about its future.
After 5 hours of presentations and discussions about the need for changes in our government, the participants completed the program with a pledge adapted from the Declaration of Independence. The participants stood and solemnly pledged; “We here assembled do pledge to right these wrongs, to return our Nation to the people and to reaffirm and reinstitute the principles of our Founding Fathers and Constitution;
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
Unfortunately for those who could not attend, no media chose to cover the event.
Sponsorship for the event came solely from local citizens and organizations. A second Harney County People’s Tea Party is planned for late summer 2010.
Tim K Smith
Member, Harney Tea Party Committee
Spring Anyone?
To The Record-Courier:
Well once again, I know it has been awhile since I wrote a letter to the editor. I appreciate those who have made mention of not seeing one, not to mention messages via email. It was a nice surprise at that with so many things going on and losing a loved one in our family etc., it doesn't give me much ump to pick up the pace so to speak. It amazes me that all the funeral services that took place during the week, including my aunt’s who was a longtime resident of many years, had perfect weather, etc. Even the surroundings of what she experienced in passing on was beautiful at that. Even though we experienced the loss we know she lived a good life, lived one day at a time, and is in a better place in heaven and resting peacefully.
In mentioning spring, it seems like spring at that, but we know none to soon that we usually get a good blast of winter weather before spring actually sets in. It does make one wonder what the ground hog is thinking about in all of this and whether or not confusion in his mind's eye is taking place, and if he’s wondering what in the world is going on here. In some places in Portland, early flowers are thinking just that and trying to bloom. This has been a mild winter and nice for even getting out on occasion to have morning coffee and see something different for a change.
It is interesting to note how many snowbirds go to Nevada, and not to mention Arizona, etc. Too bad they didn't have a city called Baker City, Arizona, or Nevada — that would be quite the match for competition.
With the recent earthquake in Haiti, and all that they are facing it sure helps to keep things here at home in perspective and to be so thankful for what we have in our location. I would encourage anyone who can help support thru the right charities etc. to give and all to help these people in need. I would like to be involved in some way if anything is taking place as far as sending goods etc. that they need. I’m hoping to read something in the paper in making connections to be able to do what we can, but one does need to be careful to avoid scams as such as well.
You know it is fun to play detective in a positive way rather than the negative when it comes to figuring out who is who in doing what I do for my ironing and typing services. It’s interesting in placing names etc. and sometimes they can be different in spelling, but almost have the same speaking terms at that. Eventually putting things together in retrospect comes thru at that. So all is not lost.
So there you have it in a nut shell not to mention feeding the squirrels etc., which we have seen here and there and noticing their activity, sensing their direction of finding their winter supply of nuts wherever they were buried. It could be a little more than confusing at that and one would soon believe this is a case of a squirrel missing his nuts. And yes looking out my dining room window wouldn't you know it, the squirrel knew he was being talked about and was starring at me and saying gotcha ya. Squirrels have a way of getting around at that. Awk!
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
Vote No On 66 And 67
To The Record-Courier:
I am a student at Baker High School and I have some things to say about measures 66 and 67 coming up for a vote in just eight days.
In spite of the current economy, our Oregon State Legislature has gone against voter-mandated tax freezes and increased overall state spending by $4.7 billion dollars. That is a costly 9% increase. Instead of paying heed to our 13% unemployment rate and obvious loss of income and businesses our legislators have voted to raise taxes by $733 million on business and personal income. Independent economists have estimated these permanent tax increases would cost 70,000 Oregonians their jobs (Source Oregon Employee Department). These tax increases are also retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009. No money to cover this tax increase has been withheld from Oregonians’ paychecks during all of 2009. If that isn’t frightening enough, to add insult to financial injury, Oregon government employees increased their salaries by $259,000,000. (Source Department of Administrative Services), that’s right… millions, which coincidentally, is about 35% of the tax increase for 265.2 thousand government employees.
Legislators claim, as always, that their plan only taxes the rich, which “the rich” can no longer afford any better than the middle class or poor, and why? The new corporate tax would tax businesses up to $100,000, even if they didn’t make a profit. More than 70% of the proposed personal income tax increase applies to small businesses owned by individuals, “the rich people.” Small businesses would be forced to lay off their workers, reduce wages and benefits, or close their doors. Some farmers will be especially hard hit. The Department of Revenue says these measures would create double taxation on certain farmers who are members of cooperatives, so much for that claim from our legislators and activists. Now middle and poor class are also affected by the legislator’s dishonest claims. We’ll end up paying more for groceries, gas, medical, and other services, and that will negatively impact all Oregonians. The Oregon state government has $3.3 billion (Source Oregon’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) (CAFR) in a fund called a rainy day fund that was to be used in a time of recession or economic distress. They have not spent it, but they still are raising taxes to cover short falls they themselves have created at a time when entire families are out of work. We can’t afford taxes that will cost us our jobs.
As a student, I find it irresponsible for Baker 5J School District to push voters to support measures 66 and 67. How can they justify the damage that these tax increases would bring to this county and state, especially when they are well aware of the state of Baker County’s economy? The Farmers and businesses of this county are fighting to stay afloat and give us jobs and the State of Oregon is going to drown them with more taxes. Where is the School District going to get their tax revenue from when there are no more “rich” businesses to pay taxes? “I know,” they will probably raise more taxes in the spring legislature.
Some say that this is a just and fair tax on the rich, but I say it’s a tax on all hard working Oregonians. The campaign for measures 66 & 67 are outspending us 4-1. Now where is this money coming from, ACORN? Government employees? Unions who are already being exempt for every tax imaginable by our federal Congress and state legislature, (pay increases, Cadillac heath care plans, and retirement plans.)?
Did you know the campaign in support of measures 66 & 67 received $1.5M from the Oregon Education Association, “our tax dollars at work” instead of buying books, keeping academic courses available.
There is a lot of greed, waste, and consolidation of state power over the people of Oregon in these tax increases. Incredibly, some people believe that if these measures don’t pass, government jobs and agencies will be cut, which will be done anyway. We know this practice already from repeated experience coupled with that $256 million dollar pay increases, “just to keep current service levels going.” This is what legislators and supporters of measures 66 & 67 don’t make clear.
Don’t be fooled by these scare tactics. I don’t know about you, but am not getting a pay increase.
As a student at Baker High School and first-time voter, join me and local businesses by voting NO on measures 66 and 67.
Kyle Knight
Baker City, Ore.
Open The Coffers, Salem
To The Record-Courier:
With more than $400 million in the “Rainy Day” reserves, why does our Legislature want to continue to raise taxes on small businesses and individuals?
A gross income of $250,000 per year for a business does not take into consideration the costs of materials and wages to employees. By the time these costs are paid, there is not sufficient net profit to continue to remain in business. So the answer is to go out of business and let the so-called “fat cats” pay for all of those who used to be contributing to the economy who are now forced into the long line taking from it.
So, in a nutshell, those who continue to pay their way will have to pay more while Salem sits on a pile of cash and demands more, while killing private sector jobs and adding up to 1,500 new state jobs in the next two years! And who gets to pay? If you buy gas for your car or groceries for your table, you do!
Consider those who are the largest supporters of Measures 66 and 67. Check your Voters’ Pamphlet and see on pages 33-34 the list of those who advocate a “Yes” vote. Those who are afraid to lose all of the Cadillac benefits they have garnered for themselves. Some of these groups have spent their members cash on nothing but a political agenda instead of helping those who they profess to represent.
Now is the time to vote “NO” to the continued greed of big government; and what better place to start than with a resounding “NO” on Measures 66 and 67? Let’s stop OUR bucks here and now.
“As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may bequeath to posterity: and by a plain method of argument, as we are running the next generation into debt, we ought to do the work of it, otherwise we use them meanly and pitifully.” —Common Sense, Thomas Paine.
M. A. Longwell
Baker City
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