LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Disband county's land division

I have been following the push for a Lane County income tax. The odds of the public buying such a tax are not high. Even with the false advertising in the recent voters' pamphlet, the proposed tax didn't fly.

I have a better idea. We can make millions simply by disbanding Lane County's Land Management Division. Since no attempted development is ever illegal in Lane County, what need have we of an organization allegedly in place to regulate development? All we need is a low level clerk with a rubber "approved" stamp and a list of fees for development.

The bigger the fees the better. These fees can go directly into the general fund instead of the division budget, and the results will be exactly the same, only more streamlined.

NORM MAXWELL 

Lorane

Working with vets a privilege

After reading two inspiring articles in The Register-Guard about St. Vincent de Paul's VetLIFT program, I felt moved to commend the newspaper for its high-quality coverage of community programs that really make a difference in Lane County.

Too often people assume the media focus only on depressing or exploitative news. Many wonderful things are happening in our communities. I appreciate The Register-Guard for helping get out the word.

I also want to share my perspective as a VetLIFT co-program case manager. Up until two months ago, my 30 years in the field of human services revolved around working with children, youth and families. My initial thoughts about possibly working with homeless veterans included concerns around my own personal safety and wondering if I could connect with people who had such different life experiences. When I told a friend I was thinking about this work, she called it "the ultimate peace work."

I'm not sure what the prevailing stereotypes for a homeless vet look like. Whatever they may be, I encourage people to remember that each of us faces challenges and has gifts to share with the world. The vets in our program are diligently working on their "stuff' and give me grist for the mill in working on my "stuff." They each have much to contribute to making our community a better place and several are already doing just that.

I consider it a true privilege to be working with these veterans. I'm glad we have a supportive newspaper for the community.

COLLEEN STEWART

VetLIFT case manager

St. Vincent de Paul 

Cottage Grove 

Keep in touch with Congress

I appreciate the strong support given to me by the voters in Oregon's 4th Congressional District in this year's election.

Citizens in Southwest Oregon and across the country sent a strong message on Nov. 7. Americans resoundingly said at the polls they want new leadership and a new direction for America on a host of important issues.

I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish for our district as a minority member of Congress. I am looking forward to the opportunities that serving in the majority and becoming the chairman of a major subcommittee will bring. I will have the chance to set national transportation policy while continuing to vigorously advocate on Oregon's behalf.

I urge the citizens of this district to stay engaged as we work toward a new direction for America. As always, I welcome people's ideas and comments on federal issues, and my staff and I remain ready to serve anyone who needs help with a federal program or agency. I can be contacted toll-free at [phone], or via e-mail through my Web site at http: //defazio.house.gov/.

Again, I am grateful for the voters' support and the opportunity to serve in the 110th Congress.

PETER DeFAZIO 

U.S. representative

4th Congressional District 

Washington, D.C.

ArtTrain stop enriched Eugene

I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Joan Shac, Robin Winfree-Andrew, Yvette Keolker, Patti Lemont and Kathy Wilson, all of Oregon Crafted, to the Lane Arts Council and to the city of Eu- gene.

They gave a monumental gift to the city of Eugene and the surrounding communities when they arranged for ArtTrain USA to make a four-day stop in Eugene. This train - four restored 1940 rail cars and a caboose - pulled into Eugene on Nov. 9. The rail cars were filled with more than 70 incredible examples of contemporary American Indian artwork, which most of us would not otherwise have had an opportunity to experience. More than 1,200 people braved the wind and rain on that weekend to see the paintings and sculptures inside the train and to watch artists at work.

On Nov. 13-14, bus loads of school children and seniors were directed through the cars by well-trained docents. This program helped to forge an important bond between the citizens of Eugene, the artists producing such thought-provoking works and members of the Native American community.

Thanks to Oregon Crafted and Lane Art Council for their efforts in making this possible.

RUTH ASBURY

Eugene