Letters in the Editor's Mailbag.

Byline: The Register-Guard

OEA stance puzzling

Something is wrong with this picture. Maybe someone can clue me in.

It doesn't make any sense to me that the Oregon Education Association has come out against Measure 13. The OEA says Oregon schools need a funding plan that will "hold water." Well sure, like what? And when? Do OEA members have something in mind?

The OEA says Measure 13 "won't protect schools for budget cuts now or later." OK, so where is its better idea? I don't see any alternative on the table that can save the schools that are now closing and merging. Passing Measure 13 would prevent schools from having to merge and would buy time to work on better solutions. The OEA says "Oregonians need to find real solutions to public education funding." OK, like what? When? From where?

A sales tax? No, thank you, we've been down that road enough times. Meanwhile, opposing Measure 13 is like telling a bleeding person that they can't use bandage pressure to stop their bleeding because a tourniquet would be better. Sure, a tourniquet would be better - so meanwhile, should the schools just bleed to death?

Our schools are closing and merging now. Measure 13 is the only answer we have to work with. The OEA says that "Oregon's children deserve better." Yes, and they deserve it now, not after schools have merged.

As an educator since 1967, I've seen a lot of legislation and budgets come and go, but this one has me shaking my head. Where is the OEA when we need it most?

CLAUDINE LUNDGREN Marcola

Hill has integrity

Jim Hill is the best candidate in the Democratic primary race for governor.

Unlike Ted Kulongoski, who quit the Oregon Supreme Court to run for governor, Hill served out his terms as state treasurer with distinction and aplomb.

Unlike Bev Stein, Hill has statewide experience and has not resorted to negative campaigning.

And unlike both competitors, he doesn't make promises of public services without saying how the state will pay for them.

Oregon deserves a governor of stature, capability and integrity, a governor who will protect the environment and provide for public education and health care, while balancing the budget. Oregon deserves Jim Hill.

DAVID MOULE

JAY W. FRANK Eugene

Schuman has integrity

Judicial elections are an important part of our democratic process. Judge David Schuman is seeking election to a full term on the Oregon Court of Appeals. He is exactly the kind of person Oregon wants and needs to serve as a judge.

All who know him recognize that he is fair, cares about people, and seeks to do what is best for the community. He has worked with all branches of government and is knowledgeable about the law. Importantly, he is a man of the highest integrity. He brings to his work energy, intelligence and respect for all people. Vote to retain David Schuman.

DOMINICK VETRI

Professor of Law

University of Oregon Brownsville

Flouting global law

Once again we have flouted international law. In an unprecedented move, the Bush administration has unsigned a treaty on International Criminal Court signed by Bill Clinton in 1998. By unsigning the treaty on ICC, we are in violation of the Vienna Convention on the law of treaties.

This 1969 pact, signed by the United States and most of the countries of the world, details the obligation of nations to obey international treaties. The law states that once a treaty is signed, the signatory is prohibited from acting to defeat the purpose of that treaty. No one, not even some of the world's infamous rogues, have done what our leader has just done. This blatant, opportunistic move will have far-reaching consequences across the world.

While preaching the rule of law to the world, we have once again gone outside the law in order to protect our leaders and soldiers from war crimes prosecution. This flagrant violation of international law comes on the heels of several other treaties we have violated. We will not abide by the Kyoto treaty on global warming because it is not in our "economic interest." We want to undo the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty with the Russians because it is "outdated" and prevents us from developing a new Star Wars system. We are for "free trade" when it favors us but are all for protective tariffs and subsidies when it comes to supporting our steel industry and our corporate agricultural interests. So much for the "rule of law."

PETE MANDRAPA Eugene

Camp offers key lessons

My son's name is Kiger - named after the Kiger Gorge on Steens Mountain. We named him Kiger for two reasons: First, in appreciation of the beauty of Steens Mountain, and second, in appreciation of a running camp.

I learned the most important lessons of my life at Steens Mountain Running Camp, first as a high school camper and later as a coach, teacher, husband and father. That's why I bring my team to Steens each year - to learn not just about running, but also about proper stewardship of the land, appreciation of the outdoors and, most importantly, the value of striving to be a better person.

Wilderness Watch is trying to keep high school students out of the Steens Mountain wilderness. This will prohibit campers from experiencing the event that is the heart and soul of this camp, the "Big Day." The Steens Mountain Act of 2000 was written to protect historic use on Steens Mountain, with the camp in mind. Wilderness Watch director George Nickas said, "If we allow one camp to do it, how can we tell others they can't without appearing arbitrary?" But who else will be asking? No other running camps have ever operated on Steens Mountain, so none would ever qualify under the historic use provision.

I want my son to come from Steens Running Camp and Steens Mountain having learned the same lessons as I have. I want him to understand and appreciate the special meaning of his unique name.

CHRIS JOHNSON Florence

Jones has judgment

I have known Bill Jones for over 20 years and have worked with him on numerous occasions in his capacity as release officer in the custody referee's office for Lane County Circuit Court.

I have great respect for Jones' fairness, integrity and judgment. I believe he is well suited for the position of justice of the peace for Central Lane Justice Court and would perform admirably in that capacity.

Bill Jones has my support in his campaign for justice of the peace, and I encourage everyone in Lane County to give him their vote.

BRUCE W. NEWTON Eugene

Stein's focus: education

I was surprised to learn that on May 5 The Register-Guard endorsed Jim Hill for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. The focus of the endorsement was his record on education, and I was disappointed that the editors did not look harder at Bev Stein's stances.

I am a student attending Lane Community College and, as many people know, our school is experiencing budget cuts on an unprecedented scale. Many people are losing classes, and many others are losing their jobs. Because of this, I studied each Democratic candidate very early on, and I concluded that Stein was by far the best candidate.

All of the Democratic candidates have spoken about their plans for our educational system, but what distinguishes Stein is her focus on the entire educational spectrum rather than focusing solely on kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition, Stein wants to increase Oregon's sin taxes, some of which are currently the lowest in the country. This will create stable funding for our schools. She wants to expand Start Making a Reader Today, a program tasked with teaching young students to improve their reading skills. Furthermore, Stein intends to reduce class sizes. She is also the only candidate who supports a lower utility rate for public schools. Our schools are currently paying millions more for utilities because they pay the same rates as businesses.

There are many more reasons to vote for Stein, but as a student the educational issues are the most important to me. I believe The Register-Guard's readers would have been better served by an endorsement of Bev Stein.

BRITT McEACHERN Eugene

Kulongoski experienced

Last October I attended a session at which five of the six major candidates for governor spoke. Recently I heard interviews with several candidates on public radio. After considerable reflection, I am convinced that Ted Kulongoski is an extraordinarily well qualified and the best Democratic candidate for governor.

Kulongoski has had broad and deep experience as a legislator, insurance commissioner, attorney general and Oregon Supreme Court justice. If elected governor, he will face far less of a learning curve than any other candidate.

Oregon will continue to face a political situation characterized by sharply divided government, an initiative system often monopolized by conservatives and perpetual shortages of money for state functions. This situation requires as governor an individual with extensive experience and an ability to recognize and negotiate compromises as well as flexibility in achieving compromise.

In their editorials endorsing Kulongoski, both The Oregonian and the Salem Statesman-Journal focused on his qualities of leadership and his experience in bringing together disparate groups. The newspapers also expressed confidence in his ability to relate to everyday Oregonians, to break the stalemate in Salem and to find stable funding for education.

Ted Kulongoski has leadership skills that far exceed the skills of the other candidates. I urge Oregonians to vote for him.

NORMAN G. KITTEL Yachats

Down, but not out

As the employees of Eugene Sand & Gravel, we would like to express appreciation to the thousands of members of the community who have supported us throughout the site application process. Our friends, customers, vendors and other concerned citizens came to our rally, and called and wrote to Lane County commissioners. Many people have called our office and some have even come by in person to offer their sympathy and to express shock or dismay at the board of commissioners' decision. They have shown their thoughtful concern to our family members.

Many people have said they didn't get involved because they were certain the commissioners would vote for Eugene Sand. It is not too late for them to let the commissioners know of their outrage or dissatisfaction with the decision.

The community can also continue supporting the company by doing business with us. The owners are currently looking at their options before deciding their next move. We may be down, but we are not out. The company's owners are determined to meet all of their commitments to their customers, employees and community. We are open for business.

Finally, please remember us when you vote for commissioners in the May primary and the November general election.

SUSAN G. DeHART

and 100 co-signers Eugene

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