Eugene Weekly : Letters : 11.02.06

As someone who generally respects EW editorial endorsements in judicial elections — a respect engendered in no small measure by the fact that I received such an endorsement when I ran for the Oregon Court of Appeals in 2002 — I find incomprehensible your endorsement of Jack Roberts, director of the Lane Metro Partnership, over Virginia Linder, currently one of my judicial colleagues.

You apparently base your endorsement on the observation that "some, but not all, of Linder's opinions have been surprisingly conservative." A Court of Appeals judge writes opinions based on statutes, the state and federal constitutions and Supreme Court precedent. When those sources are conservative, a judge who has been paying attention to her oath of office will render conservative decisions whether she is a liberal or conservative herself. I have known Gini Linder since 1985 and I honestly can't tell you which she is.

The important fact to note about Judge Linder's hundreds of decisions is that they are incisive, lucid, well-reasoned, timely and faithful to the law and facts presented to the court — in other words, they are the work product of a diligent and outstanding judge. Further, when she was solicitor general, her argument in an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court is widely credited with persuading the justices to strike down Colorado's anti-gay constitutional amendment. "Conservatives" should be made of sterner stuff.

Jack Roberts, for his part, has never written a judicial decision, so, while his judging cannot be faulted for being conservative, neither can he be lauded for being … much of anything. Not only does he lack judicial experience, he has never appeared as an advocate of record before an Oregon appellate court, and, as you note, he hasn't even practiced law in more than a decade. His campaign theme — that the court needs a politician and a judge who will make decisions with an eye toward the policy results they will cause — only underlines the reasons why his candidacy should be rejected. So too does the fact that he has accepted large campaign contributions from Loren Parks, sponsor of choice for Bill Sizemore, Don McIntire and other political actors whose agenda, I suspect, does not enjoy support among EW's readership. A Roberts victory will only encourage other well-connected, name-familiar politicians to challenge more qualified, if (for that reason) less visible, jurists.

The choice voters face this November is between an experienced, politically neutral, career appellate lawyer and jurist on the one hand, and, on the other, a politician looking for on-the-job training (and, many suspect, a place to hang his hat until he can run again for governor). That explains why the state's lawyers, who represent injury victims and insurance companies, businesses and consumers, criminal defendants and police officers, voted to support Linder over Roberts by a margin of 5-1. I urge EW's editorial board to reconsider its endorsement, and I urge Oregon voters to elect Linder.

I am a very concerned citizen of Eugene who realizes Golden Gardens Park has been put on the back burner for way too long, but it goes much deeper then that. Those "death pits" are what took my 15-year-old son's and my 13-year-old nephew's very precious lives. I am Britton's mom and Nick's aunt — the two Davis cousins who drowned at this park on Father's Day 2005.

I want to commend Ben Myers for the story he has written (10/12). There is not a day that goes by that this subject does not cross my mind. I cannot express what this horrible tragedy has done to our family, and to think that this has been going on for so many years to so many other families is just inexcusable to me.

Our children's lives are worth so much more then a piece of property left to swallow their innocence from them in a matter of minutes, then to leave us wondering why. And why would our city leave such a dangerous place literally in our backyards for so long? I know I am still in a stage of grief and despair and probably will be for the rest of my life, but through all of my grief and pain, I still have to sit back and wonder why our city would watch child after child be swallowed up by these dangerous "death pits."

I know some are saying it is the parents who are at fault, and I will take full responsibility for letting my son go, looking to have fun with his younger brother and cousins. If we had ever heard that another child has ever drowned there, or that this place wasn't what this whole Bethel community thought that it was — a pretty safe place for our kids to play (a city park is suppose to be somewhat safe and taken care of) — or perhaps a sign at the park stating this was a dangerous place, these two boys would still be here today,

I cannot express enough how thankful my whole entire family is to all of the wonderful volunteers, concerned citizens, peers of the boys, etc., who have been supporting us and our family through this very difficult time. I know that besides the compassion, there is also outrage, and rightfully so. This park has been left a dangerous pit for far too long, and we just will not have it in our backyards anymore. My family has come to terms with knowing it took our boys' lives to make a difference.

With these horrible tragedies in mind, and all of the people that have been affected by them (our entire city), I just want to remind people you never know when it could be your family torn apart by something as senseless as letting your children go to a city park. I ask and urge you to remember this letter when you are voting for the parks ballot.

A "yes" vote on Eugene's Parks and Open Space Ballot Measure 20-110 is a vote for a greener future for our city. Imagine the South Hills connected along the ridges from Hendricks Park around the Amazon Creek headwaters to the west Eugene wetlands. Imagine the greenway and paths along the Willamette River extending north to the McKenzie River. Imagine these green ribbons enhanced by new neighborhood parks and improved athletic fields sprinkled throughout the community. Ballot Measure 20-110 aims to turn these imaginings into reality.

Parks and open space are very versatile investments. They promote physical fitness, foster community harmony, improve quality of life, attract talented employees, expand local tourism, raise property values, filter air and water, reduce flooding and erosion, enable wildlife movement, spark our curiosity and slow the urban pace. Parks are places where we can be our best, whether it be teaching, learning, coaching, playing, observing, relaxing or volunteering. Oh, and did we say parks are just plain fun?

The successful 1998 parks bond measure allowed us to refurbish Amazon Pool and neighborhood parks, while acquiring several open space areas. Measure 20-110 will allow us to acquire key open space sites, enhancing our national reputation as an environment-friendly community, while developing needed athletic facilities for our youth.

The generosity of past generations of Eugeneans helped create the wonderful system of parks we enjoy today. Now it is our turn to add to this legacy for future generations. Vote yes on Measure 20-110.

When reading about local candidates in the voter's pamphlet, I noticed a very shady statement. Jim Feldkamp, Congressional Candidate for the 4th District, lists one of his occupations as "adjunct professor" at Umpqua and Lane Community Colleges, yet under education he states that his highest education level is a master of arts. To be qualified for the title of professor, adjunct (part-time) or not, you need to have a Ph.D. If you only have a M.A., your title is instructor. Feldkamp's course for one term for each school on the cause and effect of terrorism in the Criminal Justice program doesn't seem to lend any credibility to his "I'm-a-professor" story. Instructing two non-credited classes does not a professor make.

Puffing up his résumé with lies trivializes the incredibly hard work and years of haggling over a thesis that all the actual professors here in the 4th District have done. These lies also discount the toiling by current graduate students and the individuals with master's degrees who truthfully call themselves instructor. If it is so easy to get away with fabrications like this, why did my husband spend five years at Harvard to be rightfully called professor? It seems to me that the BS on Feldkamp's resume could stand for the bachelor's degree he received from OSU, or what he's full of .

There has been an increasing commentary on the big money corruption of our state Legislature; 848 registered lobbyists have shelled out millions to get their bills passed and to block any that might not benefit their sponsors. Oregonians have a very important opportunity to take "big" money out of political campaigns and substitute "little" money. This little money would come from unlimited small donors, as Howard Dean so successfully demonstrated.

It is vital that voters pass companion Measures 46 and 47. These initiatives have wide voter support but are opposed by big money and those in power who receive it. This opposition has a lot of money to spend and is already using distortion, fear, misrepresentation, falsehood and worse. I never thought "Swiftboating" would come to Oregon. They have labeled Harry Lonsdale, one of the stalwarts of campaign finance reform for 15 years, as an "outsider from California." Harry has lived in Oregon for more than 25 years, has founded a very successful research businesses in Bend and has a principal residence in Sisters. He deserves respect and not such blatant insults.

Please do not doubt that without the three-fourths majority restriction on the Legislature to amend campaign finance laws, our current one would immediately dismantle 47 upon passage.

Our entire nation is being strangled by the power of money. Help Oregon become a leader in effective campaign finance reform and really preserve freedom of speech by supporting Measures 46 and 47.

Vote in your own interest by Nov. 7. Inform voters that neo-cons like Ron Saxton represent the wealthiest one to two percent. Saxton stands not for we the people! He and allied extremists running for the Legislature symbolize the same cronyism and corrupt, failed policies of the federal regime. Don't allow them to repeat those failed policies in Oregon.

Big money interests backing Saxton are the same scandalous gang advocating disastrous Ballot Measures 41 and 48. The "greed bunch" is intent on privatizing most government services: health care, road maintenance, Highway Patrol, DMV, etc. Saxton marches lockstep with CheneyBushCo on the discredited invasion, war and occupation of Iraq. It's time to terminate the politics of fear at the national and local levels.

Imagine newly registered youth voting alongside progressive Democrats, non-affiliated — even moderate Rs. With that coalition we'll prepare Oregon for a positive future! The watch-phrase for voters is: GOYA — Get Off Your Apathy. Your volunteer services and dollars are necessary now.

Election volunteerism is a winning formula for progressive candidates across the state: Ted Kulongoski, Vicki Walker and Chris Edwards and progressives in several targeted races. Remind voters that non-profit, public interest, environmental, labor and civil/human rights organizations are endorsing progressive candidates!

Remember that extreme factions are intent on suppression of voter turnout. Don't lapse into that negative stupor! Thanks for anything you can do to educate, energize and Get Out The Vote. Fight the urge to become over-confident or complacent.

It isn't enough to toss out Republicans as Democratic career politicians are the problem as well. Both sides are equally corrupt and have been so since the 1990s. Recall the Dems (especially Clinton) and Republicans rushed to pass the trade legislation that has caused our job losses to China.

Liberal blind support for the Democrats is equally as stupid as conservative support of Republicans. Those two parties are more interested in power than in running this country, and now is the time to show them who is in charge.

If we can clean out ALL incumbents, it will send a signal both to those remaining in power and those coming in that we are not going to take this anymore and will do more of the same in 2008 if they don't start working together. Goodbye DeFazio and Kulongoski, time for some fresh faces and fresh ideas. Oregon and America will be better off with politicians listening to the voters rather than their sponsors!

If you are in, you are OUT. That is a message liberals, conservatives and all of us can understand and support. It is the only message our broken two-party system will hear louder than their corporate sponsors. Let's give our career politicians the pink slip!

I've been a member and volunteer for the Community Center for the Performing Arts since 1992 and served on the Board of Directors twice. I attend CCPA shows regularly, observing all — including the audience. The CCPA/WOW is an all-ages performance hall with a long history of welcoming everyone, a venue hosting a wide range of artists — local, national, worldwide. The volunteer program offers what no other local venue does.

I've been following the Buju Banton Sept. 28 controversy, so I expected a reaction to Kayte McDonald's letter (10/12), but the accusatory, condescending tone of Marion Malcolm's response (10/19) shocked me. Like McDonald, I first heard of objections one week before the concert. McDonald expressed genuine emotion about Buju Banton's alleged crime and subsequent monetary bribe that got him off. I learned more from her piece than any local coverage or opinions written so far. I was unaware Banton performed at the McDonald Theater last year with no outcry of protest.

Malcolm accuses McDonald of responsibility for damage to the community and wants her to apologize for "allowing the WOW Hall to be a venue for someone who promotes hate." That's arrogant!

Katie Aaberg's letter (10/12) hit the nail squarely on the head: This is a free speech matter, and she encourages protesters to engage in dialogue about hate. I know if we researched the content of all music to eliminate offensive expression, we'd ban it all. Where do we draw the line? Who gets to decide that?

I was not pleased to learn about Butu Banton's anti-gay lyrics and his appearance at WOW Hall. However, the publicity the event received caused me to think again about the lack of exposure regarding verbal and physical assaults against people with disabilities.

How many people publicly object to the common use of words like retard, psycho, spas, cripple and gimp? They are just as offensive and degrading as faggot, nellie, bulldagger and the unmentionable "n" word. And imagine the uproar if people on the street stared at people of color the way they stare at us.

On the subject of violence against an oppressed minority here's a statistic: A whopping 62 percent of American women with disabilities report having been abused at some point in their lives. The conditions for people with disabilities in poor countries like Jamaica are even worse. Children and adults with disabilities are often incarcerated in institutions, where they receive little care and are unreported victims of "caregiver" abuse. In Greece, children with disabilities less severe than mine are commonly relinquished by their families and kept in a bed for life by the government. They literally never see the sun. In many other countries (including the U.S.), people with disabilities are among the poorest and most exploited.

Frankly I'm not all that surprised at the WOW Hall. They did not even have a wheelchair ramp until a bunch of us embarrassed them into it about 20 years ago. Even then, we had to go up a rickety wooden ramp and enter through the back door, wading through the audience (those stares again) to pay for our tickets. The spiffy new ramp on the front of the building was only built a few years ago.

The next time your blood boils at a human rights violation, consider directing some of that righteous indignation to the violation of basic human rights of people with disabilities. After all, we're the only minority anyone can join.

I got a chance to meet Chris Edwards early in the campaign. I found him well informed, caring and determined to improve the education system for his children and the rest of the children in Oregon. Chris Edwards would make an excellent representative.

His Republican opponent is running a campaign of innuendo and claiming to support education. However, since the Republicans took over the Oregon House in the early '90s, the education system in this state has been underfunded and steadily declining. Sending Edwards' opponent back to Salem will only keep the same policies going.

It is time to do more than complain. It is time to vote and end the Republican control of the Oregon House. It is time for a change, and it is time to vote from Chris Edwards.

Many thanks for bringing Savage Love to the Weekly. Both as a gay man and a liberated person seeking to foster liberation, I am happy to see Savage Love in the EW.

I feel a great sense of pride in the superb job you constantly do for our community. I love Eugene, and I love you.

I hope the reactionary attitude of some well-meaning people does not drive this great forum of honest sex talk away.

Vicki Walker declares she is a Democrat on all her campaign ads. Torrey never mentions anywhere what he is. Is this partisanship, declaring your party in a partisan election? I only heard Torrey say he was a Republican when he answered a question at the City Club. What is Jim hiding?

On his campaign mailings he promises to bring living wage jobs to Oregon. As mayor, at the Jan. 29, 2003 Eugene City Council meeting when a motion was made to direct the city manager to draft a living wage ordinance, Mayor Torrey said he thought the proposal was a bad one. He also stated he asked several of the state legislators if they would introduce similar legislation at the state level. He noted there were no such bills pending in the state Legislature. Mayor Torrey said the living wage motion should be defeated. Now we should believe he is going to that same Legislature and will introduce or even support a living wage ordinance? He can't hide from his record.

When a member of Walker's own party was accused of child molestation, it was Walker who stood up and spoke out against a crime against a child. Is the "kids' candidate" NOT embracing his party name because he is afraid to stand up and speak out about the crimes against children committed by his Republican comrade in Washington, D.C.? Walker is running steady and straight. Torrey is running in circles away from himself.

The centerpiece of your argument against Springfield Measure 20-112, the proposed jail/police levy, says, "Springfield would be jailing people for possession of marijuana and other minor crimes while far more dangerous criminals are released due to overcrowding at the county jail." That sentence is completely unsubstantiated. Did you talk to the chief of police and hear him say, "We're looking forward to being able to finally bust those small-time pot users"? It's ridiculous to assume that just because there's a new jail in the city limits, the Springfield Police Department would spend more of its limited time and resources chasing down marijuana offenders. Your statement seems more like a tactic to scare EW's core readership out of voting for a measure that its editorial staff happens to disagree with.

Your other arguments against the measure are much more sound. Leave the unsubstantiated, fear-mongering soundbites to the Bill O'Reillys and Rush Limbaughs of the world. We lefties (or, indeed, anyone who wants to promote intellectual honesty in the public discourse) need to practice truth in editorializing.

I've just learned of a compassionate side to Judge Lyle Velure I wasn't aware of. The Register-Guard (10/25) reported that in Velure's sentencing of Zachariah Keith Wells for attempted murder and kidnapping, Velure considered taking "a big-picture view of the financial and personal costs of crime, inquired about the estimated cost of the investigation and legal defense" and "pondered whether society might be better served by investing in education and drug prevention for young people rather than prosecution and incarceration for them later in life."

Maybe his compassion stems from the realization that "Wells started using drugs as a 12-year-old." Reportedly, "Wells' 13-year-three-month sentence will cost taxpayers more than $326,000 — without calculating for inflation." The County Adult Corrections website says Shawn Jeffrey Whipple, the shooter, was sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder.

Concern that methamphetamine creates criminals and choosing education and drug prevention over expensive, unproductive prison terms is so progressive. Yet, six years ago Velure sentenced Jeff Luers to 22 years, eight months for a politically motivated crime — burning three SUVs to draw attention to environmental destruction; Luers refused to plea bargain. Clearly, Velure based his decision on Luers' politics, not on the crime of arson.

In 2000, Velure coldly sentenced Luers to an unreasonable period. Does he suddenly embrace proportional sentencing? Or, are attempted murder and kidnapping less egregious crimes than arson? Has Velure grown a heart, or does he simply want Measure 20-114 to pass?

Eugene Weekly recently (10/19 endorsements) published incorrect information taken from an unreliable website. Sen. Floyd Prozanski stood up to special interests and voted to close tax loopholes. In the Senate Revenue Committee he voted against giving corporate lobbyists tax breaks. Our union's legislative accountability report accurately reflects his strong record on these issues as well as on affordable health care and workers' rights. This is why the members of our union voted to endorse Prozanski.

Our union graded legislators on how they voted on giving revenue away to the loophole lobby vs. funding services to our communities; on how they supported workers' rights; and on how they fought for affordable health care for all Oregonians. Prozanski earned top marks. Members of our union have joined many other volunteers to help re-elect Prozanski. He is willing to fight for services that make Oregon a better place to live. It is irresponsible to use factoids from the Internet without checking the information. It is a disservice to your readers, to Floyd Prozanski, and to voters who deserve to know the truth.

Joe DiNicola, President, SEIU Local 503, OPEU

EDITOR'S NOTE: The source of the information was Project Vote Smart, which reportedly got its information from SEIU. The supposedly incorrect data on Prozanski's voting record on tax loopholes in 2005 is no longer on the Project Vote Smart website.

After Jim Torrey's eight years as Eugene's mayor, the city of Eugene is mired in $100 million worth of transportation decay and the Lane County public safety service is near collapse. Torrey's giveaway policy on tax breaks for large corporations accounts in part for the mounting service debt in both systems of government. The rich corporations contribute a few thousand dollars to Jim's political campaign and obtain a tax break return which runs in the millions. One can imagine taxpayer losses if this person is elected to a governmental system where the budget runs in the billions.

Torrey represents the current religious hatred for women in his views on abortion. His problem with telling the truth was apparent to all in allegations about availability of WEP money, which was non-existent. He has trouble remembering that he is a Republican giveaway specialist but in fact fits right in with fellow treasury looters Bush and Cheney.

Where in Eugene can you read a newspaper, borrow a book, hear an interesting program, take a child to a story hour or use a free computer? The library of course — downtown or at a branch. The expanded library program, which came with the new building, has been a big asset to the community.

We are financing the library in two ways; from the general fund and in a four year special levy. That levy expires next year and needs to be renewed. The City Council has shifted more of library costs to the general fund so the levy will be lower, but we still need additional money to continue our excellent program. The cost is modest, about $0.23 per thousand dollars of assessed value, and is less than we are paying now. We all need to vote "Yes" on Measure 20-111 so that the library can continue to be an asset to the community.

District 7 residents have a smart, experienced, and highly principled senator in Vicki Walker. Her votes, bills and work as chair of the Senate Education Committee attest to her commitment to public education, children's health and government accountability.

Jim Torrey, her Republican opponent, has been evasive about his positions on many issues. Voters should study his party's platform to understand his philosophical leanings and also how highly unlikely it is that electing a Republican would lead to better support of public schools and children's health.

Republican policies and politicians have been responsible for the huge disinvestment in Oregon's public schools and universities, and Republicans will work to further erode our public school system if voters return them to power. The Oregon Republican party platform calls for the abolition of the Oregon Department of Education (section 2.12); no new funding for public schools (2.18.2); redirection of public funding to private and religious schools (2.18); privatization of school support services (2.13); and opposition to funding for Head Start and preschool programs (2.14).

The Republican platform is overtly religious and not at all "balanced." It openly aims to dismantle government, including public schools and safety-net health and human services.

In the worst case, electing Torrey would give Republicans control of the Senate. In any case, Torrey would give Republicans one more vote in support of their radical agenda on many issues.

Keep Senator Walker in Salem and Torrey coaching and reading to kids — where his politics and his party won't do them harm.

The Register-Guard exposed its own lack of institutional memory recently by endorsing Lane County Circuit Court candidate Alan Leiman's opponent (Debra Vogt) because seven sitting circuit judges have taken a public stand in her favor.

In the last contested judge race 14 years ago, the R-G published an editorial titled "Judges Shouldn't Endorse" (10/2/92). The R-G editor, who didn't mince words, said then, "it is highly disturbing to see judges currently on the bench take a public stand in favor of a candidate for local judgeship."

The R-G continued, "We [the R-G] offer an equally respectful and earnest recommendation to other sitting judges who may be thinking of following the precedent [to endorse]: Don't."

Now, the R-G concedes that Leiman has won impressive support from lawyers, has a more varied professional resume, is an articulate and passionate advocate of alternative dispute resolution options such as drug court and, unlike his opponent, actually has experience as a judge.

The R-G owes a big apology to all of its readers, and especially to Lane County Circuit Court candidate Alan Leiman. The R-G should reverse course and immediately endorse Alan Leiman.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This letter was also submitted to the R-G Oct. 22 but had not run in the R-G by our press time.

A "yes" vote prohibits insurance companies from giving premium savings to Oregonians with good credit. A "yes" vote increases the financial burden on the 60 to 70 percent of Oregonians who have good credit and benefit on their insurance rates as a result.

A "yes" vote on Measure 42 means that homeowners and insurance rates could increase by $175 a year for the average consumer. Under the current system, people with good credit (60 to 70 percent of Oregonians) are saving as much as 48 percent on their auto insurance, and for homeowners insurance, up to as much as 31 percent.

For a retiree with good credit, living on a very modest fixed income, an additional $175 a year for insurance is a sizable chunk added to other inevitable increases in tax and cost of living. If people have worked hard throughout their lives, and have established good credit, why should they be penalized?

So Jim Torrey cares about kids. Good. So do I. Most parents do. He cares about education. Good. So do I. He reads to kids. I've heard that before; that's terrific! I've read to kids too, but certainly didn't advertise it. Jim is coveting Vicki Walker's Senate seat and has advertised his interests in educating kids as his major reason for running against her.

Unfortunately, Jim's a Republican and it is the Republican control of the House and Senate for 14 years that created the funding crisis Jim seems so frazzled about. As a parent, I'm frazzled too. That's why it is so important to keep Vicki Walker where she is, since it is Walker, not Torrey, who is chairing the Senate Education Committee, has sponsored or supported numerous school funding bills that have been stymied by the Republican-controlled House and persists in being an independent voice for parents like myself who have no faith in tortured R-G endorsements for a Republican who bills himself as somehow superior to the Democratic incumbent when, in fact, he has little to show as proof of his superiority except lawn signs and spendy ads. Words and images don't cut it. Walker delivers.

And I'll wager she reads to kids, too. Get over it, Jim. And you too, R-G. And — my god — the last sentence of their Torrey endorsement — ("Voters in District 7 don't need to vote against Walker, but they should vote for Jim Torrey") is an illogical deduction based on an absurd syllogism and shows the endorsement for what it is: a big "F" for voter education.

Protect Our Voice is a coalition of two dozen organizations including Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Stand for Children, Planned Parenthood and the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. Many of our coalition members have supported previous campaign finance reform proposals, even endorsed past ballot measures. But Measures 46 and 47 are not the answers to Oregon's campaign finance problems. They will not stop big money from flowing into Oregon politics. They will not prevent wealthy individuals from funding their own campaigns. They will not prevent special interests from sending lawmakers on expensive trips to Hawaii.

Taken together, 46 and 47 stifle our voices. They would give away a right we would never let anyone take from us — our right to be heard and to participate fully in the political process. That is why our organizations have joined together to urge you to vote no on 46 and 47.

Our organizations didn't want this fight. And we certainly didn't want a public fight between progressive groups in an election year. But after consulting with several constitutional attorneys, we realized that we couldn't sit by quietly. Legal experts agree: After the dust clears from the constitutional challenges, wealthy individuals who fund their own campaigns and special interest groups who run high-dollar independent expenditures will emerge victorious and will have their free speech rights restored. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be constrained. That is not real reform.

Amendment 46 looks like a simple change to the Constitution, but it isn't. Currently, the Oregon Bill of Rights prohibits any rollback of our free speech protections. But 46 will change that. It empowers the Oregon Legislature or a ballot measure to impose any limitation on the ability to influence the outcome of any election through contributions or expenditures. Providing office space, phone lines, printing and distributing materials, even organizing and delivering a group of volunteers can all be counted as contributions or expenditures. With one sentence, 46 would take Oregon from freedom of speech protections greater than those guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution to no guarantee of political free speech. It leaves us vulnerable to extremists who would change the Constitution for their own agenda.

Measure 47 takes advantage of the new hole in our Constitution. It creates a set of limitations and requirements that are so complicated they will likely discourage people from contributing to campaigns and politically active nonprofits. It allows anyone to allege violation against individual donors, non-profits or candidates triggering an automatic hearing, regardless of the merit of the claim. It requires some individuals to request a tracking code be issued to them by the secretary of state. It limits the ability of non-profit groups to create and distribute voter guides and other materials to engage, inform and motivate voters. Under this measure the Bus Project, recently voted Best Community Organization by EW readers, would no longer be able to do most of what it does.

We urge you to take a closer look. When you do, you will see 46 and 47 undermine political involvement by regular people and grassroots organizations while leaving wealthy interests to pursue their own political agendas. Don't give up your voice.

So wait, Debi Farr is suing Planned Parenthood for misrepresenting her position on abortion (R-G, 10/25)? I'm having trouble understanding that one. Maybe Rep. Farr should also sue the right wing Oregon Family Council for saying she is "pro-life opposed to legalized abortion." Or maybe she should sue the anti- reproductive rights organization Oregon Right to Life for endorsing her candidacy. Maybe she should even sue the Oregon Legislature for putting her in the position to vote to kill Senate Bill 849 which would have made emergency contraception available in pharmacies to victims of rape and incest.

Here's another idea: Farr could take responsibility for her own votes in Salem, and own up to her own impractical, harmful stances on the important issues. It seems like Farr has spent this entire election running from her voting record, trying to convince the voters that she's something she's not, while simultaneously trying to pass herself off as a victim.

The Legislature seems to be full of people unwilling to take responsible for the mess our state is in. I'm ready for someone who will stand up for what they believe in, and who can return to the district proud of the votes they've taken — someone who won't be bullied by their party leadership or kowtow to extremist special interest groups. Chris Edwards is a welcome change in the current climate of political buck-passing and gamesmanship. He has my vote this November.

A nasty letter written by one of State Rep. Debi Farr's supporters has been sent out to the residents of House District 14. Written by Jason Williams, it accuses Chris Edwards, a candidate for Oregon's House, of "suspect" business practices. The facts show otherwise. Edwards took over a struggling family forest products business, paid off all tax liens, provided local folks with good paying jobs including health care and managed to turn the company around. End of story. But who is Jason Williams, and what is his reason for attacking Chris Edwards?

Williams is the executive director of Taxpayers Association of Oregon, a right-wing Republican organization espousing corporate greed, eliminating vital public services and channeling more money to the rich. Additionally, anyone checking the return address will note that Mr. Williams writes from the Portland area — so I can't imagine he's in any position to be discussing "our community." Now ask yourself what connection Jason Williams has to the House District 14 campaign and Republican Farr. Anyone else recognize the smell of "Swift Boating?"

Perhaps if Farr had done more in her time in Salem, she would not have to resort to these dishonest and mean-spirited personal attacks. I for one am fed up with the politics of personal destruction, and tired of the duplicity of politicians like Farr. I encourage everyone to support Edwards this election. We could use his worth ethic, sincerity, and honesty in the Legislature.

I knew Jim Feldkamp was a dumbass when I saw him stumble all over himself, forget basic arithmetic, and nearly wet himself with frustration during the debate at LCC. I wasn't aware how far gone he was until I saw his newest ad.

"DeFazio hates hunters, DeFazio loves taxes!" Standard Republican rhetoric: two quick generalizations that can be reached without any significant use of imagination. The part that had me rolling was here the ad boasted that "Oregonians don't like giving benefits to illegal immigrants, but Peter DeFazio does!" Feldkamp: did you look at DeFazio's voting record on immigration AT ALL?

Look at his vote in favor of the Sensenbrenner Bill (HR 4437) that felonizes undocumented individuals on U.S. soil. That is a big deal to your every day American citizen because they could be abetting felons without even realizing it—even your local church charity groups! In this very paper he outlined the entire comprehensive immigration reform platform as justification for voting the very OPPOSITE.

DeFazio ignored the MILLIONS who hit the streets across the country protesting HR 4437, 20,000 Oregonians standing up for immigrant rights in Salem April 9th, constant pressure by Oregon immigrant rights groups, and countless pleas from Oregonians who care about human rights. The Rural Organizing Project rallied people at every town hall DeFazio held this summer to ask how he planned on supporting comprehensive immigration reform. Every step along the way he was visibly irritated with his constituents for their concern with his voting record. Hey... maybe Jim was a tiny bit right: DeFazio is out of touch with his constituency when it comes to immigration.

What baffles me is that, for all of the attempts Feldkamp made to draw parallels between himself and DeFazio in the debate, he completely missed this opportunity.

With voting happening right now in Oregon, I wanted to get in touch with you about the ballot measures OSPIRG has endorsed.

Yes on Measure 42. I'm sure you've seen the ads on TV trying to confuse the issue on this one. The insurance industry and others are spending millions of dollars trying to sink this good measure. The fact is, voting yes will address the unfair insurance industry practice of using credit scores as an excuse to charge higher prices to some consumers. The measure prohibits insurance companies from basing insurance rates or premiums on credit scores or credit worthiness, a concept we support wholeheartedly.

Yes on Measure 44: Prescription drug prices are out of control, and they continue to rise faster than inflation. A recent OSPIRG study found that Oregonians lacking drug coverage pay the highest prices. This measure cuts the cost of prescription drugs through the power of bulk purchasing. It expands Oregon's successful prescription drug buying pool — the Oregon Prescription Drug Program — to negotiate lower prices for the one million Oregonians lacking drug coverage. The measure has earned the endorsement of every major newspaper in the state.

Yes on Measures 46 and 47: With no limits on campaign contributions, Oregon sorely needs campaign finance reform. The fundraising arms race has led to out-of-control spending, and 75 percent of that money comes from just 1 percent of Oregonians. This pair of measures would enact comprehensive campaign finance reform in Oregon. Measure 46 amends the constitution to allow campaign contribution limits. Measure 47 enacts low contribution limits from PACs, bans direct contributions from corporations, labor unions, and others, and improves disclosure.

Rest easy, conservative readers of EW- we progressives don't think you are all evil. Just misinformed and too trusting. We all would like to believe that our government is honorable, that America is a shining beacon of hope. But does anyone remember President Nixon? Americans trusted him, and we know how that turned out. Americans must remain optimistic, but also vigilant. Elizabeth Holtzman, congressperson during the Nixon hearings, wrote a book about how Bush has broken even more laws. Former Nixon staffer John Dean concurred in his book, Worse Than Watergate. Yet Bush is getting advice from Henry Kissinger. At least the Nixon Republicans weren't covering up sexual predators in Congress.

The Bush pseudoconservatives have poisoned the Republican Party. Conservatives, please vote Libertarian at least. Don't aid and abet these corrupted Republicans in keeping power. What better way to finally put liberal conspiracy theories of vote-rigging to rest than to show that Carl Rove can actually lose? Some time out of office might make Republicans return to their old platform of fiscal responsibility and ethics.

And don't worry, the Democrats don't seem to want an impeachment either. They hate to rock the boat as much as any mainstream party. And no, we lefties don't want Osama to take over — we just have other strategies besides pumping billions down the drain in Iraq. Let's help President Bush achieve his goal of being a "uniter." Let's unite in voting out the Republican Party which has lied, covered-up, squandered, over-spent, and failed.

Voting yes on Measure 44 is imperative. Ballot Measure 44 will allow low income Oregonians to join a prescription drug purchasing pool, helping them to afford the increasingly high costs of prescription medications. More and more, Oregonians without insurance sometimes must choose between buying food and paying the rent or purchasing the medications that help keep them alive. Medical costs and prescription drug costs are among the leading causes of bankruptcy. It is high time that we put this measure in place.

I wish politicians like Rep. Debi Farr hadn't voted against a prescription drug pooling bill in the Oregon House last year. If these politicians hadn't voted to stop this bill, it would be law already and there wouldn't have had to be the expensive campaign to get Measure 44 on the ballot.

However, I am grateful that we have the chance to vote on Measure 44 this year, even though the people we elect to make laws couldn't do it on their own. Please vote yes on Ballot Measure 44.

The breakdown of trust between voters and government was recently addressed in the Oct. 28 issue of the R-G. Voter cynicism is a real threat to our community; it leads to voter apathy and an increasing inability for the government to do its job. The problem arises when we send men and women to Salem who voice to us one belief and make voting decisions based on another.

The solution to reducing voter mistrust is to send to Salem legislators whose core values match our own, and who will stand by these values on the House or Senate floor. This is why I am supporting Chris Edwards for state representative.

Edwards is first and foremost a family man. His reasons for running were spawned from wanting a better life for his son, Simon. Adequate funding for education, public safety, and health care are all issues that Edwards has a plan to address and improve.

Edwards is honest. When addressing touchy issues, Edwards stands strong in his beliefs. No veiled comments, no flip-flopping, no hiding.

Edwards is experienced and knowledgeable. His background in small business has forced him to work within a budget even during difficult times and emerge debt free. However, he is also adept at pinpointing areas where growth is both necessary and plausible.

Edwards' leadership and accountability can and will provide a refreshing change to the Oregon Legislature, renewing the community's faith in our government's ability to serve our needs and improve our lives.

There is a very scary slate of Republican candidates on the ballot this year. The Republican candidates for election in our area would have us believe there are magical solutions to the challenges facing Oregon.

From representative to governor, right-wing Republicans in Oregon are trying to pull the wool over voters' eyes.

Republican Ron Saxton claims that the answer to our budget woes is cutting spending on prison food. This seems to be his only policy proposal. In the debates and in interviews, he won't answer any other question with specifics.

Republican Monica Johnson says we can cut $4,000 per pupil from the public schools budget and still miraculously provide a better education to our children. She says that if we stopped using health insurance, and just paid for medications and doctors' visits out of pocket, or just quit using medical services all together, health care costs would go down. Personal responsibility, she says, is just what the doctor ordered for those with chronic or genetic illnesses.

Republican Debi Farr suggests that we cut capital gains taxes for an elite few of Oregon's richest, and somehow our state will magically increase revenue for schools.

Republican Jim Torrey advocates for universal pre-school, yet doesn't think voters deserve to know how he'll pay for it. He says he's a moderate and a consensus builder, hoping we'll forget his time shilling for developers as Eugene mayor.

Enough of these radical huckster politicians. Vote against these right-wing snake oil peddlers on Nov. 7.

It takes something special to go on TV to complain about your opponent's so called "mudslinging," then turn around to attack him personally using false information. But that's just what Debi Farr has done. Is she getting desperate? Or is she just like the other morally bankrupt Bush Republicans who personally smear their opponents out of habit?

In my mind, pointing out Ms. Farr's record of failed leadership and misplaced priorities is not mudslinging or dirty politics as she complains in her ads. However, lying about someone's business, attacking someone personally, and questioning their motives as they work to do the best to look after their family is about as low as it gets.

If Farr took time to study the facts, she would know that Chris Edwards took over the helm of a business during a very difficult time in the timber industry. Instead of laying off workers or cutting benefits, Edwards rode it out, bringing the business through the downturn and emerging with all bills and taxes paid. Ms. Farr also might take care to note that Chris Edwards was born and educated here, built a home here, and is working to raise a family here. He moved into the Santa Clara area to get the best education for his son, who has autism.

It's bad enough that Farr has tried to mislead the voters about her record. Now she's being dishonest about her opponent's as well. She owes Chris Edwards, and the voters, an apology.