Bettman recall is valid
There have been claims that the Bonny Bettman recall is
baseless. But as a representative of Ward 3, Bettman has ignored
the cries of resistance from people in her own back yard.
I believe it was wrong of the original plan to offer property (of those
she is supposed to represent) up for sale when the property did
not belong to her. It is wrong for tenants, property and business
owners to lose their property through condemnation against their
will. Especially at a time when many are away for the summer and
unable to voice their concerns. It is also damaging toward the
integrity of the historic homes in the area as the suggested plan
was to move the homes to a new site. I respect the attempts to
recycle the housing, but removing a house from its original
location destroys the integrity of the building and makes it
impossible for state recognition as a historic site.
In addition, the removal of the buildings promotes sprawl because
the housing is being removed from the city’s core. I wish
PeaceHealth would remain downtown, but not at the sake of
removing working-class citizens from their homes by pulling the
rug from underneath their feet. Bettman is supposed to represent
these individuals, but instead has supported an industry. Despite
the public outcry, there’s still support for the downtown site.
Andrea Lewis
senior
planning, public policy and management
Cell phones not the only cause of hazardous driving
Cellular phone usage, according to Russell Weller’s commentary
(ODE Aug. 9) is a debilitating disease that forces all users to
become maniacs on the expressway. While his stories are
legitimate, haven’t we all been run off the road by any type of driver
doing any sort of task while driving? Be it applying make-up,
eating, falling asleep, driving is dangerous and a task reserved for
the responsible.
However, for some cellular phones are a boon to their everyday
work. Why else would people have paid thousands for their
Motorola bricks back in the early ’90s?
For many people, the cab of their truck is their office. Being able to
be contacted by the outside world is very nice. And while this may
cause people to drive while talking on the phone, there are many
people who can do this quite well. To cite Russell Weller, he
cannot talk on a phone and do anything else. Good for him to be
able to admit his weaknesses, but driving with the back of his
vehicle blocked by random shopping items sure doesn’t help his
inability to do two things at once.
I can safely admit that I know people who can concentrate 100
percent on driving and still be a danger to themselves and the
people around them. How to solve the problem of dangerous
driving? There is none outside of genetic cleansing. Staying aware
on the road is the only defense.
Brian Ouellette
Class of 2001
Bettman isn’t representing her constituents
I have read two editorials recently stating that the Bonny Bettman
recall is not justified. Informed people will decide for themselves. It
is no coincidence that those writing letters questioning the
re-count are all not residents of the core area of Ward 3. The point
of view on campus and in the various prospective “blast zones” is
quite a bit different.
Most suspect the summer was chosen as a chance to make a
deal because many who voted for Bettman and would oppose the
demolition would be on vacation. The issue is one of representing
— not sacrificing — one’s constituents. Ganging up with the City
Council and PeaceHealth to get condemnation power against
those who voted her in has been too much for our small
community. As I told Bettman personally two weeks ago, the
people are on edge down there. If she had really taken the six
blocks “off the table” we might not have an issue.
No matter what the current excuse for this summer of harassment
is, the feeling of alienation and disbelief continues. The only way a
councilor could safely, aggressively push for large-scale
residential condemnation of their own voters is if their home was
in the “blast zone.”
Zach Vishanoff
chief petitioner
Recall Bettman
