Letters to the Editor
Veterans' Memorial is Fantastic
Dear Editor:
WOW! What a way to celebrate Flag Day 2009. "Old Glory" was first raised on Saturday morning at the Veterans Memorial on the corner of Main and 4th Street. It is located on American West Bank property.
Brian Black had a dream and he is seeing it come to fruition. He and a number of other volunteers have put in many hours working on this project, and it isn't finished yet. Thanks to the volunteers and the people that donated materials to complete this project.
Now what do you skeptics think? I think it is fantastic.
Jan Agenbroad
Dayton
Support Urged for Library Annexation
Dear Editor:
Annexation of the City of Dayton to the Columbia County Rural Library District is a win-win, no-brainer.
I have been a Dayton City Council member and the council's Library Liaison since 2006. I have attended nearly EVERY library related board and council meeting in the last three and a half years including special meetings with County Assessor Chris Miller.
FACT IS, Dayton taxpayers are already paying an annual contract fee that is more than the District levy rate PLUS we pay for building repairs, improvements, yard mowing, sidewalk clearing, tree trimming…bla bla bla. That's right; we're paying MORE than we would if we were annexed to the District right now.
If we annex to the Library District, we will pay the same rate as the rural county taxpayers for library services. That tax amount will be SUBTRACTED from our city tax bill and go directly to the Library District not to City Hall, leaving the difference in money, City workers' time, and energy to other city matters.
If you don't believe me, ask Chris Miller, go to City Hall or the library and ask for the information on annexation. No one is trying to pull a sneaky here. It's all public record.
POINT MADE, the District has done everything they said they would. We all enjoy more hours, more books, a free meeting place (Delany Room), great programs and more technology. The mayor asked them to build a successful track record of managing the library and improving library service in our community. Done that!
Don't let ill-informed people confuse you. Vote YES.
Leslie Sweetwood
Dayton
Dear Editor:
(In reference to a letter to the editor published in the June 9, 2009 issue of the Dayton Chronicle)
Curmudgeons do reside in our lovely town of Dayton, who choose to spread misinformation about annexation of the City of Dayton to the Columbia County Rural Library District that is not based upon fact.
Since I moved here, my priority has been to become involved in the fabric of Dayton because I simply love this place. Redeemer Lutheran has helped my faith grow. Donna's Garden has brought contentment. Being Precinct Officer has fulfilled a need to be politically involved. Dayton Farmer's Market has challenged me. But quite important in my life is being a member of the Friends of the Dayton Library.
It is the responsibility of the Friends to advocate for the Library and comply with federal, state and local laws—which includes a formal legal agreement with the Library District. The proposed annexation of the City of Dayton into the Columbia County Rural Library District is totally supported by the Friends because it would benefit the community immeasurably without raising taxes. Get the facts and make an educated decision to VOTE YES for Annexation.
Post Script: Have you seen the beautifully refurbished Delany Room yet?
Donna Helsius
Vice President of the Friends of the
Dayton Library
Dayton
Dear Editor:
I whole-heartedly support the annexation of the City of Dayton to the Columbia County Rural Library District.
As a grade school teacher, I champion early literacy and the importance of life-long learning and recreation through reading. As a resident of Dayton and a library patron, I appreciate all the improvements the Library District has made to library service for our community. As a Library District Board member, I volunteer my time to help shape the future of library services to meet the needs of our county's residents. And as a taxpayer living in these tough economic times, I want my tax dollars to work hard for me and my fellow citizens. I am absolutely confident that annexation is a fiscally responsible choice that will benefit our entire community without raising taxes.
Please join me in voting YES for annexation.
Dawn McGhan
Dayton
Loved All Wheels Weekend
Dear Editor:
I was a first-time attendee at your "All Wheels Weekend" car show (#510M) and I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the City of Dayton and the wonderful people who reside there. You can all be proud of the outstanding achievement that you accomplish every year in offering one of the best community sponsored car shows that I have ever attended.
I have been a "gearhead" for 40 years and have been to hundreds of shows and yours ranks near the top in quality, organization, hospitality and laid back atmosphere. You people are successfully accomplishing what most communities only HOPE for. Keep up the good work. I shall return.
Signed, A Gracious Gearhead,
Neil Stover
Pendleton, OR