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MAIL TRIBUNE > LOCAL > LETTERS
Caleb's interference in character The interference in high school basketball by Ed Caleb is not out of character for him. He has previously shown that the win-at-all-costs mindset is alive and well. I personally witnessed his boorish behavior as a soccer coach last May. His swearing, nonsportsmanlike actions and threats of physical abuse to his players, the referees and the other team were embarrassing. - Kurt Chapman, Medford Writer sure knows huskiesThe writer of "Huskies not for everyone" Jan. 30 sure knows huskies. We have owned two. They can be taught not to dig, and to be protective of property and owners. This is not easy, but we did it. The disposition of the husky is very desirable, but they are stubborn. They require a lot of praise during training with lots of TLC. They will return it tenfold. We lost Laska at age 12, but we still have Shika, who is now 14. She is a sweetheart. - L. and C. Peterson, Phoenix Editorial fell shortYou really fell short in your Dec. 23 editorial about inmate labor in Jackson County. In the Dec. 20 issue of the Tribune, Bob Grindstaff, director of Jackson County Community Justice, is quoted as saying, "County inmates do not compete for contracted jobs." But, in the Dec. 1 Upper Rogue Independent, Mr. Grindstaff reportedly informed the Eagle Point City Council on Nov. 13, "Crews are available for public and private projects and can perform jobs such as landscape maintenance, painting and other construction-related tasks." In Mr. Grindstaff's own newsletter, the Jackson County Community Justice Newsletter for December 2001, it is reported, "By utilizing crews, the county has provided valuable work experience for the inmates while saving taxpayers $30,000 - the cost of the project had it been done by a private demolition firm." Bob Grindstaff is apparently counting on the public trusting him, and the Mail Tribune is aiding his arrogance. Perhaps the Mail Tribune should research his claim of a 5 percent recidivism rate for inmates as well. This rate would make his program the lowest recidivism rate program in the nation, and corrections officials from all over the country would be visiting to see how this was accomplished. - I. Pace, retired parole/probation officer, Medford Letter was incorrect"Planned Parenthood misguided," published Wednesday, stated, incorrectly, that I had retired from my work as a financial consultant. I am employed full-time as a financial consultant here in Medford, and have been since 1985. I thoroughly enjoy my work and expect to continue this career for many more years. I volunteer my time as a board member at Planned Parenthood. I take time for this because I support their efforts. Their goal is simple: Every child should be wanted, and every woman should be safe when she makes contraceptive decisions. Although most people in America practice some form of family planning during their childbearing years, I do recognize that contraception remains controversial. Civic organizations doing important work rely on volunteers, and I try to do my part. Other current and recent volunteer board involvements and memberships include Rotary, public television, public radio, the county library, local colleges, hospitals, health clinics, the Children's Museum, food banks, legal services to the poor, children's advocacy groups, dispute mediation programs and others. It is all important in trying to make this a better community. - Peter Sage, Medford Thanks to Central PointOn behalf of the Central Point Youth Skate Park Committee, I would like to express thanks to the Central Point City Council for their continued support and dedication to the Central Point Skate Park project. We are very excited that the land is being purchased, and we're looking forward to building the park. - Dain Lewis, Central Point Youth Skate Park Committee Commissioners earn their keepIn response to "We should all feel like crying" (Jan. 20): Speaking as a taxpayer, Ric Holt's trip to Washington, D.C., concerning Elk Creek Dam, for the curious, was paid for by the taxpayers of Jackson County. Ditto for the video he showed to educate the Army with the truth. And the same goes for his pronouncements regarding local nonsupport for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and public lands fire policy, in which he or they, Ric and Jack, gave us the truth. The commissioners spent their time and a pittance of our money on county issues, not really federal issues. Ric, Jack and Sue were elected to represent all of us, in this case the greater percent, 85 percent to 15 percent, who want to see things done for the people of this county, not against the people. The folks in Washington, D.C., finally got the truth, and watch out, more truth will reach them soon. So the writer of that letter should go ahead and cry if she must while the rest of us smile. Please don't worry, the commissioners earn what they get and more. The Elk Creek Dam is needed for flood control and water storage for the people of this county for fish, food, drink, and showers. So go, Ric, Jack and Sue, keep up the good work. With Ric's leadership, 18 counties on O&C funds got $665 million otherwise not realized. So, have they earned their way? Hmmmmmm? - Larry Baines, Medford |
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The Mail Tribune welcomes letters on any topic of general public relevance and interest. Please include a daytime phone number and address for verification. We cannot print letters, even e--mail letters, without verification. We're interested in the comments of all our on--line readers, but we can only publish letters from residents within our Southern Oregon and Northern California circulation area. Sorry, we cannot publish poetry. Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days. Address your letters of 250 word or less (150 words for thank you or election letters) to: Letters to the editor
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