Explore a cheaper Senior Center plan

I have concerns about supporting 02-65, the Senior Center Expansion. I voiced my concerns to a neighbor; specifically, that the cost of this measure may hurt the very people intended to be helped by this measure.

Her response was to note the cost per square foot and to suggest that a new Senior Center could be built elsewhere. I’m wondering if this has been considered and if not, why not?

The “old” Senior Center could be used by Dial-A-Bus, with room to park their vehicles, and other non-profits, perhaps as an incubator for other services.

This option would save the park as it stands; and still provide a state of the art Senior Center, hopefully at a savings over the proposed plan.

In the end, my main concern is that many of our community members cannot afford the cost of this proposal in view of the present economic environment.

Hazel Stratton, Corvallis

Building permit M63 is not a bargain

If Bill Sizemore’s Measure 63 passes, you won’t have to get a building permit to remodel (at $35,000 or less) your home or farm. Which sounds great — if you’re penny-wise and pound-foolish.

When we had a contractor build us a room addition last year, it was the diligence of a city building inspector who saved our bacon.

Had he not detected a deliberately hidden fundamental flaw in the construction, the floor would have ultimately collapsed — and maybe the walls with it.

Personally, I’d rather pay the permit fee to ensure the job is done right.

Rick Ebel, Corvallis

M57 just plain better than M61

The Gazette-Times discussed Measure 57 and Measure 61 recently, but unfortunately, it missed a key reality: our citizens are frustrated about property crime. Oregonians are so frustrated that they’re going to pass both Measures 57 and 61. The question is, which deserves the most votes and will be enacted into law?

Only one tough-on-crime measure deserves your vote: Measure 57. That’s why as a drug treatment advocate, I’m joining other local supporters like Benton County’s Sheriff Diana Simpson and District Attorney John Haroldson in supporting Measure 57.

Measure 57 is more than just tougher — it’s smarter, too. The current criminal justice system simply doesn’t invest enough in drug treatment. With Measure 57, we’ll DOUBLE the amount of money going into drug treatment. With more than 85 percent of incarcerated property offenders having substance addictions, addiction treatment just makes sense.

Everyday I see families torn apart by addiction. And everyday I witness the miracle of recovery in our women and children’s program (Milestones) and in our adolescent program (YES House) as well as in our community. When treatment is available, families are able to put their lives back together and become productive members of the community.

District attorneys, sheriffs, advocacy groups like AARP and Stand for Children, and treatment advocates like me from across the state are asking for your support and your vote for Measure 57: the better way to fight crime.

Tanya Pritt, Family Recovery Nonprofit, Inc., Corvallis

Undecided on Senior Center request

I keep changing back and forth in my decision about the bond issue for the Senior Center. I can see why it is needed, but wonder if we could look at it again?

I keep wondering why the city doesn’t move the Senior Center from Chintimini Park to a better location. The place has a lot of problems. Just one issue is that Corvallis Transit cannot serve the Senior Center with bus service because the streets are too narrow.

Maybe the city could purchase the vacant lot on Second and Adams Streets downtown from the Benton County Museum? That idea might help both entities. Build the Senior Center downtown, and the money from the sale of the lot to the city could be used toward building the Benton Museum in Philomath on their current site.

The downtown lot is large enough to provide adequate parking and is totally accessible to everyone. Buses already service the streets downtown.

Ten million dollars might be enough to build a completely new center, not just remodel an old building. A new center downtown would release the existing building for other uses as well.

Maybe all options have already been considered. Or maybe not? If this bond issue fails, maybe we could look at this from a new angle for next time.

I will decide how to vote on the Senior Center bond before Nov 4. But right now I have not quite made up my mind.

Ronald J. Naasko, Corvallis

How are senators and plumbers alike?

While being very careful not to over-generalize, it might just be that certain senators have much in common with certain plumbers.

Just think: There’s a tendency for both groups to promise much more than they accomplish, to hopelessly underestimate the cost of their activities and to leave a horrible mess behind when they leave.

Mike Colling, Corvallis

Not everyone can afford to pay more

Now that property tax bills have been received, I hope you will take a good look at the figures. Ours went up 7 percent over last year. If 02-65 passes that will add another (estimated) 32 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. While this may not seem like very much, remember that the assessed valuation goes up every year which results in an increase in the school taxes, county taxes, and the automatic annual 3 percent that the city assesses.

For those of you who feel your budget can absorb more property taxes, I say “Congratulations!” I am happy that you are doing well financially, but not everyone is. Many budgets are stretched to the breaking point. I’m tired of hearing that “everyone can dig a little deeper” or being told by Barbara Sackett to “bite the bullet.”

No, not everyone can dig deeper and I’ve been biting the bullet so long that my teeth are all worn down. Now is not the time to add more property taxes for non-emergency measures. Please join me in voting NO on 02-65.

Barbara S. Curry, Corvallis

Paving paradise to put in a parking lot

The reason I’m voting No on Measure 02-65, despite some of the wonderful things it would pay for, is that part of theproposed “improvements” would be to pave a corner of Chintimini Park to put in more parking for Dial-a-Bus. We’re talking about paving a ball park over to put in a parking lot. Dial-a-Bus should relocate. We cannot afford to lose this green space, particularly when the city already has other locations for the Dial-a-bus headquarters, perfectly good locations already paved for cars. We need the green space for today and for future generations. We need a new measure written, one that would preserve the green space AND make needed improvements. That’s why I’m voting no, so the city can make a new proposal that we can vote on later.

Rebekah Fowler, Corvallis

Philomath mayor addresses issues

I would like to thank Scott Ramsey for bring issues concerning the county commissioner race to voters’ attention (letter, Oct. 30). In his effort to address Philomath leadership, his opinions need some factual clarification.

Ramsey praises Commissioner Jaramillo for her extensive participation in our highway projects. It was in fact Commissioner Modrell who represented the county at all planning meetings regarding regional transportation through Philomath.

Ramsey also states that I have little or no concerns when asked to attend community events. Ramsey is incorrect in his statement. It has been my privilege to represent Philomath at many events such as the Philomath Frolic, Philomath Downtown Association meetings, Arbor Day tree dedications, school functions, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, recognition ceremonies of community volunteers, etc.

Despite the viewpoints of Ramsey, Philomath citizens are vested in a course of peace and harmony. Philomath government is grateful to all citizen volunteers who coordinate the many community events, making our city a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Chris Nusbaum, Philomath mayor