Anti-organic E. coli letter was wrong

In his Dec. 19 letter, "Pesticides safer for you than bacteria," L. Michael Foster's assertions that organically grown foods are more subject to contamination by E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria are negligent, misleading and entirely without merit.

Mr. Foster claims that the manure applied to organically grown crops is a dangerous source of bacteria. However, unlike conventional farmers (who have only safety guidelines regarding manure use), certified organic farmers are required to follow stringent protocols.

Raw manure may not be applied to food crops within 120 days of harvest where edible portions have soil contact. Despite the large volumes of manure also used in conventional agriculture, organic farmers are held to a higher safety standard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program states, "Properly managed animal waste should not cause any known health hazards."

Mr. Foster's parting shot, in which he claims that pesticides cause no human harm when used as directed, is paraphrased from a book by Elizabeth Whalen, of the American Council on Science and Health. This organization is funded by dozens of well-known corporate polluters such as Monsanto, G.E., DuPont and Dow.

Refuting Whalen's statement of pesticide safety are recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, showing that the cancer risk acquired from pesticide exposure via food products and the neurological effects of exposure to organophosphate residues in foods.

Organically grown food remains a sound choice, both for food safety and to lessen the impact of agricultural chemicals on our health and environment.

Lisa Millbank, Corvallis

Burying power lines does make sense

I question the inclusion (or lack) of items in the equation (in the Dec. 18 editorial, "In-ground power lines? Here's why not"), so I asked an equipment and construction consultant for his take on this editorial.

While underground burial is expensive, to state that it is two or three times the cost of overhead power is misleading. The cost of burying any utility is contingent on locations of other buried infrastructure(s), land topography and composition of the terrain.

Old techniques required digging up roadways and landscape, significantly impacting environment. Current technology, using horizontal boring equipment, can make an infinite horizontal bore - even under a front yard - with little interruption or inconvenience.

Did cost difference include: business lost during power outage, perishables ruined in homes and stores, equipment repair/replacement caused by brown-outs and power surges, discomfort and/or lost of life to frail and vulnerable neighbors? How do you measure just plain inconvenience? How much money is spent every year trimming trees near power lines? Is that in the equation?

Intangibles are hard to calculate. Large cost differences exist between installation of new infrastructure and replacing existing equipment. Economics 101 teaches: If the cost difference is one cent to the positive, it is worth doing.

Using current technology and common sense, in-ground utility installation can have a practical solution: Have both; overhead where it may not matter and underground in neighborhoods with lots of trees and pristine locations where a view may be influenced. Shouldn't the utilities rethink their priorities? It's not just about money.

Cynthia Janes, Corvallis

Piece of 'musical' history missing

Keep your eyes peeled! A small and unique piece of local history is suddenly missing.

The original, 80-year-old wrought iron sign hanging above the front door of one of Corvallis' most significant, historic homes was reported stolen on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

This special sign reads "Casa Musica" and is approximately 8 inches by 36 inches in size. A reward is being offered for the return of the sign, and there will be no questions asked upon its return. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this local treasure should call 990-3043 or the Corvallis police

immediately (Case #06C07647).

This theft is an unfortunate loss not only to the family that lives in this beautiful home, but also to the cultural heritage of our entire city. Located at 3560 NW Tyler Avenue, in the College Hill West Historic District, Casa Musica is a Tudor style home that was built in 1927 for Paul & Lillian Petri.

Prof. Petri served as director of the school of music at Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University) for 23 years, while Mrs. Petri taught piano. The couple aptly named their residence "Casa Musica" (Latin for "House of Music"). They were known for having frequent concerts and recitals in their home. They both lived in their beloved home until they died.

Please be on the lookout for this missing sign. It would be really wonderful if it could some how be returned to where it has hung for the past 80 years and to where all of us in Corvallis could again enjoy it as we drive or walk by.

Deb Kadas, Corvallis Historic Resources Commissioner, Corvallis

When it comes to ballot, paper is best

I join the call for a paper ballot for every vote cast in America. It is time for Congress to finally pass an Election Reform bill in which the American people can have confidence. Any such legislation must require a paper BALLOT - not a "paper trail" nor a "paper record" - for every vote cast. I fully support the following open letter from leading election integrity organizations. Please make this a top priority in the upcoming legislative session.

Marilyn Miller, Corvallis