We 'vote' in many ways, on many things, every day

While the push is on to register voters and the slogan, "Protect Democracy, Vote!" is being slung around, I'd like to remind people of the many ways we vote before, during and after the election.

We vote when we eat foods that cause poor health to ourselves and Earth. We vote when we are rude drivers. We vote when we hate others. We vote when we ignore. We vote when we pollute, and when we recycle.

We vote when we read and when we watch television. We vote when we are tolerant of those who have different beliefs than our own. We vote when we care for animals and those around us. It is important that our one time of voting every two years for elections doesn't make us turn a blind eye to all the subtle ways we vote through daily choices.

Jules Cooper, Corvallis

Leave 'top two' election system to Bayou state

Measure 65 would drastically change Oregon's elections by creating a Louisiana-style "Top Two" system. There is much to emulate about Louisiana, but not its corrupt and racist-tinged political system. Bring on Mardi Gras, soft shell crabs, and world class jazz, but leave "Top Two" down on the Bayou.

Measure 65 would create a free-for-all primary: Candidates from all parties would compete in the same election. There would no longer be a separate primary for Republicans and Democrats, nor would Greens and Libertarians have their own nominating conventions. Republicans would influence the selection of Democratic candidates and vice versa. This creates unlimited possibilities for unscrupulous political operatives to rig the system.

Measure 65 would drastically alter the general election in November because only the top two vote-getters from the primary, regardless of party affiliation, would advance to that election. Oregon voters would be limited to only two choices for each race. Your "choices" could be two Republicans or two Democrats. The odds of seeing a third party candidate on the ballot in November would be slim to none.

Measure 65 is a Pandora's Box of unintended consequences. In the primary, candidates would compete against not just the candidates from their own party, but against candidates from all other parties. This means raising more money to reach more voters and doing it sooner, making campaigns longer and more expensive. Expensive campaigns favor Big Money. Given that Measure 65 is, in fact, backed by big business, perhaps this consequence isn't unintended after all.

Blair Bobier, Corvallis

TV Guide/Entertainer combo falls short in many ways

I just wanted to say I dislike the new combination TV Guide / Entertainer. I realize it is a cost-saving move, but I tossed out the Entertainer as usual and Sunday couldn't find the TV Guide. Then my astute wife told me it was in the Entertainer I had tossed out days before. So, when I found it in the recycle newspaper sack, I brought it to her to point out she was wrong and she pointed out I needed to turn it over, and start from the other side. So, you guys made me look like a less than the bright individual I am.

Now here is my "back at you": the Word Quizard says the answers are on page 27. The TV Guide only goes to page 15, and the Entertainer only goes to page 17. So, where would I find page 27, if I were to attempt to work the Word Quizard and admit that I had failed and need to look up the answers?

I'm sure you can see this is just my attempt to save face, as I would never admit I couldn't solve the Word Quizard.

And while you're cutting costs, the space wasted on "Family Circus" could be put to better use as advertising space.

Thanks for a great local paper.

D.J. Freeman, Philomath

How we treat seniors, kids reveals our priorities

It's been said that the quality of a community is determined by how well the community meets the needs of their children and their senior citizens.

We have a perfect opportunity to show that Corvallis is a community of the highest quality by voting for and passing the Corvallis "Seniors, Swing Sets & Softball" bond measure, Measure 02-65, which will provide services for both our younger and our older citizens.

Nancy Tolin, Corvallis

Hervey the right choice for south Corvallis

I'm writing in support of Richard Hervey for City Council because I believe he will be a great representative for the people in South Corvallis. I've known Mr. Hervey for about five years, primarily as a co-founder of the CoHo Cohousing project. During this time, on several committees and work groups, I've found him to be an individual who listens to multiple perspectives, works hard to meet people's needs, organizes others to action, possesses good communication skills and follows through on his commitments.

I encourage others to vote for Richard Hervey, a person who will provide us both leadership and advocacy.

Dennis Clark, Corvallis

Former mayor supports senior center rehab

I was the proud chairman of the City of Corvallis Budget Commission in the early 1980s, when expansion of the Chintimini Senior Center was last approved by our voters. The benefits to this community of that expansion have been continuing and immense.

Today another enlargement is needed and, as Corvallis usually does, the city has listened to and taken account of the interests of park users as well as seniors. Moreover, the city is prepared to time its bond sale to minimize taxpayer costs in what are likely to be turbulent markets.

Please join me in voting for Measure 02-65.

Charles Vars, Corvallis, City of Corvallis Mayor, 1987-95

Students, families would benefit from Measure 02-65

Measure 02-65 not only will benefit the Senior Center but also the student neighbors and families who use the playground. Most programs that take place in the Center last at least two hours. The parking along Tyler Avenue is limited to two hours and becomes a very expensive ticket if one overstays that limit.

The St. Mary's Church has been helpful by allowing their back parking to be used when the Center schedules all-day trips. But they are a very busy church, and this is somewhat of an imposition.

Please vote yes on Measure 02-65, so many people will be the beneficiary of your vote.

Betty Sutorius, Blodgett