Realities of teaching argue against Measure 60

Ballot Measure 60 on the November ballot would make students' progress the basis of teacher evaluation. There are many factors involved in education, and teachers' skills are very important, but far from the only factor. Student abilities and attitudes, parental and community support, available funds and administrative supervision are important, too.

I was a teacher in a district with two classrooms per grade. My partner in the other room was Mrs. X. One year, she had a boy she couldn't seem to manage. About midyear, the principal moved him into my class, and I was able get him to do satisfactory work.

The principal seemed to be inspired to believe I could better manage problem boys, and the next year I had 20 boys and 10 girls - all the difficult students.

It was a tough year, and of course Mrs. X's class did much better on the achievement tests. Following that, parents and students began to campaign not to be in my class. I finally had a good talk with the principal, and afterward the classes were divided more evenly.

In no way do I mean to suggest I was a better teacher than Mrs. X or anyone else, but it may well be that our best teachers are working their butts off, struggling to teach troubled students who didn't do as well on tests.

The ballot measure is a simplistic idea that may sound good to some, but it assumes all teaching situations are equal and could do great harm. Vote no on ballot measure 60.

P.M. deLaubenfels, Corvallis

Waiting to improve Senior Center is unwise, costly

It is said that the quality of life in a community can be measured by the way a community treats its children and its elderly. This is reason enough to vote for Measure 02-65, for improvements to the Senior Center, Chintimini Park, and playgrounds and fields throughout Corvallis. However, there are other good reasons to initiate these projects now.

First, although the Gazette-Times suggested that we should wait to make these needed improvements, it is more likely that the cost of borrowing money (selling bonds) will increase with time, given the tight money market and increasing federal regulations.

Corvallis' credit rating is excellent, and the interest rates that we would pay on bonds may be lower now than in the near future. It is dicey to make such predictions, but that scenario makes sense to me.

Second, with home building and construction in general at an all-time low, getting these projects going next year will probably result in lower bids for construction than if we were to wait. Also, these projects will provide employment for a number of local men and women in the construction industry - much-needed jobs for our own people living in our area.

I believe that we are likely to see a competitive sale of bonds at a lower interest rate than if we were to wait another year or so, which appeals to a fiscal conservative like myself. Passing Measure 02-65 will be a win-win situation for everyone.

John R. Davis, Corvallis Budget Commission

You could call Congress 'politically disturbed'

It is very disturbing to see in your column the two political parties accusing the other of personal attacks. I am a registered voter for 40 years and guilty of stubbornly following my party. Until 20 years ago, you could do so. We are now entering the 21st century, and there is a very big difference in the world.

Both parties are now the same in who is influencing where their loyalties are, except for the few who serve our people. The two party candidates who are currently competing for our votes have accepted the most money from the same sources as the Senate and members of Congress who passed the $850 billion record bailout. All the "yea" votes were bought!

That is why the personal attacks with no substance on both sides. They sure know how to play the game at our expense! Did anyone catch what Rep. Barney Frank said after Congress announced to the people that they voted the bill in? He made a comment about all the calls to Congress from the people who were against the bill, of his dissatisfaction with our complaints, and that the 500 members of the House and Senate were better to make choices than the people.

Pretty bold statement when their cause is more important than the people who voted them into office. How long is our intelligence going to be insulted by our government? It's happened so long we have become numb.

Louis Baier, Corvallis

Corvallis mayor supports Senior Center measure

Please join me in voting yes for Corvallis bond measure 02-65, which invests in important city infrastructure. Let's review the many benefits of the measure.

The Meals on Wheels Program will benefit from an enlarged and renovated kitchen. The center needs more space for programs and activities. More than 13,000 people use the center about 50,000 times a year; the center is a significant community asset. I drive a Dial-A-Bus; this measure will allow Dial-A-Bus staff to move back to the center from their temporary modular and provide expanded service.

Improving the Senior Center has another benefit: Many seniors are more independent because of the center's programs. They can live in their homes and receive meals and rides on request. The Senior Center saves money on senior care, provides seniors with better quality of life and gives respite to family and friends.

Chintimini Park benefits from needed renovation. The measure reconfigures one softball field at which a long fly ball can hit a Dial-A-Bus. We also need more parking at the Senior Center.

The measure benefits 10 city parks throughout our community by adding and replacing new playground equipment; playgrounds that will be accessible by children of all abilities.

To provide better softball team scheduling and more adult participation, softball fields need improvement. The measure adds lighting to two softball fields.

Let's continue our long tradition of investing in city facilities and vote YES for Measure 02-65; Seniors, Swing Sets and Softball.

Charlie Tomlinson, Corvallis

ODFW erred on turkeys, and bicycle etiquette is better

I believe I now understand why so many people question the decisions of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department.

Concerning the fate of the wild turkeys in Philomath, their first move is to kill 10 birds, thus eliminating half the problem. That's like 100 lawyers at the bottom of a lake: It's just a good start. (Relax; it's a joke).

Are the remaining offenders expected to flee in terror at the sight of a few dead comrades? Not likely. They'll be back as soon as the lead quits flying, and by next summer there'll be 10 turkeys with cute little babies running around your yards.

My favorite part of the Oct. 15 article is the statement that turkeys are too smart to trap - Whaaat?

Occasionally while watching (comic) Jeff Foxworthy, I too must admit "I'm not smarter than a fifth-grader," but I pray to God I never have to publicly admit I'm not smarter than a turkey.

On a second note: If the editor will be so kind, I would personally like to thank the local bicycle riders. I've never honked and waved in appreciation as many times as I did this last summer. Not once did I encounter two or more abreast on a sharp curve, and every time it was appropriate, riders always rode single-file.

I know I angered many of you with a letter I wrote last spring, but my intentions were good. Thank you for your recognition of the problem and, most of all, your response.

Rex Bennett, Philomath