Letters
April 24, 2010

Library and our economy

Does the library affect our county’s economy? Jobs? Businesses?

I know as a small-business owner, one of the things that attracted me to Hood River was its library. It signaled to me, “This is a community that values learning. There are skilled, forward-looking people here. What a great resource!” But, was this unique to our business?

I decided to take a closer look.  What do ROI (“return on investment”) studies show? One of the best-designed studies was done for the state of Florida in 2005 (Google “Florida ROI, public libraries”). It found that for every $1 invested in the public libraries there was a return of $6.54 in economic benefits — jobs created, increased wages and gross regional product. That’s impressive.

How can the library have such a big impact? One way is through online databases. In Florida more than 30 percent of the “visitors” access the library from their computer, in their home, office or coffee shop.

Are you an orchardist? Through the Hood River County library system you can read the latest research on controlling codling moth in the Journal of Applied Entomology via InfoTrac.

Interested in topics like: starting a business, incorporation, franchising, competitive intelligence or pricing, in the top business publications? You will find it online in the Gale Small Business Resource Center.

This is just a small sampling of the information and advice, and it’s all there at your fingertips. But subscriptions to these databases are expensive, more than an individual or most businesses can afford. Thanks to our library system, members have access. After June 30, it will all be gone if we do not support our library.

Public libraries build a stronger, healthy economy. All research shows it. Make an investment in the financial success of our children, neighbors, friends and family. Vote for the library.

Larry Jones
Hood River

Peachey for judge

Tom Peachey, in my opinion, would make an excellent and well-balanced judge for the 7th Circuit.

I was the district attorney for Wheeler County from 1990 until 2008. I first encountered Tom Peachey when he was representing a client on an attempted murder charge in 1990. He was professional, respectful and knowledgeable.

I was looking forward with anticipation and trepidation to the upcoming trial when I was called up for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Pat Wolke took over the prosecution for me. I was very comfortable with him doing so as he had been an attorney for 15 years at that time.

Pat lost. Tom presented his case with passion, conviction and understanding of the law that worked in his favor.

I’ve seen Tom at various continuing education classes since, and understand that he has a well-rounded caseload which includes not just criminal defense but complicated litigation, as well.

In closing, I strongly support Tom Peachey for 7th Circuit Judge. He has been in the trenches, and has the experience, intelligence, insight and training to make an excellent jurist.

Tom Cutsforth
Fossil

Vote for Stauffer

I am writing this letter to endorse Janet Stauffer in her candidacy for Circuit Court Judge in the 7th Judicial District.

I have served as a part-time Washington State District Court judge since 1978, and have served as a pro tem Washington State Superior Court judge for Klickitat and Skamania counties. I am also an attorney in private practice.

I have known and worked with attorney Janet Stauffer for a number of years. During this period of time I have regularly referred to her some of my valued Washington clients who have needed her expertise in fields of law that I do not practice.

Janet has consistently demonstrated her competence as an attorney and I feel very confident that anyone I refer to her will receive excellent legal representation.

I have also experienced her judicial demeanor when she served as a mediator for a very difficult dissolution of marriage case. Janet successfully settled the case to the satisfaction of both my client and the other party. Without her expertise, patience and skill, the parties would have proceeded to a trial that would have been very costly and time-consuming.

It is my opinion as an attorney and a judge that a criminal practice background is not a prerequisite to having a competent and successful judicial career. I believe that with her 24 years of litigation experience, and her personal work ethic, temperament and demeanor, Janet Stauffer has the requisite background necessary to make an excellent judge for the 7th Judicial District.

Robert D. Weisfield
Bingen, Wash.

Stauffer for judge

I am asking that you support and vote for Janet Stauffer, 7th District Circuit Court Judge, Position 2 in the May election.

I have known Janet for numerous years and witnessed her dedication as a litigation attorney, be a wonderful mother and wife and serve on many committees with passion and commitment. My husband and I affectionately refer to Janet as the “Energizer Bunny” because she never appears to run out of energy.

As well as being a friend, Janet represented me in a court case in Washington state where she is also licensed to practice. She represented me with compassion and respect and kept me well-informed of the court proceedings, so that I would know exactly what to expect.

Janet has what it takes to be a fair, respectful, yet firm judge. She is so approachable, calm and has an innate sense of right and wrong.

Janet has broad experience in Washington Superior Courts and Oregon Circuit Courts, practicing in 23 of the 27 districts in Oregon and almost every Superior Court in Washington. She also has represented businesses in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Oregon and in the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington.

Janet has over 23 years of experience as a litigation attorney. For those of you who do not know Janet, I suggest you take the time to get to know her. For more information visit her website, www.janetstaufferforjudge.com.

Robin Urness
Dallesport, Wash.

Education or incarceration

A recent letter to the editor regarding the library district mentioned that students could use the school libraries and computers for their needs.

I find this a tragic attitude, like burying our heads in the sand. Many county school students don’t live within walking distance of school and need to be bused. School libraries are not open during weekends or summer. Home-schooled children can’t easily obtain school library access, and depend upon the public library. What about those young people whose families cannot afford an Internet hookup at home? Believe me, there are many in this valley.

There are not summer jobs available for young people under the age of 14, not like in the days of my youth. Here in the Parkdale area, many kids up through middle school age, who cannot be employed, use the library a great deal of the time. This may be enrichment for them in the summer, but it helps keep them occupied.

The old saying that “Idle hands are the Devils’ workshop” is still very true today. It costs a great deal less to educate young people than to incarcerate them, yet we vote for jails! Hood River County has the second-lowest tax rate in the state.

I don’t want to be in a position to brag about that and have NO LIBRARY. This community is now a world-class destination whether we like it or not.

As a candidate for a one-year position on the board, I will not stand for a tax rate assessment approaching the maximum rate of $70 cents per thousand.. A rate of approximately 56 cents per assessed (not market) value would bring the library staffing and hours back to what it was before cutbacks.

We cannot afford to do less for our overall community. Please vote YES for the new library district.

Paul Romans
Mt. Hood

Vote for Peachey

We need a qualified and experienced judge for our Circuit Court, 7th Judicial District, and that is why I am supporting Tom Peachey.

This race is about choosing the best person with the best experience. It should not be about sign size.

Tom has practiced law in our community for over 31 years. He is the only candidate who has prosecuted and defended serious criminal cases. He is the only candidate who has represented clients in domestic matters, and he is the only candidate who has been a court-appointed arbitrator in our judicial district.

Why would we want to elect a judge who lacks critical experience when we can elect Tom Peachey? Just knowing the law isn’t enough; experience matters.

Vote for Tom Peachey, Circuit Court Judge, 7th Judicial District.

Randy Stewart
The Dalles