Aug. 13 Letters to the Editor

Library needs our help

The library in our little town will not be getting stimulus funds. Our only hope to maintain library service is for us taxpayers to support it with a “yes” vote.

I am well aware that this will be a sacrifice for some of our citizens. Sacrifice is what gave us a library in the first place. Many people over the years have worked hard to give us this library. Since the levy failed last year more sacrifice was necessary. People came through in a big way to keep it open for another try.

Our librarian and library board have pared the budget down to a bare minimum to cover expenses. It is a no “frills” budget, but would allow our citizens, young and old, to have access to our wonderful collection of reading materials and computer services, things that some take for granted but many do not have access to. Help. Vote “yes”!

Carole Hubbard

Castle Rock

A focus on garbage

The subject of garbage removal needs to be discussed openly throughout Cowlitz County. Toutle residents do not want the county to use Weyerhaeuser’s landfill. Longview residents will be monitored for their recycling.

Soon the county landfill will be full and closed permanently. Then our garbage is to be shipped to Eastern Washington. Now we hear Weyerhaeuser plans on selling their landfill. Weyerhaeuser is a private company. They can sell to whomever. There is the chance this property will continue to be a landfill. Cowlitz County Commissioner George Raiter brings up a good point. What if an out-of-county or out-of-state corporation bought the property? Then what happens?

In an Aug. 6 letter, Daniel Stanley mentions the 50 acres north of Castle Rock the county purchased for a landfill. If this is true, why will it not be used for a landfill?

How many county residents, as well as Oregonians, dump their trash in Longview garbage bins? This is happening all around the city. These cheap people don’t care which bin they use as long as they can dump their garbage for free. Longview residents have to pay the bill. Only an ignorant person would think this isn’t happening. Would costs and abuse be contained if each household had their own garbage and recycle bins? Probably.

Philip Portwood

Longview

Forums are being hijacked

I am disturbed that Congressman Brian Baird is getting bombarded with criticism for using other options besides his usual town hall meetings. I have attended numerous of his town hall meetings in Long Beach. He is always very cordial and patient with the attendees.

Just lately I have noticed a shift in the attitudes some participants. The last meeting I went to this summer had several attendees who were not even from our area and hogged the floor. One couple refused to sit down so the rest of us could see and hear. They continued to talk and not listen as Brian responded. It didn’t appear they were even paying attention to the answers. I saw more rudeness that I ever have, as the rest of us tried to learn and ask our questions.

It appears this behavior is escalating and it is countrywide. It looks to me that it IS being coordinated by some organized effort. These are not just constituents that have honest questions; these are people who hold an agenda. I am angry that our democratic forums are being hijacked.

Marion Oman

Long Beach

Use life vests

Our community has experienced several drowning deaths recently. Considering the many bodies of water surrounding our community, I think it would be a good idea for people of all ages to learn how to swim and the importance of using life vests.

Cory Kennedy

Longview