Wrong location for campus

This letter is in support of Bill Logan’s letter of May 22. In recently moving to Bend, one of the “qualities of life” on our search was no traffic congestion. Another was an institution of higher learning that would allow us to enjoy continued education.

When we first learned of Oregon State University’s plan to expand in Bend, we were delighted until seeing the location that OSU is attempting to foist on the citizens of this city. The west side, today, is a wonderful blend of all that Bend has to offer. We understand the oft-reported economic and social benefits a four-year institution could mean, but don’t destroy some of the best of what Bend is by demanding that the campus can only be located on the west side. There are other more appropriate areas in greater Bend.

OSU’s management team is taking a page out of the “Autocrats Management Handbook” by not considering the long-term impact of their decision. OSU runs the risk of being the major domino in detracting from the quality of life that Bend is known for, far and wide.

Bill Gregoricus

Bend

Poor landscaping on Reed Market Road

I travel Reed Market Road every day and have enjoyed the improvements being made to the roadway. The new landscaping, however, is atrocious and a waste of taxpayer dollars! I don’t know who is responsible for it, but they should have taken note of how Mt. Washington Drive was landscaped and copied it. Perhaps the name needs to be changed to “Weed Market Road.” It appears to have been landscaped by the same people who landscaped the parkway. At least the parkway has a view of the mountains most days! Some of the bushes that were planted on Reed Market Road are already dead or dying, but the weeds are certainly thriving! Perhaps it would be a good project for those needing to do community service.

Carol Kaber

Bend

Music creates special moments

I am a teacher substitute in the Bend-La Pine school district. Before the school year ends, I would like to share an experience that uplifted and sustained hope. I have been called to cover for our band, choir and orchestra instructors. These are large classes of 40 plus.

One event at Sky View Middle School stands out. Keith Chaiet’s eighth-grade students came into his first-period class, retrieved their instruments and began to individually warm up. This is a very noisy time. A student began to play the popular “Happy” music written by Pharrell Williams. One by one, the other musicians joined in until all were performing a piece they obviously loved. A wave of music gained power and broke over the cacophony. Goose bumps and tears began to swell. They finished and there was a moment of reverent silence. From the looks on their faces, they knew something special had happened.

I am privileged to have been there. Phenomena like this are happening here in Bend because of the expertise shared by our music, choir and orchestra teachers and their ability to pass on their love of making music together and because of the receptive spirits of our children and because Bend is a supportive community.

Should you lose hope in our future, I pray you’ll have an opportunity to see something in the growing next generation that will give you goose bumps of joy and tears of appreciation.

Cheryl McGinnis

Bend

Oil pipeline versus trains through Bend

In a May 24 letter, Robert J. Miller claimed that finishing the Keystone pipeline would be better than shipping oil in tank cars through Bend. His overly simplified comments miss several key points. This pipeline was originally proposed to bring oil from the shale fields of northern Alberta to the Gulf Coast. There already exists a pipeline from Canada through the Dakotas and Illinois to the Gulf Coast. The proposed pipeline would add a second pipe from the Dakotas through Iowa to the Gulf.

The reason the oil comes through Bend is to reach California. The Keystone pipeline does not go to California, and all domestic oil sent to the refineries in Oakland and Los Angles has to travel by train. This also applies to oil destined for the East Coast.

As to his contention that a pipeline is much safer than tank cars, I don’t feel their record supports this. Since 2010, there have been at least six major pipe failures. One in 2010 left eight people dead and failures in Oakland and San Francisco resulted in major property damage.

The Keystone pipeline will not affect the amount of oil being shipped through Oregon.

Steve Wilson

Bend