Agencies create problems

A May 8 article told readers of the problems Central Electric Co-op and others have in dealing with government agencies and getting permits to conduct maintenance of their transmission lines on public lands. C.E.C. CEO Dave Markham testified before Congress about the problems. They listened but will not do anything.

These problems are not surprising when dealing with government agencies. They do not solve problems; they create them. That is the nature of government agencies. If one wants something screwed up give it to government. Each agency is going to protect its bailiwick. That is job security. We citizens get the double whammy, once as taxpayers and once as ratepayers.

Do away with permits and make the agencies advisory. Then things will move forward in a timely manner and great amounts of money will be saved. The size of government might actually shrink.

Tom Lakin

Redmond

‘Political opportunism’ exists on both sides

Your recent editorial criticizing Obama for a proposal to help students with their education loans is rather amusing. You call it “crass political opportunism.” Well, yes, that’s what politicians do!

I didn’t see this type of commentary when McCain suspended his 2008 campaign to deal with the budget crisis, even though he didn’t say one word in meetings about the possible solutions. I also didn’t see your outrage over Greg Walden’s 40 votes trying to repeal the ACA. I also don’t recall the crassness of the major Republican representatives standing in front of the World War II memorial demanding it be open after they shut down the government being mentioned. So many more, but word count is limited.

The majority of Republicans have been against immigration reform, gay marriage, any type of gun legislation, cap and trade, higher taxes to reduce the deficit, jobs bills, etc., etc. They complain about deficits, but want more billions in defense spending for some more exciting adventures overseas, while balancing these increases by cutting entitlement programs.

One might say they are only taking the moral high ground, or perhaps, just perhaps, trying to get elected. A cynical person might call this behavior “crass political opportunism.”

When all you do is complain about the Democrats being opportunists, and never chime in about the other guys, you become a print version of the “fair and balanced news” channel.

Alan Pachtman

Bend

Summer meals for kids offer many benefits

I applaud the paper’s editorial board for casting light on an issue that’s important to thousands of kids in Central Oregon: summer hunger (“Summer School Lunches Can Help Kids,” June 12).

As our latest report shows, an alarming summer food gap persists in some Central Oregon counties. Each of us, from local elected leaders to community members, can play a role in bridging this gap — from starting a summer meal site, spreading awareness of existing sites or lending support to enrich current programs.

The benefits of kids attending summer food sites extend beyond the program’s core mission of serving nutritious meals. Many Summer Food Service Program sites in the region also offer opportunities for kids to improve reading skills or expand their understanding of science, while fostering critical social engagement. As a result, summer meal sites help kids avoid summer learning loss, which happens when kids don’t have access to enough enriching activities during the three months when they’re away from the classroom.

Increasing the number of kids who have access to the summer food program will only be possible if more people help make the case to their communities as to why additional sites are needed, and advocate to increase the number of days they serve meals. Ending the summer food gap in Central Oregon means more kids will have the fuel they need to learn, grow and develop their talents.

Lesley Nelson

Portland

Banning cars on campus

Right on Yancy Lind! Just outlaw all cars on campus. Of course, it makes great sense! And solves all problems. Good to think outside the box. More of us should do it.

Fran Stevenson

Bend