Forest Service ‘can’t do’ policy

Out of the mouths of babes … kudos to Calvin Earp, the young man visiting from California who saw a need and tried to make something happen by cleaning up trash near China Hat Road. He is a good example of a “can do” society and a “can’t do” government. I’m disappointed that the U.S. Forest Service didn’t embrace his initiative and help him with the parking, safety training, etc. Instead, they suggested Earp pursue this again next year. This isn’t rocket science, folks. I suggest that the Forest Service get out there and clean it up themselves.

Sue Lever Bend

Dump the OLCC

Does this state need the Oregon Liquor Control Commission? Do we need an entity that mandates people shop at liquor stores at twice the cost of the same product sold three hours south of here? Is it because of the millions of dollars provided to various entities in this state? This money could be multiplied many times over if people (by the thousands) were not forced to drive into California where they spend thousands of dollars each year to get around the archaic sales tax imposed by the OLCC?

Can we place a tax on liquor sold at supermarkets and pharmacies? Of course we can, as long as it is reasonable, and people would pay it, too. Do we need the OLCC and all of the tag-along entities that have been born to support it, when a little old-fashioned competition between liquor-selling entities would be a healthy thing for the Oregon economy? The answer is no, of course not. As I understand it, Washington had the opportunity to get rid of its liquor control commission during a recent ballot, but the wording was such that no one up there could figure it out, and the measure lost out once again.

I believe the people of Oregon could figure it out if given the chance. We need to do whatever it takes to get rid of this millstone around our necks and step into the light. We need to get rid of the OLCC, and now.

Mike McCormick La Pine

Benefits of bike races

More bike races in Bend? Hey, we get it. Bend hosts a lot of cycling events, including four national championships in the past two years. So why the fuss over the two USA Cycling national championships coming to Bend. It’s pretty simple, really.

Between the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships on Aug. 30-Sept. 4 and the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships on Sept. 17, we’re anticipating the arrival of more than 1,500 participants and 4,000 total visitors from every state in the country. The economic impact of these two events, including lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment, is anticipated to exceed $2 million. That’s a lot of money.

While it’s true the bike races are entertaining to watch and fun for locals, tourists and riders, make no mistake about it — these events are great for Bend’s economy.

It’s also a chance for us to put our best foot forward as a community. Ideally, many of these riders and their supporters will be so impressed that they’ll return to the area again and again.

In the coming weeks, you’ll see an unusually large number of cyclists riding around town. You can do your part by simply being aware of their presence and giving them a little extra room on the road. And if you feel like thanking them for choosing to spend their discretionary time and money in Bend, that would be the icing on the cake.

So please join me in welcoming the participants, spectators and support staff of both races to Bend, and in wishing all racers the best of luck during the upcoming competitions. Let’s show them what makes Bend so amazing.

Doug La Placa president of Visit Bend

Hypocrisy from Bulletin

I read several articles by Bulletin editor-in-chief John Costa — and I agree with most of them — when he wrote that the government, local, state or federal, should not spend more than its revenues — in other words, spend within its means.

And now Mr. Costa tries to justify his company’s (Western Communications owns The Bulletin) bankruptcy. Over-spending even if it is based on the interest rate of a loan is over-spending. Mr. Costa has no right to tell the government to stay within its means if he cannot do it with his own company.

That is called hypocrisy and there is no excuse or justification for it, even though Mr. Costa tried, just as the government did.

It is kind of sad actually, isn’t it?

Gabor Kristof Bend