Letters 10/13/11

Long experience

County residents and the Port of Whitman will benefit from the long experience Tom Kammerzell has had in the public arena, both in city government and working for the school district. He has already passed one of the most difficult learning curves for a public official, he knows what good government can do and, just as importantly, what it can’t do. This is an important distinction in setting priorities and focusing efforts where they matter.

When I was employed by the City of Colfax, I had the pleasure of working with Tom during his terms on the city council. He both appreciated and respected his fellow council members and the city staff. His style is calm, pragmatic, attentive and good humored. He does his homework. He has an ability to detach himself emotionally, to think long term and to consider the possible consequences of decisions.

With his varied knowledge and experience—of farming, real estate, working as a classified employee for the school district and serving the community as a public official—I hope the Port (and we who benefit from Port projects) will have the good fortune to welcome Tom to the port commission.

Emily Adams,

Colfax

A gem

I am writing this letter to spread the word to those folks in the area that have not yet experienced Tekoa’s Empire Theatre performances. This little theatre is a gem for the surrounding communities. I have been to several performances since moving here from Seattle 5 years ago and every one of them has been top notch.

I am dismayed, however, by the lack of an audience at these performances. I do not understand why more people don’t support this wonderful addition to their community. I have lived in several “highly cultured” cities including Washington, D.C., and Boston. 1 have been to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C. as well as Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot) and I can tell you that the talent showcased at the Empire Theatre is every bit as professional and entertaining as events held in those theatres. If people don’t start supporting their local Arts Center they will lose it and that would be a tragedy.

You can’t get “up close and personal” any better than in your own backyard, so to speak.

The entertainment showcased is family oriented.

There’s no violence, no swearing, no gratuitous sex.

It’s an opportunity for children to be introduced to the Arts and to develop a lifelong love of entertainment other than Nintendo and other video games.

The acts brought in cover all sorts of talents from Big Band to Hee Haw and Cowboy Poetry.

There was an internationally known harpist there a few years ago and a cowboy poet who came here all the way from Australia to perform.

I promise you that if you attend a performance at the Empire Theatre you will not leave disappointed.

And most shows are only $10!The theatre itself is over 50 years old and is being lovingly restored bit by bit as funds allow.

Do yourself a favor, do your family a favor, and go to one of their shows.

They have a website that will be operational in October.

Check out coming events.

Adrienne Darr,

Plummer

Kudos to LaCrosse

Kudos to the LaCrosse school district. Their plan for a levy to raise money for renovations is excellent.

Many of you know by my letters to the editor last spring that I was adamantly opposed to the Oakesdale (the district I live in) plan to run a bond issue for rebuilding the Oakesdale school. I felt it was too ambitious and WAY too expensive. It is good to see that it is possible to make renovations without putting the taxpayers in debt for 25 years. This is a plan I could get behind.

Also, it’s good to see that they are focusing on the basics. No debt, no interest, no frills. How refreshing. Let’s keep our students and staff comfortable and the taxpayers too! And what a great lesson for the kids, “Pay as you go” is the way to go.

Good job, LaCrosse.

Susan Heise,

Farmington

Concern

I am writing to express my concern over the upcoming school board election.

My name is Robin L. Morgan, the wife of Superintendent Michael J. Morgan.

I’ve worked at Tick Klock Drug store as a pharmacy technician over the past 10 years and know so many of you.

I want to make sure that those who do not have children in the Colfax School District or personally have not met my husband Michael, realize that there are two Mike Morgan’s working in the school district.

The other Mike Morgan is the band teacher and football coach.

His wife Evanna is an elementary teacher.

I have been asked this so many times in the past, so I felt it important to make the distinction.

Having been in Colfax since 2000, I know we have an amazing school district full of extremely talented teachers, classified staff, bus drivers, cooks, custodians, and maintenance workers, of whom the majority is supportive and content in their positions.

We also have a business administration that has earned a perfection of merit from the state for spotless accounting practices.

But the most important commodity we have is our children.

I am grateful for the education our children receive.

Our town of Colfax has continually supported the school district, from passing difficult levies to volunteers who give of themselves and put in countless hours just to make the school a better place for our children and their future.

Amongst these important volunteers are the people presently serving on the school board.

My husband has had the privilege of working with Brian Becker, Laura Johnson, Debbie Pearson, Dr.

Rob Smith, and Kathy Wride as the current school board members.

This is such a unique group of people from all walks of life that come together and work as a team, and have nothing but the best motives for our school.

I know each of them personally from my work and as friends through other activities.

I know the hours they put in going to conferences, taking time out of their busy lives to learn how to modify school policy and procedures, and work with my husband to make improvements and decisions for the school.

These incumbents all ran for their positions as individuals who uphold the district’s mission statement which is “to work in partnership with families and community, to prepare students to become responsible citizens who compete successfully in a changing world.” Three of the incumbents are now being challenged by the following group: Kirby Dailey, a parent in the district; Eric Doering, husband of teacher and coach Sue Doering; and Barbara Morgan, mother of teacher and coach Mike Morgan.

Please attend the open forum on October 18th at 7p.m. at the Whitman County Library. If you haven’t spoken to our current board members, come and ask questions. It will be well worth your time. Thank you in advance for voting. A healthy school district depends on it.

Robin L. Morgan,

Colfax

Backs Kammerzell

I would like to offer my support of Tom Kammerzell as Whitman County Port Commissioner. I have known Tom Kammerzell for many years and truly appreciate his involvement and leadership roles within the community.

I have seen Tom’s leadership as president of the local cattlemen’s association (WCCA) and as a district supervisor for the Whitman Conservation District. I have worked with Tom on sustainable agriculture projects using livestock grazing and poultry incorporation. I have personally seen Tom adapt new practices on his farm to make his farming operation more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

Tom’s leadership, progressive nature and support of agriculture is important in making Whitman County a vital community.

Steve Van Vleet,

Colfax