Spirit of generosity
To the editor: Six years ago, our oldest son was battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We thank God that he is in remission today.

At that time, medical expenses were high and our spirits were low. Two unexpected occurrences at Christmas touched my heart, which was stressed and sad in the season of joy.

First, Paul Drake stopped by our house to offer the money that people left while viewing his fabulous light display on Holly Drive. We didn’t know Paul, but had enjoyed his family’s lights each year since the time when our four children were very small.

Then, Michelle Degg came to our door with armloads of grocery bags filled with food from the City of Oregon’s Christmas Baskets Project. We didn’t know Michelle well, either, but after all of the requests for Christmas baskets had been filled, she asked if extra food could be packed and delivered to our family. The Christmas Baskets Project committee and volunteers agreed.

I coordinate Starr Elementary School’s holiday food collection drive to honor these two kindnesses in the spirit of “paying it forward.” Each year, it is my hope that, like me, the Oregon Christmas Baskets recipients somehow feel the love with which each bag, box, can and other food item is collected, sorted, packed and delivered.

Credit for the success of Starr School’s food drive is not rightfully mine. It belongs to the incredibly generous Starr Bulldog students and their families. My thanks to each of you. I am blessed to work in a school with such spirit.
Mary McGill
Oregon

Hiring questions
To the editor: Walbridge voters now know about how the village agreed on hiring an administrator before the newly-elected councilmen would have an opportunity to vote. The two incumbent councilwomen questioned this and thought they should have had a resume before any hiring was done for this position.

They didn’t have one for a year and a half and all of a sudden, this mayor came up with a name.

The first time they saw a resume was right before the meeting.

Attention Walbridge residents…we can now speak once a month at a town meeting to address anything we want. Well, guess what…it’s after the fact.

The mayor has informed the public that residents cannot address anything during council meetings when ordinances are passed as an emergency – most of the time. And once they are passed, it becomes law. Mayor Wilzczynsk says the reason is so they can get business taken care of for the village. So why have town meetings after the fact? These types of meeting have been going on since this mayor has been in office. Is this what you want for our town?

The mayor and council are elected by us and should be working with residents. Look at the time he is going to set for the once a month town meeting – 5 p.m.

Why is it that the trustees in Lake Township allow their residents to speak during their meetings and seem to get their business all taken care of?
Joann Schiavone
Walbridge

Outstanding
To the editor: I have been the Director of Career and Technology Education for the Oregon City Schools since December 2008.

This is my fourth Christmas season in this position and I again have been blessed to work with an outstanding group of staff and students. This year, our department participated in our annual Adopt-A-Family community event. Twelve different families were adopted this year. Each year that number has grown, and each year, the Career and Tech staff and students reach into their hearts and find a little something for the families.

I am delighted to have witnessed this massive outpouring of compassion and giving from our Career and Tech family.

I had the opportunity to deliver the Christmas gifts personally and there were hugs and cheerful tears as I left each doorstep.

I am proud to be a part of this district and proud to lead such a wonderful group of people. The Career & Tech team at Clay High School is outstanding. Their efforts do not stop at the classroom door and as a result, our students learn a great deal about their chosen career field, how to be productive in their careers and what it means to be active in their community.
Steve Bialorucki
Director of Career & Technology Education, Oregon City Schools

Appalled
To the editor: I am appalled that both houses of Congress would adjourn for the holidays, knowing full well that we constituents will get slammed beginning Jan. 1 with a huge tax increase, due to their inability and unwillingness to compromise.

Every one of our senators and representatives knew full well that this measure could be left unresolved, but in their ever-increasing game of brinksmanship, they once again tossed the ball to the other house, then quickly left town in an effort to block any avenue for compromise. But both Senator Reid and Congressman Boehner stayed around long enough to point out on newsbytes how they had “heard” their constituents and blamed the other house for this impasse.  I have watched this issue closely and have not heard one opinion/editorial describing how a tax increase will help create jobs or economic recovery. This is not just a Democratic or Republican issue – this is a total failure of our legislative branch to respect and honor their commitment to represent us. They leave town to enjoy the perks that we pay for with no apparent care for the impact of their cowardness.

I have written to both my senators and to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur to express my dissatisfaction with their representation. Not one of our representatives was caught on the news demanding that their peers stay in session to assure this issue was resolved.

I would hope that the voters will remember that it is us who has the power and vote accordingly against any incumbent to either the senate or house in the next election.

It is we, not the political parties, that will force a change to this ridiculous behavior that our leaders feel should be acceptable
David Ackerman
Oregon

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