Klamath Falls Herald and News

Letter to the Editor

October 23, 2010

   In response to Tom Mallams’ Oct. 17 letter: What is despicable is how the Natural Resource Advisory Council came to vote “no” on the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.

   As a full group, the committee decided to “remain neutral,” about the KBRA. Then, at a meeting when a number of board members and the presiding commissioner were absent, the chairperson, a staunch KBRA opponent, and a cohort of Mallams, hijacked the board and forced a no vote on the KBRA against the board’s earlier wishes.

   As for the Conservative Voters PAC endorsement of candidates, it looks like politics as usual, special agendas and big money.  

   Take Dennis Linthicum for example: During televised debates the week of Oct. 11, he encouraged people to vote yes on 18-80, then he turned around and said as commissioner he would ignore a yes vote of the people and continue the county’s participation in the KBRA.

   Linthicum’s (the “fiscal conservative”) only answer to the KBRA, is spending more than half a billion dollars on Long Lake, which has not shown to be a feasible alternative. Maybe he can get the taxpayers from Louisiana to pay for this boondoggle.

   If you are a senior citizen, veteran, are abused, homeless or hungry, in foreclosure or struggling in this economy, be careful how you vote.  

   If you need help paying heating bills or enjoy the benefits of the Senior Center, you may be labeled a “looter.” Linthicum considers receiving grants or assistance from the government “looting,” (Herald and News, Oct. 10.)

   If you are a hunter or birdwatcher, why don’t you ask the Conservative Voters PAC or Linthicum how they plan to get water to the refuges. The KBRA fully supports the refuges with water and funding.

   Vote no on 18-80; vote for Kirk Oakes for county commissioner.

   Kathy Walter

   Chiloquin