Letters to the Editor - Dec. 21, 2012

Scott, the first step in this whole process is for the education community to stop being an adversary to the process. This community, headed by their unions, has opposed for the last three decades every effort to make PERS sustainable. Even now as teachers are laid off and class sizes are escalating, the organizations are balking at reform. Even COSA has been a problem in past decades, unwilling to lead in the PERS efforts because their members were also PERS members.

Kent, as much as I agree that controls need to be made, it is too little too late. There are millions of these weapons that are readily available and millions of over sized magazines for these weapons.

We have worse problems with alcohol, yet it is being pushed to the max here in Yamhill County and across the U.S. as though it were a necessity for our culture.

The PERS situation will not improve as long as those elected to Oregon's government are not 'purchased' by the public employee unions. When any 'political lobby' can stuff campaign coffers with large sums of money there will be favors due upon election.

The benefits (health, COLAs, and retirement) have been ever increasing, mostly due to a legislature and governor who are monetarily committed to protect and enhance each. Kulongoski made his feelings (and future decisions) quite public when he sided with the unions pre-election: "It's us (public employees) against them (Oregon citizens)." His chief of staff and deputy were union leaders before appointment. Ted was more of a shill than a real governor.

The mentality that truly believes Kitzhaber will actually accomplish any real reform is wishful thinking at best, and the position will be handed (by the unions) to the next shill when the time occurs.

If Oregonians want fairness over excess, elect a legislature and governor that aren't bought off by public unions. Otherwise, the unions will push for a larger piece of the pie at every opportunity -- and those beholden will make it happen!