CLAREMORE — Residents sounded off on politics, county commissioners and utility companies in several letters to the editor on Sunday.

 

Commissioners deserve thanks in battle with utilities

Dear Editor,

Thanks for publishing the recent article about our county commissioners’ hard work to make sure utilities follow rules in filing permits. (Commissioners Berate Utilities For Neglecting Permits). This is just another example of how lucky the voters of Rogers County are to have Mike Helm, Kirt Thacker and Dan DeLozier serve as our county commissioners.

These three have consistently worked hard to make sure Rogers County is the best in Oklahoma. I was also pleased to see one company, AT&T, was singled out by the commissioners for following the county’s permit rules. I’m sure AT&T’s diligence in filing permits allows the commissioners more time to effectively concentrate on matters critical to the success of Rogers County, instead of corporate oversights.

Again, thanks for running the story. It provided another excellent example of how our commissioners and AT&T are committed to outstanding quality of service in this area.

Lisa Sparks

Rogers County

Kirt Thacker has always been there for us

Dear Editor,

I just wanted to thank Kirt Thacker for the good job he and his crew has been doing on our roads in Rogers County.

He has always been there for us when we needed him. During the ice and snow storms our roads were always taken care of. The potholes were fixed quickly, and our road was also re-paved.

It make you feel safe when you know the county commissioner is there looking out for you. We have had some commissioners who were never there when we needed their help. We would call and call just to get promises but no action. Just because somebody has lived in Rogers County all their life does not qualify them to be a county commissioner.

I do not know Kirt Thacker personally, but I do know he does his job and does it right. All the Remingtons on 4210 will be voting for him. Thank you Kirt.

Steven, Marsha, Jerry and Barbara Remington

Rogers County

Younger citizens should appreciate Obama’s service

Dear Editor,

Although I was born and bred in Alabama long before the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, I have great appreciation and thankfulness for President Obama’s actions and service as president of these, my United States of America.

I have served overseas during the Korean War on the western flank of the front line and stateside during the last year of World War II. I have lived through the terms of 14 U.S. presidents.

I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans, but in all my years I have not observed any president other than Obama exhibit such care and wisdom as President Barack Obama has shown during his presidency. I would counsel younger citizens to be more appreciative of Obama’s wise and thoughtful leadership.

Luther Smith

Claremore

Not supporting Dan Boren this election

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my dismay at the attitude shown by Dan Boren toward “We the People of the 2nd Congressional District.” We are only a few days out of the most important election in my lifetime and he is no where to be seen.

I have contacted his office asking for a schedule of appearances and there are none. I was told that he has appearances at specific groups scheduled but the regular public like myself has absolutely no access. I don’t live in a senior citizens home, I don’t belong to the Chamber of Commerce, I don’t belong to any trade organizations, so I guess my opinion is not important.

When I asked his office person about having a debate with Dr. Charles Thompson, the Republican candidate, I was told that a debate would not be productive. I stated that is it is important to have candidates appear together to answer questions on issues “We the People” can get an idea where each stands. Again I was told it was not going to happen. I write letters on a regular basis but have not received any responses since March 2009. At that time I wrote two letters, one about the stimulus bill and one about the health care bill, neither of which had been passed at that time. To my surprise, I receive the identical letter word for word, back from both these correspondences. I was not pleased so I put both of my letter along with his identical responses in a manila envelope and mailed them back with a note asking if he or any of his staff ever read anything they received. I know he doesn’t read legislation before voting on it and seems to not read my letters either.

To this date I have never received another response to any letter I have written to Mr. Boren. And to top that off, when I mentioned this to his office staff, I was told that ever letter is answered, everyone I guess, except mine.

I also learned that when it came time to vote on taking up the issue of the “Bush” tax cuts of 2001, that my congressman instead voted with Nancy Pelosi to adjourn rather than stay in session to bring some kind of answer to “We the People.” The vote was 2190-209 for adjournment with Nancy Pelosi breaking the tie. Mr. Boren had the power in his hand to make Pelosi’s vote unnecessary. When asked later why he voted to adjourn he stated that he did not realize the vote was that important or that it mean a tax issue, and his constituents would be left hanging. I find this appalling. He either lied about the tax issue or has not clue what is going on in the House of Representatives.

Either way, Mr. Boren is not representing my family in a manner I find acceptable. I have voted for Mr. Boren in the past but not this time. I have heard Charles Thompson speak at three different candidate forums, and he has not fear of answering questions, even the tough ones, when asked by “We the People.” I find his answers clear and to the point. In absence of any chance to pose questions to Mr. Boren, my vote is going for Charles Thompson. I submit this name of the Most Holy Trinity, in faith, with the responsibility given me by Almighty God to honor His work and not lit die from neglect.

Bob Russell

Claremore

Political mailers shocking, I am supporting Thacker

Dear Editor,

Arriving home from work Thursday my mail contained two political mailers. One, in my opinion, was an example of “good politics” and the other was a shocking piece of what I can only describe as hate mail. The first mailer was from Charles Thompson, running for US Congress. He outlined his beliefs, political standings, and a reminder to vote on Tuesday, November 2. It was fundamental and fair, providing information you can use in choosing whether or not to vote for him.

The second mailer had me outraged within seconds. It is a perfect example of what has gone wrong in politics, souring people away from the democratic process and why we as citizens feel unable to trust anything a politician says. It was for Leon Hershberger who is running for Rogers County Commissioner, District 3. His mailer misconstrues events from as far back as 2007 in an effort to gain voters through misinformation. When you take situations out of context to promote personal gain it creates a lie, pure and simple.

As an employee of District 3 I have taken the time to meet Mr. Hershberger since he would like to be my boss and actually thought he was a very nice man with genuine interest in our county. Having met Mr. Hershberger and formed a positive opinion I must assume he has received some seriously bad advice from people he mistakenly trusts or my initial impressions were in error. Twisting facts, modifying information or leaving out critical information to the situation is not a way to start a political career, although it does seem to be the way many politicians end theirs.

I have worked for Rogers County for just over a year and have been disillusioned by the political polarization in some offices. Working for District 3, I have co-workers with an attitude of initiative, not fear. County Commissioner Kirt Thacker is the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for Rogers County. Leon did get that information correct on his mailer.

I am proud to work for Commissioner Thacker and enjoy my job every day. That isn’t something that is easy to find in a job and the mailer I received Thursday threatens that with the worst kind of politics. I hope everyone does vote in this election. There are important issues at stake including people’s jobs. So as a voter take the time to educate yourself beyond mailers and TV commercials.

Robin LePage

Rogers County District 3