Letters to the Editor Nov. 7, 2009

Dr. Ward has leadership skills needed for Yurok Tribe chair

As the Yurok Tribe heads into the runoff election for chair and vice-chair of the tribe, I would like to take this opportunity to voice my support for Dr. Michael Ward. I believe that he has the proven leadership skills, as shown by his work experience.

He started as an elementary schoolteacher, worked up to principal and moved on to administrative positions that include being director of education for the United Tribes of North Dakota, superintendent of Schools on Washington’s Quinault Reservation and in Cincinnati, and as director of federal programs on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

You cannot be in those administrative positions without being able to listen and work with others. From my discussion with him I feel that he truly has the tribe and its future in mind and that is why he has run for this office. I trust that he will work to take care of our elders and children, make economic development more of a priority, protect the river and our culture and work with the Tribal Council to do what is best for the tribe as a whole.

Please join me in voting for Michael Ward for Yurok Tribe chairperson.

Tedd Childs

Eugene, Ore.

New residents should appreciate local laws on leashes, dog poop

One thing I find particularly irritating is when new residents want to change things here to be more like where they came from.

A case in point is the letter writer who wants us to leash our dogs (“Keep your dogs on leashes and pick up their poop,” Nov. 5). Leashing our dogs may be appropriate in urban areas, but not necessarily in our rural county.

The writer cites a non-existent “California leash law” to bolster his argument. He evidently doesn’t realize that counties and municipalities each have their own leash laws.

If he were to take a little trouble to read Crescent City's Municipal Code, Title 6, he would see what the leash law here actually says. The Municipal Code is available both online and at the county library. He’ll find that Title 6 is a lot less restrictive than he would like.

As to his other complaint, that owners don't pick up after their pets, that is already written into the Municipal Code. It is unlawful and can be punished by a fine.

As to stepping in dog poop I have a suggestion; watch where you walk. It’s that simple.

Brian Green

Crescent City

Without discussion, hunting in parks poll is counter-productive

I think that an on-line newspaper poll on hunting in public parks without a period of discussion and deliberation is counter-productive. It unnecessarily skews the process toward those who oppose any regulation on public lands whatsoever, and otherwise reinforces preconceptions.

Our traditional electoral process, including voting for candidates for office and initiative and referendum, provides for discussion beforehand, and consequently a more informed electorate. Votes in newspaper polls without that preliminary process do little except repeat uninformed notions.

Those of us who have experience as hunters, including me, too often do not consider the effect of large numbers of people tramping off trails and shooting in all directions on parkland. It harms the fragile environment and the dozens of listed plant and animal species in the park, which the Parks and Recreation Department is committed to protect.

It endangers hikers, bicyclists, bird watchers and horseback riders, young and old, who are using the area for permitted, safe activities. It despoils sacred, traditional Tolowa areas. This is especially true in a period when state budgets are being slashed and therefore the personnel necessary to monitor potentially lethal conduct are inadequate to the task.

Ralph Johansen

Crescent City

Triplicate continues to produce outstanding articles, columns

The Triplicate continues to produce some outstanding features, articles and columns that are of local interest.

Examples: the Mari Tardiff series (Oct. 29-31), the Archie Thompson feature (Nov. 6), Doris Whalen, etc., etc.

I would point out the group picture on Friday’s front page is probably not of a 1930s graduation class but of the Boys Athletic Association with, of all people, Ruby Van Deventer, in the second row as their advisor.

Your reporters and photographers do great work. Keep it up!

Rick Bennett

Gasquet