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I value classrooms that either have less students per teacher or classroom assistants.  The budget cuts are forcing schools to add more students per class and this is hurting individual attention that is critical for students to progress. 

Although technology is a part of our world, we need to teach students to be able to function without technology.  Technology can cost a lot of tax dollars and it is preventing our children from thinking independently and socially.  I want to see less technology and more reading.  I would like to see bans on cell phones for students as well as teachers in the classroom environment. 

I am a non traditional college student and I see first hand the lack of writing skills, math and basic English that Oregon high school grads do not comprehend.  Our children should be able to write a sentence after graduating from any Oregon high school and this is not happening.  We didn't have these problems when I was growing up, and I think we really need to get back to basics. 

We should never cut music or art out of the budget.  Arts and humanities make for a well educated student.  PE is a necessity for today's video crazed, sedentary children. 

The size of our house  has become more important than the education that our children receive.  We as Americans are maxed out on credit and can't afford to support our schools anymore.  Most people do not want to admit it, but that is reality.  We must get back to basics and do everything we can to get our children back on the right track.  Today's children are tomorrow's leaders and that should be more important than anything else in the budget.  I get very frustrated that people to do not want to support schools yet they enjoy their 3,000 square foot homes.  Something is wrong here!

If I were to cut anything out of the budget, it would be administrative costs and foregin languages. 

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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Women have been introduced into a man's world long ago when society decided that it requires two working parents to support a family.  Women should not be degraded for choosing a profession that enables them to support themselves.  When I served in the military, I served for the love of my country.  How would you like it if I said that all men that work behind a desk should find a different profession?

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Air Force 1988-1997

Rank plays a significant role when it comes to unreporting of sexual harrassment or assault.  Higher ranking individuals use their power over those with very little rank and use intimidation to prevent the victim from reporting the crime. 

I experienced this several times throughout my military career. 

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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I believe health reform should also include a clause that prohibits doctors from picking and choosing patients according to their health insurance.  Too many doctors will not see medicare or Oregon Health Plan patience.  I think it is discrimination.

Jackie Fitzgerald

La Grande, OR

541-663-1106

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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I agree with your post.  Union County is a republican county and the voters reflected it in the last election.  I wonder how many of those republican voters are unemployed and now using government assistance to get by?  It's time the Union County republicans switch the dial from hate radio to NPR.  The night Obama won the election, I remember someone yelling from their second story low income apartment.  It was degrading to President Obama, and all I could think about was how the right wing would consider low income housing as wasteful spending.  It's not bite the hand that feeds you, it's called chew the hand that feeds you. 

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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If Boise Cascade is going to shut down for good, I am concerned about the property that will be vacated.  I would like to see the property developed not into residential property, but something that would help the local residents gain employment in family wage jobs.  I would like to see the excursion train come all the way into La Grande.  The property would be a great spot for a train depot for Amtrak and the excursion train.  I envision restaurants, hotels, a park and greebelt along the river.  A  Cabela's store would be awesome here and draw lots of tourism.    We are a great location for outdoor enthusiasts and we must tap into that energy to draw people to our great town. 

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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