An observation regarding the “courthouse security deputies’” who monitor and “guard,” for lack of a better word, at the Umatilla County Courthouse in Pendleton.

I have visited that courthouse three times this summer, for work-related tasks. As a registered process server and notary I have been to many courthouses in the past 15 years. And never have I been treated so rudely and inappropriately.

When a private citizen approaches the courthouse, a “deputy” comes outside and asks you why you need to come in.

As a law-abiding citizen, there should be no reason for such rude, pointed inquires. Why is it necessary to prove we have a good reason to enter the Umatilla County Courthouse before granted access? Isn’t this building taxpayer-supported? If it was a private building that might be a different matter. But this is not a private business or building.

As I was being quizzed once more recently as to my need to be in that building by the deputies, I asked why their rude interrogation was necessary. I was informed it was required to know my reason for entering in order to make sure I wasn’t armed. Excuse me? I also went through a metal detector which should make that determination without the third degree.

Why I enter a public building is up to me and me only. Umatilla County, your deputies need manners and retraining. You should be ashamed of the way your employees treat the public.

Kathryn Fisher

Walla Walla

This was a big year for arts, culture and heritage in Pendleton, with the Arts Council of Pendleton, which operates the Pendleton Center for the Arts, and the Umatilla County Historical Society, which operates Heritage Station, celebrating 50 years of work in the community.

When considered along with our other cultural treasures, including College Community Theater, the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, it’s not surprising that Oregon ranks among the highest, per capita, in donations to the arts and in art participation.

Oregon allows citizens who support cultural nonprofits to double the power of their donations.

When you support one of the 1,650 cultural nonprofits in the state, then make a matching donation to the Oregon Cultural Trust by Dec. 31, you qualify for a 100% state tax credit for your gift to the Cultural Trust. You can make your donation online at CulturalTrust.org or pick up a form at the Pendleton Center for the Arts.

Since 2001, participation in the tax credit has enabled the Cultural Trust to award more than 10,000 grants totaling more than $40 million.

Last year, the trust awarded a record $3.85 million to 148 cultural organizations, including funds for local regranting. Pendleton’s nonprofit organizations were awarded important operating and project support from the trust, allowing us to continue to do the work we do.

I hope you’ll take a moment to make your match and join other Oregonians in celebrating arts, culture and heritage.

Sincerely,

Roberta Lavadour

Executive director, Pendleton Center for the Arts

Commissioner, Oregon Arts Commission

I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

As a New Year’s resolution, I suggest we try for the end of the war in Ukraine in 2025. I should also like to see the end of Vladimir Putin’s government in Russia next year. Perhaps Putin will follow his friend, Bashar al-Assad, and fall from power. Now, both of those things together would make 2025 a very good year.

Fair winds and following seas to us all.

Bill Laffen

Umatilla

The Oregon House Bill 3610 Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services spent a year and 16 meetings evaluating the issue, ultimately deciding against recommending tax increases on Oregon’s brewers, wineries, and cider makers.

Local businesses in the alcohol and hospitality industries are already grappling with inflation, workforce shortages, supply chain delays and high operating costs.

Public opposition was overwhelming, with 87.5% of more than 400 submissions urging the task force to reject higher taxes.

The task force findings raised serious concerns about the Oregon Health Authority. OHA has no effective system to track spending or measure outcomes for addiction services and admitted losing $72 million in taxpayer funds. It also buried findings that showed a 2,400% tax hike would fail to address harmful drinking.

Oregon has already invested more than $1 billion into substance use disorder programs. The real issue is OHA’s lack of transparency and results — not inadequate funding.

Matt Lyon

Pendleton

Editor’s Note

The Puritan minister Roger Williams in 1644 was the first public official to call for “a wall or hedge of separation” between “the wilderness of the world” and “the garden of the church.” The Supreme Court has interpreted the First Amendment’s religious establishment clause known as “separation of church and state.”