Voice of the People
Schutt Supporter
My career in the district attorney’s office lasted 30 years, and I served under six district attorneys before retiring in 2003. I met David Schutt in 1998 when he was a Klamath County Deputy District Attorney. He volunteered to prosecute a child sexual abuse case that was a conflict for our last district attorney. With his dedication to the investigation and prosecution of this serious crime, Mr. Schutt quickly gained the respect and admiration of the law enforcement community.
I also grew to respect and admire Mr. Schutt’s ethics as a prosecutor and as a man. Mr. Schutt routinely makes, and stands by tough decisions. Each and every case is prosecuted according to the laws of the State of Oregon. Additionally, all of the work and charging decisions of the district attorney are subject to the scrutiny of our local court, the court of appeals and the Oregon State Bar. In the many years I spent in that office, I watched how hard Mr. Schutt worked, routinely working late nights and weekends.
Unlike what Mr. Hamlington would have you believe, David Schutt has a heart. Consideration and compassion are routinely given for juvenile cases, first time offenders, and people who truly want to become better citizens. I cannot believe that a small group of people can sign a petition to recall an extremely hard-working and dedicated district attorney that they have never taken the time to visit with or meet. They have not sat through a trial or just a day of court proceedings. They don’t seem to know that any sentence pronounced must be agreed to by the judge. I sincerely hope that anybody that has questions or concerns takes the time to educate themselves.
Sue Alves, Lakeview
Different Story
I’m sorry to hear that Lee Hite was so troubled when he heard that I, Ken Hamlington, was a write-in candidate for sheriff. During your campaign Lee, you approached me for support. Before you began campaigning, I asked if you were aware that I might run as a write-in candidate for Sheriff if the winner was unopposed in November. You related you had heard that rumor. So why not give me call if you ere so troubled?
Local law enforcement will not support me for Sheriff. Why?
Here’s the BEEF
As Sheriff, with my Policies in place:
Any Deputy or Corrections Officer who tampers with evidence or lies, either verbal or written, will be terminated.
The badge each Deputy wears will be a symbol of public faith.
Each Deputy will keep a private life unsullied as an example to all.
Each Deputy will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence their decisions.
Each Deputy will enforce the law courteously and never employ unnecessary force or violence.
Each Deputy’s fundamental duty is to serve mankind, protect lives, property and the innocent, while respecting the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.
Four times in my life I have taken an oath to uphold the constitution of our land. As Sheriff, our constitution is one of the guiding instruments used to protect the liberties of each citizen of Lake County. The position of Sheriff is very powerful in protecting those liberties. Ask yourself if the current Sheriff will protect your liberties? I think not.
Any questions on my qualifications please feel free to contact me at 541 219-1375 for direct and truthful answers. I will give the people a choice this November.
Ken Hamlington, Paisley
Biomass Project Delayed?
Iberdrola must break ground on the Lakeview biomass plant by Dec. 31, 2010 in order to receive the federal funding it has been allocated as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. If it accepts federal money, they are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act. Federal and State DOE officials have told me that NEPA does apply.
During a DEQ air quality permitting public hearing held Aug. 23, company representatives told us that they may forgo receiving these stimulus monies to avoid performing formal, public environmental review.
An interesting public relations dilemma: forgo environmental review (and the baggage of “what do you have to hide?”) and $1.7 million dollars.
The biomass plant is proposed to sit adjacent to a re mediated 250 acre EPA Superfund Site that is/was contaminated by uranium. Some Fremont Mill lands were identified as part of this site and during the operation of the mill through re mediation no doubt dust and other materials were at least blown on to the proposed biomass site that Collins is offering to Iberdrola.
During the DEQ public hearing Iberdrola officials indicated they knew of the concern and were doing further testing.
When asked if they would provide the results for public review, they
indicated that they didn’t have an obligation to do so.
I believe Iberdrola, DOE, ODOE and/or ODEQ have a public responsibility to ensure that radioactive materials are not disturbed BEFORE construction commences. Their findings, in my view, should be available for public review.
In short, some citizens of Lakeview believe formal environmental review for the biomass plant needs to take place to protect the health and safety of our residents. At the very least, both of these issues very well may (and should) result in delaying construction.
Chris Zinda, Lakeview
If an error appears in the Examiner we would appreciate folks contacting us so we can set the record straight.