Vote yes on 101

Did you see the Special Election Voter's Pamphlet in the holiday mail and note the opportunity to vote Jan. 23 or before for Measure 101? Vote to save our expanded Oregon Health Plan, protecting coverage for many seniors, 400,000 children and other low-income people: 1 in 4 Oregonians stand to benefit. Under Measure 101, revenue from charging large health care institutions small transaction fees will allow Oregon to qualify for federal matching funds and provide Expanded OHP.

Do you know a disabled person who qualifies for coverage under our Expanded Oregon Health Plan? I know one who has struggled for years in the legal pipeline to prove disability and who may still be years away from federal benefits. That person is just one of the 1 in 4 Oregonians who will thank you when you join Sen. Alan DeBoer and Rep. Pam Marsh in proclaiming yes on 101.

Brenda B. Gould

Ashland

Recall is our right

Vanston Shaw's opinion is largely based on his "trusting the folks he voted for to do the right thing." It would be nice if we could take comfort in his trust, but unfortunately that isn't justified when one examines the recent behavior of the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department.

It is disturbing to hear him tell us what is or isn't an appropriate use of the recall. When given the opportunity, he should vote his conscience in the recall, but those of us who have watched the APRC carefully this fall have seen a body that has operated with an appalling disregard for the well-being of a group of our most vulnerable citizens. The recall is our right and obligation as a check and balance against such abuse of the public trust.

Gwen Davies

Ashland