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Systemic failures led to Bobbie Kolada’s death

Every institution that should have protected Bobbie Kolada failed her.

Bobbie’s death is wrong and inexcusable on so many different levels. It shows a failure by a business putting profit over safety; a lack of oversight at the local, county and state levels; failures on the part of EMTs and other medical staff to report this to police; failure of county personnel and police to quickly follow up on reports of injuries and abuse.

These failure must be addressed quickly by local and state authorities and by our legislators.

Someone who is a danger to themselves or others needs to be separated from others. I hope that the man believed to have hurt her can be put into an appropriate institution. He doesn’t belong in a group home and it surprises me he wasn’t already in a more secure setting, given his past behavior.

It surprises me even more that this isn’t already mandated. If it was mandated, why wasn’t he moved? Violent people with serious mental illness belong in a locked facility with special regulations regarding minimum staffing and strengthened reporting.

The management of this home should be charged with manslaughter at a minimum and have their license revoked. They knowingly put Bobbie’s life in danger by not sending him to a more secure institution and, secondly, by not having adequate staff in the home at all times, especially knowing his past behavior.

To this reader, they appear to be criminally negligent for the injuries sustained by all workers at that home.

Jack Ivers / Medford

A shocking event that shouldn’t have happened

The Bobbie Kolada story is an incredible piece of investigative journalism. Each new chapter is more horrific than the last.

Laws need to be changed. Why didn’t the hospital report this abuse since over 50% of the workers were treated for injuries that occurred on the job, from the same company? This company should be put out of business and held accountable for insufficient patient to caregiver ratio.

Thanks to this journalist, I have been informed and plan to do everything I can to give a voice for Bobbie Kolada and her daughter and all the other caregivers.

This was a shocking event and something that should never have happened.

Linda M. Moran / Medford

Paws for a Cause was once again a great success

Thank you everyone who helped to make the Seventh Annual Paws for a Cause Dog Walk and Fair benefitting Friends of the Animal Shelter a big success and fun for all who attended once again.

Paws for a Cause wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of Vickie and Mark Pagan, owners of Nature’s Pet Markets in Medford and Ashland. They are key to the success of this event.

Every year they gather thousands of dollars’ worth of product donations for the drawing prizes and host the fair at their Medford store.

Thank you also to the participants and dogs, loyal volunteers, generous other sponsors, vendors, distributors, and many more. Look forward to seeing you next year.

Lorna Bolton / Medford

Mississippi can teach Oregon about reading

Congratulations to the state of Mississippi. In 2012, it was 49th in fourth grade reading and math. It instituted reforms that have now paid off.

Its fourth-graders are now 21st, and the improvement has continued all the way through the 12th grade. It wasn’t about money, it took a strong Department of Education to adhere to effective standards.

During the same time period, Oregon has declined precipitously in spite of substantial budget increases for education.

John M. Moore / Eagle Point

Kotek needs to join opposition to pipeline project

Have you heard of the proposed GTN Xpress pipeline project and the impact it could have on our environment and health here in Oregon?

I was impressed to read that Washington Gov. Jay Inslee expressed opposition to the project this March. Where is Governor Kotek?

The project would push an enormous amount of fracked gas through our region and produce millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, as much as several gas-fired power plants. This not only contributes to climate crisis, but also poses a serious risk to the health of nearby communities, especially to communities’ ability to breathe clean air.

In addition, increasing the pressure on the GTN pipeline, which was originally constructed in the 1960s, increases the safety risks of pipeline explosions if the aging pipeline fails.

Not to mention TC Energy, the same company behind the Keystone XL pipeline, is behind the GTN Xpress expansion project and has a terrible safety record.

Already, the attorneys general of Oregon, Washington and California and the Oregon Public Utilities Commission have made a compelling case that the project. will burden ratepayers and conflict with the states’ laws and rules that require the reduction of pollution from fracked gas in coming years.

The potential environmental and health costs simply cannot be justified.

Please join me in urging Governor Kotek to oppose this project and prioritize the health and well-being of our community and our environment.

Linda Hammer-Brown / Phoenix

‘Deadbeat’ Bentz needs to be held accountable

Cliff Bentz is a deadbeat. You people who voted for him should have known better.

He wouldn’t do his job as a senator for Oregon. Now as a U.S. Congressperson, he won’t pay the bills he and your favorite former president incurred.

So far, he’s just a deadbeat. I don’t want to see what is next.

Rosanne Lewis / Medford