Schools need to keep librarians

I generally don’t tend to spend energy on conspiracy theories, but the fact that both Medford and Ashland school district administrations have chosen to eliminate librarians from their schools recently — along with the national book banning trend being pushed by a certain element of the evangelical/christian conservative population — makes me think there might be some dots to connect.

Public schools have periodically faced numerous budget shortfalls from their beginning. School boards and administrators typically do their best to preserve the integrity of educating students while making tough choices for which staffing and curricula to cut.

However, this is the first time in my memory where eliminating librarians has been targeted. I want to applaud the students from North Medford High School for demonstrating their justifiable outrage for the Medford School Board’s proposal to do just that.

Who would propose such a short sighted action with such devastating long term effects to our future leaders? Without the librarians to offer knowledgeable guidance to the inquiring student, it will almost certainly guarantee long-term ignorance.

I certainly hope these school boards take a longer term vision to this short-term problem. I think each member needs to reflect on how their own education would be different had there been no librarian for them and reexamine this proposed action.

Terry Moore / Jacksonville

Illogical views on contraception

A letter to the editor from Debra Koutnik, MD, is highly commendable for its factual information, as well as for the courage exhibited in revealing very personal information about a tragically painful miscarriage ending in a necessary life saving abortion.

Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022. On July 27, 2022, I was puzzled to learn that Rep. Cliff Bentz had voted against HR 8373, the Right to Contraception Act. Knowing that Mr. Bentz was opposed to abortion, and knowing that contraception prevents pregnancy, I phoned his office the next day, July 28, to find out why. 

I was told that HR 8373 is “too broad,” but that Mr. Bentz is “not opposed to contraception.”

That was nearly two years ago, and since then it has become increasingly clear that many politicians who oppose abortion now also oppose contraception. Where is the logic in ignoring the reality that contraception can eliminate the need for an abortion? 

Denying women the basic right to control their own bodies is cruel and discriminatory. There is no logic or rationality in misogyny.

Victor Mlotok, MD / Phoenix

Green for district attorney

We are writing in support of Patrick Green for Jackson County district attorney. We have come to know Patrick as a tireless, passionate worker in his current job as chief deputy district attorney.

Throughout his career, he has been a prosecutor in the DA’s office, and has risen to his current position through hard work and dedication. He has the experience to handle the toughest cases and the common sense to treat every case on its merits.

While I’m sure his opponent is competent and experienced, she is a defense attorney. Comparing the difference in medicine, if I needed a heart bypass surgery, I would see a cardiac surgeon, not a dermatologist. Both are competent medical doctors, but only one has the experience and training to understand the complexities of the situation.

Please join us in voting for Patrick Green to be the next district attorney.

Steve and Beth Zerkel / Medford

Pietila for Circuit Court judge

Johan Pietila has done a fantastic job everywhere he has served our community. He was an extremely effective prosecutor at the DA’s office. His effectiveness was noticed by folks in the county counsel office, so Johan Pietila ended up there.

Mr. Pietila has not disappointed. The biggest advantage Pietila brings over his opponent is his understanding of human beings and the delicate balance that exists between humans and the law. People tend to do well when there are clearly defined rules if those rules are followed.

Johan Pietila has consistently shown his ability to adhere to the law without being indifferent to how it affects people. We need judges who predictably follow the law and Johan Pietila will do that.

If you do not want to be guessing about how a judge will rule, then vote Johan Pietila for Jackson County Circuit court judge.

Christopher C. Zornes / Medford

Davis for Circuit Court judge

I am writing in support of electing Joe Davis to the Jackson County Circuit Court. I have known Joe for years and have always been impressed by his dedication to our community.

It is no surprise to me that when the Jackson County Bar Association conducted a poll of attorneys about who should be our next judge, Joe won handily. He is an excellent attorney and, just as importantly, has dedicated himself to community service through countless boards and volunteer efforts.

We can count on Joe to understand the needs of our community, to treat everyone who comes before him fairly, and to work every day to create a better Jackson County. Please join me in voting for Joe Davis for Circuit Court judge.

Angelica Ruppe / Medford

Davis for Circuit Court judge

When it comes to electing a judge, we want someone who is smart, fair, experienced in many areas of law, and who has the right demeanor and temperament to decide the many varied types of cases he or she hears.

Joe Davis is the best candidate for Circuit Court judge. He not only has all these qualities and more, but he has the support of the majority of local bar association, and several retired judges.

He is a lifelong resident of this community, has served many community organizations as a volunteer, and comes from, and has, a wonderful family. He knows family values and he knows the law.

You couldn’t ask for a better choice for Circuit Court judge than Joe Davis, and I urge you to vote for him.

Leslie Hall / Medford