Nancy Leonard, Editor

Upper Rogue Independent

P.O. Box 900

Eagle Point, Or. 97524

Letter to the Editor,

            A program recently surfaced which my peers and I did not know existed.  Research has uncovered no written policy, resolution or ordinance supporting this program but the title is stated to be the “Shady Cove Beautification Program”.  Further confusion reigns because the program claims to have been introduced by now retired police chief Johnson shortly after his employment.  We have also been informed that the program was conceived and sponsored by mayor Anderson upon his election.  These verbal enlightenments cannot be confirmed for details seem a secret except for assurance that it exists thereby providing excuse for surveillance and harassment of targeted property owners.

            However this secret program has had an impact.  When driving Train Lane in Shady Cove the effect of, and response to, the city sponsored “beautification program” is intensely clear.  Visible is a small farm and several homes.  Some citizens who were unaware of this program improved their properties on their own volition.  The result is confusion because as co-owner of improved property adjudged not to contribute to the city, other properties with minimal or no “beautification” have immunity from judgment.

            Is this example of another program for favoritism politics?  Who is qualified to fairly define “beautification”?  In this regard many agree the administrators have afforded themselves another weapon for selectively applied abuse.  We welcome citizens to drive Train Lane and pass their verdict about a city sponsored and judged “beautification program”.  Bring pad and pencil to record the multitude of ordinance and code violations.  Then choose which properties you would welcome into your neighborhood.  Hint; It would be a mistake to place low on your list the small farm that preceded Shady Cove becoming a city and rightfully retains certain agricultural rules and protections.

            Karla T. Podlech

            P.O. Box 620

            Shady Cove, Or. 97539

                       878-4261