Letters to the Editor. Oregon's school system
The headline on the Nov. 13 article ``Offbeat financing of Oregon's schools forces frequent closing'' unjustly represents the article's text and the real facts. School closings in Oregon are not frequent. Oregon at present has 307 school districts. As the writer accurately stated, ``The Sandy elementary district [which closed on Nov. 7 for three weeks] is the eighth Oregon district since 1976 to undergo forced closure.'' That's an average of just under one school district closure -- never permanent -- each year for nine years.
The Reagan administration's tax and spending policies have savaged Oregon's forest product- and agriculture-based economy. Our state's unemployment stands third highest in the US. But if the federal government does not go bankrupt, Oregon will survive. Walter F. Brown Milwaukie, Ore. State Senator, District 12
An article on the new Massachusetts Archives, Records Center, and Museum surprised me. The writer's description of Columbia Point as ``remote'' betrays an affliction with ``downtownitis'' [``Massachusetts builds a granite `fortress' for its historic treasures,'' Oct. 18]. The Columbia Point location is possibly the most beautiful within the city of Boston, with spectacular views of the harbor islands and Boston skyline, fresh air, and open space landscaped with dune grass, pine trees, and wild roses. Besides the John F. Kennedy Library, (a US government agency), the new facility's neighbors include the new trade show complex, Bayside Exposition Center; the University of Massachusetts; the Boston Globe; WLVI-TV; Boston College High School; and the Bank of Boston; not to mention Thompson's Island Educational Center and the Marina Bay resort community across the water; and of course, the very stable and fine residential neighborhoods of Savin Hill and South Boston.
The John F. Kennedy Library in its short history has attracted over 2 million visitors, hardly ``a trickle.'' None found this location too remote. All can attest to the joys of avoiding downtown traffic.
The addition of a new residential complex, a dock, and a water taxi will complete the picture of one of the most accessible, beautiful, and interesting places to visit in New England. Frank Rigg John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library Deputy Museum Curator Boston
Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published and none individually acknowledged. All are subject to condensation. Please address letters to ``readers write.'' --30--{et
