Customer service declining

It appears that customer service is on the decline. Sales personnel are becoming more lax in relating to their clientele.

Some of the issues include not focusing on the sale and not helping a customer to locate products. I have found clerks taking personal calls at the cash register, not paying attention and in requesting help in another area, being told that if it's not in that area, "we don't have it." In other words, very sloppy sales attitudes are demonstrated.

There is a famous store that originated in Seattle. It is well-known for customer service. It puts the customer at the heart of retail selling.

Then there are those places that are set up for the computer and the "business." It is incredible that a business can detach itself from the customer and be concerned about inventory and making sales, nothing else.

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This valley used to show a good attitude in all aspects of retail selling. It doesn't appear that sales clerks are being trained with certain good values in salesmanship. It certainly would be in the interest of the businesses to institute such orientation. — Jan Evans, Medford

Support charter schools

My children briefly attended Amity Creek charter school in Bend. Bend has three charter schools in their district. There are waiting lists for all.

Amity Creek was a Waldorf-inspired school and it was an amazing experience for my children and me. They were a part of a community and felt so connected to the school, all while being respected.

They allow the children to behave as children. Learning through experience and play. Learning about math and science by being outside in the real world.

"Learning involves wondering, dreaming, playing, interacting, communicating, exploring, discovering, questioning, investigating, creating, and risk-taking." (Amity Creek Web site). I feel it is time for the families of Medford to have more choices regarding education. The population of Medford has grown more diverse, and we need to reflect progressive options for progressive people.

I know a charter school would be greatly supported by our community. Please support the Madrone Trail Initiative. — Tamara S. Ilten, Medford

Lessons of the election

Now that this hard-fought and uncivil election campaign is over, what can we learn from the outcome? More importantly, what can the Democratic and Republican parties learn?

Lesson 1: The most basic message is that Americans want accountability and responsibility from their government. They are saying that wasteful, poorly managed spending, incompetence as shown in Iraq, Katrina and elsewhere, and multiple ethical lapses are unacceptable.

Lesson 2: The partisan vision of Karl Rove — a generations-long party advantage for a narrow sectarian agenda --- is not viable. What Americans are hungry for is government that works for a broad conception of the common good. Democrats as they regain some power need to be acutely mindful of this lesson also.

Lesson 3: The country wants effective, problem-solving governance that unites us in addressing real problems such as security and energy independence, health care, immigration and deficits. Narrow partisan views and the concept that government itself is the primary problem cannot create the workable institutions we need.

There is a deep hunger in this country for honest, humane leaders who will unite us behind a positive vision of our common future in the United States and the world. — Robert John Scheelen, Medford

Lower college cost

You know everyone says education is the best for kids, but they make it so expensive to go to college.

I know a lot of people who should have gone, but couldn't. My sister could have been a cartoonist or anything that she could draw in, my cousin could have been a popular hairdresser, and I know I want to go to college, too. Even with a CD in the bank with money from my father when he died, I know that's not enough for college.

I think they should lower the cost of college because many poor people who have great talent, good grades and scholarships wouldn't be able to go to college and have to get a low-paying job. With the cost of college, it is basically for the rich families, rather than normal families like mine that can't even get close to the payment.

I know a lot of kids that want a good-paying job and to have a good life, but we can't if college costs are not lowered. — Nicole Funk, White City

St. Mary's shines

Kudos to the cast of St. May's High School and also those behind the scenes for a wonderful production of "A Christmas Carol."

The costumes and scenery, and above all the diction, were flawless. Thank you students for making our evening so enjoyable. — Gin Lambert, Central Point