The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

AI is wrong

To the Editor:

Relative to a letter to the editor published in The Nugget, April 17, in which artificial intelligence (AI) is the trusted source: the misinformation perpetuated therein must not stand.

Yes, when Jamie McLeod-Skinner was the city manager in Phoenix, Oregon, she was fired, but AI did not search to learn that Jamie was a whistle-blower who was attempting to hold the mayor, some city council members, and staff accountable for violations of laws and regulations both state and local.

You, dear reader, should know that Jamie opted for a public hearing to discuss her employment because she believed (and currently believes) in government transparency. Notably, AI missed that the city council voted 3-2 to terminate the contract. This was AFTER the mayor improperly called for a second vote, refusing to accept the council’s first vote which did not include firing her.

It gets worse. AI evidently conflated media reports because, Jamie was never fired from Talent, Oregon. She was hired under a six-month contract as Talent’s Interim City Manager to manage disaster recovery from the horrific 2020 Almeda Fire which destroyed one-third of Talent’s homes and businesses. Before her contract ended, Jamie was asked to stay on. AI also missed an event in which Jamie was honored with a beautiful award from the city staff and police of Talent.

I do not know about you, but I find it rather humorous to depend on the “perceptivity” of artificial intelligence to assess the quality of an individual based on a search for negative spin found on the internet. Poor little AI application doesn’t know that continuous repetition on social or mainstream media does not make it so. It doesn’t know a lie travels faster than truth. Thankfully, most humans are not so easily deceived.

Susan Cobb

Downsize and donate to Kiwanis

To the Editor:

It’s almost time for the annual Kiwanis Antique, Collectibles & Jewelry Sale, which takes place Saturday, May 25, at the Sisters Fire Hall.

We are now in the process of collecting that furniture and “good old things” that have made the sale a successful fundraiser in past years. So, if you’re downsizing or just want to donate older furniture or collectibles in good condition, please call. Please consider If it’s larger than two people can manage, we can’t take the item.

The Kiwanis Club of Sisters is, and always has been, thankful for all the support the community has given over the years. The funds raised have helped the youth of our community through scholarships and numerous youth programs.

So, if you’re willing to help, please call…

Jeff Taylor, 541-815-9299 or

Shirley Miller, 541-977-6643