The recent revelation that Astoria may close the Aquatic Center at the recommendation of City manager Paul Benoit has created hardly a ripple.
Benoit points to the escalating cost of operating the center at a time when all cities are facing huge budget deficits. Reportedly, Astoria is running one million in the red for the upcoming budget cycle. The Aquatic Center has never come close to making enough from users to off-set the cost of the operation. When it was built the city knew it would require a supplement. That
supplement has increased 10 times over since it's first year of operation. Originally the city expected to kick in 50-grand a year and that has ballooned to $450-grand annually.
This is without paying to keep the pools heated or keep the pumps working and the lights on. The pool has seen more than it's share of tragedy as well.
I suppose we could keep it open by telling DEQ to take a hike and ignore the million dollar a year sewer project we are forced to pay for. The fine has to be less.
And yet.....
No one seems to mind closing the doors at the Astoria Aquatic Center. What do you think?
Comments expressed
March 30, 2009
March 27, 2009
How Many Do We Need?
A recent comment on my previous post regarding the Knappa School District provides inspiration for today's rant.
How many school districts, fire departments, police departments, city staffs..etc, do we need in a county with a tiny population base?
This question is most often posed by those who haven't lived here long but that doesn't make it any less relevant. It provides some of us "old-timers" with an opportunity to review.
The first question has to be: What do we wish to gain from service consolidations?
Would such action actually save taxpayer dollars? How would various consolidation strategies impact level of service? Proponents of government service consolidation argue that we would save by having less top level administrators.
Maybe.
In the case of a school district you may save by paying one superintendent rather than multiple top dogs however as you incorporate one district from several smaller districts to make a countywide district you can expect to pay considerably more to attract and retain that new superintendent because the job becomes much bigger. The number of administrators beyond that is an unknown factor. Will you close buildings and bus kids farther? Would you attempt to keep class size small and transportation costs lower by leaving current schools spread out throughout the county? If you do that then you will need at least the same staffing level we have now.
I'm very interested in your thoughts. use the comment link to share your thoughts.
How many school districts, fire departments, police departments, city staffs..etc, do we need in a county with a tiny population base?
This question is most often posed by those who haven't lived here long but that doesn't make it any less relevant. It provides some of us "old-timers" with an opportunity to review.
The first question has to be: What do we wish to gain from service consolidations?
Would such action actually save taxpayer dollars? How would various consolidation strategies impact level of service? Proponents of government service consolidation argue that we would save by having less top level administrators.
Maybe.
In the case of a school district you may save by paying one superintendent rather than multiple top dogs however as you incorporate one district from several smaller districts to make a countywide district you can expect to pay considerably more to attract and retain that new superintendent because the job becomes much bigger. The number of administrators beyond that is an unknown factor. Will you close buildings and bus kids farther? Would you attempt to keep class size small and transportation costs lower by leaving current schools spread out throughout the county? If you do that then you will need at least the same staffing level we have now.
I'm very interested in your thoughts. use the comment link to share your thoughts.
March 19, 2009
Man Sought In Karge Death
The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information regarding a male subject last seen attempting to solicit a ride in the area of the Baker Store (approximately mile post 22) on Highway 26, on 03/13/09. The male subject is James Donald Clark, 46 years of age, 5 foot 11 inches tall with dark brown hair. He was associated with Audrey Karge in the weeks prior to her death. He is wanted on a felony warrant out of Clatsop County for Possession of Methamphetamine and DUII.
James Clark is also being sought for information regarding the events surrounding the death of Audrey Karge. Anyone having knowledge of James Clark’s whereabouts, please contact the local Law Enforcement Agency in your area immediately. Anyone with information regarding James Clark or Audrey Karge and the events surrounding her death please contact Detective Michael Smith with Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
Detective Michael M. Smith
Phone #(503) 325-8635 Ext.2409
James Clark is also being sought for information regarding the events surrounding the death of Audrey Karge. Anyone having knowledge of James Clark’s whereabouts, please contact the local Law Enforcement Agency in your area immediately. Anyone with information regarding James Clark or Audrey Karge and the events surrounding her death please contact Detective Michael Smith with Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
Detective Michael M. Smith
Phone #(503) 325-8635 Ext.2409
Oregon Looking For Fees Everywhere
This story out of Associated Press this morning caught my attention.
A bill that would require Oregon cyclists to pay a $54 registration fee every two years is unlikely to even get a hearing in the House Transportation Committee. That's what Democratic Representative Terry Beyer of Springfield, who chairs the panel, says. The proposed fee, which is only a buck cheaper than registering a car, has outraged cyclists. Beyer guesses most people who've given up their car to commute by bike have already paid registration and title fees for a car. She says the cost of implementing a new registration system might exceed the generated revenue. Republican Representative Wayne Krieger of Gold Beach has introduced the bill. It is meant to help pay for transportation projects as well as a state registry of bikes and their owners.(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
A bill that would require Oregon cyclists to pay a $54 registration fee every two years is unlikely to even get a hearing in the House Transportation Committee. That's what Democratic Representative Terry Beyer of Springfield, who chairs the panel, says. The proposed fee, which is only a buck cheaper than registering a car, has outraged cyclists. Beyer guesses most people who've given up their car to commute by bike have already paid registration and title fees for a car. She says the cost of implementing a new registration system might exceed the generated revenue. Republican Representative Wayne Krieger of Gold Beach has introduced the bill. It is meant to help pay for transportation projects as well as a state registry of bikes and their owners.(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
March 13, 2009
Many Possible Titles For This One
I could have titled this rant "Messengers in Season..Shoot One Now" or maybe "Port Uses Gasoline to Put Out Fire"
Allow me to explain.
At this week's Port Commission meeting Commissioner Sanders brought forward a complaint she claims to have received from a constituent who she would not name. The complaint questioned a possible illegal meeting that may have been the result of of a chance quorum of commissioners at the port offices in February. She wanted answers. She wanted to know if she was being excluded from the boys club. She demanded that Port President Larry Pfund answer the accusations. She wanted justice for her anonymous constituent. What else did she want? That part isn't entirely clear.
The reaction to this public discussion has been interesting. So far I've had a couple of lengthy emails from Commissioner Holcom. One is forwarded from the Port's lawyer whom Sanders
apparently questioned on this issue. The lawyers opinion is that no illegal meeting took place. Sanders brought it up anyway and told him she would according to another email from Executive Director John Crider.
Holcom, obviously emotional regarding this, states that he would have preferred to see some
"Journalistic Editing" and cries about the ethics of reporters just doing their jobs in reporting what happens.
In yet another email copied to everyone in the news business around here and addressed to
Pfund, Holcom states that this episode was politically motivated (duh) and wonders why reporters didn't offer the impending election as part of the story. He attaches a copy of a resolution passed last year by the commission that lays out ground rules for commissioner conduct designed to waylay blind-siding members of the commission when it comes to introducing agenda items. He asks Pfund to refresh his memory on this agreement and take steps to ensure the ground rules are followed.
Holcom takes me to task for comments I made during Coastwatch Call-in regarding the
situation. Sorry Floyd but I call them as I see them.
Regardless of the drama surrounding this little dust-up, the not too distant past performance of the Port Of Astoria will cause people to sit up and take notice if anything appears improper. It is appropriate to discuss the performance of elected officials in any capacity and to allow a full and public discussion of how business is conducted. To suggest that a reporter write a story with unfounded supposition as part of the news is not responsible and unethical at anytime.
This is an editorial. I may suppose all I wish. If one of my reporters were to do that in the context of a news story that person would be joining the ranks of the unemployed very rapidly.
These matters do create some discomfort for those who hold public office. No doubt about that fact. Before we make Commissioner Sanders the villian in this soap opera we need to consider what her reasoning might have been (WARNING..Pure supposition follows)
To do this properly we have to take a walk in Sander's comfy loafers. If I were an elected person to an office of some importance and I received a formal complaint from a constituent of my district regarding possible misconduct on the part of other commissioners would I:
a) Consult the commission groundrules I signed to find the best approach to investigating the matter and bringing it to the public and trust that those commissioners named in the complaint (who don't seem to respect me at all) will respond with concern and launch a full inquiry?
b) Bypass the commission and an Executive Director I don't trust to seek a legal opinion from a lawyer directly and then take the issue to the commission as though I never got the opinion in the first place?
c) Turn the entire matter over to the State for an arm's length investigation.
d) Tell my constituent the outcome of the legal decision, and let it go.
The answer is obviously not (d)
You see what happens when one does not work and play well with others?
Allow me to explain.
At this week's Port Commission meeting Commissioner Sanders brought forward a complaint she claims to have received from a constituent who she would not name. The complaint questioned a possible illegal meeting that may have been the result of of a chance quorum of commissioners at the port offices in February. She wanted answers. She wanted to know if she was being excluded from the boys club. She demanded that Port President Larry Pfund answer the accusations. She wanted justice for her anonymous constituent. What else did she want? That part isn't entirely clear.
The reaction to this public discussion has been interesting. So far I've had a couple of lengthy emails from Commissioner Holcom. One is forwarded from the Port's lawyer whom Sanders
apparently questioned on this issue. The lawyers opinion is that no illegal meeting took place. Sanders brought it up anyway and told him she would according to another email from Executive Director John Crider.
Holcom, obviously emotional regarding this, states that he would have preferred to see some
"Journalistic Editing" and cries about the ethics of reporters just doing their jobs in reporting what happens.
In yet another email copied to everyone in the news business around here and addressed to
Pfund, Holcom states that this episode was politically motivated (duh) and wonders why reporters didn't offer the impending election as part of the story. He attaches a copy of a resolution passed last year by the commission that lays out ground rules for commissioner conduct designed to waylay blind-siding members of the commission when it comes to introducing agenda items. He asks Pfund to refresh his memory on this agreement and take steps to ensure the ground rules are followed.
Holcom takes me to task for comments I made during Coastwatch Call-in regarding the
situation. Sorry Floyd but I call them as I see them.
Regardless of the drama surrounding this little dust-up, the not too distant past performance of the Port Of Astoria will cause people to sit up and take notice if anything appears improper. It is appropriate to discuss the performance of elected officials in any capacity and to allow a full and public discussion of how business is conducted. To suggest that a reporter write a story with unfounded supposition as part of the news is not responsible and unethical at anytime.
This is an editorial. I may suppose all I wish. If one of my reporters were to do that in the context of a news story that person would be joining the ranks of the unemployed very rapidly.
These matters do create some discomfort for those who hold public office. No doubt about that fact. Before we make Commissioner Sanders the villian in this soap opera we need to consider what her reasoning might have been (WARNING..Pure supposition follows)
To do this properly we have to take a walk in Sander's comfy loafers. If I were an elected person to an office of some importance and I received a formal complaint from a constituent of my district regarding possible misconduct on the part of other commissioners would I:
a) Consult the commission groundrules I signed to find the best approach to investigating the matter and bringing it to the public and trust that those commissioners named in the complaint (who don't seem to respect me at all) will respond with concern and launch a full inquiry?
b) Bypass the commission and an Executive Director I don't trust to seek a legal opinion from a lawyer directly and then take the issue to the commission as though I never got the opinion in the first place?
c) Turn the entire matter over to the State for an arm's length investigation.
d) Tell my constituent the outcome of the legal decision, and let it go.
The answer is obviously not (d)
You see what happens when one does not work and play well with others?
March 12, 2009
LNG Coming..But Where?
Several months ago it was reported here that while Northern Star Natural Gas has maintained a very high profile in Clatsop County, Oregon LNG has not. This may lead one to believe that the Bradwood LNG terminal project is the only one left standing. That's not the case.
The Oregon LNG project on the Skipanon in Warrenton is very much alive and moving forward rapidly.
While there are those who oppose the construction of either project the question for the rest of us may become which truly brings the greatest benefit in terms of jobs over the considerable construction phase? The number of workers that would be employed has been estimated between 400 to 500. If they come to work on a project 20 miles away from Astoria would they be likely to bring those paychecks into stores here or more likely to do their shopping in Longview? Would they be likely to inject that much needed cash into Oregon businesses or would it go to Washington state? On the other hand, if the construction takes place in Warrenton doesn't it seem logical to assume that those workers would live, work and spend in Astoria, Warrenton and Seaside? Keep in mind that when the terminal is completed and under operation that means 60-65 full time good paying jobs that stay here.
Oregon needs one of these projects to get built. We have little control on which one makes it to the finish line. Both have great financial advantage to the county. Bradwood has been a good partner in the community by providing considerable support for local non-profits amongst other things. Oregon LNG has no community support track record to speak of and a very low profile.
Which would you support?
The Oregon LNG project on the Skipanon in Warrenton is very much alive and moving forward rapidly.
While there are those who oppose the construction of either project the question for the rest of us may become which truly brings the greatest benefit in terms of jobs over the considerable construction phase? The number of workers that would be employed has been estimated between 400 to 500. If they come to work on a project 20 miles away from Astoria would they be likely to bring those paychecks into stores here or more likely to do their shopping in Longview? Would they be likely to inject that much needed cash into Oregon businesses or would it go to Washington state? On the other hand, if the construction takes place in Warrenton doesn't it seem logical to assume that those workers would live, work and spend in Astoria, Warrenton and Seaside? Keep in mind that when the terminal is completed and under operation that means 60-65 full time good paying jobs that stay here.
Oregon needs one of these projects to get built. We have little control on which one makes it to the finish line. Both have great financial advantage to the county. Bradwood has been a good partner in the community by providing considerable support for local non-profits amongst other things. Oregon LNG has no community support track record to speak of and a very low profile.
Which would you support?
March 05, 2009
Goonies Just The Start
The worldwide fans of "The Goonies" will be thrilled with the Astoria based Oregon Film Museum proposed by Mac Burns of the Clatsop County Historical Society.
But there is far more potential for this idea as we heard on KAST this morning.
There have been an astounding number of motion pictures made in Astoria, along the coast, in the Valley and of course the City Of Portland has played host to major pictures as well. It is appropriate to have a place that pays tribute to Oregon's movie industry. The old county jail is perfect for this purpose. In scale it is a manageable building. Granted it will require clean-up and some upgrades to host the public. The old jail is a famous movie set and the historical nature of the building makes it an appropriate acquisition for the Historical Society. When you consider it in this way in seems a shame to waste it's potential on storage.
I encourage the County Commissioners to approve the agreement.
But there is far more potential for this idea as we heard on KAST this morning.
There have been an astounding number of motion pictures made in Astoria, along the coast, in the Valley and of course the City Of Portland has played host to major pictures as well. It is appropriate to have a place that pays tribute to Oregon's movie industry. The old county jail is perfect for this purpose. In scale it is a manageable building. Granted it will require clean-up and some upgrades to host the public. The old jail is a famous movie set and the historical nature of the building makes it an appropriate acquisition for the Historical Society. When you consider it in this way in seems a shame to waste it's potential on storage.
I encourage the County Commissioners to approve the agreement.
March 02, 2009
Paul Harvey
Back in the late 50's when I was just a little guy I would spend a lot of time at my grandparents house. My grandpa had a radio on the kitchen table which he turned on at noon everyday and for that fifteen minutes conversation stopped, lunch was served and Paul Harvey was on the radio.
Back in those days there was a little more "theatre" involved in the broadcast. When Paul Harvey would say "Page two" you would hear the sound of a newspaper page being turned. Over seven decades millions of Americans tuned in to hear what Mr. Harvey had to say about the news of the day. His unique perspective has been a part of the KAST broadcast day for many decades. He kept radio relevant and important. I'll miss him.
Back in those days there was a little more "theatre" involved in the broadcast. When Paul Harvey would say "Page two" you would hear the sound of a newspaper page being turned. Over seven decades millions of Americans tuned in to hear what Mr. Harvey had to say about the news of the day. His unique perspective has been a part of the KAST broadcast day for many decades. He kept radio relevant and important. I'll miss him.
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