Push Poll...... Earth First!

I've been told that some local group is conducting a telephone poll on LNG. If your answers indicate no support for LNG projects then the questions turn to your feelings on recalling or replacing certain county commissioners. If true, this is obviously a "push" poll. This tactic has two effects. First it allows for manipulation of the outcome based on how the questions are posed. Second it allows for the manipulation of the respondent by leading that person neatly down the garden path. If you don't support LNG terminals here and commissioners do appear to then that must mean you would support the removal of those commissioners.

Disagreement on one issue does not necessarily automatically lead to ouster. Just thought I'd point that out.

My favorite bumper sticker reads "EARTH FIRST!... we'll log the other planets later"

The radical environmental group Earth First! is bringing it's roadshow to Astoria to the Blue Scorcher Bakery at 7pm tonight. There is an excellent piece on the group
to be found on the blog North Coast Oregon and you'll find the link to that site on this page.

Local loggers have reason to be concerned about this group being here to provide training and encouragement to those who willingly break the law by destroying equipment, blocking roads and chaining themselves to tree stands.

Just a quick lift from NCO:

Earth First! is offering Consensus and Facilitation, Legal Training to know your rights, legal observer training, getting arrested and going to jail, police liaison and grand jury. Also, backwoods survival, basic and advanced blockades, lockdowns, anti-oppression and climb trainings. This consists of mid-line descent, setting/shooting a line, traversing, girth hitching, sky walking, platform setting, cantilevers, trainers training, knots, tree sits as blockades.


So then the Blue Scorcher Bakery is now the local headquarters for radical environmentalists?

Super.

Franchise Fees

The Warrenton City Commission is looking for public comment on an interesting proposal. The city budget committee has suggested that city garbage, water and, sewer services be charged a franchise fee. Cities charge these fees to utilities like phone and cable services who then pass those fees along to their customers. If you look at your bills you will see that fee detailed separately. Cities can justify these fees because they control the right of way used by utilities to deliver services. The difference here is that Warrenton runs its own garbage service. It goes without saying that the city operates the water and sewer systems.

The budget committee took this creative approach to find money to fund an additional position in the fire department. That position is sorely needed as the city grows and the number of calls increases, particularly emergency medical calls. The Fire Chief has appeared before the commission frequently to point this out over the years.

The commission approved the budget last night which is based on charging this new fee to its own services but they must bring an ordinance forward to make the fee effective and then make a supplement to the budget to dedicate the funds to the new fire position. They haven't done this yet and are moving slowly to allow time for public input.

What do you think?

Astoria Drug Problems

The Clatsop County Interagency Narcotics Task force made another bust. This time it was cocaine and crack cocaine which netted three men some jail time. One of them will be taking a trip back to Mexico and saying goodbye to his local 17-year-old girlfriend. The 26-year-old Mexican national was found with the girl, about $1800 in cash and about $15,000 worth of cocaine.

Considering our relatively low population base it does seem that we have more than our share of these issues. The Sheriff says you should talk to your kids even if they roll their eyes when you bring it up. That's a very good idea but cocaine isn't usually the drug of choice for kids. While crack is cheap, cocaine is not. The market here must be considerable among adults who can afford to put lots of money up their nose.

Christian Democrats?

I had to move this comment forward to a post because this person talks about issues central to what we discussed on the show this morning.



Anonymous said...
Hey Tom,In regards to voting...I have a question. How can a Christian vote Democrat?Today the issues that separate Republican from Demoncrat are the same issues that can be divided pro-Christian vs. anti-Christian.Christians should be against abortion and homosexuality. They should worship God the Father instead of Mother Nature. We should also be against state sponsored indoctrination in the gov't school monopoly. We need choice through vouchers and charter schools.Crime and punishment is an issue of personal responsibility and sin. But Dems blame society. Charity for the poor should be the Churches job.And the gov't should be able to gag Pastors from political speech by threatening to take away tax exempt status. The Dems higher taxes move us towards Socialism, which tends toward Atheism and reduced freedom. So if a person claims to be a Christian and claims Jesus as their Lord and Savior... how can they vote Democrat???


My first question would be: Are you serious?

No way of telling really but I'll bite. It's just too good to resist. Especially since this post is anonymous. Here's my response.

Dear Anonymous,

Your take on proper Christian beliefs excludes a lot of people. Worldwide. You talk about choice as long as it fits your very narrow definition of those things a "true" Christian would simply have to support. Actually if you were successful in getting a voucher system for education your logic would automatically exclude choice wouldn't it? Why should a Christian support charity to help others in need through a church but slam the door on the needy in every other aspect of life? Aren't we taught to be charitable in all ways and through all means available to us and to perform these good and charitable acts with no thought to how it may affect us or to seek reward in this life for taking these actions?

As far as freedom and socialism go I would say that Canadians (many of whom are Christians) enjoy the benefits of socialized medicine. They have for years. Yet Canadian citizens are considered part of a free, democratic (excuse the term) society with elections, the ability to work, they have private companies and corporations as we do with considerably less regulation, and they are free to live and work where they choose. Now that's creeping socialism.

As far as questioning whether your particular sect is a religious organization or an arm of a political party, it is very responsible on the part of the government to make sure that tax exempt status is awarded appropriately to ensure that the burden of taxation is fairly applied. I agree with you on that point.

Abortion is a matter of personal choice. Can a gay or lesbian be Christian? I know a few. Everyone does whether you realize it or not. My understanding is that in the end everyone is judged by their acts. That's up to God. Not me or you, or any human being.

There are two levels to the crime and punishment issue. Heaven and Earth. We're back to who gets to judge what we do as criminals, as prosecutors, as judges on earth, and as those who make the laws and write the rules. You are right when you say it's a matter of personal responsibility and sin. Society has never been good at handling either one.

I wish you well.

TF

Time To Swim

Recent actions by the Astoria City Council and city management to put the Aquatic Center on firm footing is a hopeful sign.

The reorganization of the facility operation and promotions will work as long as each of us makes the decision to use those new opportunities to take swim lessons, to take advantage of always available lap swim lanes, to take classes, to make the Aquatic Center a part of your family routine. For many it's a matter of putting past inadequacy in the past and giving the center another try.

The moves underway to join with the Seaside district is a good move for long term support that should take the ACC out of the general fund permanently. There are more possibilities for coordinated recreational opportunities and better control of upkeep and management costs even though Astorians will have another taxing district to support and Seasiders would take on a facility that has up to this point been a drain on resources.

Where Leadership Fails

I must have missed it.

Perhaps when I was out of state a couple of weeks ago?

Did our legislative leadership go back to the people of Oregon at any point and explain where we sit, the options for getting out of the mess and the direction we need to head in order to stave off
disaster? Did I miss the statewide event where our Governor had a conversation with us about what we face and his plan for digging us out?

I'm sorry I missed it. If indeed it did happen because I'm completely bewildered by what our leadership has done.

They have raised taxes and fees for us by ONE BILLION dollars this week. They are not finished quite yet but I'm told they plan to adjourn next week. Then those individual legislators will be heading home to explain themselves.

Of course reaction will be slow in coming but it will come. It will come with additional unemployment, additional business failures and some confusion when businesses that might have located in the state just don't appear. There will be a big reaction when tax time comes around.

If you check the list of those impacted by what these legislators have done in my previous post you can say at at least one thing. The Oregon legislature spread the misery to everyone.

Good job!

Duckie Derby Was Great

Mayor Larson was in fine form as he praised the people involved with Seaside Kids Inc. and all the things they do to be involved with the kids and the hard work they go to in making sure those children have the opportunity to play sports. Clatsop Community Bank was there in force and Steve Ferber was out there helping to dump the Duckies to start the race. Halo Electric engineered a race course that really worked great and our crew came out to BBQ hot dogs and sell more duckies right up to race time.

It seemed like everyone had a great time too.

I look forward to next year.

Representing The People

Based on a 16 page partial listing of bills presented in this session in Salem here's my partial list of people who might as well have no representative in the legislature. These bills either increase taxes on select groups or add tax brackets or eliminate deductions or at least double a wide range of fees. Here we go.

People who work for a living
People who don't need to work for a living
People who are state residents but work in a foreign country
People who buy anything expensive ($5000.00 jewelry to $40,000 cars)
People who buy any electronics over $1000.00 (can you say "flat screen")
People who drink beer
People who drink wine
People who make beer
People who make wine
People who smoke cigarettes
People who distribute cigarettes
People who buy fire insurance policies
People who collect insurance claims
People who are paid transportation expenses by an employer
People who buy stocks
People who buy bird seed
People who buy fireworks
People who drive
People who own a vehicle
People who sell vehicles
People who buy gasoline
People who use card lock stations
People who use propane
People who use aviation fuel
People who choose alternative energy sources
People who provide alternative energy
People who use a boiler
People who own a elevator
People who own a business
People who invest in a business anywhere that does business in Oregon
People who provide employees with retirement plans
People who invest in retirement plans
People who are retired
People who pay property taxes early
People who save money
People who spend money
People who make too much money
People who don't make enough money, but a little too much
People who hunt
People who fish

People who are blind


Did I miss anybody?

Who Elected These People?

One more example from Salem.....



SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon House has approved a plan to expand state health coverage to an additional 80,000 uninsured children and 35,000 low-income adults.
The measure calls for raising taxes on hospital revenues and establishing a tax on health insurance premiums to pay for the expansion.
All Democrats favored the bill that now goes to the Senate. Every Republican opposed it.
In a related action, the House also approved a bill to create a health agency called the Oregon Health Authority. It will oversee state efforts to contain health care costs.
Supporters say expanding health insurance to more Oregonians will not be affordable in the long term unless the state also finds ways to reduce health care costs.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

Take a moment to bask in the glow. Just think how many people will benefit when you end up paying to cover those who refuse to participate in employer provided health plans (many) and have been over-running hospital emergency rooms where treatment can't be refused. That's OK though because you'll end up paying for that through tax pass-alongs in fees you and your insurance company will pay . Aren't you a generous soul? Aren't you a sucker for doing the responsible thing?

What's Happening In Salem?

We're taxing ourselves out of the recession.

It's to be expected with an executive and legislative branch controlled by the Democrats. You can expect to be paying significantly more to licence, title and buy new tags for your vehicle on your next trip to DMV. The company you work for is likely to pass along higher corporate taxes in the form of higher product pricing and delays in hiring adding additional workload to the existing workforce while the bottom line forces more cuts and even cost of living raises become a thing of the past. Your personal income tax would be likely to erase any increase you would have gained anyway since many of our elected people in Salem are steering a course that would increase your tax liability.

Meanwhile our legislators are still pushing for annual full sessions. They make more money when they are in session making life more difficult for the rest of us. Even Betsy Johnson tells me that while she now supports a strictly controlled abbreviated session to follow full sessions she still isn't on-board with full sessions annually. She says the business of government is too complex to stick with the traditional citizen legislature concept as much as she likes that approach. She says this is especially true with the executive branch always in Salem while the representatives of the people are not. She says that purposefully controlled even-numbered year sessions with strict controls on bills followed by full sessions in odd-numbered years makes sense now.

I might agree accept that eventually some legislator is going to challenge those short session controls on the kind of bills that can be introduced based on, if nothing else, freedom of speech.

The Oregon Constitution would need to be changed to make this annual session strategy law. That means eventually you and I will be voting on the idea. This opens the door to years of wrangling and most likely the third branch of government will get involved on a final decision.

What's happening in Salem? Business as usual.

When Beer is Art

Fort George has come up with some impressive brews since it opened. The spirit of experimentation is alive and well there. Chris was on the show Friday talking about the history of some of these beers. Unless you are into the micro brew scene you might think a beer is just a beer. Not necessarily the case.

His brew crew has come up with several different types that are worth a try. Spruce bud beer is refreshing. It has a citrus taste with a smooth finish that is surprising. The beers they age in used bourbon barrels is unlike any I've ever tried before and are served in brandy snifters because the alcohol content is high and a 20 ounce glass is more than you would probably need (unless it's really been a hard day at the office!).

Many locals have made the Fort George a favorite for it's perfect combination of food and brew.

I recommend you give it a try if you haven't already.

City Has Some Explaining To Do

After about a week of work the city of Astoria consultant for the ACC says the thing can actually meet it's expenses and make money!

How?

By doing what I and many others suggested for years. He has created a marketing plan to make the pool work better for guests and cut operational expenses. he has proposed a modest drop in fees for kids and modest increase for adults while adding some bonus features for those who buy a multi-swim pass. The center would be open later and would not close during the day. He stresses swim lessons which he says is the core reason for having a city pool in the first place.

If he is right and this is all it takes to take a tremendous burden off the city and it's citizens then I think we need to understand why it took a threat of closure to take this simple step.

We've heard "it will pay for itself" before. I'm hopeful.

Cranky?

Most of you who commented on my previous post regarding the Astoria Aquatic Center are just being cranky. That according to Mary Blake the director of the Sunset Parks and Rec District.

I guess I'm cranky too.

In an interview with KAST's Michael Desmond, Blake talks about the proposal briefly before straying into the success stories she can tell about her district. She confirms that in order for this annexation to take place an election will be held. She says her board has already set money aside to poll the residents of her district and those in Astoria about the proposal. She says that to her mind this whole thing makes perfect sense. Then she starts talking about the metaphysics of swimming pools and lost me again. One thing was pretty clear. The Sunset Parks and Rec district board is eager to add Astoria. No doubt. Adding Astoria to a Seaside tax base would be beneficial for them even with the added operational expense. I guess that's what Mary is saying.

She suggests that under a district structure fees at the ACC could be reduced. She suggests that she would introduce the same programs in Astoria(perhaps running a summer meal site?, 50 cent swims?) that she has put in place at the pool facility in Seaside. She is deeply into synergy so those Astorians who fear losing control of the ACC need not be concerned about that aspect of the annexation proposal. The Sunset Parks and Rec District coexists with other organizations like Seaside Kids Inc. so the recently re-incorporated Patrons of the Pool non-profit would most likely be welcomed in a Mary Blake Universe.

Perhaps the City Of Astoria should consider getting out of the parks business entirely and simply place all of the recreation programs under this expanded district. Mirror what Seaside does in order to make the proposal more attractive including the management of community halls, parks upkeep..etc. If we are considering this annexation proposal seriously we should go all in.

Good Money After Bad

Are they insane?

The hole in the ground Astorians throw money into each year which some call the Aquatic Center just cost us another consultants fee. A little under $14,000 to figure out how to make the center return as much revenue as possible. FINE. That constitutes about half the revenue the Center returns annually teaching kids to swim. Yes, it's that bad.

The committee formed to save the Aquatic Center has come forward with a proposal to allow Seaside's Sunset rec district to annex the Astoria pool complex. My understanding is that Mary Blake from Sunset is excited about the idea. Mary is easily excited. Voters who currently support her district may be less so.

Astoria should instead come forward with a tax levy that reflects the true operational costs of the ACC and let the voters decide whether to support it or not. If not, close it.