Today marks the end of the government fiscal year and with July first comes the new Clatsop County Planning Commission. Ordinarily the county commissioners would appoint new members for those whose terms had come to an end but this year the county commissioners voted to replace all seven members. This morning we broadcast a news special focusing on the last commission meeting where those appointments were made including the discussion surrounding the controversial move.
There are at least a couple of points that came up that don't jive with the actual events. Former Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson testified that she had acquired emails between commissioners Birkby, Hutula, Rohne,and, the County Manager that indicate there was some consensus reached between those commissioners that it would be appropriate to make a last minute addition to the agenda to consider removing all the planning commissioners. Samuelson further stated that Birky brought the county ordinance establishing the the right for commissioners to remove any committee or commission member to the table and that when it was clear she had argued her point for the dismissal successfully she stated "glory be!
The item was added the day before the county commission meeting. The Planning Commission was meeting that evening and apparently were not informed officially at that point because they all expressed surprise and argued that they had little if any opportunity to defend themselves, or at least have a conversation of any kind with the county commission. Planning Commission President Cary Johnson told me that he had no contact from the newly seated county commission, nor had any other planning commissioner. County Commission Chairman Dirk Rohne said that he sent a letter that was intended to be completely respectful informing the planning commissioners of the decision and encouraging them to reapply. He said he personally contacted PC Mike Autio to ask him to reapply. That was unlikely to happen as Autio's term was to end this year anyway. Commissioner Peter Hutula, at Rohne's request contacted PC Pat O'Grady to ask him to reapply. Both declined. In fact the seven member panel all signed a letter to Rohne declining to reapply and detailed the reasons why.
Commissioner Patricia Roberts explained (again) how important it is to have public discussions and to do business such as this in public. She pushed to have the decision reversed. The motion died for alack of a second and during the appointment process she abstained from voting on the new membership for the Planning Commission.
It's clear that Dirk Rohne is tired of the discussion. He lashed back at those who have made it their business to oppose the replacement of the planning commission by pointing out that OPB interviewed him on the controversy taking the issue to Portland listeners. He said he got many phone calls in support. He thanked the opposition for making him more popular statewide.
It has been rumored that Rohne has political ambitions beyond county government. It is said that he has become a favorite up and comer among those in local Democratic leadership.
Rohne stated that since the Planning Commissioners acted unanimously in their reaction to the dismissal that indicates that there was a lack of diverse opinion on that body which represents a justification of the dismissal decision. That's a pretty broad statement. It will be interesting to see how the new PC functions in light of that comment.
Rohne your egocentric actions will shortly put you out on the street corner. You may think your'e an up and comer but after your recalled you can go back to milking buttermilk.
ReplyDeleteP/S don't forget your football.
You thought Lee was bad-get your KODAK out and take a picture and post it on your bathroom mirror. Does it make you sick??
The local democratic party is not well thought of beyond Clatsop County and many that live here think it's a club for a few, Rohne using this community and disrespecting those of us trying to raise families here is beyond insulting! I heard his arrogant diatribe this a.m. If you want to be in higher office I think you need to impress more than the local chapter of the democrats, very few democrats are engaged there, if they were they would at the very least become independents. I hear their meetings are ruled by the chair and that this is a small group that supports all the negative drama that has gone on and continues to go on in this county. The newspaper gives them lots of free press and no accountability, Our government needs real change here locally.
ReplyDeleteIt's simple, they will not last, you can not treat people this way, basic stuff.
ReplyDeleteI would expect any economic development ideas will be taken before the port commission rather than the county commission, why would anyone go before that board of county commissioners, they have been so bias for so long, even before they were elected in this scammy election, anybody can predict how they will vote to submarine any project.
ReplyDeleteAh, a small empire begins to crumble. When a well intentioned individual is played as a patsy for a small but vocal minority, it can’t last. I believe Commissioner Rohne was very naive in his politics, he could not see how he was used and manipulated by these extremists. I have known Commission Rohne for many years and I live in the eastern part of the county, I have seen Dirk go from a conservative, logical individual to this puppet, this makes me sad. I firmly believe my friend Dirk Rohne needs to be voted out of office, not due to his politics but due to the fact he is so easily swayed and manipulated. As a resident of Commissioner Rhone’s district, I also believe he needs to be removed due to the fact he has not accomplished anything that has benefited East County. He does not talk to the citizens of East County and does not care what we need or want. I am not suggesting or encouraging any of the recall rhetoric, this county has abused that process enough, but when Commissioner Rhone’s term is up, let hope a strong, centered candidate steps forward.
ReplyDeleteHappy Independence Day! I'm sure Tom would have mentioned this if he were not otherwise occupied. This is an important historical day, especially for the American media. Hope you enjoy it.
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