Kitzhaber Rejects Education Reform

The State Board of Higher Education has unanimously voted to fire University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere (la-RIV'-ee-AIR') effective Dec. 28.

Board members voted 12 to 0 on Monday to oust Lariviere, saying they have lost trust and confidence in his ability to lead the university. Lariviere was hired in 2009 and has publicly clashed with the Board and with Gov. John Kitzhaber, who says Lariviere's advocacy for the UO has undermined other universities. The Following is from the University website and is a portion of a letter written by the UO President:

Since becoming the UO’s 16th president in July 2009, my focus has been on enhancing the education of our students at Oregon’s flagship public university. I have sought to do that by focusing on our critical public mission and tapping the brilliance and innovation that resides here among our faculty staff and students.

The UO has had a leading voice in public discussions that resulted in this year’s legislative overhaul to the structure of Oregon’s entire educational system – from early childhood through post-doctoral studies. Our bold ideas have led to the promise of additional changes in the not-too-distant future, including eventual consideration of our proposal for individual universities to form local governing boards.

But our primary mission has been to provide educational opportunity and academic excellence, and you have taken both to new heights. Enrollment is at an all-time high this year, topping last year’s record enrollment. Much has been made of our ability to attract out-of-state and international students, but we are also educating more Oregon students than ever before. This year’s freshman class is the most diverse and has the highest grade point average of any incoming class in UO history, and we have raised freshman-to-sophomore retention to a new level.

We are what great students look for in a university. We are different, and embrace difference. We have brilliant, dedicated faculty, cutting edge research, and award-winning programs. Through careful financial stewardship we were able to give well-earned salary increases to faculty and staff. UO’s research grant funding has set records.

Even though the past 2  years have been difficult economic times for our entire country, we have generated a quarter of a billion dollars in private gifts at the UO and we have half a billion dollars in ongoing construction projects.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the concerted advocacy for public policy, governance and funding changes to strengthen the university and the entire state. I remain hopeful that honest debate and the exploration of new ideas – whether academic or political – will be celebrated and encouraged.

Too Cold?, Wearing Out?, Management Issues? Lock The Doors.

It is good to see citizens take an active interest in their City.  It is quite unusual to see anyone at any council or commission meeting other than the elected officers and the staff paid to show up.  That goes for every city.

So when a group of people decide to take action on an issue they care about by showing up in force at one of these meetings it draws some attention. 

 A small group of Astorians unhappy with the Astoria Aquatic Center attended the City Council meeting Monday bringing complaints about it's operation and how they are being treated.  They say it needs better management. They were not happy with how staff handles seniors and the disabled. They say the water is too cold and equipment needs to be replaced, amongst other things they don't like. Remember last year when it was going to close entirely?  Maybe it should have.  The biggest issue with the Astoria Aquatic Center (AAC) is that it made it off the drawing board and into a burdensome reality. 

Much has been said about the AAC savior JP Moss.  How he stepped in and in a relatively short period of time proved that the city could most likely afford to keep the place open after all.  Shortly after that he was named the "interim" Parks Director at a hefty salary He hired a manager for the pool and moved on to consolidate the parks department and enlarged the programs available adding Star of The Sea's old gym to the mix as the new Astoria Recreation Center.

I'm surprised anyone who uses these facilities would have a complaint.

At a time when the Great Recession has thrown many out of work, and more people are considered homeless and in need of simple means to put food on the table it seems to me those who complain about how a swimming pool operates are incredibly out of touch.  

This latest business about the Aquatic Center got started when people found out how much Mr. Moss is making as an "interim" department head coupled with the City Council approving raises for the city staff and increasing the city manager pay retroactive to July. I understand how difficult it is to have great employees and be unable to reward them financially because of  a market that doesn't support it.  What I can't understand is a City Council that is extravagant at any time much less under circumstances we find ourselves in now. These raises are extravagent

The Aquatic Center is an extravagance.  

People should be treated with respect regardless of age or condition so please be assured I say the following with the greatest respect:  Water too cold? Stay home and run a bath.

But Do They Mean The Same Thing?

Following release of the December 2011 revenue forecast for general and lottery funds, House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) issued the following statement:

Today’s revenue forecast is further evidence that job creation and economic development must be our top priority.  While Oregon continues to grow, it isn’t fast enough for those that are still working to find a job, make their mortgage payments or pay off student loans.  We must use every tool in our toolbox to help get Oregonians back to work.

The budget choices in February are even more difficult after today’s forecast, but our priority must be protecting the middle class while being mindful that further job losses will only cause additional economic harm.  We must be creative, compassionate and smart to achieve outcomes that protect services Oregonians depend on in this tough budget environment.  

That was followed by another news release from Oregon House Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg)

“Once again we have a revenue forecast in decline because of continued economic difficulty across our state. Unemployment lingers near ten percent statewide, and it’s much higher in many rural counties. Forecasts for personal income, corporate income and lottery revenues have all dropped, and until we can create a climate in which businesses can grow, create jobs and help spur economic activity, we won't be able to reverse this trend.

Many difficult decisions lie ahead. The Legislature owes it to Oregonians to hold agencies accountable for living within their budgets while making sure the budget is based on priorities that reflect the most critical needs in state government. I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the Governor to make any necessary adjustments to the budget and, even more critically, to stimulate the economy and get Oregon working again.”

The forecast, released by the Office of Economic Analysis, shows that employment is down an additional 3,348 jobs and personal income is down an additional $1.8 billion from the September forecast. Total anticipated general and lottery fund resources for the 2011-2013 biennium are now $306 million less than expected at the close of the 2011 legislative session.

On the surface it appears that  Hanna and Roblan are standing up for the same thing.  This is what I hate about politicians.  These two will be steering the next session of the Oregon House and they don't agree on several elements that will be key to the discussion. So what's needed is an interpretation of what these tow are actually saying in these position statements.

Arnie Roblan hasn't done his homework and thinks Oregon is growing when it clearly is not. This is the most outrageous statement of all.   Arnie Roblan would protect jobs by blocking cuts to government agencies. That does not grow jobs in the private sector where growth is absolutely necessary. The budget cuts are neither difficult, nor complex if you remove the fear of  ignoring the primary directive of the Democratic party and the Teacher's Unions and instead think it through using a little common sense instead. Mr. Roblan thinks the middle class still exists.  It has virtually disappeared which explains the

steady downward trend in the Oregon income picture.

Mr. Hanna would stop short of what is needed. He would hold agencies responsible for staying within budget.  He does not call for agencies to be eliminated or be reassessed to determine how they could operate more efficiently.  He would sent directives these agencies already get and are good at ignoring.

Working with the Governor may not be the best approach. Do you think the Governor would support serious cuts to department heads?  No, he would say what he has said before. He would hold with the idea that sort of discussion isn't central to addressing the needs. he would contend we need to make Government more efficient and more service oriented by hiring more people.  He thinks Oregonians want more interference, not less.

I see no light at the end of the tunnel for Oregon with this kind of leadership in Salem.  It falls short.

Letters, We Get Letters

A fan writes in appreciation for the stand I've taken on local government spending and the scam that we call "property taxes".  The writer also suggests that if I were to run for office I would have at least one vote.  This has come up before.  I'm perfect right where I am.  With the current attitude regarding elected officials it is likely that if I were elected I would lose my voice in these matters.  Nobody trusts anyone in politics and rarely pays attention to anything they say. I do appreciate the thought as it was well intended.

We also received an email via our web page editorial comment section this week from a writer who has a great idea for Christmas gift giving:

I received this email from a friend and wanted to pass the idea along! We are going to give this a try this year...Stephanie..... As Christmas approaches, Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide the American market with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. 


This year Americans will give gifts of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. 


Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down some Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember, folks, this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home-town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. 


How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.


 Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater? Your local charity thrift store has more than used clothing! A gift for small children doesn't have to be NEW! Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. 


 Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. 


THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about? 

Amen.