The Coastwatch Blog By Tom Freel

The Port of Astoria under Holcom and his cronies l...

2012-05-12T07:05:58.348-07:00

The Port of Astoria under Holcom and his cronies leadership and Bornstein's Seafood wants to contribute to the community and educate them as well, let them use the below link as a model to found and develop a maritime educational program, cash-in on those Crusie Ship passengers, save a fading "Artisan Craft" in wood boatbuilding, educate young local participants as well as paying adults by replicating the nineteenth century sailing craft that gave this community its lifeblood, the Columbia River Gillnetter.

Build it, train the builders to sail it, auction it off, build another or two or three, build our future "Regattas" around sailing them and the originals as a competitive event to keep them alive.

You think that might draw some attention from those ship passengers and benefit all of us by their donations?

But then again that may hurt Bornsteins personal gain wouldn't it but, on the other hand could quite possibly make Holcom and buddies real heroes right?

The Community Boat Project

My observation of yesterday (Friday, May 11, 2012)...

2012-05-12T06:39:16.627-07:00

My observation of yesterday (Friday, May 11, 2012) and the "Cruise Ship" passengers roaming downtown Astoria was the apparent enjoyment of their watching the participants of the "Dunk Tank" entertainment at T&C Home Furnishings third anniversary celebration while waiting for the "Bus Shuttle" to take them back to the ship and it was free.

I still find it hard to embrace the concept that these same "Cruise Ship" passengers are going to, in the future, get directly off those ships and flock to Bornstein's Seafoods to watch fish being gutted....and pay for it?

Doesn't "The Port" benefit financially from the ships parking there right off the top?

Should not that passenger traffic be to the benefit of helping downtown Astoria and other area retailers prosper from their presence? It is called "The Port of Astoria" isn't it, or has it just finally become the "Island Unto Itself" it has been hell-bent on becoming anyway?

Nice work Mr. Freel. Your comments stimulated a g...

2012-05-11T19:23:44.147-07:00

Nice work Mr. Freel. Your comments stimulated a good conversation that is very interesting. Open, honest discussion that can lead to new ideas is what we need to succeed. I appreciate the engagement from Mr. Bornstein and Commissioner Holcom.

Regardless of personal opinions, it is inspiring to see the passion that people have for the prosperity of our community.

Thank you both.

2012-05-11T12:54:33.474-07:00

Thank you both.

Upon Request. Commissioner Floyd's quick and ...

2012-05-11T10:21:25.530-07:00

Upon Request.

Commissioner Floyd's quick and dirty position on Business at the Port of Astoria.

1. Beware of media bias and politics. Remind them that there is a code of ethics. Remind them what hat they are wearing. The Media is not the Public nor can they be purely trusted because they are the "Media". There is always some media angle at the port of Astoria.

2. Let Business succeed or fail on its own merit. Give evaluated assistance where possible, but don't interfere just because you can. Don't rescue businesses just because you can. Evaluate, Assess and make a Decision. Document assistance.

3. Don't give freebies, otherwise people/business become expectant to the unearned source of revenue. Taxpayers should not fund the success of others based on who they are, but if grants are available, document and communicate longterm positive return it gives back to the community. Make agreements fair and equal to both parties, Taxpayer and Business, on a longterm perspective. Do Not be a Provider!

4. Government should not be solely relied upon for economic development, but can be used as a large useful tool. Does this decision meet the overall expectations of the taxpayer? Does it meet the need for Economic Return? Is it good for the longterm growth of the Port District? Does it meet the Strategic and Tactical Plan?

5. Port Government's should not loan money to businesses or be a bank. Do not rob the public (Peter) to pay Paul. Do Background checks and ask for Audits.

6. Government should be used efficiently and accountable to the public. Fraud, Waste or Abuse should not be tolerated and should be prosecuted. Expect concrete contributions by all government employees and train them. Don't take the opinion of the employees just because of the position, continually evaluate everything and anything, make your own decision.

7. Governments should not charge other governments just because they can, nor should they pay for other governments expenses. Make accountable agreements,document the agreements and follow the agreements.

8. Leaseholders are customers of the Port. Treat them like customers and client while communicating as such. Enforce agreements and honor those agreements. Don't give things away just because you can. Build evaluation points and success points into longterm agreements.

9. Grants are not free money. Don't forget longterm maintenance costs.

10. Do not revise unsuccessful programs over and over or pay for the same study over and over. Document and track studies. Use and update information already paid for.

Bonus: Will the decision I make today be the same decision if made at the end of the agreement? That is the hardest one, but one to think about.

There you go, Tom, Floyd's generals rule of thumb, lessons learned and opinions from being at the Port of Astoria.

Good Luck, Floyd.

All, Yes, I am a member of the Port of Astoria Bud...

2012-05-11T09:49:44.011-07:00

All,
Yes, I am a member of the Port of Astoria Budget Committee. However I'm not sure what one has to do with the other...

As I told Tom, Bornstein Seafoods is simply eager to return to a time when The Port of Astoria and Bornstein Seafoods shared a spirit of enthusiasm and optimism for our shared future. Let's recognize that it is a shared future, and as we say every day here at our place of business, let's find the win/win.

We want the Port to grow. We want the Port to prosper. We want to be a part of that growth and prosperity as a true partner of the Port. Period.

For example, today is a beautiful day at the Port, and I'm not talking about the sun! In my humble opinion today is what the future is all about for the Port. As I sit at my desk looking out at Pier 1, there is a Cruise Ship, next to a log ship, next to a fishing boat. IT IS BUSY DOWN HERE, and everyone is working together! We should all strive to have days like this EVERY DAY!

Tourism at our fish plant was never intended to be a project detrimental to the Port, or the Port's ability to expand their industrial base. It was something that was supposed to benefit the Port, the City, the County, the State of Oregon, and the West Coast Seafood Industry.

Mr. Nelson,
Bornstein is not seeking money from the Port of Astoria or the Oregon Business Development Department (that might be the wrong name, it used to be the OECDD). Bornstein's does not want to have any financial impact on the Port other than a positive one. I know it frustrated at least one current commissioner that we were granted a 5 year exemption from our land lease. However the intent of that exemption was achieved and then some. We have grown over the last 5 years from a local employer of about 80, to having over 140 full time, year round employees.

Parking will still require a spirit of win/win, but is and always has been something that can be worked out.

Come down to the Port and look today. Parking lots are full everywhere! Tourists are pouring off the Cruise ship. Logs are being loaded onto a log ship. Fishing has been great and we're unloading multiple boats.

The Port is hitting a grand slam today with regards to being an economic engine for this city/county/state/country. Days like today are what will pull our entire nation out of a recession.

This is a Win/Win/Win/Win!! Congratulations Port of Astoria.

~ Andrew Bornstein

Floyd- Thanks for the commment. I've been wea...

2012-05-11T08:05:26.724-07:00

Floyd-

Thanks for the commment. I've been wearing two hats for 30 years. I'm very clear when expressing my own viewpoint. I can't comment on what other media outlets may or may not do. I just focus on what I'm doing. I find it interesting you fire a charge of media bias while failing to back it up. Sometimes it's not enough to just attack. Do you have a position on the Bornstein development? Let's hear it commissioner.

Ah yes Tom, one sided stories again. Not sure if ...

2012-05-10T11:43:57.950-07:00

Ah yes Tom, one sided stories again. Not sure if you're following the Daily A's example of being a reporter and editorialist at the same time. I'm starting to get that ethical concern about your reporting and editorials on the same page. I think its important to know whats news and whats opinion, getting a little blurry here.

You failed to mention to the Public that Andrew is on the Port of Astoria Budget Committee.

Floyd E. Holcom

all good points. I take it you may work downtown? ...

2012-05-10T08:56:06.028-07:00

all good points. I take it you may work downtown? Sounds like an opportunity for someone to open a lunch counter that caters to downtown workers who want to take that early lunch without climbing into a car to get there. I'm curious now about the lease cost per sq. ft. What's the average? How is that cost figured? What does it cost a property owner to maintain a building? What fees and taxes do they need to cover?
It will be interesting to hear what Reese will say about types of businesses that might do well here. I think some business ideas are ahead of their time. Remember the guy who openned up a wine specialty shop downtown years ago? Heck, that was before Oregon was even producing Pinot grapes...That kind of thing might work today.

I asked Andrew to tell me what the company needed ...

2012-05-10T07:45:45.400-07:00

I asked Andrew to tell me what the company needed to move forward. His answer was "The Port needs to stop throwing up roadblocks". That's all. He thinks the factory tours project can work alongside the log loading. He's not necessarily happy with the chain link fence and he mentioned that the Port probably should have had a more effective business plan when it comes to the log loading business, but he indicated that the project was designed to build on their current footprint. He's not asking the Port to sponsor anything.

I thought money was the issue. Is Oregon economc ...

2012-05-09T14:09:03.822-07:00

I thought money was the issue. Is Oregon economc development dollars sought? Does the port need to sponsor that? And what about the parking issue...Bornstein's wanted the port to commit to dedicated parking for the fish factory concept. What happened there?

To improve downtown/get new businesses in: 1. Ren...

2012-05-08T13:16:53.872-07:00

To improve downtown/get new businesses in:

1. Rents are too expensive in downtown businesses. Discouraging to spend most your income on just keeping the doors open.
2. Parking is NOT the problem at all.
3. Downtown shops are never open when I need them. I like early mornings...very few places are open early. I like an early and quick lunch, say 11 or 12...Custard King not open, get annoyed and go to Subway instead.
4. Too many stores with limited, too specialized selection. How often do I need to go to an "all spices" shop? Sunday market works for that kind of stuff simply BECAUSE it's only once a week.

Your right Tom. The real issue here is about remo...

2012-05-01T16:53:27.513-07:00

Your right Tom. The real issue here is about removing the case from the city court. He may be able to oversee, or take control of the prosecution, but it should remain in city court and be decided by the city judge.

I guess we'll see. I don't know why the St...

2012-05-01T14:22:17.002-07:00

I guess we'll see. I don't know why the State didn't go for all crimes and get it over with. If they are so certain, why not? I think it will take more than one decision to bring this to conclusion. It will be interesting to read Judge Norblad's comments.

But and I am not trying to be pettily argumentativ...

2012-05-01T11:01:32.000-07:00

But and I am not trying to be pettily argumentative here, it does Tom and how can you say it doesn't?

The weakest argument so far was/is Henningsgaard's attempt at using the statutes regarding municipal attorney/courts jurisdiction in his counter to the law suit itself and an outdated court case that is no longer, according to ODJ valid to this case at all.....in my observation.

I cannot see how Norblad can rule any other way than in favor of Marquis can you?

You know that the commission is allowed to operate...

2012-05-01T09:00:17.837-07:00

You know that the commission is allowed to operate behind closed doors when it comes to real property transactions or personnel matters. Often they are held to confidentiality agreements involving potential projects. The working press can attend but are directed not to report what they see or hear. They are not allowed to vote on decisions behind closed doors but sometimes the public discussion is limited before a vote is taken. I think the commission needs to be more careful about that aspect.

..moot, that's right. You are quoting the Stat...

2012-05-01T08:39:23.925-07:00

..moot, that's right. You are quoting the State position which isn't final and at it's heart doesn't address the central issue directly. We await the decision.

That would be "Moot Point" unless you ar...

2012-05-01T08:28:00.242-07:00

That would be "Moot Point" unless you are trying to be creative in your rhetoric but, this excerpt is from Oregon Department of Justice on the issue.....

"Conclusion;

Where ther is a conflict between a District Attorney and a City Attorney over how to prosecute a state-law DUII, over which two attorneys have concurrent authority, the city attorney must yield to the direction and control of the district attorney. In this case there is a controversy between plaintiff - Clatsop County District Attorney and defendent - The City of Astoria over how best to prosecute state-law DUII offenses committed within the city. Because the District Attorney's authority is superior to that of the City Attorney's authority with respect to such prosecutions, this court should issue declaratory judgement stating that plaintiff has exclusive authority to direct and control the prosecution of all DUII charges originating within the City of Astoria."

As to your first comment...The question here is wh...

2012-04-30T13:03:49.991-07:00

As to your first comment...The question here is whether the DA has the right to direct where cases will be heard. In this case they are limiting the discussion to DUII cases. The matter you quote is the legal theory put forward by the state which leaves out the statue limitation on the DA prosecuting violations and is a mute argument in this suit.

Just getting caught up Patrick. I'm probably ...

2012-04-30T12:54:52.250-07:00

Just getting caught up Patrick. I'm probably spending too much time on facebook these days!!

And by the way Tom, is it really fair to any of us...

2012-04-30T10:21:16.268-07:00

And by the way Tom, is it really fair to any of us for you to sandbag on publishing your readers posts?

The fact of the matter is that the Oregon Departme...

2012-04-30T10:19:39.268-07:00

The fact of the matter is that the Oregon Department of Justice, through the Attorney General, states that The District Attorney of the county of his jurisdiction, through all cases, will always prevail over a City Attorney in all prosecutions as "Plaintiff's Trial Brief" clearly defines contrary to defendants attempt to prove otherwise.

You know Tom, if I did attend Port Meetings, my fi...

2012-04-30T09:07:48.448-07:00

You know Tom, if I did attend Port Meetings, my first question would be......"Gentlemen????" do you think it appropriate to have a meeting, called a "Special Meeting" is it, 7 days before your regular meetings to, in essence pre-determine how you will actually vote on issues at the "Regular Port Commission Meeting"?

Seems to me that is not really spontaineous nor in the interest of their constituents is it?

May be it is just a public perception thing on my part.

I have an issue as well with "Secret Prospective" client/tenants. I believe "The Constituents" should be in on these proposals from the start to avoid our port being held hostage by the likes of Calpine/Oregon LNG-Leucadia types.

And then, while I'm at it, are Port Minutes any more current than several/many months old as has been the pattern for as long as I can remember?

Jeeeze! I'm sorry Tom, didn't mean to start rambling.

The County has used the Timber Revenue for many ye...

2012-04-25T08:36:21.849-07:00

The County has used the Timber Revenue for many years to fund the rental of the Juvenile Detention "pod" in Warrenton. That is different than underwriting distinct jobs with "special funds" money. The county has shown itself to be largely very conservative financially. The jail proposal isn't just Bergin's plan - it's the County Manager, all the Commissioners and others.
Bergin did not 'forget' about Camp Rilea. The cost of bringing 'Starship' at Rilea to state permanent jail standards would be astronomical and there is no indication that the Oregon Military Department would ever agree to have a county jail facility located on what is a federal reservation.

This morning Mr Marquis suggested that in a few ye...

2012-04-24T14:38:59.360-07:00

This morning Mr Marquis suggested that in a few years timber revenues could climb back to what they were 5-6 years ago during the peak of the housing bubble. None of the people I talk to in forest products believe that. Home prices are falling still. There are many, many forecloses yet to come. No jobs on the horizon. More empty store fronts than any one can ever remember. The export market is a shadow of what it was a year ago. Austerity is the order of the day and will be for at least another decade. I hope I'm wrong about that but I think Josh mistaking a little election year blip with a rosy long term outlook may serve his purposes but may prove costly for the rest of us.