Daily Astorian - March 12, 2008
Kelly Stearns, a Warrenton resident, got her paperwork in at the last minute to run for commissioner of Clatsop County District 2.
She said she wants to begin a discussion about issues like affordable health care and housing.
Stearns said she opposes the placement of a liquefied natural gas plant in the county.
"I'm interested in following the county's master plan, as opposed to approving things with variances," she said.
She will run against District 2 Commissioner Patricia Roberts, and another newcomer, Jim Scheller.
Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin and Circuit Court Judge Paula Brownhill are unopposed for re-election this year.
Brownhill is an 18th District judge just completing a six-year term, and Bergin has served one four-year term as sheriff.
There will be one other race for the county Board of Commissioners.
District 4 will have no incumbent because Sam Patrick is stepping down.
Running for the seat will be Cary Johnson and Dirk Rohne.
36 comments:
She is also on record as opposing the DA getting a stipend from the county (Daily A, Oct 19, 2007)
What, exactly, does she think a County Commissioner going to do about "affordable health care"?
Or does she really mean that, like most politicians, she just wants to discuss it ... but not do anything?
But she ain't Patricia Roberts and that's a plus.
"What, exactly, does she think a County Commissioner going to do about "affordable health care"?
Or does she really mean that, like most politicians, she just wants to discuss it ... but not do anything?"
Well, I'd like to be the first to invite her here to explain herself and her platform
Press Release March 12, 2008
Kelly M. Stearns for County Commissioner
I decided to run for Commissioner to better represent the people of Clatsop county. I am the “Underfunded Underdog” of the race. I own no large tracks of land to develop nor do I own a large business. I do not have any great wealth to support me. I am an average citizen who owns her own home and is trying to help out her parents in their retirement years. I am running in the spirit of public service. To provide service to the community and a voice in local government. I will take into consideration the effect of county decisions on the silent majority of Clastop county citizens who work for a living or have a modest retirement, own or rent their homes and want to keep our County a nice, healthy, friendly place to live.
My family and I moved to the area for the quality of life, the clean air and the unspoiled natural spaces. I hope our county can maintain its' charm and natural space while allowing smart growth that will benefit the County, our small businesses and our local economy.
The following is my statement of candidacy. I am representing issues and voicing opinions that will positively impact the citizens of Clatsop County.
I tossed my hat into the ring to give the voters a fresh choice in County leadership. Our County government representatives should be open and honest with their positions on the issues affecting our county, therefore I am listing my views here for all to see. Although many issues affecting the County are decided in the state legislature, county government has a great deal of impact on the lives of local citizens. I hope to be a voice for the underrepresented and silent majority.
I support affordable health care and child care, affordable housing, increased assistance to seniors, improved emergency management and communication and a greater support for our County animal shelter. I further support the sale of the Delaura Beach property to the state to benefit the citizens of Clatsop County for generations to come.
I believe in the principals of smart growth and think future development should follow the County Master Plan. If additional development is needed, the Master Plan should be reviewed and altered, rather than granting variances to powerful interests for harmful projects that conflict with the County's best interests.
I am against placing an LNG facility in the region. I believe LNG will ruin our tourist economy, our pristine landscape and our natural resources. LNG will cause a devaluation in Clatsop County real estate. LNG is a transient technology that will cause permanent and major disruption to the Columbia for short term corporate gain.
As a commissioner I will research issues throughly in order to come to the best decision for our county. I welcome input from community members and believe an open forum should exist for individuals to voice their opinions on County issues. I applaud our local government officials for taking the time and putting in the effort to make Clatsop county a great place to live. I am willing to put in the effort and be part of our local governmental process to serve our growing community.
I want elected officials to discuss options for the county. Health care is one of them. No the county cannot insure people but it can encourage clinics with a sliding scale fee structure, increase zoning for medical facilities, and pass a resolution encouraging the state to allow for more state funded health insurance coverage to rural counties. Doing something on an important issue is better than doing nothing. I may not win the election but I want the issues facing our county to be addressed, and opening a discussion is a start. Kelly M. Stearns
No the county cannot insure people but it can encourage clinics with a sliding scale fee structure...
I doubt there are many such clinics anywhere. I know there are none that receive any federal, state, or insurance payments. All 3 of those have guidelines to make sure the facility charges the same amount to everybody.
In other words, the only way a clinic (or any health care facility) could have a "sliding scale" ... is to completely forego receiving payments from Federal and/or State programs, and/or insurance companies.
Plus, you'd have to worry about lawsuits. Not just malpractice, but someone suing because they got charged more for the same service as someone else - and the clinic would have to prove it wasn't due to illegal discrimination.
The high cost of child care and housing is mostly due to the lack of resources for both. There are fewer people willing to provide child care, and the state/federal government has succeeded in locking up most of the land in the state that could be used for inexpensive housing. And you can't very well force people to become child-care workers, or open child-care centers. Nor can you force people to build/sell/rent housing at a loss.
Well, you can. But there's still a lot of Americans who won't voluntarily live in a tyrannical society. Even in Oregon.
I would like to know where I can find out about the qualifications and experience of Kelly Stearns.
What professional positions has she held?
Her skills?
Her public sector work?
Where she got her knowledge of government procedure?
Who is she?
Thanks
It's called "Dialogue" on critical aspects of the community and researching ways to find the answers and Walter, I don't think you've said yet any of this is impossible.
Where is a Task Force to get out into the world and see exactly what types or workable industry is out the would be viable and workable here?
If we don't search and market our community we will always be open to the likes of shipbreaking, Smelters, LNG and Pipeline Speculators and the "Greed Factor" clouding the judgement of our local leadership.
In response to Walt,
Our local Columbia Family Heath Clinic is already using a sliding scale fee system. A patient pays for services based on their income. This is a great resource for Astoria and I would like to see a similar clinic in the south county.
The county can allow zoning changes that encourage more multifamily development which would lead to an increase in the number of rental units available in the county. Additionally, guest houses, basement apartments or in-law units could be rented out to increase the number of units available, if our local zoning allowed homeowners to use their property in this manner.
The shortage and cost of child care is difficult for many working parents in the county. This issue needs further discussion as there are many options to consider. People do have to be willing to take on the role of caregiver and they need proper training. Possibly if more training in CPR and early childhood education were offered there would be more opportunity for those interested in providing childcare in the county.
In response to anonymous,
Everyone starts somewhere. I have not held public office in the past but I have worked with Habitat For Humanity, of Yolo County, held the position of Board Secretary for the Nick Steenlson Foundation (a not for profit foundation for people with physical disabilities) and worked on recycling legislation in California with CAW, Californians Against Waste. I know how local governments can affect state legislative decisions by letting the legislature know how the county weighs in on certain issues, just as any citizen can as well. I also studied the legislative process and initiative procedure at UC Davis School of Law. I did not want another election to go by with incumbents running unopposed.
In addition to researching affordable housing in my academic career, I also looked at the transitioning economies of Eureka California and the Mt. Shasta region. Which have moved toward tourism since their logging industries have slowed down. It is not an exact parallel to Clatsop County but I have a good idea of the picture of a transitioning economy and I hope I can help the county in this on going process, whether in county office or as a private citizen.
I hope people will look at the issues and vote for whom they think will best serve their needs. Jim Scheller is running as well in a more traditional party backed campaign. Check out what he has to offer. http://scheller08.com/
For more information on my background
http://kmsrealty.realtors.officelive.com/commissioner.aspx
What is Stearns position on the DA stipend issue now that 4-123 is over?
I was against the measure of 4-123 because is was forcing the county to pay out additional funds for a base salary. It would have tied the hands of the Commission on basic budgetary matters, which is not a good precedent.
The state already pays the base salary for the DA, as it is a state office.
If the County decided to pay a stipend to cover additional duties the DA performs for the county then I would weight the merits of that option. I am not opposed to a possible stipend, but I need more information to be clearer on the circumstances in which a stipend would be offered.
Ms. Stearns: Were you aware the county had paid a stipend to this DA and the last two DAs for almost 20 years until 2007?
I do know the DA was already getting a stipend. I do not know the events leading up to the withdrawal of the stipend. I was told he needed to assist the county in planning for the budget and did not fulfill his role, but that is hearsay.
Again I am not opposed to the idea of a stipend but forcing a payment using measure 4-123 was not the proper way to go about returning the stipend.
I am NOT against the DA or his office, it is a great public service to both the County and State.
Patrick,
Do you think someone will outline the things the Sheriff has done to improve public safety in Clatsop County during his first term. I seem to recall that he promised during his campaign to deal with the drug problem and deal with the jail problem. I read about a single drug bust his task force did a short time ago, but nothing else has been announced for a very long time. The jail seems to be where it has been and I don't hear about an increased capacity. What's up?
Oh great, another recently transplanted Californian has arrived to save us.
And shes a realator with legal background. Oh joy.
"Oh great, another recently transplanted Californian has arrived to save us.
And shes a realator with legal background. Oh joy."
Treat this woman with no less respect than we would offer any other candidate that chooses to post here to try to lay out their platform and answer your questions.
So far there have been many good questions asked wiht respectful answers from the candidate.
Do you think someone will outline the things the Sheriff has done to improve public safety in Clatsop County during his first term. I seem to recall that he promised during his campaign to deal with the drug problem and deal with the jail problem. I read about a single drug bust his task force did a short time ago, but nothing else has been announced for a very long time. The jail seems to be where it has been and I don't hear about an increased capacity. What's up?
I forwarded your question to Sheriff Bergin to invite him to recap his term and respond to it.
1. Californian
2. Realator
3. Lawyer
Three strikes you're out.
How Mature...since these questions will come up again you are welcome to know a bit more about me...
1- I moved from CA, I was born in CA. Everyone comes from somewhere. Everyone. This entire state was settled, so if you are not Native American you or your family moved here too.
My mother (who was born in the Yukon) lived in Eugene, Oregon before I was born but was later married and lived in CA.
2- Realtor. Yes, I am a licensed professional. I like real estate. I like helping people. If you read my website, I am helping those who want to sell or buy on their own as a consultant. I am not asking high commissions. I ask to be paid for work done.
3- Lawyer. I did go to law school. I am not an Oregon lawyer at this time. If I do become a lawyer it will be to help seniors with elder law, estate planning, wills, health care directives (everyone should have one) and likely real estate.
If you are going to elect someone to uphold, enforce and interpret the law, don't you think they should understand the ramifications of their actions? I think my legal background does give me insight that is useful as a Clatsop County Commissioner.
But as always you are free to vote for whoever you like best.
I decided to run to give voters a choice. I do not like voting for those who run unopposed. That feels more like a confirmation than an election.
Thank you, Patrick for giving us a forum to discuss relevant issues.
Much appreciated, Kelly
You state you think LNG would ruin the tourist economy. What is your reasoning to support that as fact? What impact would LNG have on the county's two main tourist towns, Cannon Beach and Seaside?
I believe Astoria is becoming a tourist destination in itself. The cruise ships, sport fishing, the new hotels and restaurants all create a draw for those who wish to visit the mouth of the Columbia. The reasons LNG will damage the tourist economy are varied, and I am not an expert on this issue but I have followed the research presented over the last few years and the following are my thoughts on some of the issues.
1)Salmon and other aquatic fish and animals will be harmed by the dredging necessary for such large tankers to travel up the Columbia
2)From what I understand of the homeland security act, the ships themselves will have to be escorted under guard and other sport and commercial ships will have to be cleared of the area as they pass, disrupting sport fishing, tourist ships and other commercial vessels.
3)The resource itself is not a sustainable technology so LNG will be compromising the river for a short term gain of 20-30 years in fuel, and as it is increasingly used in both Europe and Asia the price will increase just as oil is increasing now.
4)The ships themselves, and the increased regulations that go with LNG, are not attractive to a bustling port which reduces the authentic historic atmosphere that is drawing tourists to our port.
For further information please Google LNG yourself and read the studies done on its future sustainability and impact in areas that currently have LNG terminals.
But you said it, LNG, would "ruin our tourist economy", now you've narrowed it down to Astoria. The river mouth and the river dont belong to Astoria. The river is the highway of commerce for a lot of the Northwest, yet you just move up here and try to get us to believe a couple of cruiseships and hotels trumps commerce on the entire Columbia River system? Sister, you have a lot to learn. And another thing, there's always been dredging on the mainstem the past 100 years, there's been a hell'of a lot more sportfishing here in the past than now and nobody ever brought up the dredging issue as a factor. If dredging was responsible for the demise of salmon runs they would have been gone a long time ago.
So the 5 or 6 LNG ships coming in a year get an armed escort in the channel? what's that going to harm? If you knew anything about the the part of Clatsop County's economy that is based in commercial fishing and other maritime pursuits, you'd know that residents have been dealing with armed intrusions by federal authorties for the past 28 years, so nobody is running around with their hair on fire about armed escorts of ship traffic except the freaks and the newcomers here.
From the port of Astoria website...
The Port of Astoria has been a port of call for cruise ships since 1982, investing $10 million in pier improvements to accommodate cruise vessels.
There are 19 ships scheduled carrying approximately 36,204 passengers in 2008.
All those tourists are not coming to see an LNG tanker or re-gasification plant, nor will LNG add to tourism in the County. Astoria is gaining a good deal of revenue from tourist dollars and I feel that tourism should not be hindered for a possible short term energy gain.
I am not affiliated with any of the groups listed below and if anyone can show me scientific research and evidence that dredging does not affect Salmon, other native fish, and local wetland species I would love to know more about it.
The idea that Salmon is Damaged by dredging
from the book “Salmon Without Rivers: A History of the Pacific”
And quote below from http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/128124_columbia25.html
"There's no such thing as salmon-friendly dredging," said Glen Spain, Northwest regional director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. He called the project "potentially devastating" to the Columbia estuary's $50 million Dungeness crab bed, the largest in the lower 48 states.
And
"NOAA Fisheries disregarded its own scientific findings when it approved this project," said Todd True of Earthjustice, the nonprofit law firm for the environment. "All the science shows that dredging and dams on the Columbia have taken an enormous toll on salmon and it's outright illegal to approve more."
http://www.earthjustice.org/news/press/004/columbia_river_dredging_fatal_to_fish.html
"Earth Justice"? That is who you're using to try to back up your cockamamie logic?
HA!
Go back to California and take the tourists with you if you are so worried about what some cruise ship passenger sees when entering the river. Obviously you care more about them than the people who have lived here for generations and actually make their living in things not dependant on the tourist business. Anyway, Astoria isnt even in the district you say want to represent. It's evident you have a different agenda than representing the people in District 2.
kelly said...
Press Release March 12, 2008
.. I do not have any great wealth to support me. I am an average citizen who owns her own home
You're not an average Clatsop County citizen. The average Clatsop county citizen does not just move up here from California and buy a home in Surf Pines.
I think what's best for the county is best for district 2. If you do not agree with me then you are free to vote your opinion. That is why I am open to expressing my views now. I worked in the tourist industry in Astoria and Seaside over the past summers and LNG would be a big disruption in Astoria and to a lesser extent in Seaside. I do not know the future effects on Cannon Beach, possibly the distance will insulate them from any repercussions. My feeling (from residents I have spoken with) is that the majority of citizens in my district are not for LNG.
I am not following anyone's agenda.
DO you have any contrasting facts to show me? LNG is a huge business and I have not seen any other independent research on the positive benefits to the local economies where an LNG Terminal is placed. How does anyone know you do not work for Bradwood and are attempting to cause dissent (since you are logged in anonymously?).
This is my home now. I live here, my family lives here, and we pay taxes like everyone else. In America everyone has a voice and a vote.
I choose to live here and I want to help the county grow in a responsible fashion. I don't think LNG is it, but I an open to review further independent research on the issue.
Yeah, everyone in Clatsop County has a voice and a vote. If you've been paying attention to the local political scene the past few months, you've probably seen how highly recently arrived Californians involved in politics have been received. Now you really think you're going to get any support from the natives here? You could very well be a nice lady and everything living in your exclusive gated community with the other millionaires. But we like our commissioners to be local and familiar with our wants and needsl. No one cares about what some Californian thinks about our growth or lack of it.
If you don't feel my 3 years in residence is enough time to understand the needs of the county, then by all means vote for the person you feel best represents your wants and needs.
I ran to give people a choice. If your choice is for another candidate that is fine with me.
I sincerely want some of the issues I have brought up (like affordable housing) to be addressed, and if I can get the other candidates to discuss these issues I have done my job, whether I am elected or not.
I was not looking for a gated community and in fact made an offer to buy a home in Astoria first, but it was rejected and I found my home here (in December 2004). My offer on this home was accepted so I find my residence in Surf Pines which is a lovely community and is an active part of district 2. I did not pay cash for it, I do have a conventional 80% mortgage, and unfortunately for me I am not a millionaire.
I do have an interest in two homes owned by my parents in Astoria. What goes on in Astoria affects my family and friends and it is a part of my community as well. Astoria is a community that I want to see prosper, for the good of everyone. I am open to hearing all view points and I hope to be able to mediate a resolutions to problems facing the whole community, to the satisfaction of all. In any political decision someone is not going to agree with you, but I hope to be able to make the best decisions for the County for today and for tomorrow.
Kelly, Don't try to defend your lack of tenure here and typically, with these blogs they start to break down under the onslaught this particular ilk of anonym.
You have every right to run and the besy of luck to you.
Somebody said once and I am paraprasing..."Every time I hear somebody from around these parts say, "I am a native Astorian",I am fifth generation Clatsop Countian", "I was born and raised here.", a little voice in my brain pops up and asks..."Well, how the hell was it you let this place get into the state that it is in?".
I assure you that you will not win one inch of ground from the anonym you are responding to.
Well, how the hell was it you let this place get into the state that it is in?".
Why did you move here then? If it was so terrible you'd think you would've stayed where you were or gone someplace else. We've always enjoyed a good low key high quality of life here, McGee. Despite what you or these other outsiders say about it getting to the state it is in.
"Why did you move here then? If it was so terrible you'd think you would've stayed where you were or gone someplace else. We've always enjoyed a good low key high quality of life here, McGee. Despite what you or these other outsiders say about it getting to the state it is in."
Thanks for your confirmation of my point
Why not just answer the question instead of not providing any evidence that your so called point was confirmed?
Wow, Anonymous sure has some good points! A has succeeded in showing
1) Why our community can't keep community minded civic leaders who aren't willing to sell out their community's security for a few low paying jobs.
2) That us "native Astorians" are woefully undereducated, can't spell, can't form a coherent sentence, and rationally debate an issue.
3)That those Californians sure do destroy the place when they try to use their darn edumacation and logic to destroy our depressed economy rife with alleged political corruption and back room politics.
4) That someone who actually chose to address citizens concerns in a rational way better not even bother trying to run in this county, lest they be tarred and feathered by an undereducated, illiterate idiot that isn't even man (or woman) enough to use their name for others to see.
5) That those that actually took the time and effort to learn about laws and government are far inferior to the locals who spent their lives driving this county into the situation it is currently in.
Why not just answer the question instead of not providing any evidence that your so called point was confirmed?
Clearly because nothing that you said was worth the time and effort required to respond. Your are rude, and an embarrassment to the county.
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