Friday, February 22, 2008

Lee: "The people of District 3 elected me to make decisions on their behalf...."

Is that the way it works?

Remember November 5, 2004 when...Who was it?...Port Commissioner Larry Pfund or Dan Hess... blurted out over the air, almost in tears...."THAT'S WHAT THEY(I guess meaning us) ELECTED US FOR?!!!!" at the announcement that The Port of Astoria signed a 65 year lease with, Enron clone, Calpine Energy Group on 90-plus acres of Skipanon Point?

Is that what we elect these people to do?

Wu's Letter To The "Guvnuh"

February 21, 2008
The Honorable Ted Kulongoski160 State Capitol900 Court StreetSalem, OR 97301-4047
Dear Governor Kulongoski:
I write regarding your February 14, 2008 letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) about federal legislation to repeal Section 311 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
As you know, under current law, FERC has the sole authority to make decisions regarding the construction, expansion and operation of liquid natural gas (LNG) facilities. While the law requires FERC to consult with state and local governments, those entities have no role in the final decision, and FERC is not required to consider their concerns. I believe this is wrong.
I firmly believe all agencies at every level of government, as well as citizens and community organizations, must work cooperatively to determine what is best for the well-being of each community. It is the local citizens who should have the final say in determining whether an LNG facility is built in their area, as they will be the ones most affected by the decision.
Because I strongly believe that local and state governments should have a role in the LNG siting process, I supported the Castle-Markey amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 when it was debated in April 2005. This amendment would have ensured that states have control over whether an LNG facility is sited in any particular state. The Castle-Markey amendment would have created authority for states to have a say in the final decision. Unfortunately, the amendment failed on a 194 to 237 vote. For this and other compelling reasons, I voted against the final passage of that energy bill.
I have worked at length with members of our community to make the LNG decision-making process as open and transparent as possible. It is vital for the public to have the opportunity to add their views in this important process.
I fully support your request that the state of Oregon and local communities have meaningful input in the LNG decision process. You can be assured I will work with the Oregon delegation on your request for federal legislation.
With warm regards,
David Wu
Member of Congress

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Proposed Findings Of Fact On Bradwood Landing

The Below link should take you directly to the findings.

http://clatsopcounty.us/Assets/Dept_12/PDF/Draft%20Findings.pdf

Study them thoroughly because nobody's going to do it for you.
as a matter of fact wouldn't it be prudent to put together a study group to stay in step with this....this......dysfunctional commission, reviewing this thing?

Lee Releases Statement To Answer Recall Charges.

"I've spent my life in Clatsop County as a dairy farmer, small businessman and community volunteer.

I believe in public service, which is why I ran for the Clatsop County Commission and have been proud to serve the community I love as commissioner.

The people of District 3 elected me to make decisions on their behalf and I have done my best to do what I believe is right for Clatsop County, its economy, its future and the families that call it home.

One of the risks of public service is that you won't please everyone, but I stand by my record, which I believe represents the majority view of county residents.I'm now the target of a recall by a small but vocal minority.

They're certainly entitled to their opinion, but I will stand by my convictions and will fight to retain my seat on the commission.

If you don't agree with me, then you'll certainly have your opportunity to replace me at the ballot box when my term of office expires in 2010. But until then, I will continue fighting to make Clatsop County a place where people want to do business and create jobs for working people."

What Can Be Built In A Natural Gas Pipeline Right Of Way?

From Nortern Natural Gas: CAN I BUILD/DIG ON A RIGHT-OF-WAY?Pipeline right-of-way must be kept free from structures and other obstructions. If a pipeline crosses your property, please do not plant trees or shrubs on or near the right-of-way without first having our Northern Natural Gas personnel mark the pipeline, stake the easement and explain construction guidelines to you.

From Umpqua Watersheds:A corridor a minimum of 100' wide will have to be clearcut the entire 223 miles to accommodate the machinery necessary to bury a 36" natural gas pipeline. 153 miles of the pipeline corridor is planned on private land, going through and near the farms and yards of thousands of people. 70 miles will be on BLM and Forest Service lands. The pipeline will be operated by Williams Pacific Connector Gas Operator LLC.
After construction, the pipeline will be maintained with a permanent cleared land opening of 75' on private land and 50' on public land. The openings are larger on private lands because the pipeline road would be permanent, whereas on public land the road would be rebuilt when needed. This clearcut corridor will completely sever southern Oregon forests and wildlife - there will be no tree bridges

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Jewell School Board Recall: Clatsop Comissioner Samuelson On Chopping Block With One Other....

Jewell School Board Recall Update

By KARA HANSEN - The Daily Astorian

Details are emerging on the recall effort launched today that targets two Jewell School Board members: Chairman Karl Meier and Vice Chairwoman Ann Samuelson.

Former board member Ulrich "Oly" Schockelt filed the recall petition with co-organizers listed as Carrie Thompson, also an ex-district director, and recently retired Jewell School teacher Marsha Tisdale.

The petition proposes to remove Meier and Samuelson from office and accuses them of breaking the public's trust by:

• violating executive session provisions of Oregon's public meetings law;• violating the provisions of public meetings law that require public participation in certain decisions involving the hiring of the district superintendent.........................

Click Link Below For Full Story

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=49220&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398

The Port: Put Ron Larsen Where He Does Best

Some are of a mind that Ron Larsen should be confirmed as permanent Executive Port Director.

What are your thoughts?

Me, I think Ron Larsen could serve us best by going back to the development of our airport and its future prospects.

Overall directorship of our port and its future needs to be put in the hands of someone willing to make things happen and fast along with providing effective guidance to a port commission desperately in need of it and there is no disrespect intended in any of this to anybody.

All this after a Performance and Financial Audit from Oregon Secretary of State's office to get all the grimlens layed out on the table to start fresh.