Fragile Recovery On Horizon For Housing

By Chris Arnold - NPR News
December 31, 2009

Housing has been an albatross around the economy's neck, dragging it down over the past couple of years. Although there are still some big problems, there also are signs of life — along with a sense of hope that the market is starting to pull out of this historic crash.

Read Details

Court Tosses Port of Astoria's Latest LNG Move!!!

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

The Port of Astoria has tried and failed once again to get Oregon LNG's lawsuit against the agency thrown out of U.S. District Court.

According to court records, Magistrate Judge John Jelderks denied the Port's second motion to dismiss the company's breach of contract suit this week.

Read Cassandra Profita's Report

The Marine Highway Bill 2009

"By Savannah Morning News

MUCH HAS been made over the need to renew America's highway infrastructure, with attention mainly focused on better facilitating interstate commerce.

Largely absent from the national conversation has been the idea of reviving an obvious alternative to land-based transportation: Coastal shipping."


Read The Details

Oregon Crabbers Seeing A Banner Year For Dungeness

BY APRIL BAER - OPB News
Portland, OR December 28, 2009 10:59 a.m.

Photo - First Load In! - By: Chris McGee - FV Footloose

Northwest crabbers are hauling in a bumper crop of Dungeness this winter. April Baer reports.
A typical Dungeness fishing season for Oregon yields about 12 million pounds of crab. This year, over the first few weeks of the season, fisherman have caught about at least 10 million pounds. And the fishing continues until August.

Read Full Report

Hard Times This Past Year Show The Value Of Things Money Can't Buy

BY APRIL BAER - OPB News
McMinnville, OR December 28, 2009 10:53 a.m.

The end of the year tends to put us all in an introspective mood.
Angie Blackwell: “How has the past year changed me? One of the main changes I think is I’ve really come to appreciate and enjoy the things that money doesn’t buy – since I don’t have any, it’s a good thing!”

Read Full Report

Wal-Mart Proposes New Portland Store Under Much Criticism By City Official

Teresa Blackman - KGW News
Posted on December 23, 2009 at 8:16 AM

PORTLAND – Walmart announced Tuesday it plans to build a new store in North Portland and also expand its existing 82nd Avenue store.

The new store is proposed to be built in the Hayden Meadows shopping center and would employ approximately 300 people, mostly in full-time position, officials said.

Watch Video Report And Read Details

Kenny Roberts Re-Rides The Yamaha TZ750 At The Indy Mile

Kenny Roberts rides a piece of Motorcycle Dirt Track Racing History - The Yamaha (Beast) TZ750 at The Indy Mile

F.E.R.C. Approves Jordan Cove LNG Terminal - Governor Kulongoski In A Later Release Announces State Will Appeal

GovernorTo Appeal F.E.R.C. Approval Of Jordan Cove
With Bradwood Landing still in Appeal in U.S. Appeals Court, Governor says he will take Jordan Cove ruling to U.S. Appeals as well, if necessary, to overturn approval.
Posted 12/17/2009 12:20 PM ET

By Jeff Barnard, AP Environmental Writer Via Statesman Journal

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Federal regulators have approved construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on Coos Bay and a pipeline to distribute the gas through Southern Oregon to the California state line.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 3-1 Thursday in Washington, D.C., to approve the Jordan Cove project..........

Read Details

Congratulations To Robert Mushen For Getting The Nod From Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners

Robert Mushen, one of 6 candidates in consideration for the District-5 seat of ousted Commissioner Ann Samuelson, won unanimous approval from The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners after Kristin Frost Albrecht was denied the seat in an earlier 2-2 vote by The Commission.

Mushen, already being touted by some as Samuelson's handpicked replacement to continue with the existing agenda, may be wise enough to have been a keen observer of what brought on these recalls that have burdened this community by posturing himself in a position of leadership that serves the citizens of Clatsop County in the doing of their "Public Business" as opposed to serving "The Machine" and its agenda itself.

Mushen claims that he will reserve his position on LNG pending the development of further knowledge on the issue.

Hopefully he will learn more than just the PR on the subject from Bradwood Landing's "Talking Heads" as seems to be the depth of it on the majority of that panel.

Maybe, just maybe, he may be the one to push to explore other long-term, sustainable job opportunities that will put hundreds and hundreds of Clatsopians to work before this group commits this community to a lifetime of a bad marriage to what many would call a huge mistake.

A Reasoned Debate On Measures 66 & 67

By Jeff Mapes, The Oregonian

December 09, 2009, 8:42AMEconomists Joe Cortright and Eric Fruits debate the Oregon tax measures on the Jan. 26 ballot in this video from the Populations program on Portland Community Media. If you're looking for a thoughtful discussion of the issue, this is the place.

Read Details and Watch Video

Thank You Astoria Rotary International!!

Walking by the kitchen table this morning, saw a brand spanking new 'Webster's New Dictionary' lying there and asked KC, "What's this?" and she said,"Every Fourth Grader at Lewis and Clark Elementary got one with their own names in it."

Sure enough, there it was, our Olivya's name printed very nicely and below it "Presented By Astoria Rotary Club".

To them I would like to say, "Thank you very much for your valueable and thoughtful gift to our Grand'daughter and her classmates.".

Palomar Pipeline Oppostion Rallies At Northwest Natural Gas

By Keely Chalmers - kgw.com

Posted on December 8, 2009 at 5:41 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The fight to stop a new natural gas pipeline in Oregon heated up despite Tuesday's cold weather.

Northwest Natural wants to lay a new pipeline through 47 miles of Mt. Hood National Forest, clearing a 100-foot swath for the line. According to the company, the 59-year-old line currently serving metro Portland is too limited in capacity.

Read Full Report

Clatsop County Commissioner Roberts stays in office, says recall attempt has been 'very divisive' - Recall supporters happy to have 'raised awareness' despite failed campaign

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

GEARHART - Patricia Roberts has survived the attempt to recall her from the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners.

Read The Cassandra Profita Report

Final Unofficial Count Shows Roberts Keeps Her Seat With A 58.57% To 41.43% Margin

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 6) . . . . . 6 - 100.00 %
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 3,940
BALLOTS COUNTED - TOTAL. . . . . . . 1,945
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 49.37%
RECALL OF PATRICIA ROBERTS,
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 805 - 41.43%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,138 - 58.57%

Weyerhaeuser Sells Warrenton Mill To Hampton Affiliates

FEDERAL WAY, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) today announced it has signed a Purchase & Sale Agreement for its Warrenton lumber mill with Hampton Affiliates. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The transaction includes the mill and its land.

GRP: Hampton Affiliates plans to terminate all Weyerhaeuser employees (140 active and laid-off employees) and close the facility at the end of January and proceed with re-design and remodel of the facility before rehire of personel.

Read Press Release

Energy Action Northwest Files Complaint Against Columbia RiverKeeper To IRS

What has been, since November 25, 2009, a concerted onslaught against Columbia RiverKeeper by local pro-LNG interests, pro-LNG group, Energy Action Northwest, a coalition of businesses and unions that stand to gain financially from LNG siting and pipeline construction, attempts to ramp the battle up a knotch it appears.

Read The Details

Six Compete For Recalled Commissioner Ann Samuelson's District - 5 Seat

Monday, November 30, 2009

SIX APPLICANTS SEEK DIST. 5 COMMISSIONER SEAT

Six citizens have submitted applications for appointment to the vacant Dist. 5 seat on the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners.

Kristin Frost Albrecht, Robert Linton Mushen and Lianne Thompson, all of Cannon Beach, and John Dunzer, Russ Earl and Brian Pogue of Seaside all applied by the deadline of 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

The Citizens of District - 5 and Clatsop County will have an opportunity to "Meet-and-Greet" the candidates at 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Seaside Library, 1131 Broadway

Read The Full Details And View The Candidates Resumes'

How To Evaluate A City Manager; Warrenton Seems To Have Never Done This Before

GRP; At least that's what the Sound Bytes seem to convey on Radio News this morning.
Well, below is a link to a little primer that may help.

Written by Margaret T. Simpson - Public CEO.com
October 15, 2009

California is a big state with 480 cities. That’s a lot of annual performance evaluations for city managers – isn’t it?Not necessarily. “Most cities don’t do evaluations of city managers,” said Bill Garrett, executive director of the California City Management Foundation. He said the increased use of employment agreements has stimulated the review process -- when it does happen.


Talking City Manager Performance Reviews

Homage To A Fine Horsewoman; Linda Champion Inducted Into The North Carolina State Fair, Livestock Hall Of Fame

Three inducted into N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame

Leon Brickhouse, Linda Champion, Gregory Peele

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted three longtime livestock supporters into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 at the fairgrounds.

The ceremony honored each person’s outstanding contributions to State Fair supporter, horse and swine programs.

Inducted were Leon Brickhouse of Elizabeth City, Gregory Peele of Pikeville and the late Linda Champion, whose daughter Carol Ramsey of Wendell accepted the honor on her behalf. Each inductee received a plaque and pin, and will have their pictures hung with previous honorees in the Livestock Hall of Fame Room in the Jim Graham Building.

Brickhouse, honored in the supporter category, has been involved with the N.C. State Fair livestock shows for 59 years. In Pasquotank County, he helped to complete its 4-H Livestock Arena in 1974 and provides a working show ring and equipment on his farm for youth exhibitors to train. As part of the supporters program at the Fair, he has raised more than $300,000 of buyer support for youth livestock exhibitors and assisted in more than 200 youth livestock projects.

Champion, honored in the horse category, was the first full-time manager of the James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex and helped increase entries and sponsorships for the N.C. State Fair horse show. She grew up riding horses on her family’s farm just east of Raleigh and also had horses on her Merri-Hill Farm in Knightdale. Champion is survived by sister Gayle Quinn, brother Patrick McGee and children Carol Ramsey, Victoria Paige, Monty Champion and Page Champion, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Peele, honored in the swine category, has exhibited in the junior market barrow, purebred breeding swine, performance market hogs and open market barrow shows since 1962 as part of his family’s Nahunta Farms. His father, Oland Peele, was in the inaugural class of the Livestock Hall of Fame in 1980. Peele is on the board of directors for several agricultural organizations, including the Tobacco Heritage Museum, N.C. Chester White Breeders Association and the N.C. Pure Bred Swine Breeders Association. He has also been active in FFA, 4-H and the Grange since his youth.

Federal Fish Biologists Question Bradwood Landing LNG On Columbia River

Federal fish biologists question Columbia River LNG project

By Scott Learn - The Oregonian
November 21, 2009, 7:00AM

The National Marine Fisheries Service submitted a lengthy list of questions and concerns about the proposed Bradwood Landingliquefied natural gas terminal this week, posing additional hurdles for the Columbia River project.

Full Details

527 Groups?

Committee for County Prosperity ID: 13954( Nature of Committee:
support good works of commissioners asking community to retain) Orestar Transactions show at least $6,000 in cash contrbutions from Bradwood Landing LLC funneled through this organization and intended for Samuelson, Hazen and Roberts
Oregonians to Maintain Community Standards ID: 1579 Lists Samuelson and Hazen on their roster of support

A 527 organization or 527 group is a type of American tax-exempt organization named after a section of the United States tax code, 26 U.S.C. § 527. A 527 group is created primarily to influence the nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates for public office. Although candidate committees and political action committees are also created under Section 527, the term is generally used to refer to political organizations that are not regulated by the Federal Election Commission or by a state elections commission, and are not subject to the same contribution limits as PACs. However, On September 18, 2009 the Washington D.C Federal Appeals Court ruled that these groups have a First Amendment right to raise and spend freely to influence elections so long as they do not coordinate their activities with a candidate or a party.

Oregon LNG Clears Two Hurdles Over Port of Astoria Lease

Oregon LNG wins two battles over Port of Astoria lease

By Scott Learn - The Oregonian
November 18, 2009, 5:45PM

The liquefied natural gas company Oregon LNG has gotten two important thumbs up on its controversial lease with the Port of Astoria, boosting prospects for its plans to build a terminal on 92 acres near Youngs Bay.

Full Details

City Of Astoria Planning Commission To Hold Public Hearing To Amend Astor-East Urban Renewal Plan November 24, 2009

The City of Astoria Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following requests:

2. Astoria Astor-East Urban Renewal Plan Amendment - The Astoria Planning Commission will discuss the draft Astor-East Urban Renewal Plan Amendment and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed amendment. The amendment would allow for an increase in the maximum indebtedness (the financial limit of the Plan), and will end the additional urban renewal tax (special levy) within the City for the Astor-East Urban Renewal District. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council conerning possible adoption of the Plan Amendment at a City Council meeting tenatively scheduled for December 7, 2009.

Public Transit Safety Tip

The Proper Way To Hold Onto A Safety Rail While In Transit
(That would be the gentleman standing at the door is the example you want to follow)

Oregon DSL: Revision To Rules Authorizing Structures On And Uses Of State-Owned Submerged/Submersible Lands

GRP Note:The public comment period for these draft rules has been extended. The new deadline is 5 PM, Thursday, December 24, 2009. We hope to take these rules to the Land Board for its consideration at the Board’s February 2010 meeting.


What is This Notice About?
The Department of State Lands (DSL) has for some time had rules governing the management of, and issuing of authorizations to place structures on, and to use state-owned submerged and submersible land. These rules (OAR 141-082-0000 through 141-082-0210) were last amended in 2002. Since then, these rules have served DSL well. However, a number of changes, most of which are relatively minor, needed to be made to them to clarify various provisions; streamline some of the processes used; and to ensure that the definitions of terms used in the rules are the same as those recently used in other rules. These rules also needed to be reorganized to reflect the format now used when creating new rules or amending previously adopted rules. Consequently, DSL has revised these rules accordingly. In amending these rules, DSL has also increased the application fee for a public facility license and the fees to register structures on state-owned submerged and submersible land in order to enable the agency to recover more of the costs it incurs to administer its registration program.

Go To Oregon DSL Site For Details

The Truth About Tough-On-Crime Josh Marquis

The truth About Tough-On-Crime Josh Marquis

By Doug Bates, The Oregonian

November 14, 2009, 10:37AM

All three finalists for Oregon's U.S. attorney have impressive resumés, and I'm sure that whoever among them is appointed by President Barack Obama will do an excellent job.

Personally, however, I'm pulling for Josh Marquis, the outspoken and sometimes controversial Clatsop County district attorney. .............

Read Full Article

Clatsop County Commissioner Jeff Hazen Comments On Recent And Upcoming Recall Elections

From Jeff Hazen's Blog
These Three Things

First of all, I would like to thank all of those that voted to keep me in office during the recent recall attempt. I will forever be grateful to those that supported me through this time. I am proud to serve District 1 and the entire county and will continue to work hard for everyone.

Secondly, it saddens me that Ann was recalled by just 4 votes. Many people just don't know how hard she worked for Clatsop County. I have never seen a county commissioner work harder than her. She worked tirelessly to make sure that those that needed help the most were taken care of. She fought a hard battle to keep her seat and the margin of loss goes to show that there was not an overwhelming majority unhappy with the job she was doing. It has been an honor for me to serve with Ann and I applaud her job that she did as a commissioner.

Third, the recall effort against Patricia is moving forward. Make no mistake about it, this is a continuation of the effort to overthrow your county government. Patricia also works tirelessly for the county. She studies the issues very closely and can be relied on for very thoughtful consideration no matter what comes before the commission. It would be a travesty for her to lose her seat on the commission. We need hard working people like Patricia on our commission.

I can't help but ponder that there are those behind the recall efforts that don't like the idea of strong-willed women in leadership in the county. Sad, truly sad.
posted by Jeff at 10:04 AM on Nov 11, 2009

Oregon LNG/Calpine: A Look Back. How Easily We Forget

Remember November, 2004, The big announcement that Calpine Energy Group had signed, what many thought was a ridiculous piece of paper calle d a potential 65 year irrevokeable lease with The Port of Astoria?

Shortly after, Martin Nygaard announced his own possible deal for an LNG Facility on historic Tansey Point he is somehow, still, leasing from The City of Warrenton, a piece of land bequethed to the citizens of Warrenton by The Carruthers Familty for the benefit and pleasure of those citizens. Tansey Point is the site of The Anson Dart Treaties signing where something like 52 treaties between Dart, representing the U.S., and the area Native American Tribes and clans, gave over their lands with the treaties never ratified.

It is now a Timber Storage/Shipping Yard for Warrenton Fiber.

The photo above reflects to a reasonable scale what that prospect with those tanks would look like. The LNG Tanker sitting at dock, 2.4, statistical minimum, times a week, not shown, would be twice the length of two tanks combined

The other photo is of the Skipanon Peninsula site with distances to habitated areas in proximity to the Skipanon, OLNG/Calpine site.

Samuelson Recall Confirmed - Recount Holds

Read The Details

Columbia River Business Alliance Asks Governor To Investigate Port Lands Deal With Oregon LNG

Lease deal for proposed LNG terminal site in Astoria draws fire

By Scott Learn, The Oregonian - Oregonlive.com

November 07, 2009, 10:02PM

Opponents of a proposed liquid natural gas terminal near Astoria are asking Gov. Ted Kulongoski for an investigation into a lease of public land to Oregon LNG to build the plant. They question the lease deal, negotiated in 2004 by the Port of Astoria's since-fired director, the Oregon Department of State Lands and Calpine, the predecessor to Oregon LNG.

Read Full Article
OLNG's Hansen Pitches His Side Of The Story
The Hansen And Gearin Audio Interviews With Oregon DOJ

KGW News:Astoria Red Lion Deck Collapses Dumping Five!

Read Details and View Video

Susan Trabucco's OP/ED On The Oregon DOJ's Port Of Astoria Investigation

Volume 4: Issue 11 - 11/01/2009
By Susan Trabucco - Coast River Business Journal

Attorney General John Kroger must be older than he looks. Or maybe, under the tutelage of Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis, he’s just a student of early 1970’s political history. Because the recent media assault on former Port of Astoria executive director Peter Gearin and me looks like something straight out of the dirty tricks playbook of old Tricky Dick himself:

Read Full Article

Listen To The Peter Hansen DOJ Interview and Read The, updating, Peter Gearin DOJ Interview Transcript

GRP Straw Poll Results On Recall Election Replacement Process

Asked the question: Should The Clatsop County Recall Elections Be Successful, Which Would You Prefer As The Process For Replacing "The Recalled"?

Total Participants: 60

A District Vote By Ballot In A Special Election
43 (71%)
Replacement By Selection Of A Quorum Of County Commissioners
17 (28%)

Coos Bay, Oregon: Jordan Cove Developers Push LNG Project Back To 2011

From Oregonlive.com
Breaking News, Business, Environment, Oregon Coast
LNG developers push back plans to 2011 for North Spit of Coos Bay
By The Associated Press - Oregonlive.com

October 31, 2009, 8:37PM COOS BAY -- Developers hoping to build a liquefied natural gas terminal on the North Spit of Coos Bay have pushed back plans to start construction until spring 2011.

Read Article
And Here? Broadwater LNG, Another Sure Deal Dies On The Vine In April Of 2009 And Look Who Stopped it. Wasn't FERC, It Was The State Of New York

Eastern Oregon Wind Energy Success Puts Pressure On Power Grid

Wind energy's success creates a power grid challenge

By Matthew Preusch, The Oregonian

October 29, 2009, 8:40PM

The rows of white turbines spinning over wheat fields and ridgelines in eastern Oregon are ample evidence that renewable energy from wind is real and growing. So much so that the aging network of transmission lines and power stations that carries energy around the region is loaded to its limits.

Read Article

Clatsop County: Who's At Top?

Not The District Attorney!

Not The Sheriff!

Not The Board Of Commissioners!

Why, It's Us Isn't It?

So now, here we are faced with choosing the possible replacement for one of two of those County Commssioners that just faced a "Recall Election" and a third Commissioner facing, yet, another "Recall Election" sometime in early December and we, the one's these five serve, are going to be witness to these five Commisseioners, again, choosing and replacing themselves with their own choice without our direct involvement and approval other than some cursory verbal input that, recently, has not been heeded in any way whatsoever by most of these same officials?

I've got a poll over on the left here and I swear I have not tampered with it, says overwhelmingly, by those that voted, that those replacements should be chosen by a vote of the particular district constituents so, why is this not happening?

This may not be the process of our own County Charter but, isn't this the process for recall elections generally, throughout the state?

Regardless, this is one we all need to show up for to make sure the replacements are interested for certain to serve the interests of "Us", "The People" instead of particular agenda......really!!

Recall-October 27, 2009: And The Winner Is?

Apathy Maybe?

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 13) . . . . . 13 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 8,396
BALLOTS COUNTED - TOTAL. . . . . . . 4,254
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 50.67

Recall of Jeff Hazen,
COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 978 43.90
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,250 56.10
Total . . . . . . . . . 2,228

Recall of Ann Samuelson,
COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 5
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,013 50.10
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,009 49.90

Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis Selected A Finalist For U.S. Attorney

News Release. . .
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 27, 2009
CONTACT: Tom Towslee, 503-326-7525
Wyden Forwards U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal Finalists to President Obama

Portland, OR – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden forwarded to President Obama today the names of the finalists chosen by a selection committee for U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal for the State of Oregon.

The 13-member selection committee appointed by Wyden and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley made their recommendations to Wyden after interviewing candidates and deliberating over last weekend.

The committee chaired by Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan was comprised of a diverse group of police, sheriff, district attorney, defense attorney, victim’s rights, and judicial representatives from each region of the state.

The committee was charged with recommending three individuals for each position. There was a tie for third in the voting for U.S. Marshal. As a result, Wyden is forwarding all four names to the White House for that position.

The finalists recommended for the position of U.S. Attorney by the selection committee:
Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis
Oregon Department of Justice Attorney Amanda Marshall
Acting U.S. Attorney Kent Robinson

The finalists recommended for the position of U.S. Marshal by the selection committee:
Lane County Sheriff Russell Burger
Portland Police Bureau Commander James Ferraris
Former Oregon State Police Captain Gerald Gregg
Former Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso

The White House and Justice Department will now review the recommendations, and after further consultation with Sen. Wyden, President Obama will make a selection for each position. The nominees must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate once the President makes his nominations for each position.

Tom Towslee
State Communications Director
Office of Senator Ron Wyden
503.326.7525
503.477.0307 (cell)
tom_towslee@wyden.senate.gov

The President Of Europe? Yes Indeedy!!!

Daily chart

Europe's first president and who's in the running
Oct 26th 2009

From - Economist.com

Who is tipped to become the first president of Europe?

THE Czech Republic is the only nation left of the 27 member states of the EU yet to ratify the Lisbon treaty but it may do so this week. The treaty creates a new permanent president.

Read Article

First U.S. Tsunami Shelter To Be Built In Cannon Beach

First U.S. Tsunami Shelter Planned as Earthquake Looms
Richard A. Lovett for National Geographic News
October 23, 2009

When a major earthquake triggers a giant tsunami in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, as experts predict, one coastal town will be ready.
Residents of the small Oregon town of Cannon Beach are preparing to build the first tsunami-resistant shelter in the U.S. (Get tsunami facts.)

Read Article

Obama: Declares National Emergency For Swine Flu

Pres. Obama declares national emergency for swine flu
08:40 AM PDT on Sunday, October 25, 2009

KGW News - Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The swine flu outbreak is more prevalent than ever and vaccine production is running behind, and that's helped prompt President Barack Obama to declare a national emergency.

Read Full Details

How Much Does A Recall Cost?

Well, this one, sent to us by Ted Thomas, indicates the last recall, I believe this is for Richard Lee, cost us $10,000 or so but, there's a figure of a little over $5,000 for "Amortization"?

"Amortization" for what?

Was somebody trying to slip in the purchase of a new piece of equipment at our expense?

Regardless, knock that number out and this particular Recall cost us about $5,000...right?

Wonder if the County "Bean Counters" would be interested in explaining this one away.

Thomas's Letter To The Daily Astorian Explans The Numbers Much Better

Bradwood Landing's Open Letter

This is an Open Letter to The Daily Astorian from Bradwood Landing so, I will preume it is "Public Information".

It states, well click on it and read it for yourselves.

The question is: Do you Believe it?

Clatsop County Commissioner Patricia Roberts Recall Moves A Step Closer to Reality

Accountability for District 2, a citizens group organized to petition for a Recall Election of Clatsop County Commissioner Patricia Roberts, delivered to Clatsop County Clerk, Catherine Garber on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 525 signatures for validation and approval to establish the measure to take Roberts' recall from public office to a vote. The minimum required, qualified signatures for Roberts district is 441.

It will take about 10 days for County Elections to validiate the signatures and once done and approved, Roberts will have 5 days to resign from her District 2 seat or announce her intention to stand for a Recall Election with the election occuring within 35 days which would be around December 8, 2009.

If you are a member of Clatsop County Commission District 2 and wish to vote, make certain your voter registration information is current well ahead of the dealine dates with the Elections Office.

Clatsop Community College Presents: Laree Johnson - "Tea Party Panache"

Join us for
A little TEA....
"Tea Party Panache"

Sponsored by Clatsop Community College
Presented by LaRee Johnson

Mark your calendar for November 14th, Saturday
Begins at 10 AM
With "Tea, Manners & Mode,"
The History of Tea,
What did ladies wear to Tea 100 years ago?
Tea Trivia, Tea sampling, Proper Tea preparation
And LUNCH is provided (along with the recipes)

Enjoy old friends and new ones with conversation
about relevant (and maybe irreverent) issues.

The pleasure of your company is requested...
Call Paula at 503.338-2408
To Reserve your spot (of Tea) & register today!

(Ask about the College "Gold Card" discount)

Oregon D.O.J.:Ex-Port Director, Gearin Found To Have Used Official Misconduct In Calpine Dealings

The Oregon Department of Justice, in a letter from its Chief Counsel, Sean J. Riddell, has concluded, in its investigation into potential "Official Misconduct and other possible criminal violations by staff or directors of The Port of Astoria" that, after interviewing 31 people, issuing 11 Oregon Attorney General Subpoenas, reviewing hundreds of pages of documents and a three hour interview with former Port Director Gearin himself, that they believe that they could prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Peter Gearin, acting as Executive Director of The Port of Astoria committed the predicated acts of Offical Misconduct in the first degree, a class A misdemeanor under ORS 162.415.

Specifically Oregon D.O.J. believes that the evidence shows that Mr. Gearin used his position as Port of Astoria Executive Director to secure employment with Calpine Energy Group for his then girlfriend and current wife, Susan Trabucco.

Calpine Energy Group paid Ms. Trabucco $41,030.28 during her employment from October 2004 to February 2005(The Port/Calpine Lease was announced to the public on or about November 4, 2004)

Because of The Statute of Limitations on Official Misconduct, which is two years, Oregon D.O.J. is barred from prosecuting Mr. Gearin and D.O.J. has also found no additional evidence to justify any additional criminal investigation

Click Here To Go To Oregon DOJ Web Site And Investigation File Download Access

Is This Photo A Joke?

Hmmmm!

Weathering The Wal-Mart Storm

Weathering Wal-Mart: Local merchants find ways to compete with retail giant

By Carl Manning - Associated Press - In Deseret News
Published: Friday, Aug. 1, 2003 9:03 a.m. MDT

HIAWATHA, Kan. — Francis Duncan operates a farm and home store and Don Koontz runs the downtown hardware store. Like other local merchants, their biggest competitor is Wal-Mart.
"We don't try to compete with them; there's no way. We let them do their thing and we do ours," Duncan said. "If they get something we have, we just close it out."

Suggestions For Weathering The Storm

GRP: Do You Have A North Coast Business? Tell Us How You Plan To Compete With Wal-Mart.

A Public Discussion On Wal-Mart - October 22, 2009

Don't Mourn!

Take Action!

Public Meeting

Conducted By: Lori Durheim
Thurs. October 22 @ 7 PM
The Red Building
Astoria
Hundreds of Other Communities Have Said NO! to Wal-Mart
We Can, Too!

Sunday - October 18th - Columbia Theater

This is a Short Notice Alert!! for this event at Columbia Theater, October 18, 2009, 3:00PM

Rising Tide North America: October 24, 2009, A Day Of Global Climate Action

350 Reasons Carbon Trading Won’t Work
Oct 16th, 2009

Rising Tide North America and Carbon Trade Watch would like you to join us on the October 24th day of global climate action to spread the word about the biggest financial scam in history – Carbon Trading.

Read Details

The USS Ranger On The Coast: Should We Let This One Get Away From Us Too?

GRP: A few sites down here were looked at favorably by this foundation and will likely be back for more talks that could offer 30-plus jobs and a crapload of tourism and spin-off revenue. Should we be agressive in attracting this historic attraction here?

A Brief History Of The USS Ranger


From the USS Ranger Foundation

The US Navy announced that the USS Ranger Foundation’s Phase I application for donation of the super-carrier ex-USS Ranger has been approved and moved the group into Phase two of the four-phase process.

Now the Work Begins!
The USS Ranger Museum is a privately funded project, with individual and corporate support, and therefore will not be utilizing City of Portland/Metro funding as a revenue base.
Phase two of the process has a 12 month timeline, during which the exact location of the museum complex will be finalized, environmental, marketing, business, neighborhood support and other studies will be completed and updated. Fund raising will increase, and national and international friends will be called upon to support the project.


Read The Details

OPB's Think Out Loud: North Coast Wal-Mart To Be Featured Thursday, October 15, 2009

Go To OPB Think Out Loud Page

From The Daily Astorian:Clatsop Commissioner Samuelson's Calls In Question

10/9/2009 11:46:00 AM

Samuelson calls raise anxiety

Commissioner contacts employers of people who signed petition against her; ballots are in the mail

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

As ballots go out for the commissioners' recall election today, some Clatsop County employees may be having second thoughts about signing the petitions.

For some families who depend on the county for their jobs, Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson has applied a low-heat, high-pressure approach to her fight to stay in office.

Read Full Article

From KGW:Obama? The Nobel Peace Prize?

Oct 9, 10:52 AM EDT
President Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize
By KARL RITTER and MATT MOORE Associated Press Writers

GRP: By any stretch of the imagination....I'm having difficulty swallowing this one! What is this saying...Let's go ahead and give this guy the award and hope he might earn it somewhere down the road?

OSLO (AP) -- President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

Read Article

So, How Do I Finance That Solar Power Unit?

Something New Under The Sun, A Way To Finance Solar Power
BY ROB MANNING - OPB News
Portland, OR October 8, 2009 8:28 a.m.

A major San Francisco-based solar company wants to put solar panels on your roof, and it wants to make it cheap.

Solar City is announcing Thursday a program that would allow Oregon households to put panels on their roofs without taking out a big loan. Rob Manning has more.

Read Article

Fact: Columbia River Salmon Enhancement - Bonneville Power Authority Alone Will Spend $75 Million A Year For The Next 10 Years

From High Country News: To the BPA(Bonneville Power Authority), PATH is ancient history. The agency says that its funding process these days is more fair and generous than ever before. In 2008 alone, the BPA spent $80 million dollars on salmon research. Another $75 million a year for the next 10 years has been earmarked for science should the 2008 recovery plan pass judicial muster. According to Bill Maslen, the director of the BPA's Fish and Wildlife Program, this money is doled out through an open, democratic and cooperative process. "Every year we go out and identify what projects need to be done, and we travel the region, trying to build consensus on what we can do. Then we fund projects accordingly. And we've done more of that consensus-building this year than we ever have in years past," he says. Anderson's former grad student, Rich Zabel, says that funding pressures, or even the high-stakes legal battles in which his fish-passage model is used, have no effect at all on his work for NOAA. "I've never felt any political pressure here, and I'll tell you what, if I did, I'd quit (my job) kicking and screaming," he says. "My job is simply to produce the best science possible."

Deadline Looms For Portland Mayor Adams Recall Petition

D-Day for Recall Mayor Adams campaign
09:23 AM PDT
Monday, October 5, 2009

By TERESA YUAN and Kgw.com Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Monday marked the deadline for the recall effort of Portland Mayor Sam Adams.

Read Full Article

So, Just What Is A Moderate Republican?

Moderate Republican.net:"So, just what is a moderate Republican? Some on the far-right would call us "RINOs" or "Republicans in Name Only." However, the moderate wing of the party has a well-established history. Paul Peter Jesep, founder of ModerateRepublican.com offers a fine defense of what it means to be a "progressive conservative.""

Just What Is A Moderate Republican

C.E.D.R.-Clatsop Economic Development Resources: Who Are They? What Do They Do?

Ever had any direct experience with or direct benefit from this group?

How do they shape up in our community?

Visit Their Site

Uh-Oh!: Bradwood Landing/NSNG Hits Another Snag!!!

Gas terminal proposed on the Columbia River hits new snag
By Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian
September 29, 2009, 7:47PM

The marathon regulatory review of a liquefied natural gas terminal proposed on the Columbia River just got longer.

Read Full Oregonlive Article

Hazen/Samuelson Recall Election Date Set And Voter Registration Information

Clatsop County Department Information Release

The Oregonian Editorial Board Is At It Again And It's Got That Smell Of LNG All Over It?

GRP: Uh-Oh!!!! The Oregonian Editorial Board Has Come Up With Yet, Another Editorial That Strangely Stinks Of What Would Appear To Be , Once Again, Obvious Input From Bradwood Landing/NSNG Because It Sure Isn't From Any On-Scene Reporter From Their Staff That Would Have A "Hoot-In-Hell's Idea" Of What Was Actually Going On Down Here. Who's their Rep Down Here, Lori Tobias Is It?

The Stump
Economy, Editorials, Environment, Law, Politics, land use »
Recall is being misused in Clatsop LNG fight
By The Oregonian Editorial Board
September 26, 2009, 10:02AM

Wrongheaded recall elections looming in Clatsop County are a sure sign the fight over liquefied natural gas development there has gotten out of hand.

GRP: Fitting irony that the comments to this...this...piece of...Seemingly pro-lng propaganda, from The Oregonian, seems to match the majority of sentiment of the citizens of Clatsop County and The Lower Columbia River region, as it has from day one and that is, they do not appear to be in favor of it or the elected and appointed officials serving in their trust colluding with these private "Energy Speculators" to ram this stuff down their throats as the record should clearly show.

Read Article...Well....Read Whatever This "Puff-Piece" Is

GRP Straw Poll: How Would You Vote On A Recall Of Clatsop County Commissioner Patrica Roberts? Has Closed

Of a total of 78 voters:

64 (82%) said Yes to recall


14 (17%) said No to recall

We All Know Where This Is Going Don't We?

Maybe the below information may jog a few memories, even of 4 members of the current sitting Clatsop County Board of Commissioners and how any one of them can say they are just following simple "Quasi Judicial" procedure beats the hell out of me.Maybe us lowly citizens out here, who these people serve, are not on the same intellectual plane as these four who seem to have short as hell memories of what they do.

This information taken directly from:

FINDINGS OF APPROVAL OF CORE ELEMENTS OF THE CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION FROM BRADWOOD LANDING, LLC, FOR PERMITS AND DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS TO DEVELOP AN LNG MARINE TERMINAL, PIPELINE, AND RELATED FACILITIES AT BRADWOOD, CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON

ADOPTED BY CLATSOP COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 2008
24. Pipeline Segment in OPR Zone
24.1 Proposed Development At pipeline mile 5.3, near River Ranch, the pipeline is proposed to pass through about 0.7 of a mile of land zoned Open Space, Parks and Recreation.174 The Comprehensive Plan designates this land “Conservation Other Resources.”
24.2 Action Requested and Criteria for ApprovalThe requirements of the OPR Zone are set forth in L3.580. The zone contains no provisions for a natural gas pipeline. The applicant therefore proposes an amendment that would add such a provision to the zone. The amendment would add the following words to the list ofuses permitted outright in Section 3.584: “15. cable, sewer line, water line or other pipeline.”With that amendment, the applicant then asks that the County allow this segment of thepipeline outright, as provided by the amended text.

So, now are you 4 Commissioners sure and let's just pretend we are using "Common Sense" here, that this current decision has nothing whatsoever to do with this same piece of property you just approved again for rezoning favorable to LNG related Pipelines again 4 to 1?

One other question I have, since Commissioner Hazen was hot to try to bring up the issue of "Ex-Parte Contact" regarding Commissioner Rohne's conversations on this issue with his District 4 constituents, should there be some concerns about Bradwood Landing property owner and key player in that proposed project, Ken Leahy's contributions to two sitting Commissioners PACs?

Is that legal?

A Conflict of Interest?

A Prejudicial position that may require recusal from further input?

The Public Record Shows:
596645 - 08/22/2009 - Original - Friends of Ann(10227) - Ken Leahy - Cash Contribution - $220.00

442190 - 10/10/2008 - Original - Committee to Elect Patricia Roberts (12810) - Ken Leahy - Cash Contribution - $1,000.00

Considering Wetlands Mitigation on OPR zoned property is allowable, trying to use the term "Quasi Judicial" in justifying, once again, what amounts to, in my view, irresponsible and careless manipulation of our zoning and Comprehensive Plan in the ultimate interest of an ulterior agenda just doesn't sit well, I'm sure, with many and really, don't we all know where this is going?

North American Natural Gas: 100 Years Worth!

100 years worth of Natural Gas reserves with more coming and from us, not a foreign supplier, to bridge that transiton to Sustainable/Renewable energy resources.

Based on that, do we need LNG Storage/Transfer Terminals?

Excerpt above from most recent "Public Mailer" being distributed by Bradwood Landing/NSNG

Not for our own supply but, look at the profits to be made in exporting the stuff and Bradwood Landing/NSNG implies that they wouldn't even think of such a dastardly thing.

ANGA Says: "* Major new resources of unconventional shale natural gas are dampening forecasts for America’s needs for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from foreign countries."

Palomar Says: “The Palomar East pipeline would provide the NW Natural system [Oregon’s largest distributor of natural gas to homes, businesses, and industry] with benefits in terms of added capacity and options for North American gas, whether or not any of the LNG terminals [proposed for Oregon] were built,” the report states on Page 12.

As noted in the Wall Street Journal: “[Natural gas] production is up 8 percent this year, according to government data, and the growth is expected to continue as companies drill thousands of wells in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, and look at massive new reserves in Appalachia and Canada.”

ANGA Says: 97% of the Natural Gas used in The United States comes from North America

Huhtala Blasts Witt's Environmental Record!

For immediate release September 22, 2009
Contact Peter Huhtala (503) 468-8038

(Astoria, Oregon) Today the Oregon League of Conservation
Voters released their 2009 legislative scorecard

OLCV Legislator Score Card

District 31 Representative Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie) scored
76%.

His challenger, Huhtala, expressed disappointment.

Peter Huhtala of Astoria seeks to replace Witt in the
Oregon House of Representatives.

The two will have a chance to square off in the May 2010 Democratic primary.

“Witt delivered a mediocre performance for the environment.
Only four Democrats in the Oregon House had lower scores,”
said Huhtala.

“The environment is a vital part of the quality of life
that defines Oregon,” Huhtala added, “From voting against
reducing field burning to sponsoring a bill to fast-track
LNG, Witt made the wrong decisions."

Wal-Mart: "The Secret" Is Out!!!

All this time my money, along with a bunch of others, would have been on Wal-Mart going in out at Iverson Farms Property at Miles Crossing but, that "Secret Nygaard Property" behind Putnam's ProLube?

That's what I hear.

Yeah, that property nobody knows about.

That property that nobody in Clatsop County knows about what's going to happen there but Martin Nygaard?

Could this be true?


GRP: Well, It's a go as of yesterday, September 21, 2009, as confirmed by the Daily Astoian

Wonder what's going in beside Shilo Inn?
Read Daily "A" Article
The Economics Of Wal-Mart

FCC Head Unveils Open Internet Proposal

9-21-09 10:36 AM EDT

Fawn Johnson - Dow Jones News Wires

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday outlined his plan for requiring Internet service providers to keep their networks open to legal content and external devices.

Read Article

The Daily "A": Hazen, Samuelson Recalls A "Go"

9/18/2009 12:32:00 PM

Signatures verified -recall will go ahead; Hazen and Samuelson will stay and fight

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

Clatsop County will have its second and third recall elections of county commissioners in a little over a year Oct. 27.

Read Article

The Old Astor Column Steps Stolen From Public Works Premises?

Police Department City of Astoria
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Theft of old Astoria Column steps
DATE/TIME: 09/16/2009
RELEASED BY: Eric Halverson, Sergeant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On 09/16/2009 The Astoria Police Department began an investigation into the theft of cast iron steps that were removed from the Astoria Column recently for replacement.
The steps were being stored at the Astoria Public Works yard.(Directly across the street from Astoria Police Department?) Several stairs were cut off a section of the staircase. The steps have an estimated weight of 130 pounds and required the use of a torch to cut them loose. The estimated scrap value of the stairs is approximately $70.00, however the historic and sentimental value of the stairs is quite high.
The Astoria Police Department is seeking information leading to the recovery of the steps and prosecution of the suspects. “This was a calculated move on the part of the suspect (s) requiring time, knowledge and specialized equipment to accomplish” said Sgt. Halverson. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Astoria Police Department at (503) 325-4411.

Could This Be Warrenton?

Well, it's actually Mystic Seaport Village in Connecticutt but Warrenton?

Why not?

My view is Warrenton is still at a stage where it's not too far gone to insensitve development and planning and can be whatever it wants to be if its citizens, by consensus, deem it to be so.

Why, in the remake of its downtown core, could it not be a Coastal Village in apperance and atmosphere with all current amenities and longterm planning to focus on a vision to take it into its own future?

Columbia River Business Alliance Hosts:The Effects Of Very Large Retail Stores On Small Community Businesses

Columbia River Business Alliance is hosting a discussion about the effects of very large retail stores on small businesses in nearby communities. Specifically the discussion will focus on ways to hold the mega-stores accountable for calculating their economic impacts.

Elaine Blatt, from Onward Oregon, will talk about the proposed Oregon Informed Growth Act. The Informed Growth Act would give Oregonians more information about the potential impact of big box development on on their local communities -- including impacts on local businesses, jobs, land ocal government services -- and provide means for local communities to prevent development determined to have a significant negative impact.

This event will be held this Thursday, September 17th at the Blue Scorcher, 15th & Duane, in Astoria.

Peter Huhtala, Executive Director
Columbia River Business Alliance
PO Box 682
Astoria, Oregon 97103
peter@columbiariverbusinessalliance.org
www.ColumbiaRiverBusinessAlliance.org
503 468-8038


"The future of the Columbia River estuary is our business."

Who's In The Gates For The 2010 Gubernatorial Run?

Democratic Party

Announced
Former Governor of Oregon John Kitzhaber[2] (Campaign website)

Potential
Former Secretary of State of Oregon Bill Bradbury[3]
U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio[4]
Attorney and 2008 Senate candidate Steve Novick[5]
Former Hewlett-Packard executive Steve Shields[6]
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard[7]
Oregon House of Representatives Speaker Dave Hunt[citation needed]
Washington County Commissioner Desari Strader[8]
Clackamas County Chairwoman Lynn Peterson[9]

Not running
U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer[4]
State Senate President Peter Courtney[10]
State Representative Brian Clem[11]

Republican Party

Announced
Businessman Allen Alley[12] (Campaign website)
State Senator Jason Atkinson[13](Gubernatorial Exploratory Committee website)
Former Oregon State Senator John Lim[14]

Potential
Former United States Senator Gordon Smith[4]
U.S. Representative Greg Walden[4]
State Representative Scott Bruun[citation needed]

Not running
Former Oregon Labor Commissioner and Lane County Commissioner Jack Roberts

Schockelt Pleads No Contest!

The Daily Astorian - Seaside Sun

Former Jewell School Board member Ulrich "Oly" Schockelt and prosecution reached a plea agreement on one charge against him Friday, when Schockelt pleaded "no contest" to recklessly endangering another person in Clatsop County Courtroom 100.

"The victims are satisfied with the results," Ladd said. "They just wanted the courts to advise (Schockelt) they felt threatened.

Read Full release

Spirit Of The River Coming October 3, 2009

Visit The Site

Bradwood Landing: 36-38 Miles Of Pipeline Right Of Way - Add 224.24 Acres To The Project Would You?

From John L. Kennedy, "Oil and Gas Pipeline Fundametals"

The average Natural Gas High Pressure Pipeline Right of Way is 50' wide with 35' maintained clear.

So, using this average and an average 37 Mile long NSNG controlled pipeline right of way x 5280 feet = 195, 360' x 50 = 9,768,000 square feet divided by 43560 square feet(acre) = 224.24 acres owned/controlled by who?

Where does the end of that pipeline originate?

From the Bradwood Landing LNG/Storage Terminal facility of course.

So add that 224 acres to that magic, "Bovine Scat", 40 acres NSNG says they are only using and you have 264 acres of physical property under the control/ownership of Bradwood Landing/NSNG.

Small Project?

No way in hell!!!

Oregon Sierra Club - Columbia Riverkeepers Organize Demonstration For Democracy September 23rd, 4:40 PM - 6:00PM In Astoria

Rally against LNG -- Demonstration for Democracy!
Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, 4:30pm in Astoria
Rally from 4:30pm-6:00pm Corner of 9th St. and Commercial in Downtown Astoria

Clatsop County Commissioners are at it again!

Last year Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense ran a successful referendum campaign that resulted in an overwhelming 2/1 victory for the anti-LNG coalition.

Voters were asked if LNG related pipelines should be allowed in areas zoned for Open space Parks and Recreation (OPR) and the citizens of Clatsop County voted overwhelmingly against allowing LNG pipelines on such lands.

Now the Clatsop County Commission is trying to undermine the vote of the people by re-zoning the OPR zoned land along the pipeline route, reversing the effect of the popular vote.

They are once again doing the bidding of NorthernStar/Bradwood Landing by attempting to wriggle out from under a 67% vote of the people to not allow pipelines on these lands.


We need to gather our troops and show Clatsop County that the people of Oregon demand rightful representation in our government! Please join me and the citizens of Clatsop County for a demonstration for democracy at the next Clastop County Hearing where four of the commissioners will undoubtedly approve the dismissal of a popular vote in an effort to do the bidding of Northernstar Natural Gas and Bradwood Landing.

Folks are welcome to stay and participate in the public hearing that will take place at 6pm. Keep an eye out for more information and reminders as Sept. 23rd approaches!

Please join us to protect the vote of Clatsop County citizens and to protect the Columbia River from devastating LNG developments!

If you are interested in having an informational event held in your town, contact Olivia to plan a forum or presentation!

Thanks to you all for your interest and participation in the fight against LNG and related pipelines. With continued effort and support we will win this fight! If you can't participate in organizational meetings and would like to help the movement to stop these destructive projects please visit oregon.sierraclub.org or nolng.net where you can find links to other sites related to LNG and/or make a financial contribution to Columbia Riverkeeper's LNG fund that finances much of our anti-LNG work at www.columbiariverkeeper.org-Olivia SchmidtColumbia Riverkeeper, Oregon Sierra Club & Oregon Citizens Against the Pipelines

oliviariver@gmail.com
(971)533-2390

An Open Letter To Clatsop County Commissioner Patricia Roberts

GRP:We would like to extend the same invitation to Commissioner Roberts that we have extended to Commissioners Samuelson and Hazen and that is to use this venue to their best advantage to inform the citizens of this community in their defense against the proposed Recall Petitioning. We would certainly like to see a response from Commissioner Roberts on the Open Letter below.

Commissioner Roberts;

On Friday, August 28th, 2009, outside the Gearhart Post Office between the hours of 10:00 and 1:00, you
made the following public remarks in defending yourself against recall. I hope you will take some time to
clarify what you meant by the following statements:

“I don’t have any control over the size of the project.”
What do you mean? That the Bradwood Landing project, as proposed, was the minimum size it could be?
Your responsibility as a County Commissioner was not to decide if it was as compact as possible, but
rather to decide if the project met the “small to medium scale development activity” test necessary to
build anything on the site at Bradwood. You voted “yes” twice.

“We just voted to give them a chance, and I think they will fail.”
At no time that I‘m aware of, acting in your role as a quasi-judicial body hearing the case, were you asked
to vote on whether the Bradwood Landing proposal deserved a chance or not. Instead, your responsibility
was to rule on whether the proposal fit numerous aspects of county and state law and zoning rules. In
what way, precisely, do you think they will fail?

“We had no choice, this is the process.”
Do you mean that the process predetermined the outcome? You clearly could have chosen to vote no. A
no vote would have been more consistent with testimony and the county consultant’s opinion. Why do
you say you had no choice? Did anyone advise you that you had no choice?

“We would be sued if we had not voted this way.”
How did you come to the conclusion that the county would be sued if you voted no? Did someone tell
you that you would be sued? If so, who and when? Would you have voted differently without the threat
of being sued?
Unsaid
On two points that were brought up however, you were strangely silent. When it was mentioned that the
river closures resulting from the mandatory exclusion zone around the tankers would prohibit cruise ships
from considering Astoria as a port-of-call, you had no response. And more importantly, when the
discussion turned to the fishing industry along the Columbia River, and how it would be severely impacted
by the closures, your only response was, “I hadn’t heard they [the LNG super tankers] would be in port
that long.”

“You just don’t understand.”
You are correct on this one, I truly don‘t understand. But I believe it is your obligation to help me and
the people of Clatsop County understand why you keep voting for LNG and the Bradwood Landing
application. The concerned citizens of Clatsop County would appreciate an explanation of your
comments.

Sincerely.

Deborah McEuen
Lewis and Clark

FERC's Order On Rehearing And Stay On Bradwood Landing

Read Complete Order Here

The GRP Straw Poll Asking: How Would You Vote On A Recall Of Clatsop County Commissiners, Jeff Hazen And Ann Samuelson Has Ended - The Results Below

Ann Samuelson

Yes To Recall
131 (83%)

No To Recall
25 (16%)

Votes on this poll: 156

Jeff Hazen

Yes To Recall
126 (81%)

No To Recall
29 (18%)

Votes on this poll: 155



The Arguement For Recall
Proponents of the recall maintain that it provides a way for citizens to retain control over elected officials who are not representing the best interests of their constituents, or who are unresponsive or incompetent. This view holds that an elected representative is an agent, a servant and not a master.

The Arguement Against Recall
Opponents argue that it can lead to an excess of democracy, that the threat of a recall election lessens the independence of elected officials, that it undermines the principle of electing good officials and giving them a chance to govern until the next election, and that it can lead to abuses by well-financed special interest groups.

The Oregonian:A Gem Of A Teachable Moment In Jewell

By: Doug Bates - The Oregonian
Thursday September 10, 2009, 4:57 PM

Don Anderson is a hard-working high school teacher, devoted to his students and the subjects he teaches. From time to time, he has brought his journalism classes at tiny Jewell High School on visits to The Oregonian's editorial department, and his students have always been well-informed about current events.

Unfailingly, they've been highly prepared with good questions, and their paper, The Jay, is outstanding for a high school with an enrollment of only 60.

Read The Full Article

I'd Like To Introduce You To ........

Miss Isabella Rose Redding
Another Blessed Gift Bestowed On Our Family
September 8, 2009
Astoria, Oregon

The Daily Astorian: Samuelson, Hazen Recalls Move Forward

9/9/2009 4:27:00 PM

Recall takes next big step toward election

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

Local citizens groups have turned in signatures to place the recalls of two Clatsop County Commissioners on a ballot.................


Read Full Article

LNG:The Passamaquoddy Study Shows Impacts Of LNG Development Costly, With Limted Benefit

By: Edward French

A study of the potential impacts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay concludes that the economic stimulus provided to the region by one or more LNG import terminals would be limited. An LNG terminal would have significant economic consequences throughout the region, with costs for public safety, staffing and infrastructure running into the millions of dollars for host communities, while the loss in property values along the U.S. side is estimated at $3 million to $8 million. Benefits would be less than expected, as the study concludes that each LNG terminal would provide only 27 construction jobs and 8 operations jobs to local people........

Read The Full Overview

From AP: Obama Speech To School Students

Obama School Speech Transcript