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

From The Daily "A": "The Jay" Editorial From Jewell

Jewell student editorial causes backlash
* Dave Samuelson threatens to ‘come after’ editor
* KAST-AM radio reports(September 9, 2009) Dave Samuelson saying, upon contacting Clatsop County Sheriff's Department and I am paraphrasing..."Clatsop County Chief Deputy Paul Williams stated that the complaint from Jewell School on the implied threat was so silly no report was filed"

By DEEDA SCHROEDER - The Daily Astorian
September 7, 2009

When Jewell High students wrote an editorial for the school's newspaper, The Jay, condemning the Bradwood Landing liquid natural gas project and its political supporters, they had no idea the article would make such a splash when it was published last week.

Now, after former Jewell School Board member Dave Samuelson complained about the story, those same students are afraid to speak about why they wrote the piece...

Full Article

A need for a second look

The following editorial is reprinted from The Jay, the Jewell community newspaper

Don't be fooled by bureaucratic double-speak

The Palomar pipeline that most concerns residents of the Jewell area would transport imported regasified LNG from the Bradwood Landing LNG site, about 10 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River.This would be 36 inches wide and would wind its way about 110 miles from the terminal to Molalla, Oregon and from there another 100 or so miles to Maupin in eastern Oregon.

From there it could connect to the massive interstate TransCanada pipeline to quench California's huge thirst for natual gas.

Much of the pipeline from the Bradwood facility would go through the Jewell area. Current standards have the pipeline only three feet under ground.

The Jay challenges readers to come up with one, just one concrete advantage of having the LNG pipeline go though the Jewell area.

Over the last several years now there has been a lot of hype and hot air given by company propaganda, local and state politicians, and government bureaucrats.The issue is mired in so much red tape that it may seem to some hard to decipher fact from fiction, but that is just the way Bradwood Landing (the LNG corporation) wants it.

The more they can confuse, obfuscate and bamboozle local residents, the more sway they will have over the (unfortunately few) politicians that have your back. Let's look at some of the myths that Bradwood is foisting upon us and the facts that lie behind them.

Myth No. 1: Bradwood Landing will provide much needed jobs in the area. FALSE. Although a few local excavating and construction companies might get temporary work, once the pipeline is in place, the Bradwood Landing facility on the Columbia River uses just a small crew to operate and inspect the pipeline. The net job growth from the pipeline is close to zero. In fact, the jobs that the LNG company does have (around 40 or so) will all be state jobs and won't (necessarily) involve local people at all.

Myth No. 2: Bradwood Landing will provide much needed tax dollars. FALSE. Because of the loss in property value over land the pipeline will run, the actual projection of tax dollars reaching local schools is revenue negative. Not only that, Oregonians will be forced to subsidize the gas companies through taxes on the gas we would use. Would you buy property that had a three-foot highly explosive pipeline running through it? Property values in the areas anywhere close to the pipelines would plummet even farther than they have during this recession.

Myth No. 3: An LNG pipeline is safe. FALSE. Not only are property values at risk, so are is the safety of our citizens, our families. The final destination for all the LNG going through the Jewell area is California.

We, the citizens, students, teachers, workers of this wonderful rural area are not even taken into consideration. Many of our local politicians think we are a bunch of country bumpkins in Clatsop County and don't know how to read. But we do.

We read the facts about LNG, how it imposes safety issues that include massive explosions like those that have occurred in New York and Maryland. If you are in doubt, look them up.

Finally, California, the state that is to benefit from this LNG, has already rejected five of these proposed LNG regasification plants.

Why should Oregon do California's dirty work?

Why should we tear up our precious soil to feed the insatiable state of California?

Write your newspaper.

Call your representative or senator.

Call Bradwood Landing.

Tell your parents or kids.

Let it be known that we don't want Bradwood Landing and its pipeline running through our land.

We Are Witnessing A Piece Of Our History Die Before Our Very Eyes!

Harry Flavel Dead At 82 On May 31, 2010Read Full Daily Astorian Report

This is the Flavel House. Although the nearby home of Captain Flavel is better known, this is a Flavel house too. It was built by the Captain George Flavel's son, George Conrad Flavel Jr. It is still owned by the Flavel family - Harry Sherman Flavel (born 1927) and Mary Louise Flavel (born 1925). They are the grandchildren of George Conrad Flavel Jr. and the great-grandchildren of Captain George Flavel. The house is currently unoccupied and neglected.

Yes, the Flavel House, the other one and it is very distressing to see it deteriorate daily, with no attempt at dialogue at all by those who care with Harry and Mary Louise Flavel in whose care it is now in.

Who, out there has the magic to get the ear of these two with a solution that benefits them as well as this home's place in history?

Its value, in my view, goes way beyond becoming just the private home of some "High Roller" with a pocket full of money to restore it but should belong to us all.

Astoria-Warrenton CofC! Are You A Member Business? Do You Support The Exec. Director Hauke's Position On your Behalf?

Though I am certain "Political Posturing" on any particular issue by this organization is not permitted in its "ByLaws", what is your view, if you are a member business, of the Executive Director speaking on your behalf regarding the recall petitoning in process of Clatsop County Commissioners Ann Samuelson, Jeff Hazen and Patricia Roberts?

From The Daily "A": Samuelson Wants To Debate The Recall Petitioners?

From "The Daily Astorian" - Friday, September 4, 2009

Samuelson Wants A Debate On The Issues
GRP: As if this "Circus " hasn't already spun out of control to the side of absurdity on the part of this one County Commissioner, in my view, now she wants to ramp it up to another extreme by challenging the recall pertitioners to a debate?

Should she not be, if as she says she has so much overwhelming support from her constuituents in District 5, leaving the decision in whose trust she presumbaly serves in the hands of those constituents to determine her fate?

If they truly do trust in her leadership, what has she got to worry about? Why challenge them to a wrestling match?

Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson has thrown down the gauntlet. But nobody's picking it back up.

She's challenging the chief petitioner in a recall against her, Cannon Beach resident Betsy Ayres, to a debate at the Seaside City Hall.

She has even set a time, at 6 p.m. Sept. 24, but her main challenger isn't taking her up on it.

"I'm finding, when people gather, we don't have to be mad about something," Samuelson said. "Let's get something done."

Ayres said she and Samuelson had spoken about a public debate before."There are a lot of things the commissioners are not willing to discuss with the public," Ayres said.

Samuelson said she believes the recall petition is based on misinformation, and that it's important for her district to hear the facts. She said she will be at the city hall at the scheduled time to discuss the flier that her opponents, a group calling itself Democracy in District 5, is circulating about her service to the community.

Ayres said she's not running for office."It's not about me. It's about Ann and her record," Ayres said. "I am not interested in having a debate."

Clatsop County: The North/South Divide

Somebody want to take a shot at explaining exactly what that, "The North/South County Divide", is?

The subject was brought up at a dinner party last night and when queried as to what she meant, the exclaimer had no clue "now that you ask it but, Commissioner Samuelson says it all the time about doing away with it."

I guess you can all guess where it went after that but, please, you got an answer?

Give it to us.

The Port: Introducing The I-5 Short Sea Shipping Marine Highway

This is a Slide Show on the prospective new relationship between Port of Astoria and Santa Maria Shipping LLC in Short Sea Shipping and quite possibly a bright future for many here should the deal not be "Queered" in some way or another.

Introducing The I-5 Marine Highway

Northern Star's Salem Based Talking Head, Deister, Speaks

8/28/2009 10:48:00 AM
From The Daily Astorian - Letters To The Editor

Letter: Another viewpoint by: Charles Deister, Northern Start Natural Gas, Salem. Oregon GRP: One can only imagine whose ears this guy is bending down at the seat of our State Government and with this message yet?

The Daily Astorian's editorial (Sen. Jeff Merkley exposes the dirty little secret about Bradwood LNG" (only exposed the editorial writer's misunderstanding of basic economics and how natural gas markets work.Regarding the idea of a ban on exporting natural gas from Bradwood Landing or any other Oregon LNG terminal, NorthernStar Natural Gas is not opposed to the idea. As we have previously told several state officials, the idea of exporting LNG from an Oregon terminal is so patently absurd that we would happily sign a contract with the state of Oregon or any requisite federal authority committing that our facility would never export gas. This offer still stands...You Gotta Read This!

Port Of Bellingham Contests NOAA Move To Newport

07:54 AM PDT

Monday, August 31, 2009

By KGW Staff

WASHINGTON -- Another group is challenging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's decision to move a fleet of research ships from Seattle to Newport, Ore. More: NOAA move

Read Release

A Reminder About Shipbreaking: G.O.B. Or Tree Hugger, It Is A Dangerously Dirty Business

GRP: Listening this morning to one of our local businessmen bemoaning, in front of a sniggering and bemused Clatsop County Commission, the loss of a Shipbreaking opportunity in our community, I thought it might be prudent to update a few as to the dangers of this kind of business and no matter how one tries to twist this one, it just, in my view, is absolutely not for this part of the country.

Hazards In Ship Breaking Procedures
Article by Raunekk For "Bright Hub"

This article deals with the numerous dangers that the ship breaking industry imposes on its workers and the people living in the surrounding areas.
In a previous article we discussed the main factors for the deportation of the ships to developing countries from the rich countries. Breaking of obsolete vessels may involve number of challenges and also a high level of danger.

Read Full Article

"Pyrolysis" - Wood-To-Oil Technology May Hold Benefits In Thinning Our State Forests

By Jeff Barnard
The Associated Press
Appeared In: The Register-Guard, Sunday, Aug 30, 2009 ,

MERLIN — For the past decade that the U.S. Forest Service has been pressing to thin hundreds of millions of acres of trees in danger of burning up, it has had one nagging problem: how to come up with the billions of dollars to pay for it.
Young trees are too small for lumber. Transporting the bulky material to biomass power plants is too expensive. And cutting big trees to pay for thinning the small ones often runs afoul of environmental laws.

Read Full Article Here

GRP Straw Poll Ends: Would You Support An Initiative To Put LNG Siting And Development In Clatsop County To A Vote?

There were a total of 203 voters and of those 203 on the questions below they said:

Yes To An Initiative - 173(85%)
No To An Initiative - 22 (10%)
Yes To LNG - 33 (16%)
No To LNG -154 (75%)
Yes To Look At
Other Industry -155(76%)
No To Look At
Other Industry - 21(10%)

Split every hair, grasp every straw to spin this....uh...Straw Poll as you wish but the numbers are just as you see them.

The Port: An Exciting Prospect In "Short Sea Shipping"

"Short Sea Shipping"

Small, shallow draft coastal container ships and barges to blend with rail and road systems to move freight to waterborne transfer points way upriver?

That's a huge piece of the maritime commerce pie for us down here.

"Short Sea Shipping", that's what it's called and The Port of Astoria has just been presentented with another opportunity to pull its ass up out of "The Doldrums" it has put itself in and make a sound contribution to this community and its future in The Lower Columbia River's maritime commerce and I think we are perfectly suited to handle this well and we must not forget that these shippers, with ships getting massively bigger and with time of the essence, I believe, will threaten future upriver commerce because of time and will be more prone to patronize port systems that offer easy in and out and bypass us altogether without a solution.

A Lower Columbia Super Port? Well, it's a definite talking point and whether you know it or not, to my understanding, that think is already on paper and at one time slated for legislation.

My two questions...

* What's the deal with the lease-back and residual revenue of the vessels?

*How many Jobs?

The article below explains the overall scope and potential this opportunity offers us and hopefully we will seek the resources to ensure this deal isn't bungled

Read This Article From Professional Mariner On "Short Sea Shipping"

Columbia River Business Alliance Presents: Residential Basics Of Going Solar!

Columbia River Business Alliance is helping to sponsor this great (and free) solar workshop.
Please register early so you get a seat.
Peter Huhtala, Executive Director
Columbia River Business Alliance
PO Box 682
Astoria, Oregon 97103
Visit Columbia River Business Alliance
503 468-8038

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

Residential Basics of Going Solar - 10/1/09
AstoriaThurs, Oct 1 (6:00 - 7:00pm)

This free, one hour workshop covers the basics of why solar is a smart choice for Oregon homeowners.

We will show you:
* How well solar works in Oregon's climate
* Available solar technologies
* Financial incentives and tax credits
* How to choose a contractor

Residential tax credits and incentives often pay for up to 80% of the cost!

Participants will come away with basic knowledge about solar energy systems and will be prepared for any of our 3 hour workshops, or to do more focused research on their own and start working with a contractor.

Click Here For More Information And To Register

Remember Measure 4-131? You Know, The Pipeline Issue The Anti-LNG Element Brainwashed The Voters In Clatsop County to Support And Vote "NO" 2 to 1?

GRP: Well, could it be this is it coming at us again all wrapped in a new package to get that Bradwood LNG, 36" Diameter High Pressure Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline through?

High Pressure Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines through Wetlands? Good Lord! If what I'm reading on this is anywhere near correct, the issue over OPR zoning and NG Pipelines was mere childs play compared to what this circus is going to be.

Can't wait to see how this one has been rewritten to attempt to justify the changing of the Zoning and County Comprehensive Plan to appease Texas based Energy Speculator, Northern Star Natural Gas.

Excerpt from a March, 2009 Daily astorian Article:"The J & S Reserve property is a 121-acre tract made up of 47 acres zoned residential agriculture-1 and 74.24 acres zoned OPR. The landowner is requesting a change that would cut down the RA-1 zone to 21 acres and change the remaining 100 acres to lake and wetland. The zone change would reduce the number of possible dwellings on the tract from 27 to 14.VandenHeuvel said the change from OPR to LW wouldn't be necessary unless Bradwood's natural gas transmission pipeline was part of the plan."Lake and wetland is almost identical to OPR except for one important change," said VandenHeuvel. "Pipelines are allowed in the lakes and wetland zoning and not allowed in the OPR. That change is absolutely unnecessary unless you are to run a pipeline through there. There's no way this is not related to the LNG pipeline."


Press Release from Clatsop County

ZONE CHANGE HEARING POSTPONED

A public hearing scheduled to be held before the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, Aug. 26 on a proposed zone change has been postponed.
The land-use application, from Mark Barnes on behalf of J & S Reserve, seeks to re-zone 121.59 acres of property in Westport. The applicant wants to change the current zoning mix from 47.35 acres Residential-Agriculture-1 and 74.24 acres Open Space Parks and Recreation to 21.85 acres Residential Agriculture-1 and 99.74 acres Lake and Wetlands. The application also includes an exception to Statewide Planning Goal 14 – Urbanization.
No new date has been set for the hearing.

Northwest Regional ESD Super Attempts To Clarify The Ethics Investigation And Recall Of Clatsop Commissioner, Ann Samuelson From Jewel School Board

August 19, 2009

From Jim Mabbott, N.W. Regional ESD Superintendent

To the Editor:

This letter is in response to the recent recall effort regarding Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson and the “ethics investigation ” regarding her service as a Jewell School District Board member.

During her time on the Jewell Board, Ann exceeded the Oregon School Board Association code of conduct for Board members, worked tirelessly on behalf of students, staff, and community members, and had absolutely no ethics violations attached to her record.

Ann has also served on the Board of Northwest Regional Education Service District since July 1, 2007.

As you may know, over a year ago, a few Jewell School District citizens closely associated with John Seeley (former Superintendent of Jewell School District and who recently had his teaching license revoked by Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission, as stated in local newspapers) filed an ethics complaint against all Jewell School District Board members (current and several former).

The ethics commission found there was no merit to those complaints other than a small notation regarding a process that has been common in the great majority of school districts in Oregon: school districts commonly meet in Executive Session to discuss the need for an immediate temporary Superintendent when the current Superintendent leaves without notice, or as in this case, is put on paid administrative leave pending an investigation (I served as one of the interim Superintendents for no compensation during that time).

It is my opinion, and the opinion of the District’s attorney, that this process is consistent with Executive Session law (ORS 192.660). In fact, this was a very rare situation in that the Ethics Commission did not penalize the district in any way.

Ann Samuelson has done nothing wrong in her role as a Jewell School District Board member or as a Clatsop County Commissioner.

You may disagree with her opinions, but is that a reason for Oregonians to recall our elected officials? If so, I suspect we wouldn’t have any!

Ann Samuelson:"Just time for a short explaination of the jewell recall, many folks that signed the orginal petition on Karl and I didn't really know what they were signing, I've talked with a number of them since. Once again lies of the followers of the superintendent,(John Seeley has since met all the requirements and restrictions of his court imposed probation) who is now on probabation for mistreating his daughter, and some anti lnger's such as Auerbach signed the petition."

$8,000,000.00 In LNG Dollars And Where Does It Go? 66 Taxing Districts They Say?

How Your Clatsop County Tax Dollar Is Spent

Although you write your property tax check to Clatsop County, only some of the money goes to the county.

The county collects the taxes and then distributes the money to 66 taxing districts.

GRP: The question is...Who gets what? Anybody got a real answer to this puzzle? $8,000,000.00 to 66 taxing districts is about $122,000.00 apiece. $8,000,000.00 to 36,000 Clatsop County Citizens is about $222.00 per person. So, where's all this wealth attributable to Texas based Energy Speculator, Northern Star Natural Gas? Wonder if they can answer this riddle? Don't you think it's their responsibility to do so publicly?

For each $1 paid by the average Clatsop County taxpayer:
* 48.3 cents goes to school districts, including Clatsop Community College
* 22.3cents goes to the cities, including urban renewal districts
* 14.7 cents goes to recreation, transportation, water and other districts
* 2.6 cents goes to rural fire protection districts
Just 12.1 cents of each average tax dollar goes to the county government.
Of that 12.1 cents:
* 4.6 cents helps fund public safety and justice programs, such as sheriff's patrols, the jail, district attorney's office and juvenile department;
* 2.2 cents goes toward public service programs such as assessment and taxation, elections and records, surveyor, land-use planning and development, animal control, parks and some public health programs;
* 2 cents goes to miscellaneous services as data systems services, finance, building maintenance and veterans services;
* 1.5 cents is set aside as contingency for unforeseen expenses or revenue shortfalls;
* 0.9 cent goes for administration such as county administration, human resources, legal counsel and board of commissioners;
* 0.9 cent goes for the fair grounds special levy approved by the voters for enchanced operations and facility improvements.
Property taxes provide about one-third of the county's funding for public services. The rest comes from state and federal funds, fees for service, timber, carryover from the previous year's budget and other sources.

A Look Back: A Disconnect Between Constituents And Supporters

""There was a clear disconnect between commissioners who leaped to support Richard Lee and the majority of his constituents who saw his actions as unlawful and self serving," said the statement from recall organizers.".... The Daily Astorian, March 25, 2008 Voters recall Lee - County commissioner removed from seat - County Commissioner Richard Lee was recalled Tuesday in an election with a 62-percent turnout.

LNG Arrangement With Port Of Astoria Under Criminal Investigation

As reported by: Peter Huhtala - Columbia River Business Alliance
August 19, 2009

Port Agrees To Short-Term Lease Extension

A criminal investigation is underway that is related to the November 2004 Port of Astoria lease for LNG development on the Skipanon Peninsula. Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis told port commissioners and the public that the investigation was referred to the state by his office in 2006. The Oregon Department of Justice, through the office of the Attorney General, is leading the investigation.

Mr. Marquis speculated that an outcome might emerge within one month. The determination could result in criminal charges, in which case the evidentiary basis of the indictment would not be publically available. Documentation could be disclosed if a determination is made that there was no wrongdoing, there was wrongdoing but not sufficient for prosecution, or that the statute of limitations has run out on the offense.

The port commission met to discuss signing a 30-year extension of their Skipanon Peninsula lease with the Department of State Lands (DSL), the underlying basis of their sub-lease to Oregon LNG. Commissioners Floyd Holcomb and Bill Hunsinger sharply criticized the unfavorable terms of the leases, and the vast majority of public testimony suggested non-renewal of the lease. The 2004 arrangement was for a five-year lease with two 30-year extensions.

After an executive session with three attorneys present, the Commission unanimously accepted a DSL offer to extend the Port’s renewal date by two years. This effectively changes the lease terms to 7-28-30.

The commissioners explained their vote as allowing time for the state investigation to play out, and other questions regarding ownership of the property to move toward resolution.

Oregon LNG had asked the court for injunctive relief to force renewal of the lease. A court date had been set for August 31. There was no indication if the case will now be dropped.

ORESTAR Campaign Finance Information On Clatsop County Recall Committees

Accountability for District 2 - ID # 13910 (Patricia Roberts)

Democracy in District 5 - ID #13863 (Ann Samueslon)

District 1 for the Columbia - ID #13953 (Jeff Hazen)

Friends of Ann - ID #10227
614149 = 10/01/2009 - Original - Friends of Ann (10227) - Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Assoc. - Cash Contribution - $500.00

596645 - 08/22/2009 - Original - Friends of Ann(10227) - Ken Leahy - Cash Contribution - $220.00

Question: Contributions to V.O.C.A.(Victims of Criminal Acts) and C.A.S.A.(Court Appointed Special Advocate)? On this issue, is it appropriate or legal in Oregon (These are 12/2007 Transactions as Cash Expenditures/Contributions)

Question: $700(Transaction #'s 589097-589098) in contributions from Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters, S.S.F. a Construction Trades Union, I think already committed to or stand to gain contracts from Texas based energy speculator, Northern Star Natural Gas on the construction phase of the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG Terminal?

Is that legal, ethical or conflicting? (Transaction as a Contribution of 02/05/2008 and showing up 08/03/2009?)

589827
07/31/2009 Amended Taxpayers Association of Oregon PAC (3889) Friends of Ann (10227 Cash Expenditure$150.00

Friends of Jeff - #13869
(This Transaction is not on Hazen's Campaign Finance Activity to date 08-09-2009 and leads to the question "When are you going to report this and other activity Jeff?)589828 07/31/2009 Amended Taxpayers Association of Oregon PAC (3889) Friends of Jeff (13869) Cash Expenditure$150.00

Committee to Elect Patricia Roberts - #12810

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

Go To ORESTAR Search Page, Type In Committee ID# and hit "Submit" key

Astoria Port Commissioner Floyd Holcom On The Loss Of NOAA To Newport

From: KAST-AM/Tom Freel's Coastwatch Blog
August 18, 2009

GRP: I'm not so certain about the seriousness of the comment as it was from and in response to a discussion on a rumor regarding Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samueslon, a subject of a mounting recall petition movement, Freel said he heard at a cocktail party.

You decide on its import.

Floyd Holcom said...Lets set the record straight. The decision not to pursue the money to bring NOAA to Astoria had nothing to do with the County. I'm told it was primarily a decision based on a conversation Skip Hauke, and the CEDR Director had with the Daily Astoria owner Steve Forrestor.Apparently, as was told to the CEDR members, Mr. Forrestor had contacts in Seattle which told him that the State of Washington would never let NOAA leave Seattle. How wrong he was, but I'm sure he will never admit it. He failed to explain his role on his recent editorial.Despite personally working on this for two years on at least getting a look see, Sen. Betsy Johnson, Skip Hauke and others deserve a big thank you for turning the governments head toward Oregon, and at the end of the day, we'll keep trying to get something to our area.NOAA belongs in Oregon, I think Tongue Point, but it is a victory nevertheless and Newport will benefit greatly.We should all be happy and Astoria will see residual benfits of it being in Newport.I predict vessels parking at the POA because(You think Floyd means here that "The Bar" at the POA closes much later than "The Columbia River Bar"?) the bar closeses there much more than the CR Bar.Floyd

KAST Coastwatch Blog

White House Appears Ready To Drop "The Public Option"

OPR News/Associated Press

August 16, 2009
Bowing to Republican pressure and an uneasy public, President Obama's administration signaled Sunday it is ready to abandon the idea of giving Americans the option of government-run insurance as part of a new health care system.

Read Article