"I am thankful for all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech." ~Nancie J. Carmody
August 7, 2009 - 7:08AM
Tom Freel - KAST-AM Radio
New Northwest Broadcasters, Astoria, Oregon
Here's a question:
Why is the City Of Warrenton allowing petition gathering to happen on city property?
You may think that the slice of land in front of the Warrenton post office is owned by the Postal Service but not so. The spot where those who are seeking to recall Commission Chair Jeff Hazen is city property.
Read It For Yourself
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
We Are Ending The Recall Poll And Reformatting For A New Poll
Below are the to-date results of our existing poll asking if you support the recall of Clatsop County Commissioners Jeff Hazen And Ann Samuelson.
We are reformatting this poll for individual input for each Commissioner
Yes To Remove Hazen 57 (79%)
No To Remove Hazen 17 (23%)
Yes To Remove Samuelson 66 (91%)
No To Remove Samuelson 5 (6%)
Change your vote
Votes so far: 72
Days left to vote: 24
We are reformatting this poll for individual input for each Commissioner
Yes To Remove Hazen 57 (79%)
No To Remove Hazen 17 (23%)
Yes To Remove Samuelson 66 (91%)
No To Remove Samuelson 5 (6%)
Change your vote
Votes so far: 72
Days left to vote: 24
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Local Radio Host Complains To U.S. Weather Service About The Weather
Tom Freel - KAST-AM - Coastwatch Call-In
New Northwest Broadcasters - Astoria, Oregon
July 31, 2009
To The National Weather Service
Dear Sirs,
While I understand how difficult it can be to construct an accurate forecast 100% of the time, your average is well below what one would expect for the North Oregon Coast . If we were to track forecast to actual outcomes over any given period the result would be dismal.
Read Complaint
New Northwest Broadcasters - Astoria, Oregon
July 31, 2009
To The National Weather Service
Dear Sirs,
While I understand how difficult it can be to construct an accurate forecast 100% of the time, your average is well below what one would expect for the North Oregon Coast . If we were to track forecast to actual outcomes over any given period the result would be dismal.
Read Complaint
Monday, August 03, 2009
ORESTAR Campaign Finance Information On Clatsop County Recall Committees
Democracy in District 5 - ID #13863
District 1 for the Columbia - ID #13864.
Friends of Ann - ID #10227
Question: Contributions to or from 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 in contributions from Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters, S.S.F. a Construction Trades Union, I think already commited to 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
Go To ORESTAR Search Page, Type In Committee ID# and hit "Submit" key
District 1 for the Columbia - ID #13864.
Friends of Ann - ID #10227
Question: Contributions to or from 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 in contributions from Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters, S.S.F. a Construction Trades Union, I think already commited to 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
Go To ORESTAR Search Page, Type In Committee ID# and hit "Submit" key
Friday, July 31, 2009
Ann Samuelson's Comment Raises Just More Questions
Ann Samuelson said...
"Patrick, I will weigh in on your port question as well, I too think my district should have representation there, we receive very little benefit from the port although I and others have been working with Jack Crider and the port commissioners to get some benefit in District 5, and they are working on it. They helped in some trail building in Cannon Beach recently. Further, take a look at my website, there's a letter from Atlin Investment on it that explains how much I with Senator Johnsons help made the Northcoast Business Park permits happen in a timely manner so that Costco could begin construction on a schedule that was critical for them. Hazen couldn't do that due to his conflict as an employee of Costco so I volunteered to take the lead on that, and it went well. There are many opportunities we are all working on in Clatsop Co., focusing on one issue is not productive. ONWARD!!!!"
GRP: I am of the understanding that Ken Leahy Construction got the grading contract or was/is involved with this particlular Warrenton Costco's construction phase and I am of the understanding as well that this is the same Ken Leahy that is the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG Terminal property owner.
Could this be true and has it been put on record and cleared of any potential as being a Conflict of Interest or Collusion relevant to the proposed Bradwood Landing on the part of Hazen, Samuelson and Senator Johnson and others in this still unsettled and unapproved project?
Ken Leahy has also been linked(In an article published in The Daily Astorian) to Ex-Port of Astoria Executive Director, Peter Gearin in a deal to purchase Rice Island on the Columbia, upriver towards the proposed Bradwood Landing project to excavate and sell sand for profit.
"Patrick, I will weigh in on your port question as well, I too think my district should have representation there, we receive very little benefit from the port although I and others have been working with Jack Crider and the port commissioners to get some benefit in District 5, and they are working on it. They helped in some trail building in Cannon Beach recently. Further, take a look at my website, there's a letter from Atlin Investment on it that explains how much I with Senator Johnsons help made the Northcoast Business Park permits happen in a timely manner so that Costco could begin construction on a schedule that was critical for them. Hazen couldn't do that due to his conflict as an employee of Costco so I volunteered to take the lead on that, and it went well. There are many opportunities we are all working on in Clatsop Co., focusing on one issue is not productive. ONWARD!!!!"
GRP: I am of the understanding that Ken Leahy Construction got the grading contract or was/is involved with this particlular Warrenton Costco's construction phase and I am of the understanding as well that this is the same Ken Leahy that is the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG Terminal property owner.
Could this be true and has it been put on record and cleared of any potential as being a Conflict of Interest or Collusion relevant to the proposed Bradwood Landing on the part of Hazen, Samuelson and Senator Johnson and others in this still unsettled and unapproved project?
Ken Leahy has also been linked(In an article published in The Daily Astorian) to Ex-Port of Astoria Executive Director, Peter Gearin in a deal to purchase Rice Island on the Columbia, upriver towards the proposed Bradwood Landing project to excavate and sell sand for profit.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Recall
Recall elections in the United States
Along with the initiative, the referendum, and the direct primary, the recall election was one of the major electoral reforms advocated by leaders of the Progressive movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although it was initially proposed in William S. U'Ren's Oregon newspaper. Recall elections do not take place at the federal level. The majority of states allow recall elections in local jurisdictions, but only eighteen states permit recall elections to remove state officials.[3]
Only two governors have ever been successfully recalled. In 1921, Lynn Frazier, Governor of North Dakota, was recalled during a dispute about state-owned industries, and in 2003, Governor Gray Davis of California was recalled over the state budget.
In Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island, and Washington, specific grounds are required for a recall. Some form of malfeasance or misconduct while in office must be identified by the petitioners. The target may choose to dispute the validity of the grounds in court, and a court then judges whether the allegations in the petition rise to a level where a recall is necessary. In the other eleven states that permit state-wide recall, no grounds are required and recall petitions may be circulated for any reason. However, the target is permitted to submit responses to the stated reasons for recall.
The minimum number of signatures and the time limit to qualify a recall vary between states. In addition, the handling of recalls once they qualify differs. In some states, a recall triggers a simultaneous special election, where the vote on the recall, as well as the vote on the replacement if the recall succeeds, are on the same ballot. In the 2003 California recall election, over 100 candidates appeared on the replacement portion of the ballot. In other states, a separate special election is held after the target is recalled, or a replacement is appointed by the Governor or some other state authority.
[edit] Successful recalls
1916 recall of J. W. Robinson, Mayor of Boise, Idaho[4]
1921 North Dakota recall of Governor Lynn Frazier
1994 recall of officials in River Vale, New Jersey: Mayor Walter Jones, Councilwoman Patricia Geier, and Councilman Bernard Salmon[5]
1995 recall of California State Assemblyman Paul Horcher
1995 recall of California State Assembly Speaker Doris Allen
1996 recall of Wisconsin State Senator George Petak
2002 recall of Flint, Michigan mayor Woodrow Stanley.
2002 recall of Milwaukee County, WI Executive F. Thomas Ament (resigned before election).
2002 recall of Milwaukee County Board Chair Karen Ordinans.
2002 recall of Milwaukee, WI County Board Supervisors Penny Podell, LeAnn Launstein, David Jasenski, Kathy Arciszewski, James McGuigan, Linda Ryan.
All involved in the 2002 Milwaukee County elections were recalled due to a pension/retirement controversy.
2003 California recall of Governor Gray Davis
2005 recall of James E. West, Mayor of Spokane, Washington.
[edit] Unsuccessful recalls
1978 Cleveland Recall Election of Mayor Dennis Kucinich
2008 recall of California State Senator Jeff Denham and Paula Flint
[edit] Unsuccessful attempts to qualify recall elections
United States Senator Frank Church of Idaho was the subject of an unsuccessful recall effort in 1967.[6] Courts ruled that a federal official is not subject to state recall laws.
Evan Mecham, Governor of Arizona, was scheduled for a recall election on May 17, 1988 after a successful petition drive (301,000 signatures). However, the Supreme Court of Arizona canceled the election, since Mecham had already been impeached and removed from office by the Senate on April 4.[7]
Along with the initiative, the referendum, and the direct primary, the recall election was one of the major electoral reforms advocated by leaders of the Progressive movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although it was initially proposed in William S. U'Ren's Oregon newspaper. Recall elections do not take place at the federal level. The majority of states allow recall elections in local jurisdictions, but only eighteen states permit recall elections to remove state officials.[3]
Only two governors have ever been successfully recalled. In 1921, Lynn Frazier, Governor of North Dakota, was recalled during a dispute about state-owned industries, and in 2003, Governor Gray Davis of California was recalled over the state budget.
In Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island, and Washington, specific grounds are required for a recall. Some form of malfeasance or misconduct while in office must be identified by the petitioners. The target may choose to dispute the validity of the grounds in court, and a court then judges whether the allegations in the petition rise to a level where a recall is necessary. In the other eleven states that permit state-wide recall, no grounds are required and recall petitions may be circulated for any reason. However, the target is permitted to submit responses to the stated reasons for recall.
The minimum number of signatures and the time limit to qualify a recall vary between states. In addition, the handling of recalls once they qualify differs. In some states, a recall triggers a simultaneous special election, where the vote on the recall, as well as the vote on the replacement if the recall succeeds, are on the same ballot. In the 2003 California recall election, over 100 candidates appeared on the replacement portion of the ballot. In other states, a separate special election is held after the target is recalled, or a replacement is appointed by the Governor or some other state authority.
[edit] Successful recalls
1916 recall of J. W. Robinson, Mayor of Boise, Idaho[4]
1921 North Dakota recall of Governor Lynn Frazier
1994 recall of officials in River Vale, New Jersey: Mayor Walter Jones, Councilwoman Patricia Geier, and Councilman Bernard Salmon[5]
1995 recall of California State Assemblyman Paul Horcher
1995 recall of California State Assembly Speaker Doris Allen
1996 recall of Wisconsin State Senator George Petak
2002 recall of Flint, Michigan mayor Woodrow Stanley.
2002 recall of Milwaukee County, WI Executive F. Thomas Ament (resigned before election).
2002 recall of Milwaukee County Board Chair Karen Ordinans.
2002 recall of Milwaukee, WI County Board Supervisors Penny Podell, LeAnn Launstein, David Jasenski, Kathy Arciszewski, James McGuigan, Linda Ryan.
All involved in the 2002 Milwaukee County elections were recalled due to a pension/retirement controversy.
2003 California recall of Governor Gray Davis
2005 recall of James E. West, Mayor of Spokane, Washington.
[edit] Unsuccessful recalls
1978 Cleveland Recall Election of Mayor Dennis Kucinich
2008 recall of California State Senator Jeff Denham and Paula Flint
[edit] Unsuccessful attempts to qualify recall elections
United States Senator Frank Church of Idaho was the subject of an unsuccessful recall effort in 1967.[6] Courts ruled that a federal official is not subject to state recall laws.
Evan Mecham, Governor of Arizona, was scheduled for a recall election on May 17, 1988 after a successful petition drive (301,000 signatures). However, the Supreme Court of Arizona canceled the election, since Mecham had already been impeached and removed from office by the Senate on April 4.[7]
Monday, July 27, 2009
Clean Coal Technology
July 27, 2009
Sarah Dowdey - How Stuff Works
Coal is the dirtiest of all fossil fuels. When burned, it produces emissions that contribute to global warming, create acid rain and pollute water. With all of the hoopla surrounding nuclear energy, hydropower and biofuels, you might be forgiven for thinking that grimy coal is finally on its way out.
Read Article
Sarah Dowdey - How Stuff Works
Coal is the dirtiest of all fossil fuels. When burned, it produces emissions that contribute to global warming, create acid rain and pollute water. With all of the hoopla surrounding nuclear energy, hydropower and biofuels, you might be forgiven for thinking that grimy coal is finally on its way out.
Read Article
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Too Much Wind Generated Electricity To The Northwest Grid?
GRP: Enough electricity on tap at one time to power 680,000 homes? Has to be curtailed to keep some kinda balance? But, what about all this Natural Gas some speculators say we need? Damn those wind generators!
Ebb and flow of wind power stress NW power grid
By DAVID LESTERYAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
YAKIMA, Wash. -- In the space of one hour last month, electricity generated at wind farms in the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge shot up by 1,000 megawatts - enough to power some 680,000 homes.
Less than an hour later, it plummeted almost as much.
Read Article
Ebb and flow of wind power stress NW power grid
By DAVID LESTERYAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
YAKIMA, Wash. -- In the space of one hour last month, electricity generated at wind farms in the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge shot up by 1,000 megawatts - enough to power some 680,000 homes.
Less than an hour later, it plummeted almost as much.
Read Article
Clatsop County Commissioner Jeff Hazen States His Position On Recall Effort Against Him
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Recall
Tuesday morning, recall petitions were filed against both Ann Samuelson and me.
I learned about it after receiving a call from a local reporter. I wasn't surprised that it happened since the chants of "Recall, Recall, Recall" were heard at our July 16th meeting......
Read Statement
Recall
Tuesday morning, recall petitions were filed against both Ann Samuelson and me.
I learned about it after receiving a call from a local reporter. I wasn't surprised that it happened since the chants of "Recall, Recall, Recall" were heard at our July 16th meeting......
Read Statement
Daily "A": Samuelson Hits The Streets To Fight Recall
7/24/2009 12:06:00PM
The Daily Astorian
Samuelson hits the streets to battle recall
Commissioner to visit Seaside and Cannon Beach in effort to thwart signature gatherers
Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson isn't going to take being recalled sitting down.
It's not her style.
She has already scheduled appearances over a two-day period in Cannon Beach and Seaside to thwart attempts of signature gatherers for the recall campaign against her. Her actions come as supporters of the recalls are beginning signature drives.
Read Article
The Daily Astorian
Samuelson hits the streets to battle recall
Commissioner to visit Seaside and Cannon Beach in effort to thwart signature gatherers
Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson isn't going to take being recalled sitting down.
It's not her style.
She has already scheduled appearances over a two-day period in Cannon Beach and Seaside to thwart attempts of signature gatherers for the recall campaign against her. Her actions come as supporters of the recalls are beginning signature drives.
Read Article
Oregon LNG Sues Port Of Astoria
Last updated July 25, 2009 5:02 p.m. PT
Oregon LNG sues Port of Astoria over lease
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - Seattle Post Intelligencer
ASTORIA, Ore. -- Liquefied natural gas terminal developer Oregon LNG has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Astoria to ensure a lease gets renewed as a deadline approaches with unanswered questions about who really owns the land.
Read Article
Oregon LNG sues Port of Astoria over lease
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - Seattle Post Intelligencer
ASTORIA, Ore. -- Liquefied natural gas terminal developer Oregon LNG has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Astoria to ensure a lease gets renewed as a deadline approaches with unanswered questions about who really owns the land.
Read Article
Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson Explains Her Jewell School Board Recall
GRP: To keep you informed on this issue of recall of Clatsop County Commissioners, Jeff Hazen and Ann Samuelson, we felt it important to share this, taken from "Dried Salmon Matters Message Board" with you and we thank them in advance for posting it.
GRP: Interesting Comment taken from Dried Salmon Matters
MemoryGuest
Re: Recall again?« Reply #157(July 26, 2009) Yesterday at 6:59pm »
You bet this recall has been in the works for a long time, and I bet if you strip away the layers you will find Josh(Marquis) and Cindy(Price) at the rotten center of it all.
Logged
Ann Samuelson Guest
Re: Recall again?« Reply #150 Yesterday(July 25, 2009) at 4:53pm »
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, who is now on probabation for mistreating his daughter, and some anti lnger's such as Auerbach signed the petition. It only took 54 signatures, and Ole S. who is now up for felony gun charges and other things went door to door and lied to people...so there you have it, in Oregon you can just lie and recall someone, it needs to change....but the good news is I've kept in touch with the young woman who was the real victim here, and she's back in the community after more trauma yet, and doing well, she's absolutely beautiful, so that recall was successful in my mind, if that's the price I pay so a kid is safe....I'll do it again!! then false ethics charges were filed by these followers as well...ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars but there's a few in this group that are really good
GRP: Interesting Comment taken from Dried Salmon Matters
MemoryGuest
Re: Recall again?« Reply #157(July 26, 2009) Yesterday at 6:59pm »
You bet this recall has been in the works for a long time, and I bet if you strip away the layers you will find Josh(Marquis) and Cindy(Price) at the rotten center of it all.
Logged
Ann Samuelson Guest
Re: Recall again?« Reply #150 Yesterday(July 25, 2009) at 4:53pm »
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, who is now on probabation for mistreating his daughter, and some anti lnger's such as Auerbach signed the petition. It only took 54 signatures, and Ole S. who is now up for felony gun charges and other things went door to door and lied to people...so there you have it, in Oregon you can just lie and recall someone, it needs to change....but the good news is I've kept in touch with the young woman who was the real victim here, and she's back in the community after more trauma yet, and doing well, she's absolutely beautiful, so that recall was successful in my mind, if that's the price I pay so a kid is safe....I'll do it again!! then false ethics charges were filed by these followers as well...ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars but there's a few in this group that are really good
Saturday, July 25, 2009
FYI;"Why arent' these people listening to us?" - Petition Information On The Where, When, Why For County Commissioner Recall
From: "Laurie Caplan" - "Astoria Neighbors"
Saturday, July 25, 2009 7:01 AM
Subject: Recall Petitions: Where, When, and Why
"Why aren't those people listening to us?!?!"
That Warrenton voter's outrage was echoed throughout the day Friday as voters signed petitions to recall County Commissioners Jeff Hazen and AnnSamuelson.
If you want to restore the people’s voice in our county,please sign a petition for recall.
About 500 signatures are needed in each district.
As one signer said in Astoria, "It's time for them to go!
Only registered voters from each district can sign that district's petitions.
Recall Jeff Hazen - District 1 - Covers Warrenton, Hammond, and and the western portion of Astoria westof Fifth Street, northwest of Denver Ave. and north of platted W.Niagara Avenue - Astoria has almost half the voters in District 1 ASTORIA and WARRENTON POST OFFICES Monday - Friday, July 27-31 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Recall Ann Samuelson - District 5 - Covers the area from Sunquist Road in Seaside east of U.S. 101, andCannon Beach, Arch Cape south to the Tillamook County line, east tothe Columbia and Washington county lines, including Hamlet and JewellSEASIDE and CANNON BEACH POST OFFICESMonday - Friday, July 27-31 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
For more information or to sign a petition at another time or location: District 1 for the Columbia 503-791-3006, 1fortheColumbia@gmail.com Democracy in District 5 503-755-2415, info@did5.org
The recall campaign committees give these reasons to recall Hazen andSamuelson.
RECALL JEFF HAZEN - "Whose Side Is He On?"
*Ignoring the will of the people Cheerleading for BradwoodLanding
*Wasting staff time and taxpayer money 67% of voters in District 1 and throughout Clatsop County voted NO to allowing LNG pipelines in parks, but Jeff Hazen continues to say YES to LNG. ·
*Ignored local fishermen, business leaders, and many county residents who testified more than 2-to-1 against Bradwood Landing during days of public hearings·
*Ignored the recommendations against Bradwood Landing made by the independent land use expert he voted to hire to lead county staff in analyzing the company’s application·
*Failed to demand that public safety, security, and emergencymeasures for LNG be publicly spelled out and costs guaranteed by Bradwood Landing·
*Initiated a long and expensive controversy with the DistrictAttorney with a surprise motion to deny payment of the DA’s customarystipend, which was established to cover the costs of supervising county employees and administering county programs·
*Tried to undermine the effectiveness and stability of theDistrict Attorney’s office by repeatedly and publicly attacking theD.A.’s competence, personality, and professionalism·
*Traveled at County expense to government hearings in Washington, D.C. to lobby for Bradwood Landing·
*Testified as a public official to the Oregon legislature againstThe LNG Public Protection Act, which would have required the state toshow a need for LNG as a condition for approving necessary statepermits for Bradwood Landing·
*“Forgot” to mention during his testimony in Salem that 1) the staff recommendation was to NOT permit Bradwood Landing, 2) the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals said that key points of the county’s approval did not comply with County land use laws, and 3) County voters voted 2-to-1 AGAINST LNG Pipelines in Parks in last fall’sReferendum·
*Voted to rely on Portland attorneys, paid for by BradwoodLanding, for the County’s legal counsel·
*Rejected and prevented discussion of another Commissioner’s suggestion to get an independent legal analysis of the BradwoodLanding findings·
*At public hearing in July, Hazen insisted that LNG would protect salmon and traditional gillnet fishery - and then said, “Is there going to be a loss? Yes, there is going to be a loss.”
RECALL ANN SAMUELSON - By her actions as a Clatsop County Commissioner, Ann Samuelson, has harmed the future of Clatsop County and its residents through:
*Repeatedly voting in support of proposals overwhelmingly opposed bythe public, and over the objections of professional staff.
*Squandering public funds by choosing to hire planning and management consultants and expensive attorneys but disregarding their professional advice and findings;
*Squandering public funds by unnecessary, unproductive and ill-advised travel;
*Undermining common values, adopted plans, established policies, and regulations of the County;
*Failing to be open and transparent in decision- making and development of policy, violating the spirit of public meetings law;
*Ignoring and failing to respond to the advice and concerns of paid staff, volunteer committees, and the public;
*Manipulating the membership of the Planning Commission in order to control the Planning Commission's decisions and actions;
*Endangering the public and disregarding public safety by failing to require funding guarantees for emergency services and personnel from major industrial proposals;
Creating a divisive environment that is acrimonious and counterproductive in doing the public's business........“What we tolerate, we perpetuate.” -- R. Graham
Saturday, July 25, 2009 7:01 AM
Subject: Recall Petitions: Where, When, and Why
"Why aren't those people listening to us?!?!"
That Warrenton voter's outrage was echoed throughout the day Friday as voters signed petitions to recall County Commissioners Jeff Hazen and AnnSamuelson.
If you want to restore the people’s voice in our county,please sign a petition for recall.
About 500 signatures are needed in each district.
As one signer said in Astoria, "It's time for them to go!
Only registered voters from each district can sign that district's petitions.
Recall Jeff Hazen - District 1 - Covers Warrenton, Hammond, and and the western portion of Astoria westof Fifth Street, northwest of Denver Ave. and north of platted W.Niagara Avenue - Astoria has almost half the voters in District 1 ASTORIA and WARRENTON POST OFFICES Monday - Friday, July 27-31 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Recall Ann Samuelson - District 5 - Covers the area from Sunquist Road in Seaside east of U.S. 101, andCannon Beach, Arch Cape south to the Tillamook County line, east tothe Columbia and Washington county lines, including Hamlet and JewellSEASIDE and CANNON BEACH POST OFFICESMonday - Friday, July 27-31 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
For more information or to sign a petition at another time or location: District 1 for the Columbia 503-791-3006, 1fortheColumbia@gmail.com Democracy in District 5 503-755-2415, info@did5.org
The recall campaign committees give these reasons to recall Hazen andSamuelson.
RECALL JEFF HAZEN - "Whose Side Is He On?"
*Ignoring the will of the people Cheerleading for BradwoodLanding
*Wasting staff time and taxpayer money 67% of voters in District 1 and throughout Clatsop County voted NO to allowing LNG pipelines in parks, but Jeff Hazen continues to say YES to LNG. ·
*Ignored local fishermen, business leaders, and many county residents who testified more than 2-to-1 against Bradwood Landing during days of public hearings·
*Ignored the recommendations against Bradwood Landing made by the independent land use expert he voted to hire to lead county staff in analyzing the company’s application·
*Failed to demand that public safety, security, and emergencymeasures for LNG be publicly spelled out and costs guaranteed by Bradwood Landing·
*Initiated a long and expensive controversy with the DistrictAttorney with a surprise motion to deny payment of the DA’s customarystipend, which was established to cover the costs of supervising county employees and administering county programs·
*Tried to undermine the effectiveness and stability of theDistrict Attorney’s office by repeatedly and publicly attacking theD.A.’s competence, personality, and professionalism·
*Traveled at County expense to government hearings in Washington, D.C. to lobby for Bradwood Landing·
*Testified as a public official to the Oregon legislature againstThe LNG Public Protection Act, which would have required the state toshow a need for LNG as a condition for approving necessary statepermits for Bradwood Landing·
*“Forgot” to mention during his testimony in Salem that 1) the staff recommendation was to NOT permit Bradwood Landing, 2) the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals said that key points of the county’s approval did not comply with County land use laws, and 3) County voters voted 2-to-1 AGAINST LNG Pipelines in Parks in last fall’sReferendum·
*Voted to rely on Portland attorneys, paid for by BradwoodLanding, for the County’s legal counsel·
*Rejected and prevented discussion of another Commissioner’s suggestion to get an independent legal analysis of the BradwoodLanding findings·
*At public hearing in July, Hazen insisted that LNG would protect salmon and traditional gillnet fishery - and then said, “Is there going to be a loss? Yes, there is going to be a loss.”
RECALL ANN SAMUELSON - By her actions as a Clatsop County Commissioner, Ann Samuelson, has harmed the future of Clatsop County and its residents through:
*Repeatedly voting in support of proposals overwhelmingly opposed bythe public, and over the objections of professional staff.
*Squandering public funds by choosing to hire planning and management consultants and expensive attorneys but disregarding their professional advice and findings;
*Squandering public funds by unnecessary, unproductive and ill-advised travel;
*Undermining common values, adopted plans, established policies, and regulations of the County;
*Failing to be open and transparent in decision- making and development of policy, violating the spirit of public meetings law;
*Ignoring and failing to respond to the advice and concerns of paid staff, volunteer committees, and the public;
*Manipulating the membership of the Planning Commission in order to control the Planning Commission's decisions and actions;
*Endangering the public and disregarding public safety by failing to require funding guarantees for emergency services and personnel from major industrial proposals;
Creating a divisive environment that is acrimonious and counterproductive in doing the public's business........“What we tolerate, we perpetuate.” -- R. Graham
Friday, July 24, 2009
3 Mayors, Two State Legislators And Three Rabbis Among 44 Arrested In New Jersey Money Laundering Investigation
GRP. - Until one gets caught, the misery of local politics can sometimes be bearable and very profitable, it seems, for the right deal and the right prize at the end
By DAVID M. HALBFINGER - New York Times
Published: July 23, 2009
A two-year corruption and international money-laundering investigation stretching from the Jersey Shore to Brooklyn to Israel and Switzerland culminated in charges against 44 people on Thursday, including three New Jersey mayors, two state assemblymen and five rabbis, the authorities said.
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By DAVID M. HALBFINGER - New York Times
Published: July 23, 2009
A two-year corruption and international money-laundering investigation stretching from the Jersey Shore to Brooklyn to Israel and Switzerland culminated in charges against 44 people on Thursday, including three New Jersey mayors, two state assemblymen and five rabbis, the authorities said.
Read Article
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bend, Oregon; Poverty With A View?
KGW.com/AP Wire: Oregon's recession is 'poverty with a view'
07/20/2009
By JOSEPH B. FRAZIER and TIM FOUGHT / Associated Press
This city in Oregon's scenic high desert once had one of the nation's hottest economies. Resort developers, bankers, construction workers and luxury car dealers rushed for a piece of the action.
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07/20/2009
By JOSEPH B. FRAZIER and TIM FOUGHT / Associated Press
This city in Oregon's scenic high desert once had one of the nation's hottest economies. Resort developers, bankers, construction workers and luxury car dealers rushed for a piece of the action.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
The Curious Commissioner Hazen's Position On LNG
(The new county seal Artwork is courtesty of Marc Auerbach, borrowed from Astoria Photografix)
From Willamette Week Story Forum Archive written on September 30th, 2005 12:00amComment 9 Respond
"LNG is welcome in Warrenton
The majority of people that I have spoken with in Warrenton are in favor of the Calpine proposal to locate a LNG facility here. We have seen the decline of jobs in the fishing and wood products industry. The economic impact of having a facility that provides family wage jobs is tremendous for our town of just over 4200 people. Warrenton has long been business friendly and we welcome the addition of this facility. LNG has been safely handled for decades. One should not be influenced by the opponents "the sky is falling" arguments that siting a facility here will result in a fiery inferno. As with other industries, there are risks. However, modern day engineering provides for facilies that are designed to be safe. Controls are in place to ensure the safety of the facility and the area surrounding it. Others will accuse me of being a "paid lackey" for Calpine, but I am just a concerned citizen looking to the future economic well being of our town."
—Jeff Hazen
"LNG is welcome in Warrenton
The majority of people that I have spoken with in Warrenton are in favor of the Calpine proposal to locate a LNG facility here. We have seen the decline of jobs in the fishing and wood products industry. The economic impact of having a facility that provides family wage jobs is tremendous for our town of just over 4200 people. Warrenton has long been business friendly and we welcome the addition of this facility. LNG has been safely handled for decades. One should not be influenced by the opponents "the sky is falling" arguments that siting a facility here will result in a fiery inferno. As with other industries, there are risks. However, modern day engineering provides for facilies that are designed to be safe. Controls are in place to ensure the safety of the facility and the area surrounding it. Others will accuse me of being a "paid lackey" for Calpine, but I am just a concerned citizen looking to the future economic well being of our town."
—Jeff Hazen
Jeff Hazen testimony before House Committee on Sustainability and Economic Development, April 16 2009, re HB2015 - The LNG Public Protection Act, HB 2015 would have protected Oregon's farms, forests, rivers and public lands from the irresponsible development of Liquefied Natural Gas terminals and pipelines. It died without a committee vote. After its failure, LNG opponents focused attention on HB 3058, a bill that would 'fast-track' the LNG pipeline siting process. That bill passed the House but is awaiting committee action in the Senate.
Hazen testified about HB 2015 before the Oregon House Committee on Sustainability and Economic Development, April 16, 2009, starting at 12:39pm. The audio is split in two, with the first part only 10 minutes in length, and the second part following on automatically.
http://www.leg.state.or.us/listn/archive/archive.2009s/HSED-200904161239.ram
The question? Was Hazen out of bounds in testifying before this committee with outstanding issues, yet resolved before him? Is there cause for a conflict in this conduct?
At about 1:33:00 (on the audio) Bob Austin, Clackamas County Commissioner testified in support of HB2015.
At about 1:35:10, Commissioner Hazen began: Rep. Brad Witt: Mr. Chairman, I’d just like to recognize that Mr. Hazen is a constituent and, as you have already noted, the Chair of the Clatsop County Commission.
Chair: Thank you. Mr. Commissioner.
Hazen: Sorry for missing…I think we both missed the 100-mile check box. Chair Reed, members of the Committee, it’s an honor to be here today.
The only reason I came today was just to describe the process briefly that we went through in Clatsop County.
We have two different proposals for LNG facilities located in our county, and we went through an exhaustive review for the Bradwood Landing one.
This is a review, a land use process that took over ten months.
We had hearings last year, I think there was one day that we had a hearing….
Chair: Mr. Commissioner, I’m sorry to interrupt you. I need for you to identify yourself for the record.
Hazen: Jeff Hazen, Clatsop County Commissioner, Chairman.
One hearing, the long one, was held at the Liberty Theater, and was well over 10 hours in taking testimony, so it was a very open and transparent process.
It was something that the county has never gone through before with this extensive of a land use process.
One thing I did want to add was, you know, Senator Walker was talking about reimbursement for the State, and that’s one thing that the County does have in place. We have a Long Term Financial Plan that requires that we recover the costs of things. So, Northern Star Natural Gas has been charged with all the fees that we’ve expended for that process.
We generated well over 10,000 pages for the process.
Last year Commissioner Samuelson and myself traveled back to the FERC hearing in Washington, DC and, as you heard earlier, they had over 50,000 pages of testimony and documentation. I thought it was interesting, in that room they did bring in the carts full of all the testimony, so it was actually in the room. It was quite a site to see.
What it gets down to, I think that the question that you need to ask is: Do we need additional processes, additional bureaucracy, and I would just caution you with that in dealing with these.
So, with that, if you have any questions, I’d be more than happy to ask…answer.
Chair: We have a very short period of time. Any questions for the Commissioner? Seeing none, let’s see how many more we can get in in the remaining couple minutes. . . . .
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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