LNG Terminal-Employee List

From Quoddy Bay LNG

Administration Manager
Electrical Engineer
Electrician
Emergency Medical Technician
Facility Manager
General Clerk
Instrument Technician
Longshoreman
Maintenance Mechanic
Maintenance Manager
Maintenance Supervisor
Operations Manager
Operator
Process-Instrument Engineer
Security Manager
SH&E Manager
Shift Supervisor
Site Nurse
Welder

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

Is that the way it works?

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

Is that what we elect these people to do?

Wu's Letter To The "Guvnuh"

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

Proposed Findings Of Fact On Bradwood Landing

The Below link should take you directly to the findings.

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

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

Lee Releases Statement To Answer Recall Charges.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jewell School Board Recall Update

By KARA HANSEN - The Daily Astorian

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

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

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

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

Click Link Below For Full Story

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

The Port: Put Ron Larsen Where He Does Best

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

What are your thoughts?

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

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

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

Richard Lee Recall Signatures Confirmed

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

Friday, February 15, 2008

Clatsop County Commissioner Richard Lee has until Wednesday to either resign or defend himself in a public statement for a March 25 recall election.

The final stray signatures on the Lee recall petition were certified this morning.

Last week, supporters of the effort came in two valid signatures short of the needed 468 but, the group turned in six more signatures Monday, four of which counted, putting the total at 470.

Interim County Clerk Fred Neal said today.If Lee resigns, there will be no recall election.

Otherwise, residents of Lee's district have until March 4 to register to vote on the issue, Neal said.Although he has declined interviews with The Daily Astorian, Lee addressed the issue during a Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday.

"I wish to publicly state that I am not guilty of the many charges," said Lee. "Thank you for your support.

"Lee is accused of using his position on the county board to favor his business interests and circumventing regulations on permits and other matters, especially in dealing with the county planning department.

During the public comment period of the meeting, Lori Durheim, of Astoria, stepped to the microphone and asked for Lee to resign.

She was followed by Jay Kiddle, also of Astoria, who also asked that Lee resign."I find it inconceivable that he can sue my interest and still represent it," he said.

Lee has had his Portland lawyer file a tort claim against the county indicating his intention to sue if certain conditions are not met.

His contention is that he has been unfairly penalized by county planners.Two other people attending the meeting, Willard and Tammy Richardson, of Astoria, told commissioners Wednesday they, like Lee, have had problems dealing with the county's planning department.

After they offered details, Clatsop County Manager Scott Derickson said he would follow up.

Meanwhile, the other four commissioners appear to be working out their differences, which culminated in name-calling and an obscene gesture at a session last month.

Commissioner Sam Patrick, who has been the lone vote in many 4-1 decisions in the past year, read a letter into the record, explaining his actions during a one-on-one meeting between Commissioner Ann Samuelson and him during a goal-setting session in January.

Samuelson said during a Jan. 23 board meeting that his references to violence "created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

"Patrick, a former Los Angeles County deputy sheriff, said he was simply reverting back to his training and using a metaphor about an armed person barricading himself.

"I said to you, 'In a situation like that, you do everything possible to end the situation before you drop the hammer,'" he said.

He said the two continued to discuss "expedience," and he thought they were on common ground.Patrick has said he will retire from the commission when his term ends this year.

Patricia Roberts plans to file again.

Samuelson and Jeff Hazen's positions are not on the ballot this year.

Richard Lee Issue: County Employee Protections

1) Reporting public endangerment resulting from an action by a public employer;
2) A public employer may not prohibit, discourage, restrain, dissuade, coerce, orotherwise interfere with any employee disclosing to any person, or take or threatento take disciplinary action against an employee for disclosing any information thatthe employee reasonably believes is evidence of:
(a) A violation of any federal orMemorandum to the Clatsop County Board of CommissionersFebruary 8, 2008Page 6state law, rule or regulation by action of the state agency or political subdivision, or
b) Mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or substantial andspecific danger to public health and safety resulting from action of the state,agency or political subdivision.
3) No public employer may identify the employee who discloses matters described inthis rule during any investigation of the information provided by the employeewithout the written consent of the employee. And, no supervisory or managementemployee of a public employer may reveal to an employee accused of malfeasance the identity of the employee who discloses matters described in ORS659A.203 or reports described in ORS 659A.212.4)
No public employer may take any disciplinary action against an employee foremployee activity described and protected by the law. An employer, however, is not precluded from taking disciplinary action if:
a. The information disclosed is known by the employee to be false;
b. The employee discloses the information with reckless disregard for itstruth or falsity; orc. The information disclosed relates to the employee's own violations,mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, orendangerment of the public health or safety.Discrimination Based on Protected Status. ORS 659A.030 relates to claims of retaliation.
To establish a prima facie case of retaliation, a complainant must prove:
(1) she engaged in protectedactivities;
(2) she suffered an adverse employment action; and
(3) there was a causal link between theprotected activities and the adverse employment action. These elements are also stated in a corollaryfederal statute related to federal employment claims, 42 USC § 2000e et seq.
The elements of the claimare the same under federal law – that is, to establish a prima facie case of retaliation, Complainant mustprove:
(1) she engaged in protected activities;
(2) she suffered an adverse employment action; and
(3)there was a causal link between the protected activities and the adverse employment action. Ray v.Henderson, 217 F.3d 1234, 1240 (9th Cir. 2000).
Tort Claim.
The tort alleged by the Lee’s attorney, interference with the business relationship,requires proof that
1) there is the existence of a business relationship
2) intentional interference with thatrelationship
3) by a third party,
4) accomplished by improper means or for an improper purpose,
5) a causal effect between the interference and the damage to the economic relationship and 6) actual damages.Services Employees Intl, v. Walter 2007 ORCA A129008-121207, citing McGanty v.Staudenraus, 321 Or. 532, 535, 901 P2d 841 (1995).

The Richard Lee Debacle: A Few Major Questions....

How long has Lee's project....whatever it's called...been underway, 3 - 4 years now?

Zoning approvals on questionable use of property?

Conditional Use Permits?

Whatever else and the project has reached the state that it is in now?

Me? I would never get out the door with a permit or approvals on any of this stuff right from the very start, if any aspect were left unsatisfied nor, would I expect to.

Why has this all not been addressed way, way, way before now?

22 outdated and/or unsatisfied Building Permits?

Does this bleeding go all the way through to include "Inept Administration" as well as leadership?

Who, exactly is asleep at the wheel on this and why is Jennifer Bunch become the targeted "Sacrificial Goat" on this?

LNG: "The Guv" Slams F.E.R.C. Pipeline Review

Kulongoski slams feds' gas pipeline review

Governor has a 'growing concern' about regulators' handling of the controversial liquid natural gas project

BY JOHN SCHRAG

The Forest Grove News-Times, Feb 14, 2008

Gov. Ted Kulongoski told federal regulators on Wednesday to stop their review of three liquid natural gas facilities proposed in Oregon.
In a letter to Joseph Kelliher, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the governor blasted the agency's handling of the project, and insisted that it review all alternatives to the controversial energy supply and work to restore the state's right to enforce its own environmental standards.
"I have a growing concern that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approach to the licensing of plants and pipelines has created a crisis of confidence with Oregonians," the governor wrote. "It is essential that FERC conduct a process for a regional review of alternative means of meeting future demands for natural gas that is fair to the citizens of Oregon and our neighboring states."
Three companies are working with federal regulators to build liquid natural gas terminals near Astoria and Coos Bay. The proposals would send the pipelines from two of the projects through western Washington County and northern Yamhill County.
The terminals have drawn loud crowds at rallies and sparked citizen groups in Forest Grove, Yamhill, Astoria and, most recently, Salem. The groups have raised concerns about private property rights, safety and the effect on the environment.
Until Thursday, Kulongoski was viewed as a cautious supporter of the project, having said he thought that the liquid natural gas could serve as a "bridge" to renewable energy sources. His letter signaled a sharp shift.
In the letter, the governor outlined his "concerns about lack of information on the need for LNG in the Pacific Northwest, concerns about localized impact on air and water quality, and no analyzis of greenhouse gases that may be released by specific sites in Oregon."
In addition to calling on Kelliher to review alternatives to the LNG facilities, Kulongoski said he had directed Oregon's Department of Energy to conduct its own evaluation.
Further, Kulongoski said he has asked Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers to see whether the state has the legal authority to stop progress on the federally regulated projects until FERC completes the requested review.
Finally, the governor said he was asking members of the Oregon Congressional delegation to seek a repeal of the laws that gave the FERC the authority to "preempt" Oregon's facility siting process.

Richard Lee: Recommendations By Counsel

From: MEMORANDUM TO CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSION NUMBER 2

Counsel has recommended that staff action include:
1) Enforcement action be undertaken on the Planning Code violations.

2) Stop work orders be issued on the Building Code violations.

3) No further County permits be issued until compliance is achieved.

4) Issue a letter to the Lees that they will only be permitted in Community Development offices for a pre-arranged meeting with management staff, that no other staff will be permitted to speak with them on their personal issues, and that any threatening behavior may result in the issuance of a “no trespass order” as provided for by Oregon law.At this point, Counsel would recommend that the Board consider the following actions:
1) Support the County Manager and County staff in upholding the law.
2) Determine whether you will authorize the release of this Memorandum and theGoldsmith Report to the public at this time or resist disclosure.
3) Put safeguards in place in your communications with Commissioner Lee to avoid disclosure of information material to the defense of the Lewis and ClarkDevelopment, LLC Tort Claim. Commissioners will need to careful in theirconsideration of issues and handling of documents pertaining to CommissionerLee.
4) Be aware Commissioner Lee may have conflicts in the following areas:a. Any matter involving the Community Development Department includingland use appeals.Memorandum to the Clatsop County Board of CommissionersFebruary 8, 2008Page 8b.

The Community Development Department budget, and the County budget generally if funds must be budgeted for litigation.c. Enforcement actions against him and any disputes he has with the County.

Counsel and staff will need to communicate on those issueswith Commissioners at meetings from which Commissioner Lee isexcluded and maintain the confidentiality of such communications in theinterest of the County as a whole.This unique situation is caused by Richard Lee’s actions that have placed him in aposition of legal adversity with Clatsop County.

We recommend the Board of Commissioners supportCounty Staff in enforcing the law in their decision to prohibit any construction activity on the property untilthe regulatory matters are resolved and are in compliance.

If Commissioner Lee chooses not to complythen the Board of Commissioners should make clear that the Board’s expectation is simply that staff shalltreat any member of the Board of Commissioners exactly as the County would treat any other member ofthe public at large.

On employment matters, we recommend a non-interference stance in support ofCounty administration as overseen by the County Manager.

We recommend Commissioners affirm thatthe Board does not condone any Commissioner, a Commissioner’s agent, or indeed any citizen,manifesting threatening behavior toward County Staff, and thereby acknowledge the seriousness ofthese matters.

We further recommend that the Commissioners be sensitive to the need to protectconfidentiality in the preparation of any defense to any litigation brought by Commissioner Lee againstthe County.

Richard Lee: The Core Elements Of The Issue

From: Memorandum To Clatsop County Commission Number 2

The core elements of the situation are as follows:

* Commissioner Richard Lee is a land developer who has not complied with conditional usepermits and letters from the Planning Department staff requesting compliance, and whohas issues of non-compliance with the Building Codes Department.Memorandum to the Clatsop County Board of CommissionersFebruary 8, 2008Page 2
* He is a resistant and non-compliant Planning Department customer. His wife has madedemands upon the Planning Director that Jennifer Bunch, a Planning Staff member,should be fired for her role in seeking to enforce land use requirements for the Lee’sdevelopment.
* Commissioner Lee has taken complaints about Planning and Building Codes Staff decisions concerning his development to the Assistant County Manager, and used his access as Commissioner to interrupt meetings in her office in order to do so. On other occasions, when matters have not gone as the Lee’s preferred, they have directlycontacted the County Manager. As a result, Planning Staff feels a need to deal with themon a special basis. Despite the Lee’s efforts, the County Manager’s Office has notinterfered in the planning and permitting process.
* Commissioner Lee and his wife have been confrontational in private dealings withPlanning Staff and Building Code Officials. This behavior has caused Planning Staff andBuilding Code Officials to seek assistance from the Community Development Director, theCounty Manager’s office and County Counsel in their efforts to enforce the law andexecute their duties properly.
* Jennifer Bunch has filed a written complaint concerning this behavior with the CommunityDevelopment Director and the County Manager. She reports feeling threatened and infear of losing her job.
* The Community Development Director has voiced thoughts of resigning as hispredecessors have done, rather than continue to deal with the conflict generated by theLee’s behavior.
* On January 9 and 10, 2008, Richard Lee filed a public records request seeking disclosureto him of copies of all memos, written communication, and anything that refers to him, hiswife, or properties or projects that they are involved in, between staff members andCounty officials, Commissioners, and clients.
* On January 28, 2008, the County Manager received a Tort Claims Notice from KennethDobson, an attorney representing Lewis and Clark Development, LLC, a company ownedby Lynda and Richard Lee. The Tort Claim alleges interference with the businessrelationship by County staff.

Richard Lee: Status Of Land Use File

From: MEMORANDUM TO CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NUMBER 2

A summary of current status of Richard Lee’s land use file is as follows:

Commissioner Lee has several outstanding sets of issues with the County Planning Department.

*The first involves compliance with conditional use permits for a golf course and an RV Park and requests of the planning staff for compliance in at least two letters.

*The second involves five property transfers from Lee to neighboring property owners.

*A final issue involves compliance with flood hazard regulations.
In March 2003 Commissioner Lee was allowed to build a 9-hole golf course on property zoned for exclusive farm use. His conditional use permit is subject to nine conditions.
The first required a final design layout showing 50-foot riparian setbacks.
The seventh required certain permits prior to construction of an outbuilding. Lee has built the course but has not complied with conditions one and seven.
In January 2005 Commissioner Lee was allowed to develop a 90-space Recreational VehiclePark on 9.5 acres zoned for Rural Community Commercial use. This approval was subject to 12 conditions. Condition three requires compliance with Oregon Administrative Rules dealing with Recreational Parks and Organizational Camps, OAR 918-650-0035 through 918-650-00801. OAR 918-650-0035 requires a set of construction plans prior to the issuance of any building permits. Although construction of the park continues, Lee has not produced construction plans that comply with OAR 918-650-0035. Also see, ORS 455.680 requiring State approval of plans before construction begins.
Between 1984 and 2001 Commissioner Lee transferred portions of his property to neighboring owners without the benefit of County approval. These transfers were made by five separate deeds. County Planning Staff believes that the County land use ordinance required each of these transfers to be approved by either a Property Line Adjustment or a Partition prior to the transfer of property. It appears that the transfers involved either vacant land or were made to cure an encroachment. Planner Jennifer Bunch discovered the problem in October 2007 after Lee submitted an application to further partition his remaining parcel of property. As there was no County approval of the transfers, Lee is prohibited from further subdividing the remaining parcel and also prohibited from obtaining permits for land use activities involving this property. This prohibition includes obtaining the permits required by condition number seven of the golf course approval. Richard Lee and Lynda Lee reacted to this situation with abusive behaviors directed at CountyPlanning Staff.To resolve these problems, permits to transfer the property, development plans for the RV Parkand golf course and permits for the outbuilding are needed. The last issue involves both the golf course and the RV Park. Both developments lie within a Flood Hazard Overlay District (FHO). These districts are designed to reduce flood damage and loss of life in areas subject to periodic flooding. §4.030(4) of the County’s Planning Code requires that fill placed below the base flood elevation in the FHO be compensated for with an equal volume of excavation frombelow the base flood elevation. Planning Staff has requested that Commissioner Lee demonstrate compliance with this code section on the plans for the RV Park and golf course. Although each development must comply with §4.030(4), it is unclear whether compliance must be demonstrated on thedevelopment plans for the RV Park and golf course.

Richard Lee: Overview Of Permit File

From: MEMORANDUM FOR THE CLATSOP COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NUMBER 2



*Over the course of these two developments many building permits have been taken out by Lee or by contractors on behalf of Lee.

*Some of these permits have not been closed out and are now stale.

*Jim Byerly the County Building Official indicates that 22 permits are outstanding on these projects with 10 of them outdated.

*The order approving the conditional use erroneously refers to OAR ch. 618.

LNG: Paul Sansone On Documentation Of F.E.R.C. Process Failuires

Subject: Documentation of FERC Process Failures for CommissionerWellinghoff.
Date: Tue, Feb 12, 2008, 5:39 PM

DO YOU HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE LNG REVIEW PROCESS BEING CONDUCTED BY FERC?

Did FERC fail to notify you of the LNG terminals or pipelinesaffecting yourproperty? Were you notified by misleading notices in thenewspaper? Havethe pipeline companies threatened or intimidated you to getaccess to yourland for surveys? Did you go to a FERC hearing and was unable totell whowas with FERC and who was representing the project proponents?
Have you had trouble even finding out where the proposedpipelines will evengo?
FERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff has asked for documentation ofthe abusesof our democratic and private property rights.
ACTION ALERT:All citizens and groups that are affected by the proposed LNGterminals andpipelines and have documentation of problems with the FederalEnergyRegulatory Commission(FERC) LNG review process should respond immediately toFERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff request receive information andact toresolve the deficiencies.
Concerned citizens and affected parties should provide thisinformation toOregon's Congressional delegation to deliver to CommissionerWellinghoff ina legal manner. PLEASE RESUBMIT ANY DOCUMENTATION PROVIDEDEARLIER AGAIN toprotect against any errors or omissions that we know have already
occurred.
The information will also be collected by the ColumbiaRiverkeepers andsubmitted directly to FERC. Those affected can forwardinformation by emailto the following contact people:
Emails, reference the subject:Documentation of FERC Process Failures for CommissionerWellinghoff.
Copy the following people:David M. Berick, Senator Ron Wyden's Washington officedave_berick@WYDEN.SENATE.GovMary Gautreaux, Senator Ron Wyden's Portland officemary_gautreaux@WYDEN.SENATE.GovJason Vaillancourt, Senator Smith's officejason_vaillancourt@gsmith.senate.govAnn Richardson, Representative Wu's officeann.richardson@mail.house.govMichael Carrier, Governor Kulongoski's officemichaelcarrier@state.or.usBetsy Johnson, Senator District 16sen.betsyjohnson@state.or.usDeborah Boone, Representative District 32rep.deborahboone@state.or.usDaniel Serres, Columbia River Keepersdserres@gmail.com (who will make a FERC submittal)
(Cut and paste emails below into your email)dave_berick@WYDEN.SENATE.Gov, mary_gautreaux@WYDEN.SENATE.Gov,jason_vaillancourt@gsmith.senate.gov,ann.richardson@mail.house.gov,sen.betsyjohnson@state.or.us, rep.deborahboone@state.or.us,dserres@gmail.com.
We are requesting that FERC immediately stop all LNG related FERC
reviews inthe State and publicly investigate abuses and failures of thecurrentprocesses.
We also request that all LNG related proposals be combined into aProgrammatic Environmental Impact Statement including adefinitive energyneeds analysis.

Memorandum For Clatsop County Commissioners - Two On Richard Lee - February 8, 2008

From Submitted Public Information Request

800 Exchange St, Suite 410 . Astoria, Oregon 97103 . (503) 325-8449 . FAX (503) 338-2969
CLATSOP COUNTY
COUNTY COUNSEL
MEMORANDUM FOR THE CLATSOP COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION/ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGED
DATE: February 8, 2008
RE: Commissioner Lee / Human Resources, Planning & Potential Litigation/
Risk Management Issues


County Manager Scott Derickson has presented an evolving situation to the County’s lawyers and requested recommendations. He perceived potential legal liabilities and political issues, coupled with employee rights, and County responsibilities. These issues are compounded by an appearance of impropriety and the risk of compounding County liability in the event incorrect choices are made.


To Read Entire Memorandum Click Here!

Looking Back:Citizens For Clatsop County Charter Integrity?

Got this list from a citizen just looking back and spurred by the accusations of Conspiracy by The Daily "A", CCFOG and others against Richard Lee.

Interesting! A Sitting County Commissioner, one that actually authored the resolution that triggered the referendum itself, contributed Approx. $1400.00? $1100.00 or so posted a day after the vote?

Filer/Committee
Contributor/Payee
Sub Type
Amount
137040
11/09/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$30.00
137048
11/09/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Bernard E Bjork
Cash Contribution
$101.00
137039
11/07/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Jeff S Hazen
In-Kind Contribution
$1,131.16
137038
11/06/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Hipfish Monthly
Account Payable
$160.00
137037
11/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
New Northwest Broadcasting
Account Payable
$100.00
132930
10/28/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$200.00
132931
10/23/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Tamara Broadmore
Account Payable
$395.00
120262
10/22/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$150.00
120261
10/17/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Witham & Dickey
Account Payable
$3,581.97
132929
10/17/2007
Amended
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Michael Moore
Cash Contribution
$500.00
120260
10/17/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$200.00
114572
10/10/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Lynda M Lee
Cash Contribution
$150.00
114571
10/08/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$25.00
114570
10/06/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$99.00
114563
10/06/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Carrie L Bartoldus
In-Kind Contribution
$350.00
114564
10/06/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$100.00
109839
10/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$50.00
109836
10/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$25.00
109834
10/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$99.00
109835
10/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$25.00
109837
10/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$50.00
109838
10/05/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$70.00
115835
10/03/2007
Amended
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Action Sign Works
Cash Expenditure
$400.00
109831
10/03/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$100.00
109830
10/03/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$50.00
109829
10/03/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$100.00
109826
10/03/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Sign-One Signcrafters
Cash Expenditure
$835.00
109832
10/03/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$99.00
109833
10/03/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Contributions $100 and under
Cash Contribution
$99.00
132932
09/27/2007
Amended
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Sign-One Signcrafters
Account Payable
$1,685.00
109828
09/27/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Sign-One Signcrafters
Cash Expenditure
$850.00
104705
09/27/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Action Sign Works
Cash Expenditure
$400.00
104706
09/27/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Action Sign Works
Account Payable
$400.00
107051
09/24/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Miscellaneous Cash Expenditures $100 and under
Cash Expenditure
$53.20
104702
09/21/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Jeff S Hazen
Cash Contribution
$250.00
104701
09/21/2007
Original
Citizens for Clatsop County Charter Integrity
Nancy E Harbour
Cash Contribution
$4,000.00

LNG:Martha Neuringer's Report On LNG Rally In Salem

Martha Neuringer of Washington County sent out this RALLY REPORT - it captures a lot of the energy and momentum we experienced. It was soooo heartening to see so many NO LNGers, including several state legislators in the crowd, the 10 of us from Clatsop County, and about 8 people that I know of from Washington State.Enjoy! (and then come to the state agencies meeting at the Holiday Inn Express on Weds. starting at 4!).....Laurie Caplan

RALLY REPORT: The Capitol steps were filled with at least 300 of us, including buses and vans from Astoria, Coos Bay and Klamath Falls (they had to leave at 7 AM). Five tractors were lined up across the street, plus a trailer with three huge round hay bales wrapped in white plastic with NoLNG signs.

The big highlight was a speech by Sec. of State Bill Bradbury, who made a very powerful statement against LNG, its perpetuation of our dependence on foreign fossil fuel and impact on global warming.

A choice quote: "I do not think Oregon should be the pusher, enabling California's dependence on fossil fuels." Jeff Merkley, US Senate candidate, gave a real stemwinder speech, asking the crowd if the terminals and pipelines would provide any of a long series of benefits for Oregon and getting a loud chorus of NO! after each one.

Steve Novick, also running for US Senate, gave a thoughtful speech about the impacts and dangers of LNG.

A statement was read by an aide for Jon Kroger, candidate for Attorney General. Several other officials spoke, together with several of our fellow activists from Astoria, Coos Bay, California, U. of Oregon, etc.

In a nice touch, a peregrine falcon flew overhead (it has a nest on the Capitol building).

The rally got good press coverage. Nick Christensen did a nice front page headliner story with a big photo of Jeff Merkley speaking and Hillsboro state rep. Chuck Riley listening with his NoLNG button on, in a sea of NoLNG signs.
The Oregonian played up the split between Bradbury and Kulongoski, and quoted Paul Sansone about how we are feeling "railroaded".

There was a long story about the rally on KPTV news Wed. evening, complete with a clip of Bradbury's "pushers" line, video of exploding gas canisters and photos of LNG supertankers.

It ended with the reporter reading a final "here's the other side" canned sentence from Peter Hansen parroting Kulongoski's "bridge" line which gave the impression that "the company made us do this".

I heard that there also was good coverage on Ch. 8 and on KPOJ radio.

A reporter from the AP spoke to several folks at the rally and said he will do a longer background story.

Entertainment was provided by the Raging Grannies, a group of spunky women from Corvallis with feather boas and hats adorned with flowers and NoLNG buttons, who sang a whole bunch of great anti-LNG songs. (They are actually part of an international network of Grannies.)

An equally important part of the event was lobbying before and after the rally. Many of us met with legislators, some of whom were not informed on the issue but got a quick course--and now know that this is a do-or-die issue for many Oregonians.

The Capitol Building hallways were filled all day with antiLNG protesters, easily spotted by our buttons and red armbands, going to and from meetings with Senators and Representatives from many districts.

Betsy Johnson and Debbie Boone held a meeting with about 20 of us in the Capitol cafeteria, and agreed to talk with the Governor's key aides the next day.

Keith even got the cashier in the Capitol cafeteria to wear a NoLNG button.

Our issue is now definitely on the map and in the news! Thanks and congratulations to everyone who came and/or worked on the rally.

Kings Of Our Own Worlds

Fella walks into a bar, orders a stiff one from Charlie the bartender.

Charlie says, "Hey Mack you look a little stressed, what's up?"

Mack says, "Had another tiff with the wife last night. It was a rough one but it ended up with her crawling to me on her hands and knees after it was all over though."

"Really?" says Charlie. "Well, what did she say after that?"

"COME OUT FROM UNDER THE BED YOU LITTLE CHICKEN SHIT SO I CAN GET A BETTER SHOT AT YOU!"

From The Daily "A": Portland Attorney Weighs In On Lee's Actions

Lawyer says Lee abused his position as Clatsop County Board Chairman

"County staff bent over backwards to be fair attorney says; in return, one may have been called a ‘witch’ or a ‘bitch’"

By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian

Clatsop County Commissioner Richard Lee's wife, Lynda, demanded staff be terminated for upholding county and state law.

That's a no-no.

So said Jill Goldsmith, a Portland attorney, in her report of an investigation into Commissioner Richard Lee's dealings with the county's own planning department released Friday.

Details of Goldsmith's report were released after the county commissioners held a meeting in executive session Friday morning.

Details of what happened in the executive session are not allowed to be reported. Lee was not present at the meeting because he was asked not to attend.

For The Full Story Click On Link Below:

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=48996&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398

"It's A Vendetta." Richard Lee Says!!

May I ask, by who?

I invite Commissioner Lee to respond to this, on this site with a thorough explanation as to his belief.

We still have an open invitation for Commissioner Lee to post his position on this site should he or his agents choose to do so.

From The Daily "A" Lee's Breech With County Goes Deep

Lee's shenanigans pile up

By JOE GAMM -The Daily Astorian

Clatsop County Commissioner Richard Lee finds himself in murky water today.

He's the focus of a petition for a recall election, and last week he filed a tort claim against the county - in essence, threatening to sue.

And, as the recall comes closer to fruition, other details have emerged about the way his business practices and government rules have clashed.

No fewer than five men have accepted the role of director of the county's home inspectors over the past few years ... and soon left.

Many are frustrated that Lee has not followed the rules, especially by not getting conditional use permits, known among planners as "CUPs."

As 2007 came to a close, a county employee filed a complaint against him.

In the complaint, Jennifer Bunch said that if the developer were anyone other than Lee, the county would not have allowed situations involved with his developments to "become such a mess, and would have put a stop to it long ago.

We would have demanded final design plans for each development (as required by both conditional use permits) and then, if any changes were made, we would have required that new conditional use permits be submitted.

"Lee and his wife, Lynda, operate a nursery, RV park and golf course in the Lewis and Clark area.

The complaint said that a problem exists when employees have concerns that their jobs are in jeopardy if they require a developer to adhere to the conditions of permits.

It asked for support requiring the couple to provide official and final design plans for their RV park and golf course.

The county has asked for those plans since Lee began developing the golf course - in 2001.

In 2003, Veronica Smith, who was Clatsop County's senior planner (and now works for NorthernStar Natural Gas Co.), refunded $2,300 of $3,150 Lee had paid for rezoning and a goal exception.

She instead allowed him to proceed with his development under a conditional use permit.

The goal exception would normally be required because the property is within three miles of an urban growth zone.But even then, she asked that he provide "a good site plan map to scale."Although time has passed, little seems to have changed.

On Oct. 17, 2007, Clatsop County sent Lee a letter stating that he must follow the state laws and county building codes, policies and procedures which are in place.

Click Here For Full Story:
http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=48878

Democrats Differ Over LNG In Oregon

From The Oregonian


By JULIA SILVERMAN The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A clear divide is emerging among Oregon Democrats in the fight over whether to build three liquefied natural gas terminals in Oregon, along with hundreds of miles of buried pipelines to ship the gas to West Coast markets.
At a rally Wednesday in Salem, Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, who is hoping to be his party's U.S. Senate candidate in November, came out against the proposed terminals, which would turn imported hyper-cooled fuel into natural gas. He is the second high-profile Democrat in the last week to publicly oppose the plan, joining Secretary of State Bill Bradbury.

Read Full Story
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-23/1202347173129930.xml&storylist=orlocal

CCFOG: The Signatures Are In, Now The Elections Gauntlet

Better dot every "i" and cross every "t" and make damned sure they got more than enough legal names.

UPDATE!!

C l a t s o p C i t i z e n s F o r O p e n G o v e r n m e n t
P. O. B o x 1 8 6 , Wa r re n t o n , O re g o n 9 7 1 4 6
February 4, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CCFOG FILES COMPLETED PETITION TO RECALL RICHARD LEE

Astoria, Oregon. Eleven days was all the time required for Clatsop Citizens for Open
Government to collect sufficient signatures to trigger a recall of Richard Lee, commissioner
for Clatsop County District 3. An energized band of volunteers began collecting signatures on
January 25, and discovered a very determined and supportive electorate willing to sign the
petitions.
The Clatsop County Elections Office has ten days in which to verify the signatures. After the
petition has been certified, Richard Lee will have five days in which to either resign or
respond with a Statement of Justification, explaining his record in office. The Clatsop
County Elections office is attempting to utilize March 18, a previously scheduled date for
special elections, as the date for the recall. If this occurs, ballots would arrive the week of
February 25.
“If a vacancy arises, our expectation is that the remaining county commissioners will
conduct an open process for identifying a replacement, including a call for applications and
a hearing with public commentary” states Scott Reuter, CCFOG volunteer coordinator. "This
is only the first, most immediate, step in the Group's strategy to help bring fairness back to
county government."
For more information about CCFOG and the recall effort, go to the website
at ccFog.org. The mailing address is PO Box 186, Warrenton, 97146.

So, I Hear Some Of Warrenton's Leaders Have Visited A Boston LNG Facility...Will Debrief February 12, 2008

One can only.....uhum!..... guess at the outcome of that visit.

Hmmm, comparing The Boston area to the Lower Columbia River.

How close can one get?

Don't Challenge A Woman's Ego...Ever!

THREE WOMEN, TWO YOUNGER, AND ONE SENIOR CITIZEN, WERE SITTING NAKED IN A SAUNA. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND. THE YOUNG WOMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM AND THE BEEP STOPPED. THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY. "THAT WAS MY PAGER ,SHE SAID. I HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM."

A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE SECOND YOUNG WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED,SHE EXPLAINED, "THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE ,I HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY HAND."

THE OLDER WOMAN FELT VERY LOW-TECH. NOT TO BE OUT DONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER REAR END. THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER. THE OLDER WOMAN FINALLY SAID......... " WELL, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT... I'M GETTING A FAX " !!

From Seattle Times: David Wu And Those Pesky "Earmarks"

Update: WU STATEMENT FOLLOWING STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman David Wu released the following statement after the president's final State of the Union address tonight:
"The president and I have differed on many foreign and domestic policy issues, but tonight I am gratified to work together with him to pass a timely economic stimulus package to prevent Wall Street from dragging our Main Street economy into recession.
"An economic shot in the arm: cash rebates for most Americans, tax incentives for small business and addressing part of the national mortgage crisis is common sense and the right thing to do.
"What the American people and Wall Street want to see is not just an economic package, but a government in Washington that works.
"I hope that the president's decision to work with Congress on this economic stimulus package indicates that we will also do those things we should always be doing to ensure America's long-term economic health.
"We always need to enhance education, from kindergarten to community colleges and universities; work with employers to improve job training programs; invest in research and development; foster partnerships between government and the private sector to bring new technologies and products to store shelves; and craft trade agreements that take care of American jobs first.
"These are the fundamental challenges we need to address. I hope to find a willing partner in the White House.”"



Doug Hoschek sells the Army's elite Special Forces a T-shirt that resists burning — a feature that can save the lives of soldiers under fire.

He wanted to sell his creation to the Marines, as well.

Working out of his Sammamish home, the seasoned garment maker toiled for months preparing to bid but, Hoschek was stunned to learn recently that another company, InSport International, snagged the T-shirt contracts without having to compete.

InSport had lobbied members of Congress for an "earmark" — federal dollars lawmakers direct to favor seekers, often campaign donors. Company executives also donated nearly $9,000 to the re-election effort of Rep. David Wu, D-Ore., who sponsored three earmarks for InSport.

"Earmarks", he said, "cheat businesses that play by the rules. They not only deprive the military of getting the best price, he said, but can saddle soldiers with inferior products that politicians handpick."

It's not supposed to work that way.

Federal law requires that all military contracts, even earmarks, be offered through competitive bidding. Exceptions are allowed in those few cases in which the military has an urgent need or the product is unique.But in case after case, The Seattle Times found, earmark contracts were awarded without competition.

From The November 19, 2007 Special Hearings On Bradwood: A Blatant Lie Or Selective Blindness?

"Hazen asked for clarification of the pipelines and said the Palomar pipeline is separate and that Bradwood is using the pipeline going to Kelso;

Coppedge said that is correct.

Hazen asked if Bradwood would consider using the Palomar pipeline down the road if it was feasible.

Coppedge said they are not developing the Palomar pipeline and the current plan is to transport
gas through the Bradwood Landing pipeline.

Hazen asked what the reason was for the Palomar pipeline and referred to a statement in the Bradwood materials.

Paul Soanes, Bradwood Landing President, Houston, Texas, said the statement is a direct FERC quote and FERC would be the best source for an answer to the commissioner’s question."

And now, coincidentally, we know that Bradwood is indeed abandoning the pipeline crossing "The River" that goes to the "Williams Pipeline" in favor of "The Palomar Pipeline" along, obviously, with Oregon LNG/Pipeline and Northwest Natural Gas, going south and east, then connecting to Trans Canand Pipeline east of Maupin, Oregon.

To me this appears to be a blatant non-truth by Northern Star Natural Gas and not a peep out of Hazen, Lee, Samuelson, Roberts, Patrick regarding this breech.

And of Course new Commission President Roberts tells NNB's Michael Desmond it can all be undone it if all issues are not mitigated properly?

Well, Patricia what the heck are you and yours going to do about this flagrant misdirection by Northern Star?

You have been lied to right out the box and, yet, you sit there, not a peep?

I ask Hazen: Why did you not speak up when you caught the news that NSNG is working with consultants doing feasability for NSNG's use of 'The Palomar" pipeline.

No flags were raised at all?

From The Oregonian On Clatsop County Commission. Is This The Perception We Want To Convey?

Is This The Image We Want To Convey?

Clatsop County Commission needs the "Kindgerten Cop"
by The Oregonian
Thursday January 24, 2008, 12:55 PM

"Arnold, please return to Astoria and use that whistle the get these kids in order. I would love to be the beat reporter at the Daily Astorian that gets to cover these folks and write stories like this. Actually, that's the beauty of it. These stories write themselves. You can't make this up.
Turmoil amid the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners boiled over again Wednesday.
Chairwoman Patricia Roberts scolded a fellow member of the board for flipping other commissioners "the bird" during Tuesday's goal-setting workshop.
Roberts told fellow commissioner Sam Patrick she was stunned and shocked by his conduct."

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/01/clatsop_county_commission_need.html

Grass Roots Straw Poll On Recall

73% Yes
26% No

Samuelson Sells Astoria Plumbing And Tile! - Just More Perception Reinforcement of "Them Against "Us" You think? Read This!

From KAST Coastwatch Blog

Nasty People
Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson is selling her business. She was on her way toclose the deal today when she called to tell me why she was doing this. Ann told me she is entirely committed to her job as a commissioner and decided it was time to get out of the plumbing contracting business because the people that work for her were being targeted by those who don't like some of the decisions she has made as an elected official.

Yes, I've seen the list of CCFOG members who are seeking to dismantle county government.

Those who would "agree" to have their names made public.

I've decided some research is in order. It will take some time so please be patient.

The personal attack on me this morning by the group spokesman Rodger Rocka, followed closely by a call from a commissioner telling me she was giving up her family business to protect her employees from these kind of attacks tells me that regardless of what this group may say about their intentions their actionsspeak volumes.

I certainly don't wish to see anyone from this group affecting public policy orattempting a run for office at this point.Neither should you.

Commissioner Sells Business -From Ann Samuelson Explaining Her Reason

The following is the text of an email I recieved from Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson which clarifies her position.

Hi Tom, I appreciated talking with you the yesterday morning regarding my sale of the plumbing business.

I just want to clarify what I wanted to convey.

I am concerned that my employees "would have been impacted" by how I am treated as an elected official, i.e. their income etc. This was one of the reasons on my list of why I needed to sell at this point in my life.

I have made a commitment to Clatsop County and I have three years left in that commitment.

You can talk to past Commissioners who have businesses of any type and many will tell you they experience a negative effect on their businesses.

Because what I did pay a living wage and benefits on an hourly basis, I was becoming very concerned over the last year about the impact this group behavior in the community would have on others in my life, thus the solution was to sell, and this was part of the reason for that decision.

Further, to protect that as best I could most of our work was not done in Clatsop County, and that had become exhausting as well, I did that because I wanted to limit mine and my employees exposure to the behavior we are seeing from this group.

That is proving to be a real concern, in that I have been turned in to the Secretary of State for laundering money for a campaign, by a fellow Commissioner, and the head of the democratic party in Clatsop County (a false allegation, thrown out by the Secretary of State).

Note that I hold a non-partisan seat as a Commissioner, but I am the only democrat on the BOCC. Currently a Freedom of Information Act request has been submitted to the county building codes department by former Commissioner Helen Westbrook regarding any dealings I have had with them regarding permitting.

The bullying tactics being used here against Mr. Lee, and that I have experienced, are certainly unpleasant but I know and hear daily from supporters of the work we are doing, so it doesn't have the impact I think they hope for.

This is apparently the political climate of our community, it is a climate that is exhausting, time consuming, and very negative, making it challenging to run a business under these circumstances. Know that I will continue to do the work I was elected to do.Thanks so much for the work you do to keep folks informed.Ann
Posted

"The Finger" - An Update.

Now, Clatsop County Commissioner Sam Patrick freely admits he displayed the hand jesture of displaying a raised middle finger in session at a recent meeting but, he qualified it as a clarification of a representation of what another fellow commissioner or was it county manager had portrayed on a piece of paper representing Commission's sentiment towards the constituents.

Anybody know what the real story behind this is?

Update From Patricks Explanation: "The second event occurred when we had broken into smaller groups, discussed several topics and were asked to report on what we'd come up with. One of the groups had drawn a picture describing how the commission felt about the community. I asked "if it looked like this," extended my arm, curled my fingers and extended my middle finger. Yes, this comment and the previous statement are inexcusable and I shall maintain my composure in the future and refrain from such boorish behavior."

Commissioner Hazen Weighs In On Commissioner Patrick

From Clatsop County Commissioner Jeff Hazen's Blog

January 24, 2008

Sam Patricks behavior

As you may have heard, The goal setting meeting wasn't without drama.

During a brief time that I was out of the room, Sam gave his opinion on the discussion with sign language.

Yes, he flipped the bird. I am astounded that he would choose to do this during a meeting where we were attempting to shape our goals for the year and to find common ground in order to work better together. Clearly, he has no desire to work with the rest of the commission and I don't understand why he continues to serve as a commissioner. I guess that I am not surprised by his actions.

I remember when the budget committee met last year and I brought up the district attorney's stipend issue. After the meeting, Sam came up to me and told me that I "f***ed up".

We all know what the fallout was after the decision was made to cut the stipend.

Clearly Sam has made his mission to tear down county government.

He personally filed a complaint against the rest of the commission accusing us of money laundering.

The complaint was baseless and tossed out by the state. He used an old campaign ploy to try and drum up controversy as the citizens were about to vote. He chose to go on the attack about the county and the disaster mitigation plan and give the local newspaper misinformation about who was responsible for the plan.

This plan lies under the auspices of the Sheriff's office and they are working diligently on the plan.

Fortunately, this commission has 4 people committed to working together for the betterment of the county. While the 4 of us may not agree on certain things as they come up, we won't create personal vendettas against each other.

We will move on to the next topic and continue the work we were elected to do. We won't get bogged down in the sewer that Sam has chosen to be in.

GRP Invites Commissioner Lee To Clariify His Statement........

and how, in his leadership in the Clatsop County citizen's Trust, he has prospered that philosophy.

Richard Lee's statement to NCO and KAST -“As a lifelong resident of Clatsop County I truly believe I represent the silent majority of constituents who want and deserve economic growth, affordable housing, and family wage jobs, along with a fiscally responsible government in a livable and friendly community that your children, my children and our grand-children can continue to live in and enjoy. I am committed to this philosophy.”

From Daily Astorian: Clatsop County Commissioner Richard Lee Faces Recall!

One petitioner said; Lee has made a series of incredibly bad decisions.

"It doesn't seem to be getting any better. Every indication is that it's going to get worse," Auerbach said.

The petition was filed today with the Clatsop County Clerk by a new group called Clatsop Citizens for Open Government (CCFOG).

Members list the reasons for recall as:"By his actions as a Clatsop County Commissioner, Richard Lee has harmed the future of Clatsop County and its residents through:
"• Squandering public funds by choosing to hire planning and management consultants and expensive attorneys but disregarding their professional advice and findings; "
• 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; "
• Jeopardizing the justice system through threats of underfunding support staff; "• Manipulating the membership of the Planning Commission 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

."If the petition is approved by the County Clerk, recall supporters will have up to 90 days to collect about 500 signatures necessary to force an election.

When the signed petitions are submitted, the county will have 10 days to verify the signatures and Lee will have five days to either resign or respond.

If he does not resign a recall election must be held within 35 days.

Members of Clatsop Citizens for Open Government will be collecting signatures from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday in front of the Astoria Post Office, outside the Liberty Theater and at the Cannery Pier Hotel.

Only registered voters who live in Lee's district are eligible to sign petitions.

Clatsop County officials say District 3 encompasses the area of Astoria east of Fifth Street, southeasterly of Denver Avenue and south of platted West Niagara Avenue, as well as the communities of Miles Crossing, Jeffers Gardens, Fort Clatsop, Lewis and Clark, Youngs River, Olney, Green Mountain and part of Walluski. These areas are Precincts 4, 5, 6, 21, 31, 36. and part of 3.

For the entire article click below:
http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=48535

MLK Memorial Sculpture Controversy

Controversy Erupts Over Selection of Chinese Sculptor for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

From the Associated Press

The selection of a Chinese sculptor to carve a three-story monument to Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall is raising questions about what part of his legacy should be celebrated.King promoted peace and understanding among all people. His primary fight, however, was to win particular opportunities for blacks in the United States by juxtaposing the plight of an oppressed people against a message of freedom and democracy.A loose-knit but growing group of critics says a black artist — or at least an American — should have been chosen to create the King memorial between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials in the nation's capital. They have been joined by human rights advocates who say King would have abhorred the Chinese government's record on religious and civil liberty."They keep saying King was for everyone. I keep telling people, 'No, King wasn't for everyone. King was for fairness and justice,"' said Gilbert Young, a black painter from Atlanta who has started a Web site and a petition drive to try to change the project."I believe that black artists have the right to interpret ourselves first," Young said. "If nobody steps up to the plate to do that, then certainly pass it along to someone else."The memorial foundation directing the project seems surprised at the criticism. Ten of the 12 people on the committee that chose the sculptor, Lei Yixin, are black. Lei is working closely on the design with two black sculptors in the U.S., organizers said, and the overall project is being directed by a black-owned architecture firm.The foundation also points to King's preaching — in a quote that will be incorporated into the monument — that to achieve peace, humans must "transcend race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective.""The bottom line is Dr. King's message that we should judge a person not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character," said Harry Johnson, the foundation's president and chief executive. "In this situation, we're talking about the artistic character."Lei, designated a master sculptor by the Chinese government, is one of nine artists in the field who are considered national treasures in China. He has carved monuments to many of the country's national figures, including Mao Zedong, father of communist China.In a telephone interview Friday from Hunan province in central China, Lei said he was honored to have been chosen and was aware of the controversy."I deeply understand because Martin Luther King is a hero for black Americans," he said.But, he added, "Martin Luther King hoped that everyone would be brothers and sisters no matter the color of their skin or their social status, that they would all enjoy the same opportunities and rights. ... I want my sculpture to show that Martin Luther King fought for democracy."Ann Lau, a Chinese native who lives in Los Angeles, bristles at the suggestion of democracy in her home country and said King would never condone Beijing's policies. The granite used for the statue probably will be mined by workers laboring in unsafe and unfair conditions, the human rights activist said.Lau, Young and others plan to present their online petition to lawmakers in Washington next month in an effort to force the foundation to reconsider the project. Although the $100 million project is financed with private donations, they said citizens should have a say because the monument is being built on public land."The whole thing is wrong," Lau said. "We are going to be permanently connecting Dr. King with someone whose ideology is totally opposed to Dr. King's ideology."But Johnson, the foundation president, asked why the foundation should hold Lei accountable for his government."I think you have to take this away from the government," he said. "We didn't question Lei about his politics or his ideology. We questioned him about whether he could do the work."The King monument is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

N.M.F.S. FERC Document Pushes For Denial of Bradwood

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has appropriately recommended that the US Army Corps of Engineers deny Northern Star's application. NMFS describes likely adverse impacts on page four which include "extensive dredging, filling of off-channelaquatic habitat and the 100-year floodplain, modification and chronicdisturbance of nearshore habitat, and alteration of riparian and estuarine habitat."

NMFS provides numerous reasons for the Corps to deny the permits needed to construct the terminal and pipelines. For example, on page seven the fisheries service notes that "recent consultations have been founded on improvement of estuary habitat and stated that remaining salmonid habitat should be protected and enhanced. This includes the very habitat proposed for loss or modification by the subject project."

These findings support the testimony that I gave to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on behalf of Pacific MarineConservation Council, as well as statements by others including ColumbiaRiverkeeper and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. This isyet another example of the myopic manner in which four of the commissionersdisregarded significant public testimony, how they failed to dig deeper intothe harm that this project would bring to the salmon of the Columbia River andthe businesses that depend upon these fish.

NMFS connects the interdependent actions such as the pipelines(including Palomar) and moorage of tugs. NMFS also understates the fact that "The need for this volume of natural gas to service the Pacific Northwest has not been convincingly demonstrated."

This is a good read and a useful document(see link below). Perhaps in the end it will be a federal agency thatacts to protect the environment and sustainable economic development of theestuary. Four of five Clatsop County Commissioners sure showed noinclination to serve their constituents. Instead they exhibited recklessdisregard for our safety, our jobs and the quality of our life.

Bravo NMFS!

Peter Huhtala

Subject: Government Agency Submittal submitted in FERC CP06-365-000,et al.by NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

On1/18/2008, the following Filing was submitted to the Federal Energy RegulatoryCommission (FERC), Washington D.C.:


Filer: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

Docket(s): CP06-365-000
CP06-366-000
Filing Type: Government Agency Submittal
Comment on Filing
Description: National Marine Fisheries Service comments on the public noticedated 10/18/07 re an application by Bradwood Landing LLC to constsruct aliquefied natural gas import terminal etc under CP06-365 et al.

To view the document for this Filing, click here
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20080118-0297

What Is A National Heritage Area?

From: National Parks Service

A "National Heritage Area" is a place designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally-distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. These areas tell nationally important stories about our nation and are representative of the national experience through both the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved within them.
How is it different from a national park?A National Heritage Area is not a unit of the National Park Service, nor is any land owned or managed by the National Park Service. Instead, a National Heritage Area is a locally-managed designation that focuses heritage-centered interpretation, conservation and development projects over a complex matrix of public and private land. National Heritage Area initiatives are coordinated by a local entity in partnership with varied stakeholders that work collaboratively on projects that meet the area's stated management plan goals. In addition, while a National Heritage Area designation is permanent, the NPS relationship with and commitments to a NHA vary over time.
How do communities benefit from the National Heritage Area designation? The designation has both tangible and intangible benefits. Heritage conservation efforts are grounded in a community's pride in its history and traditions, and in residents' interest and involvement in retaining and interpreting the landscape for future generations. Preserving the integrity of the cultural landscape and local stories means that future generations will be able to understand their relationship to the land. Heritage areas provide educational and inspirational opportunities which encourage residents and visitors to stay in a place, but they also offer a collaborative approach to conservation that does not compromise traditional local control over and use of the landscape.
In addition to enhancing local pride and retaining residents, designation comes with limited technical and financial assistance from the National Park Service. NPS primarily provides planning and interpretation assistance and expertise, but also connects regions with other Federal agencies. Federal financial assistance provides valuable "seed" money that covers basic expenses such as staffing, and leverages other money from state, local and private sources. The region also benefits from national recognition due to its association with the National Park Service through the use of the NPS arrowhead symbol as a branding strategy.
Why utilize the heritage areas strategy? Nature, ecology, and topography shape the culture of a community, which in turn determines how land will be used and consequently what values it will provide to society. This human imprint on the land creates what is called a "cultural landscape," a setting comprised of natural, cultural, social, and economic components that reflect a complex and continuous interrelationship between people and the land.
Many of our nation's unique cultural landscapes now face irrevocable alteration through development or neglect. The heritage area concept offers an innovative method for citizens, in partnership with local, state, and Federal government, and nonprofit and private sector interests, to shape the long-term future of their environment. Heritage areas work across jurisdictional and demographic boundaries by identifying multiple cultural landscapes that are linked thematically, historically, or geographically. Constituents utilize shared concerns about these landscapes to collaboratively shape a plan and implementation strategy that focuses on maintaining the distinct qualities that integrate the region and make it special.
Becoming a heritage area does not require prior state or Federal designation or approval. Five states (Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Utah, and New York) currently have heritage area programs, and there are hundreds of locally defined grassroots heritage area initiatives. Federal designation depends upon Congressional support, whether the region's resources are nationally important and the degree to which the public is engaged in and supportive of designation.
What are the benefits of a partnership approach to heritage development? The partnership approach creates the opportunity for a diverse range of constituents to come together to voice the range of visions and perspectives that exist in any community that has strong connections and interests in the place in which it lives and works. Resident participation in the collaborative exercise of idea sharing and planning encourages the dialog that needs to occur to reveal the goals and visions that members of a community have in common. Basing regional planning upon the shared goals of its constituent communities, and pursuing and encouraging cooperation regardless of other perceived differences can unite the energies and resources of multiple voices in a common goal to preserve and enhance the qualities of the place in which they live. Partnering also encourages the leveraging of financial and in-kind resources and reduces the possibility of duplicating efforts and wasting scarce resources.
How are National Heritage Areas managed?The management entity, outlined in designation legislation, may be a State or local agency, a Federal commission, or a private nonprofit corporation. The management entity is empowered to create a management plan for the heritage area, and is authorized to receive Federal funds on the area's behalf. The authority to implement the management plan is local--it rests in the hands of willing local officials and the actions of local organizations and individuals. Designation legislation does not provide the management entity or any Federal agency with the authority to regulate land. The management entity is also prohibited from using the Federal funds it receives through enabling legislation to acquire real property.
The management plan, required in the designation legislation, describes the ways the management entity and its partners can work together toward the fulfillment of their common vision. Short and long-term actions listed in a management plan might include developing and implementing an interpretation plan, assisting in the rehabilitation of a number of historic sites, working with partners to open regional visitors' centers, or creating a network of recreational trails. The management entity and its partners have three years following designation during which to develop a plan and receive approval by the Secretary of the Interior.
What is the role of the National Park Service? After a heritage area is designated by Congress, National Park Service staff are enlisted as partners with local community activists in planning and implementing heritage area activities. NPS enters into a cooperative agreement with the local parties. The compact is a statement of assent to mutually shared goals, and also serves as the legal vehicle through which Federal funds can be passed to non-governmental management entities. National Park Service involvement is always advisory in nature; it neither makes nor carries out management decisions.
Why is the National Park Service involved? Since 1916, the National Park Service has been the Federal agency responsible for preserving nationally significant natural and historic resources for present and future generations. Heritage Areas allow the Park Service to fulfill this mission without having to acquire or manage more land. Instead, NPS assists citizens who express the initiative to protect their nationally important resources. Fostering local stewardship of distinct and largely intact historic and cultural landscapes allows the National Park Service to work more directly with the public in the direct preservation and protection of important landscapes which have helped define a distinctly American identity.
What kinds of activities does a National Heritage Area offer to outside visitors?Geography, history, resources and maturity all shape what a National Heritage Area can offer visitors. Most National Heritage Areas offer a range of activities for all ages and interests, from recreation (biking, boating) and cultural events (food festivals, art circuits) to history and culture activities (walking tours, museums and historic buildings). Because heritage areas link resources and stories, they provide unique opportunities to understand the larger context of the region's stories, landscapes and people. Many areas provide volunteering, group tour or multiple-day excursions. Others provide combined events that highlight unusual combinations of the region's natural, historical and cultural assets, combining bike tours with Bed and Breakfast stays, for example. You can also combine your trip to a National Heritage Areas with a nearby National Park Service site or trail.