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.

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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, July 25, 2009

"ZERO" - Electric Motorcycle Video Test Ride

Watch Jay Leno Test Ride

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

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Full Article

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




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. . . . .

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Al Perkins On Slide Guitar - Crossroads

Watch the Video

Stephen Forrester Op-Ed:Northern Star Lawyer Spills The Beans

7/13/2009 12:10:00 PM

Northern Star's lawyer spills the beans

It is probably too late for commissioners to behave like a quasi-judicial bodyAfter five hours of tortured, emotional discussion of the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at Bradwood Wednesday afternoon, Ed Sullivan stumbled on the essence of the dilemma facing the Clatsop County Commission. To the five commissioners, Sullivan said: "You're not here to apply the will of the people."

Daily "A" Publisher Stepehen Forrester Editorial

Friday, July 10, 2009

Peter Huhtala - Columbia River Is A Public Trust

(Thoughts on Wednesday's LUBA remand hearing - besides my great respect and appreciation for all who testified.)

Peter Huhtala - Columbia River Business Alliance
July 10, 2009

I watched with amazement as Ed Sullivan, attorney for Houston-based LNG speculators, attempted to give improper direction to the Clatsop County Commission (“LNG (the sequel) ignites county hearing,”July 10, 2009).

“You’re not here to apply the will of the people,” he said. Mr. Sullivan apparently reached a point in his illustrious career where he needed to be reminded that the foundation of Oregon’s land use law is to serve the public interest.

This is all the more evident when a proposed use includes the gift of public resource – the Columbia River.

Mr. Sullivan’s client, Northern Star LLC owns no part of this great waterway, yet they’re angling for exclusive use of a significant portion of its ecosystem.

Their use would pre-empt long-standing uses including fishing.

Construction and operation would kill salmon – a species with an even longer-standing use of the river.

The Columbia River is a public trust. The Commissioners who have unprecedented say over its fate have been delegated that authority by the will of the people.

Mr. Sullivan received his reminder of this fact with the roar of collective outrage as he incorrectly characterized the decision before the Commission.

The hearing is quasi-judicial but the choice of interpretation is political.

Houston’s Northern Star should lose, based both upon facts and local sentiment.

We will see if the elected commissioners each understand their role as stewards of the public trust who were elected to do the will of the people. The deliberation and vote on Thursday July 16, at 6 pm in the Judge Guy Boyington Building may be the most significant of their careers in public service.

Let us express our standing in this matter by ensuring standing-room-only in witness to this decision.

Peter

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Joe Gamm - The Daily Astorian - LNG Issue Back On Clatsop County BofC Agenda







LNG issue is back on the county agenda
By JOE GAMM - The Daily Astorian
Tuesday, July 07, 2009

It's just days after the Fourth of July and more fireworks are on the way.

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will address two unresolved land-use issues holding up development of a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Columbia River at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Judge Guy Boyington Building.

Read Article

Monday, July 06, 2009

Palomar Says Life And Natural Gas Supply Will Go On Without LNG Speculation And Development On West Coast!

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










Visit Website

Friday, July 03, 2009

Could Oregon's Trees Make Us an Energy Exporter?

The Switch: Could Oregon’s Trees Make Us Energy Exporter?
BY ETHAN LINDSEY - OPB News
Bend, OR June 22, 2009 10:48 a.m

GRP: What used to be considered merely fuel for a bonfire is now considered Biomass.

When you flip the switch, where does your power come from? And what will power Northwest homes and businesses in the future?We're asking these questions and more for our special series The Switch.
Just like last summer, gas prices have soared again and Oregon is near the national high – about $2.81 per gallon.

Which brings us to OPB’s energy series, The Switch.

Read Article

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Obama Calls Wyden Health Plan Radical?

Obama Calls Wyden Health Plan Radical
By Charles Pope - The Oregonian
Wednesday July 01, 2009, 8:53 PM

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama praised Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden on Wednesday as a "real thought leader" and ally on health care reform but said he could not support Wyden's controversial plan for providing medical insurance to virtually every American.

Read Article

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Public Employees Unions;The Fight For Control Of Oregon

The Fight for Control of Oregon
By Larry Huss - Oregon Catalyst

Wednesday, July 1. 2009

The 2009 legislative session has ended. The most notable accomplishment was to raise taxes by more than $1 Billion. With the Democrats having a super majority in both houses of the Oregon legislature, the fact that taxes would increase was a foregone conclusion. The general fund budget will increase by nearly $1 Billion while the all funds budget will increase by $5.4 Billion.

Read The Details

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The LNG Front; Oregon House Bill 3058 Dies Along With HB977 And State Senator Walker Is Pissed!

Walker’s adjournment more bitter than sweet
Posted by David Steves - Register-Guard
06/29/099:50pm

While everyone else in the Legislature was getting into the “sign-my-year-book” school’s out vibe of adjournment Monday night, Sen. Vicki Walker was hopping mad.

Read The Details Here

From Peter Huhtala - Executive Director, Columbia River Business Alliance - "Congratulations to all who worked to educate our legislators about the insidious foolishness of these proposed LNG terminals. The session is now over and the Oregon Senate did not take up 3058, which as you know could have expedited LNG pipeline permits.
Unfortunately, Senate Bill 977, which would have recovered some of the state agency costs associated with LNG speculation, also failed to pass. Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene)
let both houses of the legislature know how she felt before the end of the session. http://blogs.registerguard.com/cms/index.php/capitol-notebook/comments/walkers-adjournment-more-bitter-than-sweet/ I sent a thank you note.
In defeating 3058 we showed the strength and effectiveness of our coalition. I am confident that we can persist and ultimately reject the LNG terminal proposals. And we have certainly learned a bit about those who represent us in Salem."

Peter Huhtala
PO Box 682
Astoria, Oregon 97103
(503) 468-8038

peterhuhtala@gmail.com

AP: LNG Laden Rail Tank Car Explodes In Italy, Kills 10, Injures 50, Evacuates 1000, Extensive Damage

Freight Train Derails, Kills 10 In Italy

By MARTA FALCONI – 8 hours ago

VIAREGGIO, Italy (AP) — A rail car filled with liquefied natural gas exploded when a freight train derailed in the middle of a small Italian town, setting off an inferno that killed at least 10 people and injured 50 others, officials said Tuesday.

Go Here For Details
LNG? LPG? CNG? What's the difference?

Monday, June 22, 2009

Warrenton Fiber? Wants To Build A Road and Bridge On Port Land Across Harbor Drive From Costco?

With a proposal submitted by Nygard's Warrenton Fiber to 'Port' and signed off on by, what seems like, every local 'Double Dipping Attorney' somehow involved in mutli-aspects of our County Governments to build an access road through Port Property, which will later be deeded to The City of Warrenton, I ask, 'For what Reason' as it seems that part of it, in the report, was conveniently skirted.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

State Senate Votes To Put Oregon In The Hemp Business

By Michelle Cole - The Oregonian
Friday June 19, 2009, 5:01 PM

SALEM -- When the history of the 2009 Legislature is written, it may record that this was the year lawmakers put Oregon in the industrial hemp business.
The Senate voted 27-2 Friday to approve a bill that clears the way for hemp to be grown and processed in Oregon if and when the federal government gives growers a green light.

Read Article

Friday, June 19, 2009

News Flash: Mother Spanks Child!!!!

GRP: What would drive a mother of twins and then a set of septuplets(6?) to do such a dastardly thing?

And of course, the Paparazzi is right there to catch it all.

Geeeeesh!

View The Tragic Photo Of This Episode

Those Poor, Underpaid Oregon State Employees!!!!

GRP - I would hope this is Tongue-In-Cheek but then again, this is The State of Oregon and obviously, those State Employees Unions are getting the job done or, just maybe, I've lost touch with what is a reasonable salary these days.

Oregon State Employees Underpaid
by Jerry Dawson
Friday, June 19. 2009

A quick look at the salaries posted on the State of Oregon Jobs page demonstrates clearly that our state workers are grossly underpaid.

Here are some examples:

Administrator – Office of Safety & Permanency for Children - $116,000 per year

Corrections Physician Specialist - $208,056 per year

ODOT Project Manager - $82,600 per year

Elections Director - $127,884 per year

Natural Gas Program Manager - $91,020 per year

Senior Policy Analyst – Department of Energy - $71,832 per year

Pharmacist – Oregon State Hospital - $110,592 per year

With wages this low I am not certain these needed positions will even be filled.

I call on the governor and the legislature to bump these salaries up to what is more in line with the private sector so we can get quality people in our state positions.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Parking In Your Own Driveway Will Get You A Ticket In Toledo, Ohio

MSNBC/Associated Press
June 16, 2009

TOLEDO, Ohio - Residents of Toledo, Ohio, are complaining that they received $25 tickets for parking their vehicles in their own driveways.

You Gotta Read This

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Peter Huhtala Announces Challenge For Brad Witt's Oregon House Seat

Huhtala announces candidacy for Oregon House
August 9, 2009
Contact Peter Huhtala (503) 468-8038

(Astoria, Oregon) Peter Huhtala announced today his
intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Oregon
House of Representatives District 31. Another Democrat –
Brad Witt, now holds this seat.

“I believe that I’m in touch with the values of the great
majority of the people of our district,” said Huhtala. “We
want and deserve good jobs, affordable health care, high
quality education, and a healthy environment.

“I have a vision for the future of this state. Oregon can
become a leader in renewable energy, green technology and
energy efficiency. We have the unprecedented opportunity
to create hundreds of thousands of solid jobs that build
our energy independence and confront global warming. Many
Oregonians share this vision.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Witt has been aiding and abetting LNG
speculators with their plans to bring foreign fossil fuels
to Oregon for shipment through massive pipelines to
California. This is intolerable.”

Huhtala cited Witt’s sponsorship of HR-3058 as catering to
the LNG industry. HR-3058 would streamline the permitting
process for pipelines that serve LNG terminals. “Mr. Witt
is serving those who would cause harm to our rivers and
forests, and damage our fishing, tourism and farming
industries. He’s lost connection with the people of his
this region.”

“If Mr. Witt decides to try for another term I’ll be ready
with a choice,” said Huhtala. “My choice is to reject
exploitation and to embrace healthy appropriate economic
growth. My choice is to listen to my constituents. Now is
the time when we earn the praise of future generations for
the quality of life that they inherit.”

Peter Huhtala is Executive Director of Columbia River
Business Alliance and owner of Ocean Rose Music. Formerly
he was the director of governmental relations for Pacific
Marine Conservation Council. He is a native of Astoria.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Oregon LNG Supporters Tap Into Oregon Legislature

Supporters of LNG build a pipeline to Oregon lawmakers

By Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian
Sunday June 07, 2009, 9:48 PM

Of all the energy issues circulating through the Oregon Legislature, none is more acrimonious than proposals to build new terminals and pipelines to import liquefied natural gas.

Read Article

Unions: Oregon State Workers March For Money?

KOIN Local6.com

State employees marched through Portland Sunday, trying to raise awareness and support in their fight against budget cuts.

Read Article

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Obama's Cairo Speech

From:NPR.org, June 4, 2009 ·

President Obama addresses Muslims around the world in a speech at Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday. Here, his remarks as provided by the Office of the White House press secretary.

Read Full Transcript

"Crunchberries" Is Not A Real Fruit!: The World Has Gone Insane!


Crunchberries Buyer Should Have Known Cereal had No Real Fruit, Court Says
By Ray Stern in Laugh Track, News
Tuesday, Jun. 2 2009 @ 3:52PM

A California woman sued Pepsi after finding out that Crunchberries contained no real fruit, but a judge ruled any reasonable person could have figured that out.

You Gotta Read This

Monday, June 01, 2009

GM Bankruptcy; Now, Let Me Get This Straight

Okay, so GM is bankrupt and now the US Guhment's going to fork over $30 Billion to the same mangement that broke it to fix it?

Hope?

Change?

Those were the catchwords during the last election brought these people to power?

I just don't get it.

And this is what my grandchildren have in store for their future and life quality

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Tax Code Changes To The Benefit Of Small Businesses

From Statesman Journal
Kurt Schrader • May 31, 2009

Small businesses are the backbone of Oregon's economy as they provide jobs for 57 percent of employed Oregonians. They are also the first to suffer when the economy turns sour.

Read Full Article

Thursday, May 28, 2009

From Daily Astorian: Sanders Quits Astoria Port Commission!!

Sanders Quits Port!!!
5/28/2009 11:35:00 AM

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

Kathy Sanders resigned from her seat on the Port of Astoria Commission Thursday morning.

Read Full Story!!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Portland Rising Tide To Mobilize Against LNG At Northwest Natural Gas Shareholders Meeting At Portland Convention Center

Portland Rising Tide to call out NW Natural for their nasty plan to import more foreign fossil fuels.

We are calling for a mass 'Bike-Icane'(think bike-hurricane) to descend upon the Annual NW Natural Shareholders Meeting & give them a taste of climate change justice.

WHERE: Meet up at Holladay Park ( NE 11th and Holladay) with your bike! Get yer No LNG spoke card!

WHEN: Thursday May 28th @ 12:30pm sharpWHAT: Form a bike contingent to join the anti-LNG rally and participate insome fun civil disobedience!

People from across the state are converging on the Oregon ConventionCenter this Thursday to call out NW natural during their annualshareholder's meeting.

NW Natural's proposed LNG (liquefied naturalgas) pipeline will cross hundreds of rivers and streams, result inthousands of acres of clear cuts through public lands, push farmers andland owners off of their property using imminent domain, and ravage thenatural beauty of our home.

These pipelines would carry twice theamount of natural gas that all of Oregon uses and connect to a pipelinethat goes directly to California. In addition NW Natural will be able to hand the costs onto customers resulting in higher gas bills for all of us!

To add insult to injury they, NWNG, are claiming that LNG is the new "GreenBridge Fuel" to a renewable future.

This couldn't be farther from the truth!

In fact the entire process of extracting, transporting, and processing Natural Gas nearly equals the carbon emissions of coal!

We don't need more fossil fuel infrastructure. What we need is realsolutions to climate change now!

Bikers both short and tall, come one come all!! Show your pedal-powered support for REAL solutions to climate change!BRING YOUR BIKE & GET A FREE SPOKE CARD!

portland@risingtidenorthamerica.org

http://www.portlandrisingtide.org/

Monday, May 25, 2009

Big Boy's Big Wheel

Big Boy's Big Wheel

Online Magazine Attempts To Be Test Bed For Future Media

May 24, 1:59 PM EDT

Online magazine tries to be a lab for media future
By ANDREW VANACORE - AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Web edition of a cover story from Fortune this spring took a sharp turn from what you might expect at a 79-year-old magazine.

Read Full Details

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Obama To Restore Salmon Fund

Obama Administration Restores Salmon Fund
BY ROB MANNING - OPB News.
Portland, OR
May 22, 2009 4:06 p.m.

The Obama Administration has reversed course and decided to restore funding for a widely supported salmon program. Rob Manning reports.

The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund helps salmon and steelhead efforts from Alaska to California to Idaho.

When western tribal and congressional representatives learned of plans to zero-out that fund, they immediately complained.

Read Full Details

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

KGW News: Northwest Natural To Dish Out Rebates!

Northwest Natural customers to get rebate
02:20 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 20, 2009
By AP and kgw.com Staff
SALEM, Ore.
(AP) -- The state Public Utilities Commission says Northwest Natural Gas customers will get a one-time refund that will reduce their rates by 3.4 percent on June 1.

Read Full Details

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Dr. Jerry Havens To Speak On: “Public Safety Implications of LNG Import Terminals.” Thursday May 21, 2009 At The Red Building, 7:00PM

----- Original Message -----
From: Cheryl & Ted
To: lower_columbia@lists.onenw.org
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 12:50 AM
Subject: [lower_columbia] Dr. Havens speaking on THURSDAY
What does it mean to have LNG tankers on our river and terminals in our communities?

Please join us for a special event hosted by Roger Rocka, former Director of Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and Jim Scheller, Chair of Warrenton Trails Association.

Special guest speaker is Dr. Jerry Havens, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. His topic is:
“Public Safety Implications of LNG Import Terminals.”

Thursday, May 21st
7:00 pm
the Loft in the Red Building, Astoria
(turn off Marine Drive toward the river at the light by Kentucky Fried Chicken)

Dr. Havens is not for or against liquefied natural gas development. “My goal is to bring good science to the table in these matters, so that decisions regarding public safety are fairly and accurately deliberated.”

Bret VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper will give an update on the LNG terminals and pipelines proposed for the Columbia River.

There will be an opportunity for Q&A following the presentations.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring your neighbors, bring your friends. This special evening will include refreshments and music by Ned Heavenrich, Dan Palenski and Larry Moore.

Sponsored by:
Columbia Pacific Common Sense
Columbia Riverkeeper
Cannery Pier Hotel
Columbia River Business Alliance
Hipfish
Northwest Property Rights Coalition

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Dr. Jerry Havens
Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering
University of Arkansas

Professor Havens holds the Maurice E. Barker Endowed Chair in Chemical Process Safety and the Environmental Fate of Pollutants at the University of Arkansas. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in atmospheric dispersion of hazardous chemicals and fire/explosion phenomena. The DEGADIS and FEM3A atmospheric dispersion models developed and or validated by Dr. Havens and his associates at the University’s Chemical Hazards Research Center are specified for use in LNG plant siting applications in the United States.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Oregon Bill Targets "Truth In Music" For Tribute Bands

Oregon bill targets "Truth in Music" for tribute bands
By Michelle Cole - The Oregonian
Thursday May 14, 2009, 7:51 PM

SALEM -- You've shelled out $100 for two concert tickets, but it's worth it. You're going to hear the Drifters sing: "If loving you is wrong. ..."
Then the show starts. Hey, none of these guys was alive when that song came out. That ain't the Drifters.

Read Full Article

From Our Straw Poll: Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

Poll question: Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

Yes
62 (79%)

No
16 (20%)

Votes so far: 78 Poll closed

Anti-LNG Forces Appeal To Oregon Public Utilities Commission To Investigate Relationships Of Energy Speculators And Developers


Contact the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
Demand a thorough investigation about the LNG companies.

Read Paul Sansone's letter for more information.

From: Paul Sansone
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Join our Formal complaint to the Oregon PUC about Palomar, Bradwood, and NW Natural Dear Concerned Citizens:
Today the Columbia Riverkeeper, Sansone & Associates, and Olivia Schmidt filed a formal complaint and request for an investigation into the relationship between LNG proposals, pipeline proposals, and Northwest Natural.

Read Full Details

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Nike To Cut 500 Oregon Headquarters Jobs!!


Nike to cut 500 jobs at Oregon headquarters
01:59 PM PDT on Thursday, May 14, 2009
By Kgw.com and AP Staff

Nike
The Nike campus in Beaverton.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Nike says it will cut about 1,750 jobs worldwide. That represents 5 percent of the global work force at the shoe and apparel company.

Read Details

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Tour Nations' First Commercial Hydrokinetic(River Current Generator) Energy Project

Posted : Fri, 08 May 2009 19:13:02 GMT
Author : Hydro Green Energy, LLC
Category : Press Release

HOUSTON, May 8 TX-Hydro-Green-Energy
HOUSTON, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh, Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mississippi Valley

Read Full Details

Monday, May 11, 2009

Action Alert: Stop Oregon House Bill 3058(The LNG Fast Track Bill)

Action Alert: Stop the LNG Fast Track Bill - HB 3058 Document Actions

From: Oregon Conservation Network

Monday, May 11, 2009


Stop the LNG Fast Track Bill - HB 3058

Ask your legislators to oppose HB 3058, which would fast track state wetland destruction permits for Liquefied Natural Gas related pipelines.

Read Details And Act Upon Conscience

El Paso Pipeline Official Says He Doesn't See Oregon LNG Projects Going Forward

El Paso Official Skeptical of West Coast LNG
May 6, 2009 Link

From: Sutherland LNGLaw Blog

Jim Cleary, president of El Paso's Western Pipeline division, told Platts LNG Daily that he does not believe that the LNG import projects planned for Oregon will go forward "in the foreseeable future." Cleary made the remarks while discussing western U.S. natural gas production and his company's efforts to build a new pipeline from a production area in the Rockies to a point on the California-Oregon border. [Subscription required]

Cap And Trade: Know What It Means?

From:The Motley Fool's Caps Blog


This week's Barron's had a number of articles on the Obama administration's desire to pass "Cap and Trade" legislation. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, it essentially means that the government will levy a tax on companies whose operations produce carbon emissions and provide credits to "green" companies. These environmentally friendly companies can then turn around and sell the credits that they have earned to "dirty" companies.

Read Full Details

Oregon House Passes Bill To Reduce Dependence On Foreign Oil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OR May 7, 2009
Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

House Passes Landmark Bill Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil
HB 2186 would increase energy security, build the economy and help the environment

SALEM – House Democrats today passed HB 2186, a landmark bill that would reduce Oregon’s dependence on foreign oil. The bill would allow Oregon to reap the benefits of economic development, protect the environment and provide greater security for Oregon businesses and consumers.

Read Full Release

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Ammo? There Ain't No More!!!

Where did all the ammo go?

By Steve Lathrop - Albany Democrat-Herald

ALBANY — Some blame the new administration in Washington. Others point to the economy. Whatever the reason, ammunition is disappearing from the shelves of retail stores and gun sellers faster than, well, a speeding bullet.

Read Full Article

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Weyerhaeuser Eyes Potential Wood Bio-Mass In Its Future In Cowlitz County

Weyerhaeuser VP Touts Woody Biomass During Longview Visit
Friday, May 8, 2009 1:09 PM PDT
By Erik Olson - TDN.com

Weyerhaeuser Co.’s operations in Cowlitz County — including a year-old sawmill, newsprint manufacturer Norpac, log exporting and timberlands — are performing well, even as the company struggles through the recession, a top-ranking Weyerhaeuser Co. executive said in Longview Thursday.

Read The Details

Friday, May 08, 2009

U.S. LNG Facing Much Controversy And Uncertainty

Karen Broyles - For Energy Current
5/8/2009 10:29:51PM GMT

West Coast projects remain controversial

The three LNG projects proposed in Oregon continue to generate controversy, mainly focused around FERC's process of reviewing and licensing LNG facilities.

Three LNG projects, Oregon LNG, Bradwood Landing LNG and Jordan Cove LNG, have been proposed for construction and operation in Oregon.

They have generated concerns among state and local officials, environmental groups and local residents over the projects' impact on the local environment and wildlife, safety risks and impact on local industries such as forestry. Some critics also view the projects as a means of using Oregon as a backdoor to supply more energy to California.

Read Full Article

Daily Astorian L.T.T.E.: From Port Commissioner Kathy Sanders

GRP - This harkens back to those dark days at The Port of Astoria when this type of conduct was a common occurance and for "The Port" to survive, this has to end and end immediately.


Daily Astorian Letters To The Editor
Friday, May 08, 2009
5/7/2009 1:15:00 PM


Letter: No need for retaliation at Port - I am writing this because a number of you have asked how things are going for me on the Port of Astoria Commission. In truth, this public servant is growing a bit weary.

Read Full Letter

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Newport: What to do with World War II Era Ships?

By Winston Ross
The Register-Guard

May 6, 2009 ... NEWPORT — Remember the New Carissa? That mammoth, stubborn wood chip freighter that defied demolition experts and ship-breakers and salvage ... http://www.registerguard.co/

They say the job of hauling away the New Carissa freighter is not quite done yet . ...

Read Full Article

From Onward Oregon:Oregon House Bill 2186 - Low Carbon Fuel Standard

HB 2186 will establish a low-carbon fuel standard, reducing the carbon emissions of our fuel by 10% over the next decade. It puts an end to alternative fuel “greenwashing” by calculating the total carbon footprint of fuels—including production, transportation to market, and combustion.

Full Article: Read and decide for yourself it's value by emailing your Rep.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Press Release: Patrick McGee, Write-In Candidate For Astoria Port Commission, Position 5


Subject: Press release from Patrick McGee, Write-in Candidate for Astoria Port Commission, Position 5

Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 16:43:48

May 6, 2009

For Immediate Release.

Press Release

My name is Patrick McGee and I am a Write-In candidate for Astoria Port Commission, Position 5 in the May 19, 2009 Special Election.

Why would I want to run for a seat on Astoria Port Commission?

Well, it certainly isn't that it would be a personal victory of any sort, or a political prize but, more a sense of a need to stand up and avail myself for "Public Duty" and offer one more option to the voters concerned with our port's future.

I feel I can help and make a valid contribution to working with the other members of Astoria Port Commission in the doing of "The Publics' Business" in setting forward looking policies that will make "the Port", once again, a viable and productive asset to our community.

I am not ignoring those elements of positive progress already made especially the current efforts at a new air service and the important negotiation of the purchase of Tongue Point which I supported back in my run against ex-Commissioner Bernie Bjork in a previous election and the further development of our cruise ship services.

I firmly believe The Port of Astoria, along with every other Lower Columbia River Port, should be working and productive ports unified in a common effort to effectively develop the infrastructure to maximize our own share of future river commerce, which can only put more of us to work.

I believe we can no longer prosper the "Sit and Wait" attitude, as it seems we have for years, with schemes thrust upon us rather than determining what best suits us overall and then go out into the world, literally, with a Task Force of our own to sell ourselves and what we can offer to cohesive and compatible industry to make their home here.

I believe The Port of Astoria can be a critical element of that force.

I want to see hundreds, if not thousands, of us working at good, family wage jobs in good, sound industry dispersed effectively and strategically to our best advantage throughout all of Clatsop and adjacent counties both sides of our river community.

Most of all, I want to take action to make this happen rather than it just be more empty campaign rhetoric.

What can I bring to the table? 30-plus years in the Construction Development and Design industry which is 97% condition evaluation, interpretation and problem solving.

If you are curious as to my position on LNG in our community,I firmly believe that it is not right for us and that, given the time, we can do much better but, that decision is not for me to decide, it's in the hands of all the citizens of Clatsop County and surrounding communities.

I will be happy to answer all relevant questions by email at kc2patrick@q.com or by phone at (503)325-1844

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

California Governor Calls For Talk On Legalizing And Taxing Marijuana

Ryan Grim
ryan@huffingtonpost.com HuffPost Reporting From DC

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called on Tuesday for an open debate on legalizing and taxing marijuana. A recent Field Poll showed that 56 percent of Californians support taxing and regulating marijuana as a way to address the state's fiscal crisis. Schwarzenegger was asked at a press conference if it was finally time to legalize marijuana......

Read Full Article

Clatsop County: The Write-In Vote

Do you count write-in votes for individuals?
Oregon law states the only time county election officials shall tally write-in votes separately is: If the total number of write-in votes for candidates for the same office equals or exceeds the number of votes cast for any candidate for the same office on the ballot who appears to have been nominated or elected; If no names of candidates are printed on the ballot for an office. Otherwise, the vote counting machine keeps a total of all the write-in votes for an office, just not per individual.

Concealed Weapons Bill Passes Oregon House

Concealed weapon secrecy bill passes House
By Brad Cain - The Associated Press

Posted to Web: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 12:13AM
SALEM — The Oregon House overwhelmingly approved a bill Monday to limit public access to information about concealed handgun permit holders.

Read Full Report

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Conservationists Find Eager Sellers In New Real Estate Market

By Matthew Preusch - The Oregonian
Saturday May 02, 2009, 4:32 PM


The housing downturn made it possible for the trust to buy 27 acres on the butte from a housing developer last year, preserving it from development.
If while hiking through Portland's new woods at Clatsop Butte Park you pause among the cedars with their brightly budding conelets, thank the recession for this moment of Zen.


Read Full Article

Friday, May 01, 2009

Pandemic Update: This Is A Good Resource

Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention

Information on H1N1 Influenza

Latest Information in Oregon


Oregon's first probable case of H1N1 flu was identified late Wednesday, April 29 following testing by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. The specimen from this case was sent to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further characterization, with final results of testing expected in several days.

Keep Informed, Go Here!
KGW Related Link

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

NewsMax/AP: Obama To Change Crack Sentencing

From NewsMax/AP

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 4:55 AM

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is asking Congress to close the big gap in prison sentences for dealing crack versus powdered cocaine, a law that critics say is unfair to blacks.

Read Full Article

From KGW: W.H.O. Upgrades Swine Flu Pandemic Alert To Phase 5

From KGW News
Apr 29, 4:15 PM EDT

WHO raises pandemic flu alert level to phase 5

GENEVA (AP) -- The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level, meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent

Read Full Report
KGW Related Link
KGW: 1st Probable Oregon Case Of Swine Flu T Be Announced

NewsMax:"BO's" First 100 Days Overview

President Barack Obama has delivered on his promise of real change in at least one respect: The volume of gaffes and miscues sputtering forth from his Oval Office is unprecedented. For those who just can’t wait to hear what the president’s teleprompter will say next, here’s a recap of the Obama gaffe machine’s most remarkable – and disturbing – utterances:

Take A Look

Oregon Governor To Paint New Columbia River Bridge As A Job Generator

Dylan Rivera - The Oregonian
Wednesday April 29, 2009, 7:00 AM

As Oregon struggles against recession, Gov. Ted Kulongoski today will announce that building a new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River would bring employment to more than 27,000 workers in the course of a decade.

Read Full Details

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Split Votes At Oregon State Forestery Board Could Mean More Logging

Split Votes At State Forestry Board Could Mean More Logging
BY ETHAN LINDSEY - OPB News

Bend, OR April 28, 2009 12:08 a.m.

Tuesday, state lawmakers are scheduled to debate a bill to change how state forests are valued.

Last week, the chairman of the state Forestry Board told lawmakers that the Oregon Board of Forestry was opposed to the legislation, by a vote of 4-to-1.


Read Full OPB Report

Monday, April 27, 2009

Bradwood Landing: The USCG Water Suitablility Report

The USCG Suitability Report Is Not Quite As Glowing An Endorsement As Texas LNG Speculator, Northern Star Natural Gas/Bradwood Landing's P.R. Hype.

Read For Yourself And Then Decide.



Click Here And Read The USCG Water Suitability Report If You Wish To Read The Impact Of Bradwood Landing On Our Community From The Columbia Bar To The Bradwood Site.

And It's Brad Witt Who Represents Us, Or Is It Northern Star Natural Gas And Its Ilk?

Posted: Thursday, April 23, 2009
Daily Astorian Article comment by: Patrick McGee

Hmmmmm!

Let's see now, the cause of LNG Speculators prospered by an elected State Representative and one time Union Man serving on a committee determining the future of the labor force on the Columbia defending what appears to smell like a duck, walklike a duck and quack like a duck no matter how he tries to shove it down your throat as an innocent little legislative attempt to take your private land by government for the benefit of a private corporation?

That, no matter how you look at it, steps the hell all over our constitutional 5th ammendment in my view.

You might want to talk to a Mr. Roger Thompson whose family owned for 130 years and still does, a parcel of land adjacent to the, at the time, proposed Port Westward LNG Terminal in Clatskanie.His family's offer by the LNG Speculators, aided by The Port of Saint Helens was three choices, "Sell it to us, lease it to us, or lose it to us" and I know this because I was in regular contact with him at the time and he and his family were, regarldless of the finacial aspects of it, were fully prepared to fight for their precious piece of land.

Fortunately for that family, fate intervened and the project failed but, what about all the others with land in the way of these LNG Specutlators and their ultrta-costly proposed schemes?

Can these people, abetted by our elected officials, truly prove the need for LNG? I don't think they can but, what I do see at this moment is what appears to be a concerted effort by all involved, Witt included, on the Pro side of the LNG issue to exploit this tragic economic state we are all in, and presumably temporary in the overall, to their benefit as a catalyst to lock this scheme, with its limited end jobs and devastating upheaval of our infrastructure to a 50, 60 year unwanted marriage to a wicked mistress of speculated huge profit for all its supporters.

Simple fact of the matter is that Palomar, the proposed pipeline contractor in collusiuon with Northwest Natural Gas for Bradwood, Oregon LNG and Coos Bay's project, says we don't need LNG at all, we only need one link-up with a pipeline out of the Rockies, using existing rights of way in the majority, tying into The TransCanada and Williams Pipeline, to serve the west coast's NG market for years to come and SunstonePipeline Website until we can market renewable and sustainable energy resources to wean ourselves from the dependence on it.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Still No Cases Of Swine Flu In Oregon

From the Associated Press
April 26, 2009
Still no cases of swine flu in Oregon
There have been no cases of swine flu reported in Oregon, but public health officials say the state is prepared for its arrival.

Dr. Mel Kohn, the state public health director, said Sunday that Oregonians with flu-like symptoms are being tested for the strain of flu that has sickened 20 Americans and is suspected of killing more than 85 people in Mexico.


Read Full Update
KGW Related Link
Daily "A" Related Link
KGW Related Link
NPR Tips On Preventing Exposure To Flu Virus
KGW Update:WHO Upgrades Pandemic Alert To Phase 5

Thursday, April 23, 2009

2009 State Of The Republican Party Survey: Take It Here!

Take The Survey

Wood! The Hot, New, Renewable Resource

Wood: The Hot New Renewable Energy Source
BY DOUG NADVORNICK - For OPB News
Kettle Falls, WA April 2, 2009 3:57 p.m.

Renewable energy sources are catching on in the Northwest. Windmills have become a familiar sight along parts of the Oregon-Washington border. But the hot new form of renewable energy is actually the region’s oldest source of heat: wood.

Read Entire Article

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

10 Questions: Clatsop County Commissioner Jeffrey Hazen

Ever wonder what our community leaders do on their day off, favorite wine, best book, past times, other volunteerism interests, pholosophies and desires for our communities future, etc?

I'm looking for 10 good, sound questions to ask Clatsop County Commission President, Jeffrey Hazen.

Once selected they will be submitted for an answer to each and you do not have to restrict them exclusively to his position on CCBofC.

Caution, without a valid name and confirmable email address, your question will not be used.

Be respectful

Want to give it a try?

Monday, April 20, 2009

Tsunami: "The Big One" Coming Earlier Than We Think?

Lori Tobias - The Oregonian
Sunday April 19, 2009, 9:32 PM

The good news: New research is giving scientists a better handle on when the big one might strike the Pacific Coast.

The bad news: It probably will be sooner than we thought.

Full Article

Sunday, April 19, 2009

"The Walrus": Heavy Lift Airship Project: As Big As An Aircraft Carrier!!!





Time Says: National Standards, Is That The Answer To American Education?

How To Raise The Standard In American Schools

For Time Magazine: Walter Isaacson

April 15, 2009

National standards have long been the third rail of education politics. The right chokes on the word national, with its implication that the feds will trample on the states' traditional authority over public schools. And the left chokes on the word standards, with the intimations of assessments and testing that accompany it.

Read Complete Article

Thursday, April 16, 2009

"The List" - Proposed 2009 Oregon Tax And Fee Increases

Fo Full List Click Here

Ten Outrageous Facts About The Income Tax

10 Outrageous Facts About the Income Tax
By Chris Edwards
Chris Edwards is director of fiscal policy studies at the Cato Institute.

This article appeared on cato.org on April 15, 2003.

As you struggle to prepare your taxes this year, you may take some comfort in knowing that your headache is being felt across the country. The following odd and outrageous facts show how widespread income tax problems are:

Go Here For The Details

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tax Day Tea Party: How It All Started

A Tax Day Tea Party cheat sheet: How it all started
By Michelle Malkin
• April 15, 2009 08:14 AM

It’s here!
For the Johnny-Come-Latelys in the MSM who will be dispatched by their editors to file obligatory stories about the hundreds of Tax Day Tea Party protests across the country today, here is a cheat sheet to get you up to speed.

Read The Details

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Pig Book 2008: The Oregon Congressional Delegation's List Of Pork

Want to see what our Congressional Delegates, House/Senate supported in 2008?

Full Details Here!

KAST-AM: Local Radio Media's Open Letter To Oregon Governor Pleading For Acceptance Of Bradwood Landing's LNG Terminal

GPR - Despite the perception of an unseemly attempt by the parties involved at exploiting an opportunity, in these stressfull financial times for all of us on the Lower Columbia, to prosper the position of NSNG/Bradwood Landing's proposed LNG Terminal upriver, I wonder as Freel pleads for The Governor to do the right thing, exactly what that right thing is.

Mr. Freel seems to forget that this project is up for review and disposition as applied for by both the States of Washington and Oregon with the United States Court of Appeals to overturn all applications for this project, which obviously is already considered the "Right Thing" as far as The State of Oregon is concerned along with legislation, supported by our own State Rep Boone that will require "Proof of Need".

Also, the proposed pipeline developer involved in party with our own Northwest Natural Gas, Palomar, says we don't really need any LNG Terminals in our midst should just one pipeline out of The Rockies to the Williams and TransCanada pipelines be completed and the closest, using, primarily, exisitng pipeline rights of way, is the 585 mile long Sunstone Pipeline coming out of Wyoming and terminating in Stanfield, Oregon and slated for a 2011 start.

Should this happen, as Palomar says, our West Coast Market NG needs will be met for, many years to come while bridging the transition from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable sources.

Could this be "The Right Thing" as well?

Maybe if it were less so obvious NNB-KAST Radio's financial/Advertising/Marketing ties to NSNG/Bradwood Landing, the plea might be more credible to their listening audience.

Nevetheless, you read it and follow your own conscience as to exactly what is indeed "The Right Thing".

From:Tom Freel For KAST-AM Radio

"Dear Sir,

I'm struggling to understand your decision to discourage industrial development in Clatsop County. In light of yesterday's announcement of unemployment rates in the state and the continuing downward trend in private investment here it is unfathomable to me that you would not be in the lead when it comes to supporting the construction of Bradwood Landing LNG."

Read Full Content Of Open Letter

Monday, April 13, 2009

How To Build Your Own Solar Panels

By: Michael Davis
So what is a solar panel anyway? It is basically a box that holds an array of solar cells. Solar cells are the things that do the actual work of turning sunlight into electricity. However, it takes a lot of cells to make a meaningful amount of power, and they are very fragile, so the individual cells are assembled into panels. The panels hold enough cells to make a useful amount of power and protect the cells from the elements. It doesn't sound too complicated. I was convinced I could do it myself.


Sunday, April 12, 2009

Time Magazine: St. Helens, Oregon, Illegal Aliens: Unregistered And Undeterred!

For Time Magazine: Nathan Thornburgh/St. Helens, Oregon

April, 2009

Margarito has a decision to make: After more than a decade of living and working illegally in the U.S., is it time to go back home to Mexico? He and his wife lost their jobs recently (he from a pallet factory, she from Burger King, both for having invalid Social Security numbers). He has been looking for other work, but his search is greatly complicated by measure 5-190, a ballot initiative enthusiastically approved by his neighbors and former colleagues that will, if it survives a court challenge, impose a $10,000 fine on anyone in the county who gives Margarito — or any other undocumented worker — a new job.

Read Full Article

Thursday, April 09, 2009

A Homebuilt Wind Generator You Can Build

By: Michael Davis
"One thing I noticed right away about my property is that most of the time, the wind is blowing. Almost from the moment I bought it, I had the idea of putting up a wind turbine and making some electricity, and later adding some solar panels. This is the story of how I did it. Not with an expensive, store-bought turbine, but with a home-built one that cost hardly anything. If you have some fabricating skills and some electronic know-how, you can build one too."

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Tuesday, April 07, 2009

GM? Segway? A New Two Wheel Transporter?

GM And Segway Team Up To Build Embarassing Pod-Mobile (GM)

Jay YarowApr. 7, 2009, 7:41 AM

When Barack Obama sicced Steve Rattner and the auto task force on GM to produce a viable business plan and clean cars, we doubt he had this in mind.

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Monday, April 06, 2009

Astoria Port Commission Slate Of Candidates: Who's It Going To Be For You?

*PORT OF ASTORIA

Commissioner - Position 1
Lawrence A. Pfund, P.O. Box 2084, Gearhart, OR 97138, (503) 738-9080 (h),
e-mail: lepfund@yahoo.com
John Hord, 969 19th St., Astoria, OR 97103, (503) 325-2253 (h),(503) 325-4411 (w), e-mail: jd3hord@earthlink.net

Commissioner - Position 2
Floyd E. Holcom, 1, 39th St., Astoria, OR 97103, (503) 325-4532 (h), (503) 325-2502 (w), (503) 325-7182 (f), e-mail: fholcom@ibisgroupllc.com
John Veenendaal, 91471 Hwy. 202, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 791-3903 (h),e-mail: yanqui1995@yahoo.com

Commissioner - Position 5
John B. Dunzer, 2964 Keepsake Dr., Seaside, OR 97138, (503) 738-6885 (h), e-mail: johndunzer@msn.com
Daniel (Dan) R. Hess, 35133 Hwy. 101 Bus., Astoria, OR 97103,(503) 325-6572 (h), (503) 338-8052 (w), (503) 325-8151 (f)
Karl S. Konka, P.O. Box 1317, Astoria, OR 97103, e-mail: kskonka@yahoo.com
Patrick McGee - (Write-In) (503)325-1844, kc2patrick@q.com

Sunday, April 05, 2009

From Time: Survival Stores - One Of 10 Ideas Changing The World Right Now!

By Sean Gregory For Time

Stores stink. Yes, they're not selling anything. Open up the business pages any day of the week and you'll see news of shops liquidating, workers getting laid off, retailers bleeding cash. But you can't blame just the economy for consumerism's woes. Think about it: When was the last time you walked into a store and saw, or just felt, something fresh? Most retailers have attacked the recession by discounting their products to pennies on the dollar. But the whole system is in disarray, and 70% off isn't the sole solution.

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