The Hazen Campaign: Now, Wait A minute!!!

Did I hear this morning, at the end of a Hazen Campaign message..."This Message Paid For By Committee For County Prosperity"?

Maybe I am missing something but, I don't see any campaign finance activity on ORESTAR for either Hazen's ORESTAR PAC Site(#13869) Or CFCP's ORESTAR Pac Site(#13954) that reflects any contributions or expenditures that reflect this expense.

Isn't this stuff supposed to be reported and posted within a fairly prompt amount of time?

Both these PACs were formed and registered back during the recall elections against Hazen and Ann Samuelson primarily, where again, there were many questions regarding certain contributions.

Now doesn't seem to be a very prudent time to be raising questions about certain conflicting ties to questionable campaign financing especially on Hazen's part does it.

Can anybody clue us in on this?

Jeff?

Update!

Orestar shows some recent transaction activity (To 05-10-2010) on both Hazen's PAC(#13869) and Committee For County Prosperity's PAC(#13954) for you to review should you so desire. Interestingly, North Coast Retail(Developers of the new Costco and other adjacent projects) shows another recent contribution to Committee For County Prosperity of $9,000.00 on 05-03-2010?

And now, to make things more curiouser, Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has amended Wednesday's, May 12, 2010 Agenda to include North Coast Retail LLC, which plans to ask the citizens of Clatsop County to extend a $4.5 Million Dollar Promisory Note due on North Coast Business Park property for a period of two years, is it, that is now due?

Now, we will not even go into the issue that Clatsop Commissioner Robert Mushen's PAC(#14467) Treasurer holds two key positions with CFCP which is also a contributor to Jeff Hazen's re-election campaign and I cannot truly say that any of this is illegal but, would it not be prudent for both candidates to look seriously at the impropriety of any deliberations at all on this issue at Wednesday's meeting in the interest of the citizens of Clatsop County whom they serve?

Go To ORESTAR And Type In The ORESTAR Committee ID Number

From KAST-AM: Recalled Clatsop Commissioner Ann Samuelson Weighs In On Bradwood Landing

Jeff Nelson - KAST-AM
Posted on May 06, 2010 06:00

....."Former Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson comments on Northern Star Natural Gas’ announcement Wednesday that it is suspending development of the proposed LNG facility at Bradwood Landing. Asked if it’s fair to characterize her as a supporter of this specific project, but not a blanket endorsement of LNG, Samuelson says: “I don’t even know if I want to say that. What I want to say is that I’m a supporter of good government".....

Read Full KAST-AM Report

Northern Star Natural Gas Files For Bankruptcy!

Bradwood LNG Developer Files For Bankruptcy

May 5, 2010

Dennis Newman - Natural Oregon

NorthernStar Natural Gas, the developer of the Bradwood Landing LNG project, has filed for bankruptcy.

In papers filed yesterday in Houston, the company says it’s unable to pay its debts and will liquidate under Chapter 7.

Company spokesman Charles Deister wouldn’t comment when asked about the filing. He referred me to yesterday’s announcement that the company is suspending work on Bradwood Landing.............

....."Cameron Horowitz, an analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, said increased domestic supplies of natural gas have slashed prices, killing the demand for LNG imports. Two other companies trying to develop LNG facilities in Oregon would face "slim" prospects of success, he said.

"Every year for the past five years, there's been talk that this country would be flooded with LNG imports, but it has never come to fruition," he said from Houston. "Given the outlook for U.S. natural gas prices and the rest of the world, I don't see it coming to fruition at all over the next five years."

Horowitz said LNG facilities on the Gulf of Mexico have been trying to win permission to ship LNG stockpiles back overseas.

NorthernStar's bankruptcy filing listed assets of $165,930 and liabilities of about $129.5 million"...

Read CBS News - AP Report
Read The Natural Oregon Details

Oregonlive:Details Surface On Brent Foster Resignation

By Scott Learn, The Oregonian
May 04, 2010, 8:44PM

When a judge allowed state and federal agents to search Hood River Juice in October, handcuff and cart off owner David B. Ryan and file criminal charges, a big piece of incriminating evidence was a water sample from a puddle near the plant that showed extraordinarily high pollution levels.

Turns out, there were two problems with that evidence, new court records indicate: The sample collection, including unsterile bottles and no custody seal, was flawed.

Read Full Oregon Live Article

Northern Star Natural Gas Suspends Development Of Bradwood Landing Import Terminal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 4, 2010Contact: Charles Deister (503) 949-5762
NorthernStar Natural Gas suspends development of its Bradwood Landing LNG import terminal
PORTLAND, Ore. - NorthernStar Natural Gas has suspended development of its Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas import terminal near Astoria, Oregon. "The extended delays in the processing of state and federal permits for Bradwood Landing and the difficult investment environment have forced us to suspend development," said NorthernStar Natural Gas President Paul Soanes. "In particular, the challenging regulatory environment gives investors pause, especially considering that Bradwood Landing would have such a positive impact on the Northwest's economy and environment while supporting the region's transition to renewable energy by providing a new source of reliable and affordable natural gas." Since its inception, Bradwood has worked to ensure it will provide a significant and sustainable net benefit for the lower Columbia ecosystem, and serve as a model of sustainable development. Using best available science and recovery plans, the project included innovative measures to avoid and minimize impacts, robust mitigation, and a $59 million voluntary (but legally binding) Salmon Enhancement Initiative: the largest private investment of its kind ever proposed for the region. "While we're disappointed, we are truly grateful for the tremendous support the project received from citizens in Clatsop County and Oregon's business and labor communities," said Mr. Soanes. "Bradwood Landing is a great example of a project that business and labor came together to support. Not only would it have created hundreds of jobs, but it would have provided a needed new source of natural gas, which would have helped stabilize energy costs for thousands of businesses." Initial development work on Bradwood Landing began nearly six years ago. Bradwood is the site of the former Bradwood lumber mill, company town and has a natural deep-water port. Bradwood Landing received its FERC certificate order September 18, 2008 after an extensive scientific and technical review, which took three and a half years and included an official record in excess of 50,000 pages. On March 20, 2008, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners approved Bradwood's consolidated land use application on a 4-1 vote after a nine-month public process. Earlier this year, Bradwood reached a key milestone when formal consultation began under the Endangered Species Act with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Previously, the U.S. Coast Guard determined that the Columbia River could be made suitable for the LNG marine traffic associated in its record of decision dated April 24, 2009, provided full implementation of the risk mitigation measures detailed in the Waterway Suitability Report are accomplished. Those measures were included as conditions when FERC issued its Certificate Order for the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal in September 2008. Bradwood Landing's coalition of supporters included the Oregon AFL-CIO, the Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council, the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, the Oregon Machinists Council, the Washington Machinists Council, Carpenters Local 1707, the International Longshore Workers' Union (Columbia River Oregon Area), and the Steamship Operators Association. Bradwood Landing and its associated 36.3-mile pipeline would have provided a new source of natural gas directly into the Oregon and Washington natural gas market. It would have created more than 450 jobs over three years of construction and 65 permanent jobs while contributing more than $7.8 million annually in taxes to Clatsop County. An analysis of the effects of increased natural gas supply by former University of Oregon economist Dr. Phil Romero, showed that Bradwood Landing could reduce the wholesale cost of natural gas by 13 percent. Dr. Romero's analysis showed this decrease in energy costs would help support the creation of between 5,100 and 20,300 jobs.
###
Charles H. Deister Director, Media and Government Relations NorthernStar Natural Gas (503) 949-5762 CDeister@NSNG.com

Hazen Breaks The Silence!!!

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Election time

First off, let me apologize for the length of time that has gone by since I last posted anything to my blog.

Time as been in short supply over the last several months and I will do better at updating this blog on a regular basis.

I want to take this opportunity to outline some of the happenings in regards to the county commission. I will also address some of the concerns that are out there.......

Hazen on "The Stipend": "Many other counties in the state do not provide a stipend. Obviously this caused a debate that still lingers today even though the commission reinstated the stipend later.".... GRP: Of The 36 counties in Oregon, my understanding is, 23 pay an annual stipend to their District Attoneys for services.

Read Hazen's Blog Post

Clatsop County News Release - No Special Meeting Scheduled On Bradwood LNG Appeal

Department News Release

Thursday, April 29, 2010

NO SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED ON BRADWOOD LNG APPEAL

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will not hold a special meeting to consider whether to join the developer of the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG project in an appeal over the company’s land-use application.

Bradwood Landing LLC/NorthernStar LLC is challenging a ruling by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals in the Oregon Court of Appeals.

Bradwood is appealing LUBA’s April 12 ruling that remanded two issues related to the developer’s consolidated application back to the county for further clarification.

The county had the option of joining Bradwood/NorthernStar as a party in the Court of Appeals challenge, or allowing the company to handle the appeal on its own.

Bradwood/NorthernStar proposes to build a liquefied natural gas receiving terminal and pipeline at Bradwood, approximately 25 miles east of Astoria.'

The company’s consolidated land-use application was approved by the county board of commissioners in March 2008 but appealed by project opponents to LUBA, which rejected most of the appellants’ points but remanded two issues back to the county – the question of whether the development met the definition of small to medium scale, and the definition of “protect” as it relates to fishing areas.

In July 2009 the board approved new findings to address the remand issues, which were in turn again appealed to LUBA. The state panel again remanded the two issues back to the county in its April 12 ruling.

The Class-Action Lawsuit Against Wal-Mart

The Class-Action Lawsuit against Wal-Mart

Carrie Lukas - The Corner - National Review Online

How do you know when someone has been the victim of discrimination? That’s the question at the heart of the class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart, which alleges that up to 1 million female employees suffered because of discriminatory employment practices. This week, the Ninth Circuit allowed the lawsuit to proceed.

Read Full Report

Columbia River Dredging Ends This Year To Mixed Views On The End Result

Columbia River dredging ends this year, benefits end mixed

By The Oregonian - Business News

April 23, 2010, 6:35PM

The last phase of work is being completed on the Columbia River Channel Improvement Project, 20 years in the making, which deepened 103 miles of the channel by three feet.

Twenty years ago, a massive dredging effort to deepen 103 miles of the mighty Columbia River held the promise of securing Oregon's connection to the rest of the world. At 43 feet, the channel -- otherwise too shallow to compete with deep-water ports -- could play host to today's larger vessels and more efficiently send Northwest wheat and steel to markets around the globe.


Read Complete Article

Bradbury Takes On Oregon LNG Siting In New Campaign Video

Bradbury takes on LNG terminal in new campaign ad

By Jeff Mapes, The Oregonian

April 22, 2010, 4:52PMFormer Secretary of State Bill Bradbury has made a lot of his staunch opposition to liquefied natural gas terminals in Oregon. Now, he's turned it into a new television commercial being launched by his campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Read Full Jeff Mapes Report

NSNG/Bradwood LNG Appeals LUBA Ruling

Bradwood Landing appeals Land Use Board decision
April 22, 2010

And then, all of a sudden NSNG/Bradwood's Press Release on their website announcing their plan to appeal this last LUBA Remand inexplicably diappears, can't be found nor the entire site accessed. Hmmmm! Interesting.

PORTLAND, Ore. – NorthernStar Natural Gas has filed an appeal with the Oregon Court of Appeals to an April 12, 2010 decision by Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

That decision remanded two issues related to Bradwood Landing’s consolidated land use approval back to Clatsop County for further work.

Read Full Natural Oregon Release

Clatsop County Proposed Budget Holds No Creative Surprises

Thursday, April 22, 2010

PROPOSED 2010-11 BUDGET PRESERVES COUNTY SERVICES

Despite a still-sluggish economy and flat revenue, Clatsop County’s proposed 2010-11 fiscal year budget maintains almost all existing county services and programs.

Read Full County Release

Landowners Speak-Up To FERC On Oregon LNG Pipeline Conduct

April 22, 2010
10:46 AM

Cassandra Profita - The Daily Astorian

Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Bobbie McCartney presided over an unusual court proceeding in Astoria Wednesday designed to collect testimony on Oregon LNG's treatment of landowners along its proposed 117-mile pipeline route.

About a dozen people, several who live along the pipeline route in Warrenton and Jewell, attended the event at the Judge Guy Boyington Building and testified about their negative experiences with the company.


Read Full Article

Brent Foster Resigns From Oregon AG's Office

Oregon environmental counsel resigns from attorney general's office
By Scott Learn, The Oregonian

April 20, 2010, 8:03PM

Brent Foster, the environmental activist hired by Oregon Attorney General John Kroger to lead Kroger's promised crackdown on polluters, resigned Tuesday after misrepresenting his involvement in a criminal environmental case, Kroger's office said late Tuesday.

Kroger said in a press release that he referred the matter to the Marion County district attorney's office for investigation, adding that "it is crucial that all members of the Department of Justice maintain the highest professional standards." His office declined to comment further.

Read Full Details

Clatsop Commissioner Jeff Hazen: Is He Confident Enough To Run A Stealth Campaign?

Is Jeff Hazen running a "Stealth" campaign for County Commissioner?

Those who lived here in 1992, many can remember it seemed to have worked for Julie Leonhardt when she beat Steve Gerttula for DA.

Hazen, who has a website that is on many blogrolls and was very vocal back during his own, Ann Samuelson and Patricia Ronerts recall elections, hasn't had a post since November 2009 when he mourned the loss of his pal Ann, and attempted to bolster support against Roberts recall declaring, "Make no mistake about it they are trying to take over our County Government"(They the assumption would infer would be his neighbors and constituents in Clatsop County) and aside from a few signs trying to tie him to Raichl "Support Our County, Vote Raichl and Hazen" and similar to the signs posted back during the recall campaigns, to the effect.."Support Our County, Say No To Recall", there simply is no campaign presence on the web or anywhere for Hazen.

For Hazen, it would appear back during the recalls, keeping his head down kept him from being recalled but the question now is: will it get him re-elected?

Maybe there will be a last minute campaign blitz to get him past a very viable candidate in Scott Lee(No relation to Richard Lee)?

In Hazen's three and a half years on CCBofC, what are some of Hazen's hallmarks in his tenure on that panel that seem to stand out most in the Public's perception?

1) Walking literally in lock step step with pals Lee and Samuelson until they were RECALLED?

2) Engineering the whole DA pay debacle and voting AGAINST restoring the DA county pay in March 2008 even when the other Board members voted for it?

3) LNG. How much divisiveness, how many 100,000s of dollars has to be paid before Hazen listens to 1) county staff and 2) LUBA?

4) Why does he keep flying to DC on our dollars? What exactly has the county gotten from the feds because of Jeff's "intervention"?

Mr. Hazen is most certainly invited to refute, enhance or add to this list any information he feels will help his campaign if he wishes to do so.

Continued Application Hearings On Bradwood Landing On Hold

From: Clatsop County Department News Release

Friday, April 16, 2010

REVIEW OF BRADWOOD APPLICATIONS ON HOLD
Clatsop County’s review of eight supplemental applications related to the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG project has been put on hold pending the outcome of challenges to the development.

On Friday, Land Use Hearings Officer Peter Livingston concluded an extended public hearing held regarding the eight applications, then announced that his review of and possible ruling on the applications will be continued to an unspecified future date to allow for possible appeals or other actions stemming from this week’s ruling from the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals on the Bradwood project.

Read Full Release

Read Daily Astorian Story

Put The Onus Back On Northern Star

And maybe now it is simply time for Clatsop County Commission and Planning Commission, in support of its/our staff suck it up, get a spine and bring all this misery to a screeching halt by simply insisting that before any more review and approvals of NSNG's Bradwood Landing take place, that all requirements of County, State and Federal agencies be met to the letter of the law and those approvals be laid on the table for a final approval.

This is a project of such a magnitude that "Trust us, we will do the right thing" just should not even be brought into the equation.

With this last LUBA ruling the term "Action Talks, Bullshit Walks" is in full play here and to avoid any more talk or notions of "Recall" and the tearing apart the unity of this community's citizens, it is imperative we take the directorship of this mess out of the hands of Texas based Northern Star Natural Gas and put the onus back on them to satisfy us.

Online Clatsop County Voters Pamphlet Now Available

Read All The Candidates Information At Your Leisure

From Columbia Riverkeeper:Oregon LUBA Rejects Clatsop County's Approval Of Bradwood Landing Again!!!

For Immediate Release. April 12, 2010.

Contact: Brett VandenHeuvel, Director, Columbia Riverkeeper (503) 348-2436
Dan Serres, Conservation Director, Columbia Riverkeeper (503) 890-2441

Oregon Court Rejects Bradwood Landing LNG, Again

Read The Official LUBA Ruling Here

The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) rejected Clatsop County’s approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the Columbia River.

LUBA found the LNG terminal violates state and county laws designed to protect endangered salmon and traditional fishing areas.

“This is a crushing defeat for Bradwood Landing. With the legal requirement to protect endangered salmon and traditional fishing areas, I can’t conceive of a way this LNG project moves forward,” stated Brett VandenHeuvel, Director of Columbia Riverkeeper, who argued the case to LUBA. “This is the second time we’ve won on these issues. Bradwood has run out of options.”

Long-time Columbia River commercial fisherman, Jack Marincovich stated, "No matter what Bradwood says, this project will harm salmon and set us back as fishermen. It's good to see the court stepping forward to protect salmon and fishermen."

“This is an important victory over LNG on the Columbia River. It not only makes the Bradwood project less viable, but it also sends a message to the other proposed LNG projects: destroying salmon habitat and the livelihoods that depend on them will be rejected,” stated Brian Pasko, Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club.

In a concurring opinion LUBA stated, “the county must ensure that any damage to those resources will be no more than de minimis. In other words, any such damage must be trivial.” Bradwood Landing’s proposal to dredge 46 acres of critical salmon habitat

In addition, LUBA rejected Clatsop County’s decision that the LNG terminal was “small to moderate” in scale, as required by county law to protect the Bradwood area of the estuary.

“The Commissioners made a mockery out of county law. The unprecedented damage caused by the LNG terminal is far beyond small to medium,” stated Astoria resident and retired school librarian, Cheryl Johnson. LUBA found that the county erred by failing to consider the dredging area and construction areas. The county lost on this same issue before LUBA in 2008.

Petitioners include Columbia Riverkeeper, Columbia River Business Alliance, Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition. After prevailing on the same claims in 2008, this is the second victory for petitioners. Houston-based NorthernStar Natural Gas proposed the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal, located 20 miles upstream from Astoria, Oregon, in 2005. Legal challenges and the inability to obtain needed state permits have significantly delayed the project.

Brett VandenHeuvel of Columbia Riverkeeper and Jan Wilson of the Western Environmental Law Center represented the successful petitioners.

The Ruby Pipeline - Rivalling Current Proposed LNG Terminal Projects - On Track For Spring Start

Ruby gas pipeline -- that would rival proposed LNG terminals in Oregon -- on track for spring work

From: Oregon Business News
By The Oregonian staff and wire reports

April 07, 2010, 7:37PM

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- El Paso Corp. said today that construction of the $3 billion Ruby gas pipeline from Wyoming to Oregon is on track to begin later this spring following Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval of the project.

Read Full Oregonian Report

Bradwood Landing - The Next Round Of Hearings: You Want to Be Heard You Damned Well Better Be There Today At 1:00 P.M To Get Your Name On The List!!!.

....."Notice is hereby given that the Clatsop County Hearings Officer will conduct a public hearing, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, in the Judge Guy Boyington Building, located at 857 Commercial Street, Astoria, Oregon, to consider the following consolidated application:"....

You don't get your name on the list to present your view today, you won't get on at all so, don't think if the hearings continue to the next day or next week you can sign-up to speak that day!!

Staff Application Recommendations

Shoreline Monitoring Plan - Denied With Conditions

Dredged Material Disposal Plan - Approved With Conditions

Park And Ride Lot - Denied With Conditions

Mitigation Plan - Denied With Conditions

Bradwood Landing Erosion Control Plan - Approved With Conditions

Conditional Use Permit - Approved With Conditions

Decommission Plan - Denied With Conditions

Riparian Vegetation - Approved With Conditions

(Bottom Line...County Says Meet All County, State And Federal Requirements And We'll Talk. NSNG/Bradwood Implies..."Trust Us We'll Get To All That Stuff Later")

Go Here For All Staff Findings And Recommendations

Read Northern Star/Bradwood Landing's Spin

Debra Birkby Challenges Samuelson Replacement Mushen For District Five Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Post

Visit Birkby's Site For More Background And Platform Information

Peter Huhtala Vies For John Raichl's Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Seat - District 3

Visit Huhtala's Campaign Site For More Voter Information And Background

Scott Lee Takes On Jeff Hazen For Clatsop County Commission - District One Seat

Read About Scott Lee For Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners - District One

Clatsop D.A. Marquis And Other State D.A.'s Say Suspended Measure 57 Numbers Inflated By State Law Makers

From: KATU.COM

PORTLAND, Ore. - A tough-on-crime measure passed by Oregon voters was suspended by state lawmakers because they said the state couldn’t afford it, but according to a preliminary report by district attorneys, legislators made their decision on bad data.

Measure 57 was passed by a strong majority of voters and called for cracking down on criminals habitually breaking into homes and stealing cars.

Read Full Article And Watch Video

Astoria: Derelict, Abandoned, Delapidated Properties: A Cure Or A Curse?

Tonight April 5, 2010, The City of Astoria plans to unveil the result of Acrchitects input on the remodel/renovation of our City Hall and also host a discusiion on what to do with our fine city's delapidated, abandoned and derelict properties.

An interesting irony here is that our own City Hall is adjacent and attached to an abandoned, delapidated building in the old Waldorf Hotel, itself in a forced exile for lack of an investor or real plan to bring it back to life.

Add to this the controversial downtown Flavel properties among others and other properties to east and west, we have a real mess and a very touchey situation as to how to enforce some movement remedying these, what some would call blights on our cityscape.

The big question is...Do we punish these property owners or help them and then how do we enforce the final resolution?

Just on my side of town there are several properties that alone riase some serious enforcement question of which I will let you decide and here they are.

31st & Marine: A property with a structure more commonly called "The Bunkhouse" and by the way, listed on the National Historic Register,still languishing under the ownership of a local and prominent businessman and is still a virtual, unuseable shell of a building with no indication of it or any of the other parts of the property but, one, a habitable house, progressing any further that it is now.

Empty, Unkempt Property On Marine Drive Between 30th & 31st: Just as described with no hint of any future improvement or immediate improvement.

31st & Marine Drive: More Commonly called "The Wolf House" and a onetime beautiful home left to die simply because of lack of any ind of money to bring it back as much as the owner would love to. There has been some recent work by, I would guess, Community Action, a Non-Profit assistance group that has, through grants, upgrade the entries for safer entry and exit. The owner of the property immediately behind has been restoring his own home but, Money to finish is that obstacle there.

Hauke Landslide Property: sits there,after massive mitigation of a careless and destructive mistake on somebody's part of which we will likely never, just growing rocks and Alders with no hint of any kind of use or improvement whatsoever other than a convenient place to post temporary, uncontrolled signs for whatever group that may have some event going on at the moment.

33rd and Franklin: At the gateway into the Uppertown-Adair neighborhood

that is, from all appearances, a terribly mismanaged and neglected rental property with a growing reputation of being a place of nefarious activity.

So, who and how do we punish and reward these properties and under what criteria?

NSNG/Bradwood Landing LNG's Salmon Enhancement Intiative: Debunking Views From The Other Side Of The Story

Read Some Views From The Other Side Of The Story

Alaska Endorses 1500 Mile, 48 Diameter TransCanada NG Pipeline Overland To Alberta Over Denali Pipeline Group's Scheme

By Tim Bradner - Alaska Journal of Commerce

"The state is offering a set of special natural gas royalty and tax terms as inducements for North Slope producers to sign pipeline capacity contracts during an open season set by TransCanada Corp. that will begin May 1, state officials told state legislators in a briefing.

The incentives could be worth more than $20 billion in value to producers over the life of capacity agreements signed, assuming the entire 4.5 billion cubic feet per day of capacity is subscribed, according to estimates by Black & Veatch, a consulting firm working with the state.

TransCanada is proposing a 1,500-mile, 48-inch pipeline from the North Slope to its Aeco hub in Alberta that could cost as much as $41 billion, the pipeline company estimates.

The state endorsed TransCanada over the rival Denali pipeline group led by BP and ConocoPhillips after the Calgary-based pipeline company agreed to meet certain state goals regarding tariff structure and expansion terms."

Read Full Alaska Journal Of Commerce Article

Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area Feasability Study Released For Review

Read The Full Study Report

New York Times: Text Of Obama Speech On Offshore Drilling - March 31, 2010

.."Thank you, everybody. Thank you so much. (Applause.) Please have a seat. I've got a few introductions that I want to make very quickly before I start my remarks. First of all, I think that by the end of his tenure we're going to know that Ken Salazar is one of the finest Secretaries of Interior we've ever had. So please give him a big round of applause. (Applause.)"....

Read The Full Text

Campaign Launched Against Nestle' Cascade Locks Bottled Water Plant

By Scott Learn, The Oregonian - Oregon Environmental News

March 29, 2010, 5:33PM

Opponents of a proposed Nestlé Waters North America bottling plant in Cascade Locks launched their campaign today, handing fish and wildlife officials petitions with 3,700 signatures from Oregonians against the project.

Nestlé's first Pacific Northwest plant would tap a nearby spring that supplies an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery. The agency is evaluating whether replacing the spring water with Cascade Locks well water would harm the hatchery's fish or a creek the hatchery feeds into.

Read The Details

Is Bottled Water Any Purer Than Tap Water?

Define The Term - "Port"

Port (pôrt, prt)
n.
1. Abbr. Pt.
a. A place on a waterway with facilities for loading and unloading ships.
b. A city or town on a waterway with such facilities.
c. The waterfront district of a city.
2. A place along a coast that gives ships and boats protection from storms and rough water; a harbor.
3. A port of entry.

Maybe the terms..."Business Park" and "Marine Service Center" were overlooked in developing the definition of a "Port" but, they don't seem to be a relevant part of that definition.

So, are we "The Port of Astoria, Oregon", doing what a "Port" is supposed to do or do we just want to limit ourselves to just being another "Business Park"?

And by the way, how is it The Mayor of Astoria, Oregon can make promises to anybody regarding "Port Business" and is it prudent business practice for any wise business owner to use that kind of judgement in relocating his/her business?

And another question would be....How many new, family wage jobs did those business moves provide to our community workforce?

And now Westerlund wants to move in a long-term Log Export operation with 50 new jobs, jobs that we can damned well qualify for and I still believe these are non-longshoreman jobs and the biggest issue is Housekeeping and we cannot work out a solution to this?

Governor Kulongoski's March 25, 2010 Letter To FERC Over Appropriate Jurisdiction And Lack Of Accurate Pipeline Information For Bradwood Landing

(Excerpt) "The NMFS fails to acknowledge, however, that the Coast Guard has specifically advised FERC and NMFS that it has exclusive jurisdiction over the screening issue and that, at present, it would not allow the use of the screening required by the FERC order or proposed by the applicant. See attached letter from J.G. Lance, US Coast Guard to Kimberly D. Bose, FERC, dated May 1, 2009.

If the Biological Opinion is to be useful, consistent with NMFS's assessment of the relative roles of the FERC and the Coast Guard, and comply with the Endangered Species Act, NMFS's Biological Opinion must consider the impact on the Columbia River fisheries of unscreened ballast and cooling water withdrawals on LNG tankers. The Draft Description should be revised accordingly.

The State of Oregon also notes that the project description does not clearly identify the final pipeline route. The Bradwood Landing EIS and FERC's order approving the project generally identify the route of the pipeline, but appear to also leave room for alternations to the route due to facts on the ground. The project description should identify the final pipeline route with sufficient detail to identify the locations that pipeline construction and maintenance will impact specific waterbodies."

Read Letter and Attachment

KMUN - "The Last D.J." - Presents: A Conversation With Clatsop County D.A. Josh Marquis & Paul Logli

Sunday, March 28, 2010

7:00-8:00pm, on "The Last DJ"
KMUN 91.9FM KTCB 89.5 FM
on the web at: http://www.coastradio.org/
questions & comments to: asktheradio@gmail.com

* How communities can have good jails and good schools.

* How non-profits contribute to healthy communities.

* Prosecutorial ethics.

* The media and the law.

* Your questions and comments.

Join Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis and Paul Logli, former president of the National District Attorneys Association, in a lively and wide-ranging conversation about public safety.

Bio: Paul Logli
Currently: Chief Executive Officer , United Way of Rock River Valley, Rockford, IL

In 2008 Paul Logli took on the position as CEO of the United Way of Rock River Valley after having been actively involved with many human service and professional organizations. He has over 30 years of legal experience serving as an assistant state's attorney, state's attorney, judge and an attorney in private practice. He is the longest serving State's Attorney in Winnebago County (Rockford, IL) history, holding the position for five terms from 1986 to 2007. Logli also held several judicial appointments. First, in 1981, as Associate Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit serving Winnebago and Boone Counties, and later in 2007 by appointment of the Illinois Supreme Court to the 17th Judicial Court as Circuit Judge presiding over all civil cases in Boone County. His appointment concluded in 2008.
Logli received his Bachelor's Degree in English in 1971 from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1974 from the University of Illinois. He has volunteered for the Boy Scouts, Rosecrance Treatment Center, Illinois Growth Enterprises and the United Way. Logli has been nationally recognized as a prosecutor and served as President of the National District Attorneys Association in 2005 and 2006. Logli also previously served as President of the Illinois State's Attorneys Association and is the Past President of the Winnebago County Bar Association. He was an instructor for the Illinois State Bar Association and served on the faculty of the National College of District Attorneys for over 20 years.

Bio: Josh Marquis
Currently: Clatsop County (Astoria, OR) District Attorney
Josh Marquis has been District Attorney of Clatsop County (Astoria) Oregon, since 1994, and is currently running unopposed for this fifth term. He is a former president of the Oregon District Attorney's Association and has served on the Board of Directors of the National District Attorneys Association since 1997.

A graduate of the University of Oregon's Honors College and Law School, he has worked as a newspaper reporter in Los Angeles, speechwriter to California's Attorney General, and in his 18 months as a criminal defense lawyer represented three defendants in capital murder cases.

Josh is an active Democrat, serving as a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the NDAA's Board of Directors, serves on the Board of Directors of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the University of Oregon Law School Alumni Association. In July 2009 he was appointed to the Leadership Council of the American Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section.

California Terminates Northern Star's Cleawater Project For Failure To Submit Required Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts:
March 16, 2010 Linda Krop, EDC: 805-963-1622
Kira Redmond, SBCK: 805-452-8647
LOCAL GROUPS CLAIM VICTORY AT END OF LNG PROJECT
Clearwater Port application terminated after company fails to submit required
information to permitting agencies
SANTA BARBARA, CA---The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) and Santa
Barbara Channelkeeper (SBCK) celebrated today after learning that the application for
NorthernStar’s Clearwater Port Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project was terminated by
the California State Lands Commission. The application, which would have allowed
construction of a massive LNG terminal offshore Carpinteria and Oxnard, had been
suspended since

Read The Details

U.S. District Court Judge, Michael W. Mossman Orders Port of Astoria To Finalize OLNG Lease

So, it wasn't an order, just a strong suggestion?

So, says OLNG's Peter Hansen?

From KAST-AM 1370 News and Talk

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF OREGON
PORTLAND DIVISION

LNG DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC,
dba OREGON LNG,
No. CV 09-847-JE
Plaintiff,
OPINION & ORDER
v.
PORT OF ASTORIA, an Oregon Port; DAN HESS,
an individual; LARRY PFUND, an individual;
WILLIAM HUNSINGER, an individual;
JACK BLAND, an individual; and FLOYD
HOLCOM, an individual,
Defendants.

MOSMAN, J.,
On February 3, 2010, Magistrate Judge Jelderks issued Findings and Recommendation
("F&R") (#126) in the above-captioned case recommending that I GRANT plaintiff's Motion for
Preliminary Injunction (#101). Defendants filed objections to the F&R with a request for an
evidentiary hearing (#129) and plaintiff responded (#130).
DISCUSSION
The magistrate judge makes only recommendations to the court, to which any party may file
written objections. The court is not bound by the recommendations of the magistrate judge, but
PAGE 1 - OPINION & ORDER
Case 3:09-cv-00847-JE Document 132 Filed 03/11/2010 Page 1 of 2
retains responsibility for making the final determination. The court is generally required to make
a de novo determination of those portions of the report or specified findings or recommendation as
to which an objection is made. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C). However, the court is not required to
review, under a de novo or any other standard, the factual or legal conclusions of the magistrate
judge as to those portions of the F&R to which no objections are addressed. See Thomas v. Arn, 474
U.S. 140, 149 (1985); United States v. Reyna-Tapia, 328 F.3d 1114, 1121 (9th Cir. 2003). While
the level of scrutiny under which I am required to review the F&R depends on whether or not
objections have been filed, in either case, I am free to accept, reject, or modify any of the magistrate
judge's F&R. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C).
Upon review, I agree with Judge Jelderks's recommendation, and I ADOPT the F&R (#126)
as my own opinion. Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction (#101) is GRANTED as described
in Judge Jelderks's F&R. Defendants should take immediate steps to provide the additional thirtyyear
term specified in the sublease, and to make the land subject to that sublease available to plaintiff
LNG for its use.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
DATED this 11th day of March, 2010.
/s/ Michael W. Mosman
MICHAEL W. MOSMAN
United States District Court
PAGE 2 - OPINION & ORDER

9:00AM Today(March 11, 2010) On OPB - Controlling LNG: A Conversation On States Control OF LNG Decision Over FERC's Control

From: Daniel Serres dserres@gmail.com
Date: March 10, 2010 8:14:09 PM PST

Listen To A Complete Replay Think Out Loud's Presentation, Controlling LNG

Fifth Amendment, Pipelines, Energy Speculators And Eminent Domain

Eminent domain
The Supreme Court has held that the federal government and each state has the power of eminent domain—the power to take private property for "public use". The Takings Clause, the last clause of the Fifth Amendment, limits the power of eminent domain by requiring that "just compensation" be paid if private property is taken for public use. The just compensation provision of the Fifth Amendment did not originally apply directly to the states, but the federal courts now hold that the Fourteenth Amendment extended the effects of that provision to the states. The federal courts, however, have shown much deference to the determinations of Congress, and even more so to the determinations of the state legislatures, what constitutes "public use". The property need not actually be used by the public; rather, it must be used or disposed of in such a manner as to benefit the public welfare or public interest. One exception that restrains the federal government is that the property must be used in exercise of a government's enumerated powers.
The owner of the property that is taken by the government must be justly compensated. When determining the amount that must be paid, the government does not need to take into account any speculative schemes that the owner claims the property was intended for use in. Normally, the fair market value of the property determines "just compensation". If the property is taken before the payment is made, interest accrues (though the courts have refrained from using the term "interest").
The federal courts have not restrained state and local governments from seizing privately owned land for private commercial development on behalf of private developers. This was upheld on June 23, 2005, when the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Kelo v. City of New London. This 5–4 decision remains controversial. The majority opinion, by Justice Stevens, found that it was appropriate to defer to the city's decision that the development plan had a public purpose, saying that "the city has carefully formulated a development plan that it believes will provide appreciable benefits to the community, including, but not limited to, new jobs and increased tax revenue." Justice Kennedy's concurring opinion observed that in this particular case the development plan was not "of primary benefit to . . . the developer" and that if that was the case the plan might have been impermissible. In the dissent, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor argued that this decision would allow the rich to benefit at the expense of the poor, asserting that "Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms." She argued that the decision eliminates "any distinction between private and public use of property—and thereby effectively delete[s] the words 'for public use' from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment". A number of states, in response to Kelo, have passed laws and/or state constitutional amendments which make it more difficult for state governments to seize private land. Takings that are not "for public use" are not directly covered by the doctrine,[8] however such a taking might violate due process rights under the Fourteenth amendment, or other applicable law.
The exercise of the police power of the state resulting in a taking of private property was long held to be an exception to the requirement of government paying just compensation. However the growing trend under the various state constitution's taking clauses is to compensate innocent third parties whose property was destroyed or "taken" as a result of police action.[9]

Open House To Meet CCB0fC District-1 Candidate Scott Lee

OPEN HOUSE to meet SCOTT LEE
Candidate for District 1 Clatsop County Commissioner
Sunday, March 14 from 4-6 p.m.
1684 Irving Avenue
You don't have to live in District 1 to want the best people in county government - check out Scott! District 1 includes Hammond, Warrenton, and Astoria east to roughly 5th Street. The D1 Commissioner is Jeff Hazen, who has filed for re-election.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME - - PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL.

Huhtala Opts Out Of State House Race Against Witt To Run For Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners - District 3 Seat

To: All Media FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2010 Contact: Peter Huhtala (503) 468-8038
Press Release
Huhtala opts to run for Clatsop County Commission over House Seat

Astoria, OR. Native Astorian Peter Huhtala announced Tuesday that he will run for Clatsop
County Commissioner in the third district instead of pursuing a race for an Oregon House seat.

“The reality is that my heart is right here in Astoria and it’s where I think I can do the most
good,” said Huhtala, Executive Director of the Columbia River Business Alliance and a longtime
river and fisheries conservation advocate.

“For the last several months whenever I talked to people about the matters that were important to them it kept coming back to local issues. Unemployment, affordable housing, and the
environment are major concerns. These are things I know how to do something about at the
County level.”

Huhtala is running for the Commission with the primary goals of focusing attention on both
increasing jobs in the County and preserving the quality of life that makes this area a great place
to live and raise a family.

“The future of our economy is directly linked to our respect for the variety and abundance the
region affords its people,” said Huhtala, who has been an outspoken opponent of proposed
Liquefied Natural Gas terminals on the Columbia River.

“If the County just jumps on board with projects that would put jobs related to fishing, recreation and tourism at risk then we are damaging the long-term future of our economy.

We need to have a jobs strategy that is both aggressive and smart.”

The group of volunteers that were supporting Huhtala as a House candidate expressed support
for his decision to run for the County Commissioner position. “Peter’s experience and passion
makes him perfect for the County Commission,” says Phyllis Cook who is Peter’s volunteer
campaign coordinator. “I fear that some decisions made by the Commission in recent years,
however well-intentioned, may have unfortunate consequences.

We desperately need a vision for the future.

Peter has the temperament and integrity to bring transparency and a breath of
fresh air to County Government.

He will be responsive to the community.”

Wyden-Merkley Bill Could Stop LNG In Oregon

March 2, 2010
By Dennis Newman - Natural Oregon

Read The Actual Bill And Its Introduction

Oregon’s two Senators are joining forces on a bill that could bring LNG projects in our state to a grinding halt.

Wyden and Merkley want to take away control over LNG projects from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They’ve introduced a bill that would return that power to the states.

Read Full Article

Some Posers For PofA's Jack Bland And Cronies

Based on your story Jack, (Bland's Daily "A" L.T.T.E, "Not Really Secret") maybe "Secret" is too strong a word to use but private, one-on-one, meetings between you and Westerlund officials on the proposed Log Export project?

Private one-on-one meetings between, as you say, other Commissioners and Westerlund officials on the same project?

Well Jack, I am no scholar on “Quasi-Judicial Process” but, I think that is called “Ex Parte Contact’ isn’t it, (Off-record contact between an elected official and a party that stands to gain from that official’s involvement on an issue to be presented before him for review, deliberation and approval or denial.) in the least?

Maybe this isn’t secret but, is it really in the interest of those of us you serve in your capacity as a “Port of Astoria Commissioner” in the doing of “OUR”….”Public Business” ? Did you get that “OUR” part Jack?

Do you have any record of exactly what transpired at your meeting Jack or do we just take your word that nothing unethical hapened?

Again, I am no “Quasi-Judicial/Public Meeting Law” scholar but to keep this process pure and to assure complete transparency, isn’t this the way it is supposed to work…A Port Business prospect brings his proposal to “Port”, sits down with Jack Crider and lays out his plan with background and necessary information. Crider and staff take that information, “Vet” and “Due Diligence” it thoroughly and prepare a report packet that covers “Findings of Fact” with “Staff Recommendations” to be submitted to “Port of Astoria Commissioners” to be heard at a formal, advertised public meeting, along with the citizens they represent, for review, deliberation and approval/denial and with ample opportunity for input by both?

I don’t think in that process it allows you and your colleagues an opportunity to play “Power Brokers” by having your direct involvement way before you should, outside the interest of the citizens you represent and on top of that, harkens back to another “Port” blunder where “Off-Record presentations, purposely avoiding proper process have gotten us into a real mess and facing some serious litigation.

You, Jack, being the “Newby” on Port Commission, I want to ask you who it was that sat you down and told you this is how “Quasi-Judicial” process works and that it is OK for you to take it upon yourself to conduct yourself outside of it?

The sad irony about this, no pun intended, is that you blandly admit that you and your colleagues seem to think it is correct ethic, thereby prospering the perception of secrecy.

Am I wrong?

I’ll wait for your answer.

Clatsop County Commission Approves And Adopts A New Guiding Principles Statement

-Approved a new Guiding Principles statement for the board of commissioners. The new statement, drawn up by commissioners Jeff Hazen and Robert Mushen with help from Assistant County Manager Nicole Williams, replaces other statements with outdated and repetitive language. The new statement reads:

· We will conduct business in an open, honest and respectful manner.

· We will provide professional, positive leadership for the organization, our employees, as well as all citizens in the County.

· We will strive to be informed and follow a process that involves collaborative decision-making keeping in mind what is best for the entire County.

· We will work in partnership with the citizens of the County, Federal, State and local governments to achieve mutual goals.

· We will foster responsible growth management.

DEQ Meets On Bradwood Landing In Knappa March 3, 2010

At this meeting, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will provide current information about environmental permits that will be required for the proposed Bradwood Landing Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal and Pipeline project.

Read Full Notice

From Columbia Riverkeeper; Oregon DEQ. Rejects Demands of NorthernStar LNG And 15 Other States File Amicus Brief Supporting Oregon's NSNG Lawsuit

Amicus Curiae Brief
Definition: Latin term meaning "friend of the court". The name for a brief filed with the court by someone who is not a party to the case.
"... a phrase that literally means "friend of the court" -- someone who is not a party to the litigation, but who believes that the court's decision may affect its interest." William H. Rehnquist, The Supreme Court, page 89.

Oregon Rejects Demands of NorthernStar LNG, 15 Other States File Amicus Brief Supporting Oregon’s Lawsuit Against NorthernStar
For Immediate Release:

Friday, February 19, 2010

Brett VandenHeuvel, Director, Columbia Riverkeeper – 503 348 2436

Dan Serres, Conservation Director, Columbia Riverkeeper - 503 890-2441
Portland, OR - NorthernStar’s proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal suffered two serious setbacks that may endanger the project.

First, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) released a letter today Rejecting NorthernStar’s demand that DEQ issue permits in 2010.

“We are very pleased that the DEQ has clearly signaled its commitment to good science and sound process. The construction of an LNG terminal on the Columbia River would significantly impact our state’s land, air, water, and public safety,” stated Brian Pasko, Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club.

The LNG terminal has suffered multi-year setbacks as state and federal agencies have asked for complete and accurate data on the project’s harm to salmon and impact to the Columbia River Estuary. NorthernStar, who recently stated they planned to start construction in 2010, demanded that DEQ issue permits within months. DEQ rejected these unusual demands.

DEQ’s February 17, 2010, letter states, “[NorthernStar’s] three principal demands are that DEQ: (1) drop its request for three-dimensional modeling,” (2) approve the project “without the benefit” of a consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, and (3) “agree to issue its certification by July 2010.” DEQ rejected each demand and said that NorthernStar would either provide the requested data and extend the permitting timeline or DEQ’s “decision will likely lead to a denial of certification.”

Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, responded to DEQ’s letter. “NorthernStar’s demands indicate desperation. DEQ rejected these demands and has indicated that it’s willing to deny the project.”

In a second significant blow to the project, the Attorney Generals of fifteen other states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Ohio, filed an amicus brief against Bradwood LNG in a lawsuit challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of the Bradwood project. The amicus brief supports Oregon’s position that Oregon has authority to deny the LNG terminals.

The amicus brief, filed by Joseph R. Biden III of Delaware, Martha Coakley of Massachusettes, and James “Buddy” Caldwell of Louisiana, among others, supports the arguments of Oregon , Washington, the Nez Perce Tribe, Columbia Riverkeeper, and other organizations.

“We’re thrilled that so many other states, along with Oregon and Washington, recognize the problems with the Bradwood application,” stated Scott Jerger from Field Jerger LLP, who represents Columbia Riverkeeper and other organizations.

An amicus or “friends of the court” brief may be submitted by non-parties who believe the issues in the case are so important that their interests are effected.

Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian: Oregon's LNG Terminal Futures Dependent On Global Market

Oregon Business News
Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian
January 23, 2010

Five years after energy developers started sniffing around Oregon as a likely spot to build an import terminal for liquefied natural gas, the air has come flooding out of the gas market like a whoopee cushion, making such proposals sound economically reckless.

With a worldwide recession in full swing, there's LNG to be had. More cargoes are expected to land this year in the U.S. -- the industry's market of last resort -- even though demand is low and gas prices have cratered.

Read Sickinger's Full Article

Oregon Senate Bill 1020 - They Gonna Try Again In 2010 Special Session?

SUMMARY
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject
to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the
measure as introduced.
Deletes definition of “applicant” for purposes of certain provisions related to removal-fill permitting
program.
Declares emergency, effective on passage.
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the removal-fill permitting program; creating new provisions; amending ORS 196.825; and
declaring an emergency.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

It's Dead!, Dead!, Dead!......For Now!

Read The Bill

An Essay By Ted Thomas: The Impact Of Wal-Mart On Communities

The Social Impacts: "The supporters of the proposal frequently express their subscription to the idea that the benefits of a Walmart will outweigh the costs to the community. That somehow the perception alone of low prices will draw more people to our area and so recapture consumer's spending that is otherwise lost to Longview or Portland".......

Read Full Text

Dow Jones Online: Shale Gas Boom Stymies LNG Import Terminal Plans!

By Christine Buurma - DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- A surge in domestic U.S. natural-gas supplies is stalling ambitious plans for a raft of liquefied natural-gas import terminals along the country's coastlines........

Read The Details

NOAA: Port Of Bellingham Protest Of Lease Award To Port Of Newport Upheld Says GAO Letter

Read Letter

The End Result On Measures 66 & 67

SUMMARY REPORT SPECIAL ELECTION RUN DATE:01/26/10 10:55 PM
THIRD UNOFFICIAL REPORT CLATSOP COUNTY, OR.
JANUARY 26, 2010

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 33) . . . . . 33 - 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 20,636
BALLOTS COUNTED - TOTAL. . . . . . 13,100
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 63.48%
Measure 66
Raises tax on household income above $250,000
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,308 - 56.10%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,719 - 43.90%
Measure 67
Raises $10 corporate minimum tax
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,133 - 54.90%
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,860 - 45.10%

LNG Tanker Terrorism: The Video Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole Refuses To Let Into The Debate?

So says Don West in his Daily Astorian Letter to the Editor Read The Letter Then Watch The Video Linked Below

GRP: And Why Not? Why Withhold Valid Information From The Citizens Of Clatsop County And By Whose Authority Is Cole Charged With Doing So?


Title: Concerns over LNG shipments in Everett
Published: Thu, 31 Dec 2009
Description: (NECN: Scot Yount, Everett, Mass.) - A tanker of liquefied natural gas at port in Everett, Massachusetts. In the wake of 9/11, this very ship the Matthew, was denied entry to the port of Boston because it was deemed too dangerous, the threat o...

Watch Video

Enviro Groups Seek Rehearing Of Coos Bay LNG Port

Enviros seek rehearing of Coos Bay LNG port

Associated Press - KDRV.com

January 19, 2010

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Some environmental groups are joining the state of Oregon in asking federal regulators to reconsider approval for a liquefied natural gas port on Coos Bay and a related pipeline to the California border.

Read Full Piece

Scott Brown Wins Mass, Special Election Senate Race!

From: "The Fix" - Washington Post.com

Chris Cilliza - January 19, 2010

State Sen. Scott Brown won a remarkable upset victory over state Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) tonight in a Massachusetts Senate special election, a victory likely to spawn broad-ranging political and policy consequences heading into the midterm elections.

"Tonight the independent voice of Massachusetts has spoken," Brown said to raucuous cheers at his victory rally

Read The Details

City Of Astoria Eligible For H.U.D. 2010 Community Development Block Grant - Hearing Date Set

The City of Astoria is eligible to apply for a 2010 Community Development Block Grant from the Oregon Business Development Department.

Community Development Block Grant Funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The grants can be used for public facilities and housing improvements, primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes.

Approximately $14 million will be awarded to qualified Oregon cities.


Read The Details

National Weather Service North Coast Weather Watch

National Weather Service Severe Weather Alerts

Cathlamet Mayor Weighs-In On LNG Debate And Discloses Public Employee Signing Agreement And Others Involved With NSNG Activities

From: Wahkiakum County Eagle Newspaper

"To The Eagle:

I am writing to clarify aspects of your coverage of the Town Council’s LNG “debate” published in The Eagle’s 12/24 issue. First, my position is that the Town of Cathlamet should monitor the ongoing negotiations between Wahkiakum County and NorthernStar, the Texas-based organization that plans to construct a LNG facility several miles from Cathlamet -- not become a signatory to any agreement they might make.

Second, we must stay well-informed because the issues under negotiation could potentially impact our town’s waterfront, require zoning changes and render our 2006 Master Plan obsolete. Given that, it seems appropriate for town leaders, including the mayor and council members, to monitor developments proactively so as not to be caught off guard."

* Cathlamet Deputy Fire Chief signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Northern Star Natural Gas?
* Members of the Cathlamet fire department, funded by NorthernStar, have over the past three years undergone LNG fire training.
* Town Councilor David Goodroe, the current Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council, said at a meeting that the LCEDC has for several years discussed with NorthernStar and other parties a plan to base armed escort/security vessels in the Elochoman Marina and place LNG escort tugboats elsewhere on Cathlamet’s waterfront.

Read Full Letter To The Editor

October, 2009 - Northern Star Natural Gas Attempts To Float A Securities Services Agreement With Wahkiakum County Board Of Commissioners

Citizens: Investigate potential LNG security pact liabilities for 8 - 10 security jobs manned by Wahkiakum County Sheriff Officers.

Published on Thu, Oct 1, 2009 by Rick Nelson - The Wahkiakum County Eagle

"Tread carefully", That's the message a group of citizens gave the Wahkiakum County board of commissioners for their negotiation of a security services agreement with NorthernStar Natural Gas LLC.

"Island resident George Exum asked if the public would be able to review the proposed agreement prior to the commissioners voting on it.Commissioners and Garrett agreed the public could examine the agreement, with classified sections blacked out.In response to a question, Garrett said the facility is licensed as a receiving facility and would not be retrofitted to export natural gas. "We've offered to sign a letter that we'll not do that," he said."

"Commissioner Marsyla commented that she feels the potential of 8-10 jobs is "huge." "I truly will be really sad if this plant goes in and those 10 jobs end up in Columbia County and there are none here," she said. "I agree we need to look at the contract."

Read The Details

The Basic Voter Facts On The January 26, 2010 Vote On Measures 66 & 67

So, How Are You Going To Vote On These Issues?
The Basic Voter Facts On Measures 66 & 67

LUBA Rejects Opponent "Public Input" Challenges To Clatsop County's Land Use Review On Proposed Bradwood Landing Project By Texas Based, Northern Star

LUBA REJECTS CHALLENGE TO BRADWOOD REMAND RECORD

The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals has rejected a challenge filed by Bradwood Landing LNG opponents against the public input process on Clatsop County’s land-use review of the proposed liquefied natural gas project.

"While LUBA rejected opponents’ objection to the redaction of evidence, the panel, in the same ruling, also turned down an objection filed by NorthernStar claiming that some new evidence was allowed into the record of the remand hearing, in violation of the board of commissioner’s pre-hearing policy."

Read Clatsop County Press Release

Fragile Recovery On Horizon For Housing

By Chris Arnold - NPR News
December 31, 2009

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

Read Details

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

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

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

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

Read Cassandra Profita's Report

The Marine Highway Bill 2009

"By Savannah Morning News

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

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


Read The Details

Oregon Crabbers Seeing A Banner Year For Dungeness

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

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

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

Read Full Report

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

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

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

Read Full Report