Just what Is It U.S. Senate Candidate Elizabeth Warren Said?

Lucy Madison - Campaign 2012

CBS News - Political Hot Sheet

September 22, 2011 9:55 AM

Warren rejects the concept that it is possible for Americans to become
wealthy in isolation.
"You built a factory out there? Good for you," she says. "But I want to be
clear: you moved your goods to market on the roads the rest of us paid for; you
hired workers the rest of us paid to educate; you were safe in your factory
because of police forces and fire forces that the rest of us paid for. You
didn't have to worry that marauding bands would come and seize everything at
your factory, and hire someone to protect against this, because of the work the
rest of us did."
She continues: "Now look, you built a factory and it turned into something
terrific, or a great idea? God bless. Keep a big hunk of it. But part of the
underlying social contract is you take a hunk of that and pay forward for the
next kid who comes along."

Read Full Article

Clatsop County Elections To Test Ballot Counter November 1

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

BALLOT-COUNTING TEST
SET FOR NOV. 1

Clatsop County
Elections Division will conduct a public certification test of its
ballot-counting machine on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington
Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria in anticipation of the Nov. 8 special
primary election.
A test is routinely
performed prior to a county election and members of the public are invited to
observe the process.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations
Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Highlights And Audio Transcript Of October 26, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

Thursday, October 27, 2011

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OCT. 26, 2011 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
102611-1 by patrick mcgee
Official minutes available once approved by board

Westport zone change approved

The board approved a zone change for a parcel at the Westport ferry landing site to accommodate construction of a new ferry terminal. The change rezones .86 acre of land and water from Lake and Wetlands to Aquatic Development and changes its comprehensive plan designation from Conservation-Other Resources to Development.

Wahkiakum County, which operates the ferry, has received funding to purchase a new, larger ferry vessel capable of carrying more vehicles that it plans to put in service in 2014. Earlier this year Clatsop County won a federal transportation grant to build a new ferry landing at Westport that will both handle the new vessel as well as eliminate a chronic siltation problem that hampers the existing landing. Construction of the new landing is set for 2012.

Commission Chair Dirk Rohne noted the ferry landing upgrade is one of several projects proposed for Westport through a county-led improvement program.

ClatsopALERTS agreements okayed

The board approved intergovernmental agreements with the cities of Astoria and Seaside allowing the two municipalities to access the county’s new ClatsopALERTS! emergency notification system.

ClatsopALERTS! allows local officials to send out emergency warnings and other notices to the public through land-line and cell phones, text messages and email. The agreements will give Astoria and Seaside officials access to the system to send out messages of specific interest to residents of the two cities. The agreements provide the service to the cities at no cost.



Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved a contract with Philip Simmons to become the county’s new Veterans’ Service Officer. The former U.S. Marine Corps officer and lawyer will take over the program in November. The veterans’ service officer, funded primarily through the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, aids local veterans and their spouses and dependents with access to military benefits programs.

-Conducted the first reading of three proposed ordinances: Ord. 11-10 County Road Event; Ord. 11-11 Park Special Event Permit; and Ord. 11-12 Social Gatherings. Public hearings on the three ordinances will be held at the board’s Nov. 9 meeting.

-Approved a $125,000 federal grant through the Oregon Emergency Management Office for the county’s Emergency Management Division. The annual grant provides half the funding for the county program, which directs emergency preparedness and response efforts.

-Appointed Jack Applegate of Warrenton to the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

-Appointed Wendy Higgins of Cannon Beach to the Northwest Area Commission on Transportation.

Columbia Riverkeepers: Citizens Guide To Stopping LNG Pipelines On Private Land

Oregon LNG plans to build over 120 miles of high‐pressure natural gas pipeline to connect its
proposed LNG terminal along the Columbia River in Warrenton to an interconnect in Molalla.
An additional pipeline across the Cascade Mountains (similar to Palomar Pipeline) is likely. If
successful, Oregon LNG can use the power of eminent domain to bulldoze private property
and build the pipeline without landowners’ permission.

Columbia RiverKeepers Guide To Landowners

Astoria Police Deceased Person Investigation Autopsy Inconclusive

Astoria Police Deceased Person
Autopsy Inconclusive
On October 24, 2011 an autopsy of the remains located on Saturday October 22, 2011 in the Astoria's urban forest was conducted by the Oregon State Police Medical Examiner's Office. The autopsy was inconclusive. The Medical Examiner's Office will conduct further examinations but no manner or cause of death could be determined.

Since no dental records have been located for White no positive identification can be made through dental records. The dental records of the recovered body will be compared against the National Crime Information Center's Missing Person Records. DNA from the remains will also be compared against Missing Person Records.

November 8th Primary Election Ballots Mailed Out!!!

Monday, Oct. 24, 2011

NOVEMBER PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOTS MAILED OUT

Ballots for the Nov. 8 primary election have begun arriving in mailboxes of Clatsop County voters.

The election includes Democratic and Republican primary races for the vacant District 1 Congressional seat. Only registered Democratic and Republican voters will receive ballots for this election.

Completed ballots can be dropped at the following sites by 8 p.m. on Election Day:

· Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, Public Services Building, 820 Exchange St., Astoria -or- 24-hour drop box in front of office.

· Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 Gower St., Cannon Beach

· Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, Seaside

· Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton

· Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa

· Gearhart City Hall, 698 Pacific Way, Gearhart

· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall, 12525 Oregon Highway 202

· Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie

Ballots that are mailed in must be received by Election Day – postmarks do not count.

For more information contact the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 or go to the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us and click on “Nov. 8, 2011 Primary Election.”

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Obama Announces The War In Iraq Is Over, Troops To Be withdrawn By End Of Year!!?

Obama announces total Iraq troop withdrawal
By BEN FELLER - AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Friday declared an end to the Iraq war, one of the longest and most divisive conflicts in U.S. history, announcing that all American troops would be withdrawn from the country by year's end.

Obama's statement put an end to months of wrangling over whether the U.S. would maintain a force in Iraq beyond 2011. He never mentioned the tense and ultimately fruitless negotiations with Iraq over whether to keep several thousand U.S. forces in Iraq as a training force and a hedge against meddling from Iran or other outside forces.

Read Full Associated Press Article

October 28, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda

Read Full Agenda Packet

Update!!:October 12, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Highlights

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners
Highlights
Full Audio Transcript

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011 regular meeting
(Official minutes available once approved by board)

Jailing plans funding approved
The board, with Commissioner Patricia Roberts absent, voted unanimously to approve a budget adjustment of up to $100,000 to pay for a detailed schematic plan for a proposed 100-bed expansion of the Clatsop County Jail.

County Manager Duane Cole and Sheriff Tom Bergin told the board that multiple studies, including a 2008 study by Voorhis Associates, have provided the necessary data to show that the existing 69-bed jail is inadequate for the county’s needs. The schematic, for which the county will now seek bids, will provide a detailed plan including specific costs, detailed lay-out, and preliminary design to present to voters, should the board decide to seek a bond measure to fund the project, Cole said. All of this information will be used to develop the final design, bid documents and construction drawings once the project is funded.

The funds will come from the Special Projects budget. The board also approved a resolution allowing for the planning costs to be reimbursed by a future jail bond.



Darigold agreement amended
The board approved an amendment to the sale agreement with Coastal Family Health Center for the former Darigold property. The amendment changes the deadline for the removal of the existing building from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, and changes the sale closing date from Dec. 31, 2012 to May 31, 2013. The changes are necessary because of delays caused when the original vendor contracted for asbestos removal withdrew from the project.

The board voted in February to sell the property at Ninth and Duane streets to Coastal Family Health, which plans to build a new facility housing its clinic as well as offices for local social service agencies.



Other Business
-Approved a $1-a-year lease agreement between the Oregon Military Department and the county’s Emergency Management Division for the use of a 20-foot-by-80-foot strip of land adjacent to Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center for construction of the county’s Emergency Operations Center Communications Wing. The new facility, to be built by the county with a $500,000 federal grant, will provide a permanent location for radio, microwave and other communications equipment used in the EOC.

-Approved the annual contract with the Bonneville Power Administration for funding for the county’s Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The contract, for $438,398, will fund the rearing and release of 540,000 coho and 1.6 million Chinook salmon in the county’s net-pen fisheries program.

-Approved a contract with a new provider of commissary services for the Clatsop County Jail, Turnkey Corrections. The new computerized system will reduce staff time. The board also approved establishing a new checking account to handle commissary funds.

Services available through the jail commissary system – personal items, video visitation - are provided at inmates’ expense at no cost to the county.

-Conducted the first reading of an ordinance rezoning an .86-acre property at the Westport Ferry Landing from Lakes and Wetlands to Aquatic Development. A public hearing and second reading are scheduled for the board’s Oct. 26 meeting.

-Approved a letter in support of a land-acquisition project in Warrenton of the North Coast Land Conservancy.

-Scheduled its November and December meetings for Nov. 9, Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 to accommodate the holidays. All three meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial, Astoria.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Clatsop County Law Enforcement Teams Arrest Five For Crimes Related To Family Violence!

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

CLATSOP COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT TEAMS ARREST FIVE IN FAMILY VIOLENCE DETAIL

Local law enforcement agencies arrested five offenders as part of the ninth annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Deputies and officers from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and Parole and Probation Division and the Astoria, Seaside and Warrenton police departments, working in teams, served outstanding arrest warrants and probation detainers for crimes related to family violence. The teams attempted to serve 20 warrants and checked on 45 registered sex offenders.

Five people were arrested on outstanding warrants or for failing to register as sex offender. Law enforcement personnel will follow up on several other cases where registered sex offenders appear to be out of compliance.

The National Family Violence Apprehension Detail, launched in 2003, is organized by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team. Last year 190 law enforcement agencies nationwide participated in the detail, resulting in more than 1,000 arrests.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee Still Seeking Applicants To Serve

Monday, Oct. 17, 2011

APPLICANTS STILL SOUGHT FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE AREA ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Clatsop County continues to seek applicants for open seats on the Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee.

The committee provides input to the county Board of Commissioners on the ambulance service plan and ambulance service franchisee. The committee will review the service plan as part of mandated update of the document and recommend possible changes to the board.

The openings are for members who have no association with the emergency medical system. The county board of commissioners will make the appointments.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website www.co.clatsop.or.us at “Committee application forms” under “Administration/Board of Commissioners.”

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop Sheriff And Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee Host Second Public Meeting October 27

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011

SHERIFF, RURAL LAW COMMITTEE HOST SECOND PUBLIC MEETING

The Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee is hosting the second in a series of public meetings Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Jewell School Library, 83874 Hwy 103.

The Sheriff’s Office along with the RLED is seeking public input in developing the Sheriff’s Office Strategic Plan for 2012 through 2017. This is an opportunity for the public to provide input in regards to how the Sheriff’s Office is doing its job now, where they would like to see their Sheriff’s Office in the future and how do we get there. The meeting will include a briefing on how the Sheriff’s Office has performed on the current strategic plan. You can visit the Clatsop County website at www.co.clatsop.or.us and go to the Sheriff’s page to view the current strategic plan.

We will also discuss jail proposals and outline the issues that the county jail faces currently. We will be asking for public input on the various proposals. This will include a briefing that demonstrates some of the challenges the entire criminal justice system faces in the county due to lack of effective jail beds.

If you are unable to make this meeting, there will be more opportunity as the Sheriff’ s Office intends to conduct further meetings in Lewis and Clark, Clatsop Plains/Gearhart and Knappa/Svensen/Westport areas throughout the fall and winter to seek additional input on the strategic plan and jail proposals.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Planning Division Hosts Panel Discussion On County's Ocean Planning Proposal

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011

PANEL EXPLORES COUNTY’S OCEAN PLANNING PROPOSAL

A panel discussion Monday in Seaside hosted by the Clatsop County Planning Division explored the county’s proposal to extend its land-use planning authority beyond the ocean shoreline.

Local and state land-use experts and others discussed and took audience questions about the project, in which the county is developing a review code under Statewide Planning Goal 19-Ocean Resources to cover the stretch of ocean 3.45 miles out from shore.

The Goal 19 plan element will allow the county review applications for new ocean uses not envisioned when its land-use code was first adopted in 1980, including wave energy installations, and help ensure those new developments are compatible with fishing, recreation and other uses.

“In coming years new uses will compete for space in the ocean,” County Commissioner and panel moderator Peter Huhtala said. “One emerging ocean industry will create electricity from waves, wind and tidal forces. As we nurture this renewable ocean energy industry we must respect and protect existing ocean users.”

The county planning commission is tentatively scheduled to hold a public hearing on the draft plan in December. The plan will go to the county board of commissioners for its review in early 2012.

Panelist Mark Barnes, a planning consultant who is assisting the county with the Goal 19 project, said the plan element would put in place the same type of land-use review process used in the rest of the county. Only structures would be subject to review, not uses like fishing, navigation and recreation, he said. Barnes compared the ocean code to the county’s jurisdiction in forest lands, where its review authority is limited to structures, and state and federal rules govern uses such as logging, road-building and hunting.

The county’s project is taking place at the same time that the State of Oregon is updating its Territorial Sea Plan, which covers the same 3.45-mile band of ocean. The Ocean Policy Advisory Committee (OPAC) has been tasked with the project, which is aimed at providing opportunities for wave-energy developers while protecting fishing, viewsheds and other resources.

The updated plan is due to go to the state Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) in summer 2012.

Studies found that the Oregon Coast has some of the best wave-energy potential in the United States, but when developers began proposing projects in 2004, concerns were raised that the state had no system in place to ensure the new projects are compatible with existing uses. In 2008 then Governor Ted Kulongoski signed an executive order directing state agencies to create a plan for identifying renewable energy sites.

Tim Josi, Tillamook County Commissioner and LCDC member, noted that Clatsop County and the state disagree whether counties have any land-use jurisdiction offshore, and said the issue will need to be resolved.

Panelist Paul Klarin, Marine Program Coordinator for the state Department of Land Conservation and Development, said Clatsop County’s work on the Goal 19 issue “could lead to something very positive, regardless of where the jurisdictional issue ends up.”

For information on the county’s Goal 19 project, go to “Ocean Planning” under “Land Use Planning” at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

For information on the State of Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan update, go to www.oregonocean.info.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Got Your Clatsop County Property Tax Bill? Want To Know Where Those Dollars Go?

Monday October 17,
2011

TAX PAYMENTS FUND
VARIETY OF SERVICES

Property tax bills
have arrived in the mail. Where does your tax dollar go?
Clatsop County
collects taxes for all local taxing entities – 66 in all. But only about 12
cents out of every dollar goes to county government – the rest pays for schools,
city services, water and sewer districts, rural fire districts and other public
entities.
Here’s the break-down
of the average tax dollar:
· Schools (including
community college) – 48.41 cents
· Cities (including
urban renewal) – 19.41 cents
· Other (water, sewer,
recreation, transportation) – 17.17 cents
· County – 12.11
cents
· Rural fire districts
– 2.90 cents
To see an illustrated
break-down, as well as information on paying your property tax bill, go to http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/.
Tax payments for 2011
are due on or before Tuesday, Nov. 15. For your convenience, taxes can be paid
at any one of the following ways:
· By mail in the
envelope included with your tax statement.
· Clatsop County
Assessment and Taxation Office, 820 Exchange St., Suite 210, Astoria. Hours are
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· Local branches of
Bank of Astoria, Clatsop Community Bank or Wauna Federal Credit
Union.
· Online – go to
“Property Records/Taxes” at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ for more
information.
If you disagree with
the value of your property as printed on your tax bill or a penalty assessed for
late filing, you can file an appeal with the Clatsop County Board of Property
Tax Appeals. Forms are available from the Clerk and Elections Division, 820
Exchange St. in Astoria and the Clatsop County website http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/. Petitions
must be filed by Jan. 3, 2012.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

2012 Republican Presidential Primary Straw Poll Results

Mitt Romney 24 (54%)

John Huntsman 4 (9%)

Rick Perry 3 (6%)

Sarah Palin 1 (2%)

Gary Johnson 0 (0%)

Herman Cain 2 (4%)

Newt Gingrich 0 (0%)

Rick Santorum 0 (0%)

Ron Paul 9 (20%)

Michele Bachmann 1 (2%)

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Approve Jail Plan Study Funding

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE JAIL PLAN STURDY FUNDING

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved funding for a remodeling plan for the county jail.

The vote is the first step in a proposal to seek voter approval next year for a major expansion of the undersized facility.

The funding will pay for plans including a detailed layout, preliminary design and specific costs for a project that would add up to 100 beds to the existing jail at Seventh and Duane streets in Astoria. The county will seek bids from qualified architectural firms for the project. The plans will be used to develop a final design, bid documents and construction drawings, if and when funding is secured.

The board, with Commissioner Patricia Roberts absent, voted unanimously for the budget adjustment, which will make up to $100,000 available out of the county’s Special Projects budget.


"The campaign for a new jail begins now,” Commissioner Peter Huhtala said. “It’s clearly needed.”

The funding will also pay for an updated cost estimate for construction of an all-new jail facility, for cost-comparison purposes with the remodeling proposal. The board also passed a resolution allowing for the costs to be reimbursed by a jail construction bond.

The board will review the resulting plan and cost estimates and decide whether to seek voter approval for a bond measure to fund the project, likely in either the May or November 2012 elections.

Sheriff Tom Bergin and County Manager Duane Cole told the board that multiple studies of the jail issue, including a comprehensive review completed in 2008 by Voorhis Associates complete with population and crime forecasts, have made clear the need to expand or replace the existing 34-year-old, 69-bed facility.


"They
have done the study to end all studies,” Cole said of the Voorhis report.


In 2006 the Sheriff’s Office contracted with the DLR Group architectural firm to draft a plan for adding 80 dormitory-style beds in the ground floor of the jail building, which currently houses Sheriff’s Office staff. County officials have determined that that plan is not workable, but in a recent meeting with county staff and Sheriff’s Office officials, DLR representatives presented an alternative proposal that adds up to 100 beds on the building’s upper level where the current jail is located.

Most studies say the county needs at least 120 jail beds. The current facility, plus the 15 beds the county rents in Tillamook County, means that many offenders serve only two or three days of much longer sentences before they’re released for lack of space, Bergin said. “There is no truth in sentencing,” he said.

Bergin said he believes voters are more likely to support a project that upgrades, rather than replaces, the existing jail.

“I have been a proponent of trying to utilize this building all along,” Bergin told the board. “But we need to have (these plans) done before we go to voters.”

Clatsop County voters rejected a bond measure for a new jail in 2002. No detailed plans were drawn up for that project, and the possible location had not been selected.

Board Chair Dirk Rohne, who also serves on the board of Clatsop Community College, noted that the college failed several times to gain citizen support for its modernization project until it developed a plan to remodel the existing campus, at approximately half the cost of earlier proposals.

“We need to be able to maintain public safety in our community, and this is one part of doing that,” he said.

Huhtala noted that materials and labor construction costs are low. “The timing is excellent,” he said.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Sheriff's Auction Offers Up Assorted Vehicles And Boats October 22, 2011

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011

VEHICLES, BOATS OFFERED AT SHERIFF’S AUCTION OCT. 22

Several vehicles and boats will be up for bid at a public auction hosted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22 at the county Road Department shops, 1100 Olney Ave. in Astoria.

The auction will start with a viewing from 9 a.m., and the bidding will start at 10 a.m. People interested in bidding will need to arrive at 9 a.m. to register and obtain a bidding number. Sales are “as is, where is” and the successful bidders must make payment by cash or check at the close of the auction. All purchased items must be removed from the property no later than Friday, Oct. 28.

Items to be auctioned include: 2004 Dodge pick-up, 1991 Cavalier coupe, 1991 Cavalier station wagon, 1996 Jeep Cherokee, seven Ford Crown Victorias (1997-2006), 1996 Dodge 150 pick-up with canopy, 1991 Ford ambulance and six boats of various makes and models.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

728 Foot Bulk Carrier Loses Propulsion 9 Miles Off Cape Disappoinment!

SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard and Wash. Dept. of Ecology are monitoring a 728 foot bulk carrier that lost propulsion nine miles west of Cape Disappointment, Tuesday.

The motor vessel Edfu has anchored and is holding its position in 17 mph winds and 13 foot seas.

The Coast Guard has offered assistance and is waiting for the crew Edfu to assess what repairs will entail. A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew out of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria conducted an over flight Tuesday evening to assess the situation.

Edfu's destination was Kalama, Wash., and the vessel is not carrying any cargo. The cause of the propulsion failure is not know at this time.

Wash. Dept. of Ecology Public Affairs Officer Curt Hart can be contacted at (360) 480-7908.

The Wash. Dept. of Ecology has established a website at the below address.
Click This To Go To WDOE Site

For more information, please contact 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs, at (206) 217-7237.

Special Election Voter Registration Deadline Set For October 18, 2011

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011

SPECIAL ELECTION VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS OCT. 18

The Clatsop County Clerk and Elections Office reminds local residents that Tuesday, Oct. 18 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 special primary election.

Ballots for the election will be mailed out beginning Friday, Oct. 21 for registered Democratic and Republican voters.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to hand in or mail a registration form if you are registering to vote for the first time. To be eligible to vote, you must be an Oregon resident, a U.S. citizen, and be at least 18 years old by Election Day.

You must update your registration if you move or change your mailing address, change your name, or wish to change your party affiliation. Those who are updating their registration have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to do so.

People can register online with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office at www.sos.state.or.us/elections. Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the “Clerk/Elections” page at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

For more information go to the Clerk/Elections page on the Clatsop County website or call (503) 325-8511.

The special election features primary contests for the vacant District 1 Congressional seat. Only voters registered as Democratic or Republican will receive ballots.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Property Tax Bills Go Into The Mail In The Next Few Days!!!

Tuesday October 11, 2011

PROPERTY TAX BILLS MAILED SOON; PAYMENTS DUE NOV. 15

Property tax bills for the 2011-12 fiscal year will arrive in mailboxes in the next few days.

The tax bill that you will be receiving will show market values in most areas have decreased, but this may not translate into lower taxes. The primary reason can be found in the provisions of Ballot Measure 50, the constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1997.

Under Measure 50, your assessed property value cannot increase by more than 3% annually unless you have made significant improvements to the property. In addition, your assessed value cannot be higher than your real market value.

The real market value (RMV) on your tax statement represents the market value of the property as of Jan. 1, 2011, based on 2010 sales. It is important to understand that your property taxes are based on your assessed value (AV), not market value. In most cases, assessed values are still significantly lower than market values. A decline in the market value does not automatically reduce your Measure 50 assessed value unless your real market value falls below your maximum assessed value (MAV). See the following example:

LAST YEAR’S VALUES
THIS YEAR’S VALUES

RMV
250,000
215,000

MAV
112,000
115,360

AV
112,000
*115,360

*Reflects 3% increase

Another factor that may explain increases on property taxes is voter-approved levies or bonds.

Within Clatsop County, tax rates on individual statements vary because property taxes support 60 local government-taxing districts, most of which have different boundaries. These districts include schools, cities, local fire, water and sewer districts, rural law enforcement, road districts and other special assessment districts.

Tax payments for 2011 are due on or before Tuesday, Nov. 15. For your convenience, taxes can be paid at any one of the following ways:

· By mail in the envelope included with your tax statement.

· Clatsop County Assessment and Taxation Office, 820 Exchange St., Suite 210, Astoria. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Local branches of Bank of Astoria, Clatsop Community Bank or Wauna Federal Credit Union.

· Online – go to “Property Records/Taxes” at www.co.clatsop.or.us for more information.

If you disagree with the value of your property as printed on your tax bill or a penalty assessed for late filing, you can file an appeal with the Clatsop County Board of Property Tax Appeals. Forms are available from the Clerk and Elections Division, 820 Exchange St. in Astoria and the Clatsop County website www.co.clatsop.or.us. Petitions must be filed by Jan. 3, 2012.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Ringo's Dinghy Is It?......It's Baaaaaaack!!!!

Photo taken right off Old Train Depot site 09-20-2011

View Details

Democrats Define Rich!

Andrew Stiles
The National Review On-Line
October 7, 2011 6:00 P.M.

Is the threshold $250,000 or $1 million in income?

In his role as head of the Democratic party’s political-messaging operation, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) has been one of the prominent voices in the ongoing and often heated debate in Congress over federal deficits and debt. At every turn, he has loudly accused Republicans of risking a government shutdown, or even default, in order to protect “tax breaks for the wealthy.” However, when it comes to actual tax policy — and the precise definition of the term “wealthy” — Schumer and his Democratic colleagues, most notably President Obama, don’t exactly see eye to eye.

Read Full Article

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Hosts ATV Safety Courses At Fairgrounds Oct. 22-23, 2011

Friday, Oct. 7, 2011

SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS ATV YOUTH SAFETY COURSES

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office is making available ATV Safety classes to Clatsop County youth Oct. 22-23.

By January of 2012 all youth riding ATV's on public lands in Oregon will be required to have completed a "hands-on" class. The Sheriff’s Office presents the ATV Safety Institute Ridercourse, a four-hour ATV safety course, and the OSU/4H Youth Rider Evaluation Program, a two-hour session designed for those youth who already possess riding skills beyond the basic level.

The classes take place at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds on Walluski Loop.

The OSU/4H evaluations take place Saturday, Oct. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. To register, go online to OregonATVSafety.com. There is a $20 fee for the evaluation which will be collected online when registering.

Students registering for this program will be required to have obtained the Oregon ATV Safety Education Program card prior to enrolling. To obtain this card go to rideatvoregon.org and complete the on line training. This training is free.

Two ATV Safety Institute Ridercourse classes will be conducted Sunday, Oct. 23, also at the fairgrounds. The 9 a.m. class will be for youth 6 to 11 years old, and the 2 p.m. class will be for youth 12 to 15 years old. To register for these classes call 1-800-887-2887. There is a $55 fee for these classes, but Oregon residents are eligible for a $50 subsidy making the cost to the student only $5. Be sure to request this subsidy when registering.

There will be one 50cc and one 90cc loaner ATV available for each scheduled session. To request a loaner for the Saturday session contact the instructor at (503) 791-4978. For the Sunday sessions request the loaner when registering.

Additional information is available on the internet at www.atvsafety.org, OregonATVSafety.com, or www.rideatvoregon.org, or call Deputy Michael Nelson, (503) 791-4978.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Open House On Oregon Health Plan Changes Scheduled For October 13, 2011

Friday, Oct. 7, 2011
PUBLIC MEETING ON OREGON HEALTH PLAN CHANGES OCT. 13

The public is invited to learn more about proposed changes to the Oregon Health Plan at a community meeting Thursday, Oct. 13 in Astoria.

The meeting takes place 6-8 p.m. at Clatsop Community College in Columbia Hall Room 219.

The new program, approved by the Oregon Legislature and set to go into effect in 2012, calls for organizing Oregon Health Plan providers into Coordinated Care Organizations. It is designed to provide a continuum of integrated care for OHP patients’ physical, mental and dental health services, while at the same time reducing the state’s Medicare and Medicaid expenses.

For more information go to www.health.oregon.gov.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office And Astoria Police Department Arrest Four Suspects In Local Area Robberies

Friday, Oct. 7, 2011
FOUR ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH LOCAL BURGLARIES

Personnel from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and Astoria Police Department arrested four individuals in connection with a number of local burglaries Friday morning.

A search warrant was executed at residences at 1729 5th Street and 40991 Grand View Lane at about 6 a.m. Friday. The warrant was related to evidence from recent residential burglaries. A pistol stolen from a Warrenton residence was recovered, as well as evidence connected to other area burglaries.

Taken into custody were:

Amy Kelly, 1729 5th St., dob 9/13/72, charged on an outstanding warrant

James R. McGuire, 1729 5th St., dob 7/11/69, possession of a stolen firearm; possession of heroin

Matthew Betts, 40991 Grand View Lane, dob 4/23/80, possession of heroin

Keith Murray, 1729 5th St., dob 5/12/75, possession of methamphetamine

All four suspects were lodged in Clatsop County Jail.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County To Hold Panel Discussion To Examine Its Role In Ocean Resources Planning

Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011

PANEL DISCUSSION EXAMINES COUNTY’S OCEAN PLANNING ROLE

Clatsop County’s land-use review program may soon extend beyond the land itself.

County officials are crafting an Ocean Resources development code covering the territorial sea off the county’s coastline. The code would provide the county with the authority to review applications for wave-energy, aquaculture and other in-water development projects within the strip of ocean extending roughly 3.5 miles from shore.

To more fully examine the issues surrounding this proposal, the county is hosting a panel discussion Oct. 17 featuring land-use and ocean policy experts. The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. at Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway.

Panelists are:

· Mark Barnes, Planning Consultant, Clatsop County

· Belinda Batten, Director, NW National Marine Renewable Energy Center, Oregon State University

· Jason Busch, Executive Director, Oregon Wave Energy Trust

· Onno Husing, Director, Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association (OCZMA)

· Paul Klarin, Marine Program Coordinator, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development

· Matt Spangler, North Coast Regional Representative, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development

Panel moderator is Clatsop County Commissioner and OCZMA Chair Peter Huhtala.

Ocean policy falls under Goal 19 of the Oregon statewide planning goals, but Clatsop County did not adopt a code specific to Goal 19 when it enacted its land-use program in 1980. With no official process in place in the county’s comprehensive land-use plan, county staff are concerned that there is no avenue for the county to provide input on such projects as wave-energy facilities and other uses not envisioned when the plan was originally adopted.

Goal 19 calls for “(conserving) marine resources and ecological functions for the purpose of providing long-term ecological, economic and social value and benefits to future generations.”

If Clatsop County adds a Goal 19 component to its comprehensive plan, projects proposed for the territorial sea would go to the county Planning Division and be reviewed for consistency with the relevant criteria. The review would allow the county to examine the project’s potential impact on fishing activity and viewsheds.

As currently proposed, the code would cover only fixed structures such as piers, cables and wind- and wave-energy devices. Activities like commercial and recreational fishing would not fall under the new review system.


Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Suspicious Package Leads To Evacuation Of Clatsop County Courthouse!!!

Friday, Oct. 7, 2011

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE LEADS TO COURTHOUSE EVACUATION

The Clatsop County Courthouse was briefly evacuated Friday morning as a precaution after a suspicious package was found in an employee break room.

The package was inspected and found to be harmless, and employees were allowed into the building at about 8:15 a.m.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County May Take An Updated, 170 Bed, Existing Sheriff's Department/Jail To The Voters In 2012!For Approval

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011

COUNTY MAY SEEK VOTER APPROVAL FOR JAIL PROJECT IN 2012

Clatsop County officials are updating an existing plan for expanding the obsolete county jail, with the goal of seeking voter approval next year for the long-sought project.

At its Oct. 12 meeting the county board of commissioners will be asked to allocate up to $100,000 to revisit a five-year-old study that recommended remodeling the facility at Seventh and Duane streets in Astoria.

The funds will pay for schematic plans for a new expansion option based on the old study, as well as a new cost estimate for the construction of an all-new jail facility for cost-comparison purposes.

If the board approves the allocation, the county will seek bids for detailed schematics and cost estimates for the remodel option. County officials hope to put a bond measure before Clatsop County voters in the May or November election in 2012.

The expansion would add up to 100 beds to the existing 69-bed facility, which has long been deemed inadequate in size and design for the needs of the county’s public safety and criminal justice systems.

“We have known for years that the current jail doesn’t meet our needs, and the county commissioners have made it one of their top priorities to address this issue,” County Manager Duane Cole said.

The 2006 study, completed by the DLR Group architectural firm, proposed adding 80 dormitory-style housing units to the ground level of the facility where administrative space for the Sheriff’s Office is currently located, at an estimated cost of just under $5 million. County staff has determined that this option would not work due to operational and constructability issues.

A new second option, for which no detailed engineering or design work has yet be completed, would involve a more extensive remodel of the current jail and boost its total capacity to 170 beds.

Construction of an all-new jail, which has been tentatively proposed for the county’s North Coast Business Park in Warrenton, has previously been estimated to cost approximately $12 million, not including site preparation.

Numerous studies have illustrated the inadequacy of the existing jail, which first opened in 1977. Built with an original capacity of 29, its capacity has been increased with the use of portable beds and other make-shift measures. But even the expanded number is deemed too small by the Sheriff’s Office and consultants, who say the county needs at least 120 jail beds to meet its needs.

The current lack of beds means criminal offenders frequently serve only a few days out of longer sentences, and probation violations often go unpunished. The crowding has also raised concerns about safety for staff and inmates, as the facility has limited space for separating violent offenders from the rest of the population.

Clatsop County last sought voter approval for a jail project in November 2002, when a bond for a new jail facility was defeated by a 59 percent to 41 percent margin.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

October 12, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda

Read Full Agenda Packet

Highlights Of September 28, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners

Highlights
September 28, 2011 Work Session Audio Tanscript
September 28, 2011 Regular Session Audio Transcript

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 regular meeting

Official minutes available once approved by board

Circus animal ordinance

The board voted to draft an ordinance for placement on the May 2012 election ballot banning elephants and other exotic animals from display within the county.

The ban would be limited to exotic animals used in circuses and other entertainment venues and would not cover rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays. The ordinance would only cover the unincorporated county.

The ban was promoted by Astoria resident Janice Robertson and other supporters, who say elephants and other animals used in many travelling circuses suffer cruel and inhumane treatment.

The ordinance will be brought back to board for a public hearing at an upcoming meeting.

Ambulance plan reviewed

The board heard a report from County Manager Duane Cole on a pending update to the county’s Ambulance Service Area (ASA) plan, and approved the recruitment of members of an advisory oversight committee.

The ASA plan spells out the boundaries and minimum service standards for the service area, which covers the entire county. The current plan was adopted in 1996; the state of Oregon notified the county earlier this year that the plan was due for an update.

The plan update does not involve any change to the existing franchise agreement with the current service provider, MEDIX. The franchise agreement runs to 2016.

Health plan letter

The board approved a letter to be sent to the Governor’s Office regarding the pending changes to the Oregon Health Plan and reorganization of OHP service providers into Coordinated Care Organizations. The new program, approved by the Oregon Legislature and scheduled to launch in 2012, is designed to provide a continuum of integrated care for OHP patients’ physical, mental and dental health services, while at the same time reducing the state’s Medicare and Medicaid expenses.

The county’s proposed letter, drafted with input collected from local stakeholders by Public Health Director Margo Lalich, expresses concerns about data-sharing, unfunded mandates, allocation of funds saved by the program, and counties’ role within new regional structures.

Hood to Coast report

The board heard a report from organizers of the Hood to Coast Relay on the 2011 event, Bob Foote and Felicia Hubber. They said the number of running teams, which was increased from 1,000 to 1,250 for this year’s event, will be reduced to 1,050 for the 2012 running, due to congestion at the finish area in Seaside.

The event raised $517,000 for the American Cancer Society, they said.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved a letter of support for a grant request from the Port of Astoria for federal funding to upgrade its Pier 3 facility for expanded log and lumber export activity. Commissioner Debra Birkby voted no, citing concerns about increased log truck traffic.

-Appointed Gary Sunderland, Bree Phillips and Clarke Powers to the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Patrick Jensen was appointed as an alternate.

-Approved a proclamation recognizing Oct. 1-8 as Oregon Days of Culture.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Clatsop Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee Seeks Applicants To Serve

Friday, Sept. 30, 2011

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE AREA ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for open seats on the Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee.

The committee provides input to the county Board of Commissioners on the ambulance service plan and ambulance service franchisee. The committee will review the service plan as part of mandated update of the document and recommend possible changes to the board.

The openings are for members who have no association with the emergency medical system. The county board of commissioners will make the appointments.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website www.co.clatsop.or.us at “Committee application forms” under “Administration/Board of Commissioners.”

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Health Department Urges Vaccination And Prevention For Flu Season!

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011

CLATSOP COUNTY HEALTH SUPPORTS VACCINATION, PREVENTION FOR FLU SEASON

Flu season is here again, and the Clatsop County Public Health Department urges the public to protect itself from this preventable illness.

Influenza is caused by a virus spread person-to-person, through the air and on hard surfaces in droplets from sneezes and coughs. Illness from the flu can last up to 10 days and include such symptoms as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, fever, muscle aches and headache. For some people, the flu can be a very serious, even deadly disease, which could lead to secondary infections such as pneumonia. Every flu season is different, and influenza can affect people differently. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

Each year, scientists determine the three flu strains that are likely to cause the most disease and include them in the flu vaccination for that season. The 2011-12 seasonal flu shot protects against the same strains as last year, but people who had a flu vaccination last year should also get a seasonal flu shot this year; as immunity may have worn off. Seasonal flu vaccine is manufactured by strict federal standards and thoroughly tested before it is offered to the public.

Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid catching the flu virus, and the best way to protect yourself and your community from illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone aged 6 months and older receive an annual influenza vaccination. Children 6 months through 8 years may need two doses depending on previous flu vaccine history, so it is important to talk to your provider. A seasonal flu vaccination is especially recommended for people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, people living or caring for babies six months and younger or people who are unable to be vaccinated because of health reasons, and all health care workers.

These preventive measures can help stop flu and other diseases from circulating:

· Cover your cough and sneeze.

· Wash your hands often. Use soap and warm water.

· Stay home when you’re sick. Protect others at school and work by staying home at least 24 hours after a fever (100+ degrees) subsides.

· Clean surfaces. Flu germs can live for hours on hard surfaces. Make sure your home and workspace is wiped down frequently, especially where children are playing.

Clatsop County Public Health has flu vaccine available by appointment for children 6 months and older and adults. Shots are $30 for regular vaccine and $44 for high-dose vaccine; some insurance can billed, and vaccine can be made available at reduced or no cost for those without insurance or who otherwise cannot afford it. For more information and to set up an appointment, call (503) 325-8500.

To locate other flu shot clinics near you, visit www.flu.oregon.gov or call the Oregon Flu Hotline at 1-800-978-3040.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Invites Grant Requests For Non-Profits

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011

COUNTY INVITES REQUESTS FOR NONPROFIT GRANTS

The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families and the Board of Commissioners will once again distribute grants to local nonprofits that assist people in need.

This year, in the effort to increase available funding and efficiency, the board and CCF have combined their funding processes, providing grants of up to $25,000 to high quality programs that can demonstrate viable collaboration to integrate and align services to as many children, youth, families and citizens of Clatsop County as possible.

Programs must demonstrate that they:

· Provide services to all county residents, as opposed to residents of a specific geographic area, with a demonstrated ability to effectively assist citizens in need;

· Work collaboratively with other groups and actively seek and receive significant portions of their funding from sources other than the county;

· Address a need not now being addressed by other groups or agencies;

· Have missions that are consistent with the Board’s and Commission on Children and Families priorities.

· Contribute to the Governor’s goals of preparing children for school readiness.

There are seven sections listed as part of the policy and criteria for applicants to answer. The policy and criteria are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

Applications must be submitted to the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 200, Astoria, no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.

The Commission on Children and Families will review all proposals and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for approval at one of its regularly scheduled meetings.

Recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement obligating the agency(ies) to carry out the program as described in the application.

For more information contact the Clatsop County Juvenile Department at (503) 325-8601.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop District Attorney Files Suit Against City Of Astoria

Well, we've quoted ORS 8.660 and accompanying text over and over and still some of the key players, it seems, continue to ignore it or better yet, just simply deny it exists.

Now, the citizens of Astoria, as of Monday, the 26th of September, are under a law suit by the Oregon Department of justice on behalf of Clatsop County District Attorney to ensure all parties comply with ORS 8.660 in the prosecution, at the least, of all DUII's cited in the City of Astoria.

You can read the full text of the suit by clicking on the text below.

Read Details Of Law Suit

Clatsop County Residents Urged To Register For ClatsopAlerts!!!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

PUBLIC URGED TO REGISTER FOR CLATSOPALERTS! NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

In the event of an emergency, local authorities want to reach you.

But they can’t unless they have your number.

Clatsop County’s Emergency Management Division is bringing its new “ClatsopALERTS!” emergency notification system online. The ENS, also known as a “reverse-9-1-1” system, enables local governments to directly alert citizens to severe weather, water contamination, missing persons and other emergencies through voice calls and text messages on their phones, computers and other devices.

Read Full Press Release

Liquefied Natural Gas Export Attempt Re-Ignites Fossil Fuel Battle

From: Read The Dirt

By: Columbia Riverkeeper: Dan Serres

Posted on: September 9, 2011

By Dan Serres, a born-and-raised Oregonian. As the Conservation Director for Columbia Riverkeeper, Dan has worked to protect Oregon and Washington farms, forests, and rivers from LNG pipelines, coal terminals, and toxic pollution. He holds a B.S. and Master’s degree from Stanford University in Earth Systems science.

Editor’s Note: This Piece by Dan Serres, Conservation Director for Columbia Riverkeeper, addresses a growing threat to the Pacific Northwest: being used to export fossil fuels. With high-bidding Asian markets willing to pay top dollar for U.S.A. fuels we run the risk of destroying our lands in the process of mining/hydrofracking and exporting fuels to be burnt is Asia. If the Pacific Northwest refuses to export we will discourage mining/hydrofracking on our neighbors’ lands, protect our land from pipelines, and help keep our fuel in the ground and out of our air. This piece concerns all 6 Essentials and is placed in our air section for this reason.

Read CRK's Dan Serres Full Article

Coos Bay's Jordan Cove LNG Is Going To Take A Run At Exporting Ruby Pipeline LNG!

(Jack Guyot Artwork)

From Southern Oregon
September 06, 2011
By Lesley Adams - Mail Tribune

The Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas proposal could be the riskiest energy project Southern Oregon has ever seen. Originally billed as a necessary effort to import energy, the corporations backing the proposal recently have admitted that they plan to export U.S. gas overseas.

Bait And Switch Tactics From Coos Bay's Jordan Cove LNG

5:15 PM Work Session Precedes 6:00 PM Regular Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

Read Full Agenda Packet

Clatsop County Recreational Lands Committee Seeking Applicants

Monday, Sept. 19, 2011


APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR RECREATIONAL LANDS COMMITTEE

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for open seats on the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

The citizen committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks, and formulating amendments to the recreation lands element of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan. The committee meets once a month.

The county board of commissioners will make the appointments.

To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website www.co.clatsop.or.us at “Committee application forms” under “Administration/Board of Commissioners.”

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Tea Party Favorite, Running As A Republican, Rob Cornilles Receives Endorsement From Several Prominent North Coasters!

Rob Cornilles, one of the "Poster Children" for the Tea Party's 2010 attempt to insert their candidates into elected Clatsop County and State Legislative seats has posted his list of endorsers for his run at David Wu's Open District One U.S. Congressional seat.

Included on that list are several prominent Oregon North Coast citizens and leaders.

The list includes:
Don Larson - Mayor of Seaside
Mark Kujala - Mayor of Warrenton
Eric Paulson - Lektro
Ann Samuelson - Recalled Clatsop County Commissioner
Patrica Roberts - Clatsop County Commissioner
Gil Gramson - Former Warrenton Mayor

Astoria DUII Prosecution Controversy Escalates

Astoria DUII Prosecution Controversy Escalates

....Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis
on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, sent notification to Astoria City
Attorney Blair Henningsgaard that the Oregon Attorney
General’s office will file suit against the city
of Astoria if the city does not begin to send driving
under the influence of intoxicants (DUII)
cases to Clatsop County Circuit Court by Wednesday,
Sept. 14.
On July 1, 2011, D.A. Marquis gave the city two months
to comply with his directive that all DUII cases
be submitted to the Circuit Court. The city has not
responded to that letter......

So, can we look forward to certain members of Astoria City Council and its Counsel to continue to attempt to bite off their noses to spite their faces on the issue of DUII prosecution when the Oregon statute 8.660 clearly states that it "IS" the "OBLIGATION" of Clatsop County D.A. Marquis to prosecute or, at least, to oversee all prosectuions of Astoria Municipal Court involving a Defense Attorney.

Other than being just plain old stubborn, as we now see with the staggering bill for the CSO updates forestalled by our own Mayor for some twenty years until threatened by a higher power, why is it City Attorney Henningsgaard would want to subject The City of Astoria to more costly expense in litigation when he knows what he should do in spite of his misguided ego in advising the members of The Astoria City Counsel and City Management?

I ask the citizens of Astoria to stand up and tell these people we have elected to serve in our trust and the doing of our public business to knock it off, honor the law and let's get on with the other issues.

City Attorney Henningsgaard wants to be a hero? How about him using his assumed lawyerly skills to wrest those depressed, debt-ridden Flavel properties downtown into somebody's hands that can make them useful again and complimentary to our status as a National Historic Register Downtown. While he's at it rescue the other Flavel House before it rots to the ground and it's too late to save it.

September 14, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Highlights

Official minutes available once approved by board

Full Audio Transcript
Dredge plan supported
The board voted to join a declaration of cooperation in support of the “Mouth of the Columbia River Regional Sediment Management Plan.” The document was prepared by the Lower Columbia Solutions Group with funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency and states of Oregon and Washington and draws on several years’ worth of research. It lays out a long-term strategy for handling the approximately 4 million cubic yards of river sediment dredged from the mouth of the river each year for maintenance of the shipping channel and protecting navigation structures, beaches and other resources while minimizing impacts on fisheries protected species.
The plan recommends establishing four new near-shore disposal sites for the dredged material to combat erosion that threatens the jetties at the river mouth and nearby beaches. It also calls for a regional planning approach and integrated regulatory oversight among the various involved entities.

Zoning application remanded
The board voted to remand a zone-change request back to the county planning commission for further review. The application, from Michael Benesch, Warrenton Fiber Co. and Waldo Veelle, seeks to rezone a 13-acre property on Dolphin Road near Warrenton from Residential Agriculture-5 to Light Industrial and Natural Uplands and transfer two “density credits” to a yet-to-be determined location.
A review by the county’s land-use counsel raised concerns about the application’s consistency with county land-use code and standards. The applicants are now considering a partition in order to meet the requirements.

Board amends counsel contract
The board approved an amendment to the county’s labor counsel services contract, increasing the budgeted not-to-exceed amount from $15,000 to $55,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal year. The increase covers unanticipated costs of defending a grievance brought by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2746 on behalf of a former county employee, a building inspector. The case was heard by an arbitrator who on Sept. 5 rejected the grievance.
County Manager Duane Cole told the board that the grievance charged the county with firing the employee as a retaliatory measure stemming from the development of new flood-plain building rules in 2010. The ruling confirmed the county’s claim that the lay-off was solely the result of budgetary considerations. “We feel good about this decision since it reflects core county values and the excellent employment relations we support,” he said.
Money to cover the increase will come from the Building Codes budget to be adjusted at the end of the fiscal year.

Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation for the agency to provide free of charge to Clatsop County up to $150,000 worth of preliminary engineering and design work for the planned improvements to the Wahkiakum Ferry landing at Westport.
-Approved a proposal of the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families to take on the task of distributing $30,000 in county funds to local non-profit social service agencies. The board had previously disbursed the dollars through an annual application and review process.
-Approved a proclamation recognizing National Preparedness Month, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
-Appointed Joyce Stuber to the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority.
-Appointed Kathy Kleczek to the Northwest Area Commission on Transportation.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Clatsop County Sheriff And Rural Law Enforcement Advisory Committee To Host Public Meetings September 20, 2011

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011

SHERIFF, RURAL LAW COMMITTEE HOST PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee is hosting the first in a series of public meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 79441 Hwy 101 in Arch Cape.
The Sheriff’s Office along with the RLED panel is seeking public input in developing the Sheriff’s Office Strategic Plan for 2012 through 2017. The plan is used to guide the operations of the Sheriff’s Office with an emphasis on the following areas: Strengths, Weaknesses, Challenges and Opportunities. The intent is to develop a list of guiding strategies that then allow the Sheriff’s Office to develop specific actionable tasks or policies.
This is an opportunity for the public to provide input in regards to how the Sheriff’s Office is doing its job now, where they would like to see their Sheriff’s Office in the future and how do we get there. The meeting will include a briefing on how the Sheriff’s Office has performed on the current strategic plan. You can visit the County’s Website at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ and go to the Sheriff’s page to view the current strategic plan.
The Sheriff will also provide a briefing on current activity levels and crime statistics. We are excited about our expanded ability to provide meaningful information from the Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System the Sheriff’s Office transitioned to earlier in the year. We will also discuss jail proposals and outline the issues that the jail faces currently. We will be asking for public input of the various proposals.
If you are unable to make this meeting there will be more opportunity, as the Sheriff’ s Office intends to conduct further meetings in Jewell/Elsie, Lewis and Clark, Clatsop Plains/Gearhart and Knappa/Svensen/Westport areas throughout the fall and winter to seek additional input on the Strategic Plan and jail proposals.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Astoria Beating Murder Suspect, Christopher Scott Fitzhugh Gets 30 Years!

by David Krough and KGWNews
kgw.com
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Updated today at 10:14 AM

ASTORIA, Ore. -- The fiancée of a 42-year-old Astoria woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday for beating her to death.
Investigators found Evelyn M. Decker unresponsive at a home in the Emerald Heights neighborhood of Astoria in July of 2010.
Police arrested 40-year-old Christopher Scott Fitzhugh for assault and manslaughter.
The district attorney’s office said they believed it was domestic violence. His sentencing charge Tuesday was declared murder-by-abuse.

Read KGW Report, View Video Report!

Should You Join A Union? Are They Still Necessary?

Should You Join a Union?
Written by: Jean Scheid • Edited by: Michele McDonough

Updated Jul 26, 2011

BrightHub.com
Many youngsters fresh out of college wonder if joining a union is a good or bad idea. Truth be told, there are pros and cons to joining a union and many economic experts say unions are one of the reasons America is in so much financial trouble. Jean Scheid offers a bold insight on unions.
Union Perspectives

The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations aka AFL-CIO tells us right off why we need a union on their website. Although the one paragraph they provide doesn’t seem like it says it all, what it does say is that “Union members earn better wages and benefits than workers who aren’t union members.” And “…Union workers’ wages are 30 percent higher…” and “68 percent of union workers have pensions…” and finally, “Unions help employers create a more stable, productive workforce...................

Read Full Article

Food Handler Class Offered By Clatsop County Environmental Health

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

FOOD HANDLER CLASS OFFERED MONDAY, SEPT. 12

Whether you are an employee in a restaurant or someone who cooks for the community spaghetti feeds, oyster feeds, or pancake breakfasts, knowledge of basic food safety is critical to providing safe food and a food handler card is required for the protect and health of the people in our community.
Clatsop County Environmental Health is offering a Food Handler Class on Monday, Sept. 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. to anyone 13 or older. The class will be held at Clatsop Community College South Campus, 1475 Roosevelt in Seaside.
The local class not only provides the certified food handler card required for food service workers, but is also an opportunity to interact informally with a county Environmental Health inspector to better understand the reasons behind food safety rules. The class will cover safe food handling practices, proper cooking and temperature control that prevents the growth of bacteria, how individually we can better prevent the spread of foodborne diseases, plus ways to maintain a clean, safe food service work environment.
A fee of $10 is to be paid the night of the class. No pre- registration is required. A form of ID is required for review. For additional information call Clatsop County Public Health (503) 325-8500, or log on to the Public Health page on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622