Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 2011)
opinion/announcements Between the Lines: Public Safety, Now By Randy Sanders Friday afternoon, January 14, 2011 was the first police memorial I ever attended and I hope it will be the last. I did not know Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter, I just figured it was the decent thing to do. I was awe-struck at the unshakable solidarity existing between police organizations and taken a back at how many arrived and how far they traveled. KPTV in Portland reported that the procession stretched nearly 20 miles. Police organizations from McMinnville, Coos Bay, Seattle, Pierce County Washington, Pace County California and of course the Oregon State Police were there, but also the Chicago Police Department and the Canadian Royal Mounted Police. Numerous Fire Departments and rescue organizations arrived to pay their respects as well. The Portland Police Bureau -- without question -- was the most represented. They provided logistics and heavy lifting so their brethren in Columbia County -- where Chief Painter lived and worked -- could concentrate solely on the grieving process and conduct a precision-sharp, honorable and remarkable memorial service, just like he deserved. About the exact time his memorial service was getting underway, Lakewood, NJ police officer Christopher Matlosz was shot to death at point blank range, seconds after conducting a routine, non- threatening stop. The suspect scurried into the woods. Just a few weeks before, Montana State Trooper David DeLaittre, 23, was discovered shot to death in his patrol vehicle along the roadside during a traffic stop. Days later, in Ohio, County Sheriff’s Deputy Suzanne Hopper was killed in a blaze of gunfire while investigating gunshots in a mobile home park. As a kid, growing up in Chicago, I always saw police officers working in tandem with their partners. But these days, city councils and citizens who elect them no longer support budgets for that. Its no wonder police organizations stick together so tightly, it appears that’s the only support they have. Officer Matlosz’s murder comes on the heels of Newark’s decision to lay off 150 police officers because of what Mayor Corey Booker calls a “budget gap.” Other cities in New Jersey like Trenton, Jersey City and East Orange have also laid off up to 167 officers each. Meanwhile in Oregon, recent “budget gaps” have reduced State Patrol making 24-hour coverage impossible. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department have endured three failed levy attempts in a row, thus reducing patrol hours. What’s important to understand is, these organizations not only patrol highways and rural areas, they also provide important backup that’s vital for small forces like Rainier. We all must assume some responsibility when horrible things ensue after we’ve voted against providing funds necessary for our police to do their jobs effectively. Without the tools and man power, it makes our lives less safe and puts theirs in dangerous and sometimes fatal situations. Consider also the profound stress that can weigh on the officers who incorrectly shoulder blame because they were unable to provide backup due to manpower shortages. Every contact a police officer makes can turn into a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. My grandmother always said, “God works in mysterious ways,” and just maybe, Chief Ralph Painter’s death can be our wake-up call. As we take a Vernonia School District 47J Town Hall Meeting – Educational Programs Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:30-8 PM The Vernonia School District will be holding an Educational Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, February 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the District cafeteria. This Town Hall Meeting will be an opportunity for parents and community members to become more familiar with the programs and projects staff are working on with students to provide a comprehensive, well-rounded, effective education for students in Vernonia. While planning is still underway, the District is planning for a number of breakout sessions, including updates on the Vernonia Rural Sustainability Center; the Title I reading programs at WGS, our District-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program, Career Education offerings, Scholarships application information, and more. During these sessions, information will be provided by staff, but there will also be ample opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. People attending the meeting will be able to move from station to station, to learn more about the topics that interest them the most. Babysitting for children of all ages, and activities for school age children (K-12) will be provided by District staff and Vernonia High School leadership students. Coffee and tea will also be served. While there has been a great deal of discussion about our new school facilities, there has not been a great deal of communication on the great things that are happening in Vernonia’s schools. This is a great opportunity for parents and the community to find out more information about the programs that are in place to help our youth grow and succeed. We look forward to seeing you there. PUBLIC NOTICE A 100-foot tower will be replaced by a 150-foot FCC licensed wireless commu- nication tower to be constructed at 29350 NW Ridge Road, Buxton, Washington County, Oregon. The FCC is seeking public comment on the proposed project as part of the review process by the Or- egon State Historic Preservation Office. Please respond within 30 days of this pub- lication to: Adapt Engineering Inc., 10725 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 350, Portland, OR 97219 Attn: PR89 step back and recognize how toxic our political differences have destroyed our economy, we must also look at what makes our community decent. We have priorities that set us apart from lawless and indecent societies. We are not a Somali community of pirates, we are not a pack of wolves; we are compassionate and decent people. Our priorities are: educating our children, electing local government and training police officers to provide law and order. I’m sure there’s no debating that the time is now, to properly fund our County Sheriff’s Department, it’s how we’ll provide those funds is the challenge. It’s a tall order asking struggling homeowners to foot the bill as their home values plummet. Therefore, I insist that we all contact our county commissioners immediately and urge all of them to work together to design a package that will provide the funding. They must agree-- today- -to move this issue to the forefront of their agendas. They cannot rest until the Sheriff’s Department is properly funded. You must contact them and insist on their total commitment, now. Tell them to put together a fair plan that spreads the burden throughout the community, not just on struggling homeowners. And ask them when -- all three of them -- plan to announce this publicly. Tell them to get creative, tell them this could be the greatest and most important work of their lives. Be respectful, but encourage them that once it passes, they can stand up proudly and smile, knowing somewhere in God’s great heaven, our hero Chief Painter is smiling too. january25 2011 3 Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Chip Bubl Dr. Carol McIntyre Dennis Nelson Sean Pickner Randy Sanders Sonia Spackman Photography Scott Laird Randy Sanders Tierney Family Copy Editor Dennis Nicks Want to advertise? Contact: ads@vernoniasvoice.com Have an article? Contact: news@vernoniasvoice.com One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 www.VernoniasVoice.com
