Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2013)
area news An Opinion: The Power of Listening I understand that it is hard for people to stay informed and up to date on current projects. I know everyone doesn’t have time to attend meetings, read minutes or serve on a city committee because of com- mitments to family and work. The City has made a commitment to try to be more proactive in getting information to the public, but it takes two for communication to work. The citizens need to take the time to read and listen to the informa- tion being provided and give feedback. Which brings me to my final point-this is a community that obviously cares. That was shown to me in the passion expressed by the writers in that re- cent conversation on the Vernonia Community Bulletin Board. People were frustrated; others wrote long ex- planations trying to help the group understand the is- sues. There seems to be a willingness to listen to other points of view, express personal concerns and in the end try to come together to find solutions I am not sure if there is a good outcome to the wastewater issue and the cost of that problem. The City is getting ready to begin their annual budget pro- cess and, like many of us, they do not have any extra resources. The City Budget is similar to yours and my household budgets, only on a larger scale. They have limited income that comes in, and expenses that go out. 010412 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius (Across from Fred Meyer) 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 9 a.m. 7 continued from page 3 in the agenda and you don’t have to stay for the entire meeting for your chance to address your elected offi- cials. If you can’t attend a meeting, send your com- ments ahead of time and ask that they be read into the record. Band together with others who have similar concerns and send a representative who is able to at- tend. If you do attend, report what happened so others can also be informed. Join a committee. Several city committees have openings right now. This is a great opportunity for citizens to influence what is happening. At least one spot on the Planning Commission was recently filled because someone who was part of the conversa- tion on Facebook was encouraged and got involved. Run for elected office. Our mayor and two City Councilors ran unopposed in the last election. If you are unhappy with the way our city is being run than step up and do something about it. We now have so many ways to communicate with each other, which gives us an opportunity to share our views, provide each other with more information so we can stay informed and work together to try to find solutions to our issues. We are not powerless if we are willing to get involved and listen to each other. CAT Offers Veterans Services Rainier 1, Rainier 2, West Rainier, East Rainier, Yankton, South Deer Island, North Deer Island, Prescott, Columbia City Zone 3 (4 year term) – South Milton, North Milton, St. Helens 1-9, South St. Helens Zone 5 (4year term) – Scappoose VERNONIA SCHOOL DISTRICT 1-4, South Scappoose, Canyon, 47J Positions 1, 4, 5 and 6 (4 year term) East Scappoose, - Vernonia 1-3, Vernonia 4, Vernonia West Scappoose, Sauvie Island 5, South Mist, Each candidate for an office listed North Mist and portion of above must file a declaration of Washington County candidacy accompanied by a filing fee of $10.00 or a petition MIST-BIRKENFELD RFPD Positions 2 (2 year term) 3, 4 & 5 (4 for nomination signed by at least year terms) - South Mist, North Mist, 25 registered voters residing in portion of Vernonia 5 and portion of the election district for the office, with the Elections Department of Clatsop County Columbia County beginning on February 9, 2013 and no later than VERNONIA RFPD Position 1 and 5 (4 year terms) - 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2013. Vernonia 1-3, portions of Vernonia 4 and Vernonia 5 Filing forms are available on-line at the Secretary of State, Elections COLUMBIA 9-1-1 Division http://www.sos.state.or.us/ COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT elections/publications/district.html. - Candidates must live in, be The forms are also available at nominated and elected by zone Columbia County Elections Dept., 230 Strand St., St. Helens, OR. Zone 2 (2 year term) – Goble, For fast cash! 2013 Like many of us, the City has already tightened its belt and cut the fat in many areas of expenses. I’m not sure how much more there is to be cut. So what can a citizen do who feels powerless about increasing utility rates? Well, there may be more than you think. Stay informed. Read the information the City provides you in your utility bill and in the newspaper. Go to the City website and read the minutes from im- portant meetings. Talk to your City Councilors and your neighbors about the issues that concern you. Fol- low and join conversations on Facebook that relate to those issues. Knowledge is powerful. Learn about the process. Governmental opera- tion is complex and complicated. There are rules about the way the City works that need to be followed. If you understand the processes you will feel more em- powered. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for more information. You may not always like the answers you receive, but at least you will know what is happening. If you are really concerned about something, speak up. Your elected officials need to hear from you if you disagree (or agree) with their direction. Send a Letter to the Editor. Go to City Council and speak during Topics From the Floor-that opportunity is early NOTICE OF ELECTION OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, an election will be conducted by mail for the purpose of electing board members to the following districts (positions/ zones and terms) as follows: february21 Community Action Team will be hosting an interim Veteran’s Service Officer at the Family Resource Center (125 N. 17 th Street, St. Helens) for the next few months. Katie Pereault will see clients from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; and 8:30 AM -4:00 PM on Saturday. Ms. Pereault has been a Veterans Service Officer since 2003. She worked in Columbia County until 2005 when she was transferred to Washington County, and later to Multnomah County in 2007 where she currently serves. Ms. Pereault has six and a half years of honorable service with the United States Army. She served with the 82 nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as well as Fort Richardson, Alaska. To schedule an appointment please call Community Action Team at (503) 397-3511 ext. 275 or contact Katie directly at (503) 366-6580. You may also e-mail her at katiep@cat- team.org. IT’S TAX TIME Call your LOCAL tax preparer R Y OLL A P PLUS LLC Edi Sheldon 503-429-1819 edisheldon@gmail.com Licensed tax consultant • Full service payroll Personal & small business bookkeeping • QuickBooks assistance CORPS, S-CORPS, LLC, Partnerships • Personal one-on-one service LTC #29629 - Oregon licensed tax consultant RTRP #P00448199 - designated as a registered tax return preparer by the Internal Revenue Service The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more information on tax return preparers, go to www.IRS.gov. Need body work? At Meyer’s Auto Body we’ll take your order and give you great service. Meyer’s Auto Body 493 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-0248 VERNONIA E C I V SER PAIR & RE Warranty on all parts and labor Now offering 2 and 4 wheel alignments 58605 NEHALEM HWY. S. Next to Storage, Too 503/429/7972
