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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 5, 2016)
6 community may5 2016 Candidates Discuss Issues at Two Forums continued from front page ordinance.” He suggested loans to small county-wide ordinance that would allow businesses as a way to encourage eco- property owners to build “mother-in-law nomic vitality through small micro busi- suites” or apartments to help families nesses and stated that he believes the care for older relatives. Hyde noted that the Economic Columbia County Economic Develop- Development team ment team is part of “We’ve not had has become a very the problem, calling successful entity and some of their deci- transparency with sions “petty politics.” either the county or the called the Oregon Manufacturing In- “We need to pick Port of St. Helens and industries that are the losses they’ve had novation District in Scappoose “trans- compatible with our there. If we’re going to formational” for the lifestyle. We can pick and choose and we develop Port Westward county. He stated that we have to be smart retention and expan- can say no to indus- about it and not stick sion of existing busi- tries that are based on nesses should be the old technologies that our money in failed number one priority are going to fail and fossil fuel industries. before recruitment of then we’re left hold- Yes, it has failed. new industry. “I hear ing the bag,” said But with the proper all this about how the Preheim. development it could county is in bad shape Yarbor stated that the Port of St. be a great place for us,” and I don’t agree,” and said Preheim. proceeded to name Helens controls most numerous successful of the valuable indus- trial lands in the county and are therefore companies currently doing business and the lead in bringing in development. He expanding here, including Rightline, Te- suggested the Port won’t sell any land, evan Bros., Global, PGE, USG, Pacific but only lease it, and this is a detriment Stainless, Conrad, Northwest Natural, to economic growth, and that the County Photo Solutions, and Foss Maritime. Tardif suggested that all the Commissioners should encourage this to change. He suggested creating a communities in Columbia County should be working in collaboration to develop an economic plan for the future, and noted that if the county is seeing so much industrial growth, why have we had a 20% loss of jobs in the 20 years Hyde has been in office. Tardif sug- gested the agricultural base as a great resource and a focus and also suggested incentivizing timber production to create month, 4:30 pm Upcoming Events more mill jobs. He stated that he would Come by for some stamp collecting, Veggies in Vernonia: Warm analyze the tax base and look at, “...how learning, and trading. Open to all Weather Vegetables in a Cool we’ve structured it and how we’re using ages. Place and Common Problems it to make sure that all communities are Writer’s Group Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 – 8 pm benefitting and receiving their fair share May 19 Presentation by Chip Bubl, OSU of funds.” He suggested the use of Ur- 3 rd Thursday of every month, Extension Faculty and Master ban Renewal Districts in other areas of 6 – 7:30 pm Gardener the county as a way to spread the invest- Opportunity for writers with all levels ment around to benefit more communi- Beyond the Scoreboard: Sports of experience to get together, write, ties and citizens and suggested more in Our Lives and Communities and get feedback. collaboration and efficiency between Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 – 8 pm Book Discussion Group Free conversation with Andrew county departments to bridge gaps and May 30 Guest, sponsored by Oregon Human- build partnerships. Last Monday of every month, ities and hosted by the Friends of the Magruder stated that the Eco- 5:30 pm Vernonia Library. Andrew Guest is an nomic Development team is successful Selection for May: Best Exotic Mari- associate professor at the University and suggested trying to attract high val- of Portland and has a background as gold Hotel by Deborah Moggach ue industry to Port Westward and other a coach and an athlete. Storytimes Port properties. She also proposed that the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation After School Activity: Baby and Toddler Time District might present an opportunity for Scratch Art Mondays, 10:30 – 11:15 am the development of forest products that Thursday, May 19, 4 – 5pm Songs, rhymes, books, toys, and could put Columbia County at the fore- For children K – 5 and parents. Make bubbles! For ages 0 – 3. Older a scratch art bookmark, photo frame, siblings welcome. or stickers. Materials and snack Preschool Storytime provided. Fridays, 10:30 – 11:15 am Movie Nights Stories and a craft/activity for Thursday, May 26, 6 pm (Families) children up to age 5. Relax and enjoy a movie and free Library Closures popcorn. Call or visit the library for Monday, May 30 for the movie title. Memorial Day Holiday attributes but stated that the best attribute in Columbia County are the people that live here. “That’s the disadvantage of the commute is those people are not here to be part of little league or the Cham- ber or contribute to a town hall because they are driving,” said Preheim. “The research center in Scappoose - Senator Betsy Johnson brought that here and I think that was something that should have been done by the County. We have to recruit people and not just wait for people to show up,” said Preheim. Magruder agreed that citizens and volunteers are a strength. She also mentioned recreation opportunities as well as the County Economic Devel- opment team and the potential to have them work with established businesses. She cited a lack of vocational training in schools as an issue that concerns her. Economic Development When asked specifically what they would do to grow the economy and create living wage jobs, Preheim sug- gested that municipalities and the county should buy and hire locally and support local business whenever possible. “The County is one of the biggest employers and biggest consumers and they need to buy local,” said Preheim. “I would work very hard to pass a ‘buy local preference’ What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library Ongoing Programs Homeschool Library Time Wednesday, May 11, 1 – 2 pm Opportunity for homeschoolers and homeschool parents in the area to come together. “How to Use the Library” tour at this meeting. front of some new industries. She also noted that access to water needs to be considered when looking at new devel- opment. Mayo said creating opportuni- ties for higher education for our youth should be a priority and upgrading in- ternet access to provide opportunities to telecommute should be something the county works on. “We need to steer peo- ple to better paying jobs, not just what is going to be left if we’re not careful with our industrial friends,” said Mayo. He also expressed concern about rail trans- port and storage safety and suggested the county be more diligent in researching safety measures that would be in place before approving rail transport through the county. Conn said rail is an important part of the county infrastructure and transportation system but noted that safety is a concern. Conn noted that with large business and industry there can be jobs but also a lot of risk. “Most of the jobs are often at the front end - construc- tion jobs that will eventually go away. I think we need to put more effort into supporting our small and medium sized businesses,” said Conn. She pointed to niche farming as a compatible industry that could receive more emphasis and support from the county, listing herb farms, organic vegetable farms, nurser- ies and small beef and dairy farms as proven successful opportunities. Port Westward When asked about Port West- ward and whether it has been good for Columbia County or a drain on our re- sources the candidates again had differ- ing views. Magruder stated that develop- ment at Port Westward is essential to the economic base of the county. “I think we need to wisely develop it and look for the best industries to bring good, clean industry, jobs, employment, and tax revenue. If we ignore Port Westward we would be remiss in our obligation to our citizens” said Magruder. “We have to make use of these facilities that we have.” She also suggested that the re- gion would be good for agricultural de- velopment. Preheim stated that Port West- ward has been a drain on county resourc- es because of bad decisions by county leaders. “We’ve not had transparency with either the county or the Port of St. Helens and the losses they’ve had there. continued on page 7 Library Hours & Contact Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 – 5 Tuesday, Thursday: 1 – 7 Saturday: 10 – 4 Closed Sundays Stamp Club May 12 Now the 2 nd Thursday of every Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov Paid for by The Campaign to Elect Margaret Magruder
