Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2018)
4 letters to the editor/community bulletin board november1 2018 Readers Lend Their Voices... To the Editor, This letter is in direct response to County Commissioner Alex Tardif’s column in the October 18, 2018 issue of Vernonia’s Voice. I read with some interest your update on your accomplishments as a Board member. Two years is quite a long time for you to finally realize there are constituents who might be in- terested in local government activities. I am always a little suspicious of the motives, particularly at election time. For some reason, the County Commis- sioners seem to operate as clandestinely as possible without communicating regularly with the public. Meetings at 10:00 have been an issue for years and the criticism is well directed. For some unknown reason, the local papers are not sufficiently interested in your (our) business and seldom report the Board’s activities from St. Helens. I note a few incomplete or un- stated attempts to describe where the County is headed. Such terms in the mission include “service,” “engage- ment,” “connection,” and “innovation.” Without stating a few concrete actions which will describe the intended out- comes, you have nothing but words. Subsequently, what are the reliable identifiers or tangible and measurable outcomes which would allow one to quantify whether or not the goals have been successful? Tourism as a movement is re- ally wasted time and benefits very few. Quite simply, put an effort into improv- ing the County parks and boat launches which are underfunded and under- staffed, not to mention, lack upgraded facilities. Build it and they will come! The rock crushing move was noticeable in our Fern Hill/Apiary com- munity with the reopening of the Apiary Road quarry. We have observed and benefited from the County’s attention to these local secondary roads. However, there is much more which needs to be done to improve our County’s roads. Just drive Pellham Hill Road if you wish to experience a neglected road- way. Your comment regarding your justification for voting against the Port Westward rezone was simplistic at best. Attempting to curtail or reduce fossil fuels use is a futile exercise at our level, but your statement about agriculture resources in our County was question- able. I have to ask, “What agriculture exists in our County, today?” I know of only a handful of farmers who can make a living in this part of the state. We are not Washington or Morrow County. You report two studies present- ly in process (tourism and internet), but I am dubious these will solve anything. More of the same comes to mind! Finally, if you can only cite a few accomplishments in your two years, you need to get busy. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Consider the needs of owners of for- est properties and address them. 2. The County has abandoned any at- tempts to control noxious weeds. 3. Most of the roads in our County need attention. 4. Older retired citizens are simply for- gotten. 5. Promote the Commissioner’s suc- cesses. 6. Continue strong support for OSU Extension. 7. Take a position on non-political is- sues. For example: The Rainier/Clats- kanie cemetery’s current levy request. 8. Implement a public relations pro- gram for the Commissioners. Paul Nys Rainier, OR To the Editor, Ladies and gentlemen, friends and neighbors. I don’t know if you have considered, well, maybe you have, just what the high rates of W.O.E.C. costs you. You open your statement from them every month and know how much your use of power costs you. But, have you considered the added cost of living within W.O.E.C. jurisdiction? Your schools pay higher rates, eating into the stretched budget, taking tax revenue from the classroom. The City also uses your tax dollars to provide all the services they bring to you. Your money. Groceries, gas, res- taurants, actually any business in town passes their added costs on to the prod- ucts you buy and the services you re- ceive. Also, it halts any company from bringing their business to this area. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “Cash Cow” business sharing the bur- den? Won’t happen. Not under the cur- rent circumstances. It’s just the truth of it. Vernonia’s Voice welcomes and requests your thoughts, opinions and ideas. Please include your name, address and phone number, limit your letters to 300 words or less. Vernonia’s Voice reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted. We will print letters space permitting. Deadline is the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Email: scott@vernoniasvoice.com or mail to: Letters, PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064. Community Track Walk - Saturday, November 3, 9:00 - 10:00 am at the new Vernonia Schools Track Mist-Birkenfeld Helping Circle 83 rd Annual Fall Festival - Saturday, November 3, 6:00 pm at the Natal Grange. Food, entertainment, raffle, auctions, and festivities. (503) 755- 2346 OREGON GENERAL ELECTION DAY - Tuesday, November 6. Ballot drop box at the Vernonia Library, 701 Weed Avenue. Ballots due by 8:00 pm. TOPS Group (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meet Fridays at the Mist- Birkenfeld Fire Dept. 8:30 am weigh in, 9:00 am meeting. Men and women invited to join. (503) 429- 7505 Auction Notice Storage Too 503-429-7867 The Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD Board of Directors will meet for their regular board meeting Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm at the Main Station, 12525 Highway 202, Mist, OR. D18 - 10 x 10 - Marella Goecks Auction will be held Noon, Tuesday December 11, 2018 Please call prior to auction Cash or certified check only Lawyer in the Law Library AA Meetings Open Meetings Mondays & Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm Vernonia Christian Church 410 North Street Medicare Informational Meeting - Friday, November 2, 2:00 pm at the Vernonia Health Clinic, 1005 Cougar Street. RSVP (503) 691-2978. FREE 58645 Nehalem Hwy. S. Vernonia, Oregon 97064 Sally Harrison Vernonia, OR HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Upcoming Events Wills and Trusts Women’s Meeting Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm Vernonia Christian Church 410 North Street Wednesday, November 14, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Free Legal Clinic for the Public Columbia County Law Library, 270 S. First Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 396-5344 ccll@columbiacll.org Columbia Humane Society Purr-fect Pals Featured Dog Elsa is a 2 year old female domestic short hair that is looking for find a new forever home. This girl came to the shelter with her litter of kittens, she has since been spayed, and is now looking for that one special place to call her own. She isn't the best about wanting to meet new people when she is at the shelter, but her foster family has told us she is very loving and sweet when she isn't nervous. If you are interested in meeting Elsa please don't hesitate to call or email. Ryder is as funny as he is cute. This little guy is a ball of fire and he loves to play with other dogs, both big and little. We would not recommend him in a home with kids under 7 but think he would do well with kids above that age. We also don't think he is going to do well with kittens. This little guy isn't much for just sitting around and waiting for things to happen. He is a man of action. Ryder is about a year old and weighs about 8 lbs. If you are interested in meeting Ryder we ask that you please email us or give us a call to set an appointment. At CHS the health and welfare of the animals in our care is our number one priority. We are dedicated to helping our adoptive families find that one perfect fit that will complete their family. Please email or call so that we can talk to you about your needs and wants in a new family member prior to just arriving at the kennels. 2084 Oregon Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-397-4353 E-mail: info@columbiahumane.org Web: www.columbiahumane.org
