Community April 15 2021 Columbia County Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance Moves to Validation The Columbia County Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, re- cently adopted by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners to implement the intent of the voters as demonstrated by the passage of the “Second Amend- ment Preservation Ordinance” in 2018 and the “Second Amendment Sanctu- ary Ordinance” in 2020, will now move on to Validation proceedings in Colum- bia County Circuit Court. In passing the Ordinance, many provisions of both Measures 5-270 and 5-278 remain the same. The Ordinance amended the Second Amendment Sanc- tuary Ordinance to incorporate provi- sions of the Second Amendment Pres- ervation Ordinance where it differed from the Second Amendment Sanctu- ary Ordinance. The new Ordinance’s adoption kept it consistent with County practice and corrected scrivener errors in the Acts while preserving the intent of the voters. The Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance was then re- pealed. The passage of the two initia- tives and subsequent adopted Ordinance raises several important legal questions about what firearm regulations can be enforced in Columbia County, accord- ing to County Counsel Sarah Hanson. To gain clarity from the Court about the matter, the County filed a “Petition for Validation of Local Government Ac- tion,” which authorizes the circuit court to conduct a judicial examination of the Ordinance and provide a judgment of the court as to its regularity and legality. “This will allow the Court to tell us whether the County can actually decline to enforce certain state laws, and it will tell us how to abide by the will of the voters to the extent that we can,” Hanson said. “It will also safe- guard the County in the event we’re ever sued by an organization, for ex- ample - a gun safety group, due to the measures.” Notice and summons to the County and all electors or interested persons will be posted once a week for the next three weeks. Any interested person will have ten days from the date of the final publication to appear and contest the regularity, legality, validity, and effect of the Ordinance. “As Columbia County Sher- iff, it is my responsibility to ensure the rights of all of our citizens are protect- ed, including the 2 nd Amendment right to bear arms,” Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “I look forward to the validation process so we can move forward with the will of the voters.” 3 Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Photography Chip Bubl Scott Laird Tobie Finzel Superintendent Aaron Miller Vernonia’s Voice is published Karen Miller on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursday Greg A. Robinson of each month. Anna V. Smith One year subscription (24 issues) $35 Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com Vernonia’s Voice, LLC (503) 367-0098 PO Box 55. Vernonia, OR 97064 Yes, I support Vernonia’s Voice with this one time contribution. [ ] $12 [ ] $75 [ ] $24 [ ] $100 [ ] $50 [ ] Other $ Receive the Voice in your mailbox twice each month. Subscription cost covers first class postage for one year. [ ] $35 Kristi Wilson: Your Portland Community College Board Candidate - Zone 7 Kristi is a proud Portland Community College graduate and long-time resident of western Washington County. A leader and collaborator who understands our community and our education system. She has supported student success, strengthened a changing economy, and created pathways to livable wage careers. • Created and supported career-related programs to serve over 3,000 youth and adults • Over two decades of work and community service in western Washington County • Has the experience of building strategic partnerships that will be critical as we move into economic recovery • Dedicated to increase opportunities for historically underserved community members • Advocated for community college funding and career technical education programs “As a PCC graduate, I know firsthand the value of community college and its critical role in improving the lives of so many. I'm excited to build on my work and partnerships here in western Washington County and Columbia County to help create more accessible, life-changing opportunities for people in our community.” Ballots due by 8 pm on May 18 Vote Kristi Wilson for PCC Board of Directors Zone 7 For a full list of endorsements, or to learn more, visit: electkristiwilson.com Thank you for your support Mail check or money order to: Vernonia’s Voice PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064 or PayPal: scott@vernoniasvoice.com Name Address City State Zip Cedar Side Inn Now open for limited indoor seating 11:00 am - 11:00 pm every day Specialty Pizzas Taco Tuesday from opening until 9 pm 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 Check our Facebook page for daily specials 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841