THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015
Don’t sign petitions
O
ur freedoms guaranteed
by our Constitution are
being whittled away by the
liberal Democrats. Are we
once again to allow the liber-
als to take away our freedom
to choose?
Presently the voters of Clat-
sop County choose the Port of
Astoria’s commissioners from
a slate of prospective candi-
dates. Both petitions that are
being presented, if passed,
will take away our freedom
to choose whom our Clatsop
County Port commissioners
should be. The Port is an im-
portant source of revenue for
the whole county, not just As-
toria or Warrenton. We should
be allowed, as a county, to
choose who these people are
who will be the administrators
of this public service, the Port
of Astoria.
Dianne Widdop, mayor of
Gearhart, proposes that the
governor of our state appoint
the commissioners — appar-
ently, she believes the voters
are not intelligent enough to
make good decisions or the
right decision.
Larry Taylor who is the
chairman of the Democratic
Party of Clatsop County, be-
lieves that, again, the voters
need help, so we should divide
the county up into districts. If
this passes, you will only be
allowed to choose a candidate
from your small district, not
the whole county.
Will we allow the liberal
Democrats to take away our
freedom to choose? It is up to
you, Clatsop County voters, to
stop them now. Don’t sign the
petitions. Read them, be in-
formed, by all means, but think
of what you will give away if
either proposal passes.
KAREN CUSTER
Seaside
FRIDAY EXCHANGE
5A
Mayor explains dog park postponement
D
ear Friends of the Dog Park,
As you know, at the April 6
City Council meeting, we voted to de-
lete our goal of supporting the building
of a dog park here in Astoria for this
¿VFDO\HDU7KLVGHFLVLRQZDVQRWPDGH
lightly, and I’d like to explain the rea-
sons behind our decision.
City Council goals are a road map
for what the council believes we should
work on for the year. They are devel-
oped by the City Council to provide
direction to the city staff for how we
want them to use their time and mon-
ey. A goal should be attainable, or
should at least show some progress
GXULQJ WKH ¿VFDO \HDU 'XH WR VWDI¿QJ
DQG¿QDQFLDOOLPLWDWLRQVZHNQHZWKLV
goal was unattainable for now, so we
asked that it be deleted.
Parks and Recreation Director An-
gela Cosby has spent many long hours
trying to develop a dog park. As you
know, the search for a site has prov-
en extremely frustrating. Site visits,
community meetings, meetings with
the Dog Park committee, phone calls,
HWFKDYHEURXJKWXVQRFORVHUWR¿QG-
ing a site. We thought we had at least
a temporary site at John Warren Field,
but we found out the site was going to
be used for the Combined Sewer Over-
ÀRZVWDJLQJDUHD
You may remember that during the
Eighth Street CSO project, all the sup-
plies and equipment were stored at a
lot at Eighth Street and Irving Avenue.
This time the work is being done on
WKWKVWUHHWVDQGWKHFRQVWUXFWLRQ
company needed a staging area closer
to their job site. We may still be able to
use John Warren Field as a temporary
dog park at the completion of the CSO
project, but it won’t be this year. If we
ZHUH DEOH WR XVH WKDW ¿HOG LW ZRXOG
make start-up costs far less. There’s
already established sod and also some
fencing we could utilize. Ms. Cosby
KDVHVWLPDWHGWKDWVKRXOGZH¿QGDVLWH
and have to develop it from scratch, the
start-up costs would be about $200,000
with annual maintenance costs of be-
tween $16,000-$20,000. The city sim-
ply doesn’t have that kind of money.
The Parks Department is going to
be working on a Parks Master Plan this
year, trying to determine what the com-
munity wants most in terms of parks
and recreation services. If the dog park
rises to the top, the Parks Board may
decide we need to push for the dog park
and perhaps eliminate some other ser-
vices. I do know that many of the Parks
Board members have questioned the
development of any other facilities un-
til we can properly maintain the parks
that we have.
Our decision to remove the dog park
from city goals is not to shut down the
LGHD:HKDYHVDLGWKDWGXHWRVWDI¿QJ
DQG ¿QDQFLDO UHDVRQV WKH 3DUNV 'H-
partment should no longer pursue this
JRDOGXULQJWKH¿VFDO\HDU
One suggestion might be to inves-
tigate developing a dog park inde-
pendently of the city. We seem to have
run out of options for land owned by
the city, but maybe a private own-
er would donate some land, and you
could build the facility with private
funds. I’d be happy to donate to the
cause!
ARLINE LAMEAR
Mayor of Astoria
nue, as was suggested to the
business association by their
visionary for hire, the motto
should be “go slow and keep
the door bolted.”
Even innocuous-sounding
proposals, such as the enter-
prise zone, should be looked
at with a jaundiced eye, espe-
cially since it requires part-
nering with the bungling and
self-serving Port of Astoria.
ROGER DORBAND
Astoria
to: “Smell. Go. Let us know.”
If you smell rotten eggs or hear
a hissing sound, immediately
leave the area on foot and then
call 911 and NW Natural’s 24-
KRXU HPHUJHQF\ OLQH DW
Be safe this spring and be
sure to call before you dig.
TERESA ACCUARDI
NW Natural community
affairs manager
Astoria
Stop the sea lions
U
nfortunately, there has
been a record-setting inva-
sion of California sea lions this
year. These mammals are not
only loud and obnoxious, but
WKH\ DUH QRW OHWWLQJ ¿VKHUPHQ
get to their boats, and harming
other tame animals. Without
any state help, there needs to
be a stop. These animals are a
danger to society, and before
something really bad happens,
there needs to be change.
It is just a matter of time
before an adult or little kid
goes running down to the dock
and gets bitten or maybe even
worse. These sea lions are a
nuisance to Clatsop County
because of their diet; they are
killing salmon, which are es-
sential to the Columbia River
¿VKHUPHQ DQG WKH HFRV\VWHP
If we do not put a stop to these
killers, it will get more out of
hand than it already is.
TYSON BURNARD
Astoria
I hear SeaWorld and other
Pam Pearce held a training ses- demonstrate different rescue
sion, open to public viewing. scenarios. They demonstrated marine entertainment parks
She is a hard worker and takes their abilities to rescue an active are being pressured to release
her job seriously. After all, how drowning victim, an inactive these wonderful mammals
many aquatics managers do drowning victim, a submerged back into the wild. Astoria
you know who lap swim during victim, a victim with a bro- could be a great location to
the week? Why does she do ken neck, victims that weren’t host such a rehabilitation proj-
this? Rather than run the pool breathing, and victims whose ect, and never worry about
what to feed them, either.
a guard short, she stands in for hearts had stopped.
They exhibited knowledge
Just a thought.
guards who don’t show. That
on how to use advanced life-
THERESA ROBERTS
doesn’t happen too often.
3DFL¿F&LW\
Guards who are either sloth- saving tools ... the external
A valuable part
ful, unreliable, or irresponsible GH¿EULOODWRUDQGSRUWDEOHR[\-
believe a boatyard at the Port
are let go. No nonsense with gen just as the CDC states they
Dig safe
of Astoria is an integral part
her, and her teenaged guards should. I am impressed in a
pring is in the air, and gar- of this community, and ought
step up to the plate because of positive way. I am grateful for
Excellent lifeguards it. They have adult responsibil- these professional lifeguards
deners in Astoria will soon to be preserved and improved
ccording to the Center ity, and they know it. One of who provide a safe environ- start working in their yards. by our Port, not dismantled.
for Disease Control’s In- their lead guards is only 17, yet ment at our pool.
The Port should honor its
If that work includes digging,
jury Prevention: Lifeguards KH¶V DSSO\LQJ WR EH D ¿UHPDQ
DANE JACONETTI NW Natural reminds you to FRPPLWPHQWV WR WKH ¿VK SUR-
KDYHDOZD\VSURYLGHG¿UVWDLG These “minors” are making
Hammond ¿UVWFDOO²WKH8WLOLW\1R- cessors, Englund Marine, and
as well as rescue. Cardiopul- things happen in their lives.
WL¿FDWLRQ &HQWHU ² WR ORFDWH the other related industries
monary resuscitation (CPR) and in our community. Too
underground gas and other which have pledged to be a
Money madness
part of the Port complex, and
DQG JHQHUDO ¿UVW DLG WUDLQLQJ young, you might say? Well, Orcas wanted
utility lines.
t’s springtime in Astoria, the are standard requirements for our grandparents went to war at
ust a comment on the sea
This is a free service and have put their moneys on the
economy has improved, and most lifeguards. In addition, that age. Ask them if they think
lion problem in Astoria and it’s not only a smart thing to line to do so. The boatyard is a
the smell of money is in the many lifeguards are now both it’s too young to lifeguard.
Newport: Rather than us hu- do to help prevent damage, it’s valuable part of this infrastruc-
air. It’s an intoxicating scent to WUDLQHGDQGFHUWL¿HGWRXVHDG-
Most of these guards are on PDQVFRQVWDQWO\WU\LQJWR¿QG the law. Once you call, a tech- ture and community.
Shame on the Port for even
development zealots, some of vanced lifesaving tools such as the swim team, and swim miles a way to reduce the sea lion nician will visit the property
whom would drastically alter WKH H[WHUQDO GH¿EULOODWRU DQG each week. And it shows. There population, why not bring in within two business days to lo- considering dismantling this
WKH SUR¿OH DQG GHPRJUDSKLF potable oxygen.
were three stations around the a few orcas, since they are the cate your gas and utility lines. facility.
JOSIE PEPER
of our fair city. And all for the
During spring break, As- pool that night. All the guards sea lions’ natural predator and
If a gas line has been acci-
Astoria
sake of the one thing valued toria Aquatic Center Manager rotated to all the stations to a most tasty delicacy?
dentally damaged, remember
above all else: Money.
H.L. Menken said, “When
somebody says it’s not about
the money, it’s about the mon-
ey.” In the present circum-
stance, if they say it’s about
jobs and the community, it’s
about money — money that
will make rich developers and
The 17 th Annual CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Celebration for 2015 at the
investors richer, and will ulti-
BRIDGEwater Bistro was a successful and enjoyable event, funding advocacy for a year for
mately drive up our property
taxes, displace old established
up to 20 more children who need a CASA! Thank you to our generous sponsors, donors,
EXVLQHVVHV ¿OO RXU VLGHZDONV
and volunteers. You truly are making a positive difference in children’s lives.
with strangers and destroy the
small-town atmosphere that
most of us love.
Special Thanks To:
A case in point is the pro-
Ann & Tony Kischner
posal of Great Ocean Capital
Chef
Geoff
Gunn
& the BRIDGEwater Bistro Staff
Holdings LLC CEO Huy Ying
Chen, who recently arrived in
town with a broad vision that
CELEBRATION 2015 SPONSORS & MAJOR DONORS
would have made John J. As-
tor giddy. In maturity, it would
include an international airport
Alice Stull
Gary Gillam
Sally LaCoste
and a 30-acre visitor center
Arline LaMear
Gino Fellin
Scott Reuter& Ann Lederer
that he likens to San Francis-
Bank of the Pacific
Jeremy Rust
Steve Emmons
co’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
Bill Logan
John & Jan Nybakke
Steve Forrester & Brenda Penner
The ingredient missing in
Bob & Gerry Swenson
John & Janet Niemi
Steve & Jody Heverly
his vision is an understanding
Burr
&
Sally
Allegaert
Knutsen
Insurance
The Samuel S. Johnson Foundation
of what community and liva-
Bruce’s
Candy
Kitchen
LEKTRO,
Inc.
Ted & Wendy Osborn
bility mean. Is he aware that
Christine
Lolich
Martin
Hospitality
Inc.
Tom & Marilyn Flanagan
most resident San Franciscans
consider Fisherman’s Wharf a
Columbia Memorial Hospital
NW Natural
United Way of Clatsop County
crass tourist trap, and avoid it
Craft 3
Patsy & David Oser
US Bank
like the plague?
Diane Heintz
Raymond & Jennifer Lund
Wauna Credit Union
7KH ¿UVW SKDVH RI &KHQ¶V
Elizabeth Martin
Roger Rocka & Jan Mitchell
Wimahl Family Clinic
proposal, creation of a pri-
Elizabeth Stricklin
Ron Borgardt
William & Deborah Armington
vately owned shipping port at
Eric
Paulson
Tongue Point, is most seduc-
tive because it promises jobs
in the relatively short term.
Food/Beverage Donors
The purchase of North Tongue
Point is particularly attractive
Astoria Coffee House & Bistro
Fulio’s Pastaria
Peter Pan Market
to the Port of Astoria, because
Astoria Co-Op Grocery
Harold Gruetzmacher
Pizza a’fetta
it would allow the Port respite
from an onerous lease and
Baked Alaska
Jill Smith
Raili Vedenoja
compensation.
Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café
Jonathan Hoffman
Sari Vedenoja-Hartman
The danger of allowing a
BRIDGEwater Bistro
Marco Davis
Seaside Brewing Company
conglomerate of Great Ocean
Bruce’s Candy Kitchen
Marju Jaakola
Tongue Point Culinary Class
investors to plunk down $220
Buoy
Beer
Co.
McKeown’s
Restaurant
&
Bar
PLOOLRQ RQ WKH ¿UVW SKDVH RI
S
A
I
I
J
CLATSOP CASA THANKS YOU!
their project is that it gives
them tremendous leverage to
develop the rest of their vision.
Political and economic lever-
aging is the norm whenever
big money from outside of the
area is allowed to get a foot-
hold. Witness the gyrations
and duplicity that have result-
ed from the Port of Astoria’s
autocratic decision to open the
door for Westerlund Log Han-
dlers to export logs to China
from Astoria’s waterfront.
When dealing with those
who want to bring Fisherman’s
Wharf to Astoria, or wish to
rebrand Astoria and make it
more like Mississippi Ave-
Our Thanks To:
Hon. Judge Cindee Matyas
Senator Marko Liias
Dave Drury and Todd Pederson – Basin Street NW Duo
Tongue Point Job Corps and Astoria High School youth volunteers
Dan Arnoth
Eventscape, LLC
Coast Community Radio-KMUN
Hits 94.3-KRKZ
Ohana Media Group
Clatsop CASA Board of Directors
Christine Lolich, Board President
Deborah Armington, Celebration Co-Chair
Patsy Oser, Celebration Co-Chair
Sherri Crawford
Chris Dugan
Jill Smith
Sari Vedenoja-Hartman
Christian Zupancic
