4A
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018
editor@dailyastorian.com
KARI BORGEN
Publisher
JIM VAN NOSTRAND
Editor
Founded in 1873
JEREMY FELDMAN
Circulation Manager
DEBRA BLOOM
Business Manager
JOHN D. BRUIJN
Production Manager
CARL EARL
Systems Manager
OUR VIEW
Carbon panel should reflect urban, rural voices
O
regon’s environment and econ-
omy are in a political battle.
The saving grace may be a
new legislative committee, which state
House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate
President Peter Courtney are forming
to find a solution.
The issue is legislation dubbed
“Clean Energy Jobs” by its supporters
and derided as “Tax and Job Loss” by
its opponents. It is a long-studied and
highly complex plan to reduce green-
house gases from Oregon’s very largest
polluters, put a price on carbon emis-
sions and invest the proceeds in clean
energy projects.
The controversy exemplifies
Oregon’s urban-rural divide.
Environmental groups and
Democratic legislators, especially in
the Portland and Eugene areas, enthu-
siastically support the legislation
and wanted it approved in the 2018
Legislature.
Republican lawmakers and major
business groups generally oppose the
plan, saying it will be expensive for
corporations, drive up costs for con-
sumers and have minimal effects on
global greenhouse gases.
In what might be a stroke of polit-
ical genius, Kotek recently asked
Oregon Department of Forestry
A joint panel of lawmakers will look at a price on carbon emissions to finance clean
energy projects.
Courtney to join her in creating and
co-chairing a legislative “special Joint
Committee on Carbon Reduction to
continue the efforts to cut statewide
carbon emissions and grow Oregon’s
clean energy economy.” The goal is
to rework the legislation for the 2019
Legislature.
The Oregon Legislature has
achieved some success through its
use of joint Senate-House commit-
tees. Courtney and Kotek recently
formed the Joint Committee on
Student Success, which was scheduled
to launch its statewide public hearings
this week. That committee is modeled
after last year’s successful transporta-
tion-finance committee, on which Sen.
Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, was a
key player. Johnson also serves on the
Legislature’s joint budget committees.
Kotek, a liberal Democrat from
Portland, is a keen backer of Clean
Energy Jobs. Courtney, a Salem
Democrat who is too moderate for
some members of his party, helped
block passage of the legislation this
year, saying it was not ready.
Courtney said he hopes the joint
committee can craft a bill that is both
effective and has widespread sup-
port not only among Democratic and
Republican legislators, but also from
environmental, business, transportation
and other groups.
The legislative leaders could start
that process by giving full represen-
tation to urban and rural Oregon.
They should appoint equal numbers
of Democrats and Republicans to the
Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction.
As Courtney said in announcing
the committee with Kotek: “Urban or
rural, Democrat or Republican, we
share the same state, same air, same
environment and the same planet. It’s
time human nature starts taking care of
Mother Nature.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
End gun violence
I
was very pleased to see The Daily Astorian
come out against gun violence in the March
19 edition (“Listen to the children on gun vio-
lence”). I wholeheartedly agree with the edito-
rial, and encourage all citizens to let Congress
and the president know that the gun violence
in our schools must be stopped.
I was also very happy to read that Fred
Meyer is getting out of the gun business
(“Superstore chain Fred Meyer to stop sell-
ing guns, ammunition,” The Daily Astorian,
March 18). Way to go, Freddy’s.
Please join the “March for Our Lives” rally
in Astoria this Saturday from noon to 1:30
p.m. at Eighth and Commercial streets. There
are also nearby rallies in Longview, Washing-
ton, and Portland.
The time is now for changing gun violence
in our country. We are held hostage by the
gun lobby, and subject to laws not representa-
tive of the overwhelming majority of people,
who support bans on semi-automatic weapons.
There are actions that each and every one of
us can take. Call your representatives in Con-
gress and let them know “enough is enough.”
Make the promise that I have made at sandy-
hookpromise.org, and help bring Sandy Hook
Promise’s no cost violence prevention pro-
grams to our schools and community.
NED HEAVENRICH
Astoria
Lose, lose
I
t is hard to believe that the city is even con-
sidering allowing another motel to take up
more of our river view (“New hotel pitched for
Astoria,” The Daily Astorian, March 2).
First of all, think of what makes Astoria a
popular spot: The wondrous Columbia. Why
consider blocking the view for all to enjoy, just
so the few who inhabit one of the rooms with a
river view have the sole right?
And never mind that it adds to the problem
of affordable housing, because more employ-
ees will be needed for jobs in the same income
bracket that is already scrambling for available
housing.
Oh, did I mention that the rest of us resi-
dents will no doubt be penalized with higher
water/sewage rates eventually, as the motels
increase the needs on our existing systems, and
if Astoria operates the same way as Cannon
Beach, they offer motels a lesser rate than resi-
dential customers.
Should I even bother to mention the tsu-
nami factor?
Nope, sorry another motel is not on the list
of things Astoria needs.
MARY SCHNASE
Astoria
Blossoms in Astoria
F
ebruary and early March can be considered
the last harsh days of winter. At this time I
look at the trees, bushes, and much of the land
as dormant, and at times bleak. These are not
bad times, however, with the earth in its cycle.
I feel lucky to be in this spot. A spot made up
of hills, water and beautiful landscape. But if
you are depressed because of winter — just
wait. All of a sudden the blossoms will be
here. Now they are small, just sneaking out.
Then in late March and April they seem to
overwhelm the land, flowering everywhere.
The cherry tree in front is already looking
great. The wind has blown its blossoms across
the yard. When the blossoms do fill the land,
their colors will cascade up and down the hills.
There will be many brilliant colors, with their
shades of red, yellow, pink, white, orange,
purple and others. This will be the beauty of
spring. Later most of the blossoms of the sea-
son will fade as the summer months come.
With so many problems in the world, I
want to think about this. I want to realize how
fortunate I am to be here, not only to see blos-
soms, but to be alive in a country based on
freedom for all, not just those in power. I think
of the task of fulfilling this freedom, the hard
work of people in the past, and the challenges
ahead.
NORM HOOGE
Astoria
Full discussion needed on jail
I
am pleased that the Clatsop County
commissioners voted to refer the proposed
jail bond to the taxpayers, but I expect a full
discussion of this extremely complex
problem.
The current jail is apparently adequate to
house the number of “violent” criminals cur-
rently in Clatsop County. A revolving door
population exists, of at least several hundred
people, who are repeatedly in violation of
their probation agreements, but for the most
part are living rather ordinary lives. Many are
employed and taking care of themselves and
their families. Few of them are violent or rep-
resent any other danger to the county citizens;
keeping them in jail for prolonged periods
would increase county expense, but not neces-
sarily deter further crime or protect the
public.
The possibility of using the Youth Author-
ity building to house the probation violators
and the “out-of-control mentally ill” (who cur-
rently have no other place to go but jail), has
not been formally discussed. The idea was
briefly advanced at the last county commission
meeting, only to be summarily dismissed by
the county manager and the sheriff.
Jails are clearly necessary, but there is sig-
nificant disagreement among reasonable peo-
ple about their purpose, or who should be in
them.
THOMAS DUNCAN
Astoria
McClain for prosecutor
s your former Pacific County, Washing-
ton, prosecutor, District Court judge, and,
most recently, Superior Court judge (retired),
I write to wholeheartedly endorse Mark
McClain for another four years as Pacific
County’s prosecutor.
Because I am a retired judge, I can endorse
Mark McClain. Mark is an experienced, capa-
ble, honest and battle-tested prosecutor. I
can tell you as someone who has “walked in
Mark’s shoes” for eight years as your Pacific
County prosecutor, experience matters. Prose-
cutors hold criminals accountable. This affects
your safety as you walk our streets.
Mark is a proven, capable, dedicated pub-
lic servant able to effectively manage this
office and protect our community. Mark has
A
earned, yes earned, my trust and respect. He
has appeared before me in hundreds of felony
cases. Mark presented careful and thought-
ful legal arguments. He treated all persons in
the courtroom with respect. He has experience,
toughness and common sense.
Please consider Mark McClain when
you cast your vote. I invite you to join me in
re-electing Prosecutor Mark McClain.
MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN
Judge, Pacific County Superior Court
(retired)
Menlo, Washington
Don’t deflect on guns
T
here is a meme going around Facebook
suggesting that students, on April 20,
should Walk Up, Not Out. Instead of forcing
our elected leaders to address gun violence, the
kids are supposed to walk up to the lonely, the
solitary, the odd kid, etc., and be nice to them.
The suggestion is that doing this will somehow
fix the problem.
Walking Up is a great idea, but it should
not be exclusive of Walking Out. When put in
the context of do one, not the other, it becomes
victim blaming. Children are not responsi-
ble for fixing the sociopath, the psychotic and
mentally ill in society, and none of these sug-
gestions will fix any of that. It’s a deflection
from the real problem.
In reality, Gen Z is more aware of bully-
ing, and more accepting of diversity, and more
likely to reach out to the kid sitting alone, or
without a partner, than any generation before
it. By saying Walk Up, Not Out, you are telling
them they do not have a voice, and their opin-
ions do not matter. You are basically taking the
politicians, the National Rifle Association, and
the philosophy that “guns are more important
than our children,” off the hook.
The kids are Walking Out to change the
world and this country for the better. They
are the future. Are you with them, or against
them?
BILL GRAFFIUS
Gearhart
A moving moment
I
f you missed the Air Force Band, the Com-
manders Jazz Ensemble, at the Liberty The-
atre on March 17, you really missed a great
time. The wonderful musicians, along with a
great singer who entertained us, were a lot of
fun.
At the end of the show, they paid lovely
tribute and honor to all of the branches of the
military while playing each military theme,
and had people stand. I got to stand in honor of
my father who was in the Air Force. He passed
on 22 years ago. It was a moving moment.
What a great group of men and women
who brought us such an enjoyable afternoon.
Thanks to the Liberty Theatre for bringing us
yet another great event.
ROBIN RODGERS
Astoria
Disabled access needed at fair
I
n 2017, I contacted the Clatsop County Fair
Board and wrote a letter to The Daily Asto-
rian complaining of the lack of disabled park-
ing spaces and a total lack of access for the
disabled by vehicle to the front entrance of the
fair.
My complaint included the same lack in
2016. In that year, six disabled parking places
were covered over for use by vendors right in
front of the main building. Access then was
also limited for the disabled to reach the front
entrance by vehicle.
In 2017, the two available disabled stalls
near the entrance were blocked several times
by vehicles for vendors. There was no access
for vehicles to drop disabled persons off at the
entrance. Those who could walk were dropped
off at the gate area. Staff and security volun-
teers did their best to help these people, and
were able to drive a van up a back road and
drop disabled off at a rear door twice, that I am
aware of.
As a Veterans of Foreign Wars volunteer,
I observed this problem over the three days I
was present, both in 2016-17. I am asking the
Fair Board to please look closely at the dis-
abled parking. Don’t let the spaces be blocked
— it is against Oregon Law. Please allow a
clear path for vehicles carrying the disabled to
the front entrance.
MELVIN (MEL) JASMIN
Warrenton
Orr, our best choice
A
s a former Republican, I would like to
share why I believe candidate John Orr
should be our next Oregon House representa-
tive for District 32.
Even though he is running for political
office for the first time, he is certainly no new-
comer to politics. Orr’s progressive views on
finance reform, housing and the environment,
as well as his 25 years representing his com-
munity and helping others, have always been
distinct and have never wavered.
His approach has always been to fight hard,
balanced with a pragmatic sensibility born out
of experience with our justice system.
In a time of political turmoil, John Orr
maintains a perspective of calm but resolute
leadership that Oregonians need in their law-
makers. Someone who can not only represent
their concerns, but has the mind, and heart, and
experience to actually accomplish these goals.
I encourage everyone to vote, but I espe-
cially encourage you to vote for those who
truly care about the future of Oregon — John
Orr is for Oregon.
PHIL HALL
Warrenton
Wealthy get away with it
I
am writing in regard to an article I happened
upon from the Los Angeles Times. It refers
to something called “affluenza.” Its meaning
comes from what they quote as: “It is no secret
that in America the wealthy have a reputation
for getting away with injustice.”
Sadly, it is true, as I myself learned first-
hand. My life hasn’t been the same since, and
it haunts and hurts me to this day, and will
for the remainder of my lifetime. I believe in
karma, what goes around comes around. Pray
to live and witness it, as I’m sure my mother
and father in heaven hurt for me, and wish me
the same.
NANCY GLARUM
Warrenton