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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 12, 2018)
5A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2018 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Wev has passion for good government T wo things to know about Pam Wev — she has a passion for good government, and she loves footnotes. I’m delighted I get to vote for her for Clatsop County commissioner. I’ve worked with Pam as a volunteer, and I admire her commitment to public service. Her priority is having transparent, effective and accountable local government. She will be a respectful and forward-thinking commissioner. Why do footnotes matter? County commis- sioners are constantly deciding about compli- cated issues, and need to read thick reports with lots of footnotes. Pam loves to learn about poli- cies, plans and possibilities — even when she’s not a candidate for office. She’ll be ready to make the best decisions for the people of Clat- sop County. Campaigning for May’s primary election, she walked door-to-door and met hundreds of people in her district, which goes from Saddle Mountain north through central Astoria to the Columbia River. She kept walking and listen- ing, with a bit of talking about her values and her ideas for the county. And that’s what she’ll be doing from now until the Nov. 6 midterm election. I’m grateful she’s giving her time, talent and energy to all of us. Please join me in voting for Pam Wev for county commissioner on Nov. 6. LAURIE CAPLAN Astoria We don’t need a Republican governor ing with our local candidates. Not only do you get to listen to and hear their ideas, but you can ask them questions one on one. For those of us who aren’t familiar with who is running in our local elections, it is a great way to get informed. And that matters. I highly recommend it. I attended the meet and greet for Pam Wev, candidate for Clatsop County commissioner. I found her to be inspiring, articulate and passion- ate about public service in our community. She has a vision for our county, and she has a plan. I would love to see her involved in Clatsop County. Give her a voice. Vote Pam Wev for county commissioner District 3. CLAUDIA RUSSELL Astoria T he cries that electing a Republican gover- nor would be good for the state, because it would prove we’re not a “one-party state,” might have merit if we were choosing between shirts and skins for basketball. But we’re not. A Republican governor would bring with him or her into our state government a Depart- ment of Environmental Quality boss who doesn’t believe in protecting the environment, a person in charge of health care who doesn’t believe in health care for all, an education leader who doesn’t believe in education, Justice Department leaders who don’t believe in jus- tice; et cetera. And they’ll all believe in stick- ing as much of the people’s money in their own pockets as possible. Just take a look at our federal government. What we need in office are public servants to take care of the people’s business that we as individuals can’t do for ourselves. And the Ore- gon Republicans have not had any people like that in their stable for about 50 years. JOSEPH WEBB Astoria Vote Smith for Gearhart council I don’t know Jack Zimmerman, who is oppos- ing Kerry Smith for his seat on the Gearhart City Council, but I have questions as to why he wants to serve on this body. A mysterious letter from Jane Gable sug- gests that Kerry Smith removed some of Zim- merman’s signs (“Don’t steal campaign signs in Gearhart,” The Daily Astorian, Oct. 4). I don’t trust that Ms. Gable knows what she is talking about. Mr. Zimmerman only registered to vote here in August, so he would probably be bet- ter off volunteering for participation on the bud- get committee or planning commission, where he could get better acquainted with how our city works. I know that Kerry Smith is a very lev- el-headed and honorable person. He deserves your vote. KENT SMITH Gearhart Vote ‘no’ on county jail bond J osh Marquis says we need a new jail. He also says marijuana should be illegal and drug possession should be a felony. Tom Bergin says we need a new jail, but is advocating for Measure 105, which would end Oregon’s sanc- tuary status. He’s helping to empower the most prejudicial among us. I would like to see our family, friends and neighbors on both sides of the bars have a better jail. But first we need to give better assistance to those who struggle with mental illness, addic- tions, substance abuse, and housing challenges. It reduces crime. I’d pass any bond measure that locked up the greatest criminals in our nation — the ones running it. Here in our community, though, I’m going to fight for those whose stories we do not know, yet still heap scorn upon. I’ll fight for the child who looks up in awe at us, as we blithely pass by, blind even to the most needful among them; off to build another shiny thing for vani- ties and tourists. I know the heavy weight both Marquis and Bergin bear, but their professions color their views. I’m certain if we build a new jail, we won’t turn around and pass a bond measure to meet the urgent needs of so many. Say “no” to Clatsop Country Measure 4-195. We can do better. MICHAEL A. “SASHA” MILLER Astoria Re-elect Smith for Gearhart council I t is an honor for us to come out in full- throated support of Kerry Smith for re-elec- tion to the Gearhart City Council, Position 1. Over these past four years, Kerry has given thoughtful consideration and deliberation to the pressing issues our city has faced. In fact, exis- tential issues that rocked the very foundation of Vote Wev for county commissioner O keeping Gearhart as it was intended to be at its 1918 incorporation — a primarily residential community. In this regard, he was a huge part of creating the short-term rental regulations, helping to carry Gearhart’s primarily residential community legacy forward. He worked tirelessly to resolve the dune vegetation issue that so weighed the city down in the last few years. Kerry believes in compromise and listening to the voices of his constituents. He has an impressive voting record and a record of working well with the council. Having lived in Gearhart for over 33 years, Kerry has a thorough understanding of our comprehensive plan. He realizes just what that means to the integrity and livability of Gear- hart. He lives by this plan, and by the city ordinances. He believes in transparency, and making sure his constituents are well-informed on all issues at hand, including the budget. He is not afraid to stand his ground in sup- port of the comprehensive plan and the best interests of Gearhart. Please join us in re-electing Kerry Smith. JEANNE and WILSON MARK Gearhart A “yes” vote on these measures, and a “yes” vote on 4-195, Clatsop County’s jail bond mea- sure, supports local law enforcement who pro- tect our families and communities, upholds our most important values and keeps power in the hands of the people. Oregon wins with “yes”. CHRISTINE BRIDGENS Warrenton Vote Lower for state representative A s an educator, Vineeta Lower knows what we need to do to fix our schools. The North Coast needs a state representative who will go to Salem and put students first. There’s a reason Oregon is 48th in the nation in test scores, and it’s because Salem has its priorities out of order. That’s why I’m proud to support Vineeta Lower for House District 32. She knows what needs to be done, and she’ll make sure Oregon prioritizes our most important asset, our chil- dren. Join me and vote for Vineeta Lower on Nov. 6. BOB SHORTMAN Gearhart Disappointed that hotel denied again Taylor will be an engaging leader I W was disappointed to see that Mark Holland- er’s plans for a new hotel were again denied. I just don’t understand. Astoria’s economy relies heavily on tourism, yet a lovely place for the tourists to stay is being blocked. I thought we wanted tourists to visit, stay for at least a few days, and spend their money. Maybe, the voices shouting the loudest don’t understand that. The hotel is being proposed in an area zoned for this purpose. The size of the hotel is within the zoning as well. Mr Hollander’s architects have created a design (as requested) in keeping with our “sense of place.” The Riverwalk is not obstructed, so we can freely continue to walk, ride bikes, or run, and enjoy “our” river. I don’t understand how this project is unacceptable. If it were being built over the water, and taking away our access to the river, I would join in the outcry. I am hoping to hear of Mr. Hollander’s appeal to the City Council, and that cooler heads will prevail. We need investment of this kind in our city, if we are to continue making tourism the focus of our economy. MARCIA FENSKE Astoria Vote ‘yes’ for Oregon values T here is a lot for our community to say “yes” to on this year’s November ballot. “Yes” on Measure 105 protects families, Oregon jobs and our state’s economy. “Yes” on Measure 104 limits the power of Oregon government to raise taxes, and allows families to keep more of their hard-earned money. “Yes” on Measure 106 gives Oregonians the choice of how their own tax dollars are spent. “Yes” on Measure 103 prevents local govern- ments from taxing groceries. hen Dulcye Taylor arrived in Astoria over a decade ago, her intention was to be involved. As a successful local business owner, she has worked at the street level in Astoria every day since. During that time, there have been very few community issues, efforts or events in which she was not involved. Notable: building, lead- ing and guiding the Astoria Downtown His- toric District Association, earning recognition throughout the region and entire state of Oregon for Astoria and her volunteerism. Dulcye is invested in our community, and possesses long-term, hands-on experience working on behalf of many diverse groups and initiatives. Her broad perspective and deep knowledge of Astoria will serve her well as mayor. While I believe we can all benefit from her thoughtful and effective leadership, we need her ability to seek new ideas and different per- spectives, weigh alternatives, consider possible outcomes and develop reasonable positions. She’s approachable and engaged, and gen- uinely committed to our town. I’ve witnessed her uncanny networking ability across the social and business spectrum tapping resources, enlist- ing volunteers, getting to “yes.” Optimism and cooperation are her trademarks. I’ll be casting my vote for Dulcye Taylor for mayor. Please join me. Get engaged with an engaging leader. ANDREA LARSON PEREZ Arlington, Virginia Wev has vision and plan for county I can’t say enough about the dynamic energy one can take away after meeting and speak- ur county has an opportunity to take a step forward with the election of a new county commissioner in District 3. If you are ready for a positive change in county government, vote for Pam Wev for commissioner. I am manager for Pam’s campaign, so let me boil this down to the simple truth we are hearing from people. In meeting after meet- ing, people are telling Pam they want to have more input into the large issues facing us. They feel that the good old boy network has shouted down the voice of the people. This network is afraid of Pam and what she represents. New ideas are a threat to them and their power, so they are pulling out all the stops. Well, it is time for swing the balance of power back to the people of Clatsop County. You have the final say. Our county faces challenges that require us to listen all voices, not just those of the influential. A vote for Pam Wev is a vote to give power to your voice. BRYAN KIDDER Astoria Gearhart elk indeed suffering hoof rot O n Oct. 8, a letter to the editor attacked me for misinformation on the elk herd (“Elk are enjoyable part of our environment,” The Daily Astorian). The writer is misinformed. I simply refer you to a wonderful article by R.J. Marx, “Elk culling an option for public safety” (The Daily Astorian, April 9). Marx describes the state’s wildlife manag- er’s overview of the local herd’s health. The herd has been observed with enough signs of hoof rot disease that the state is unwilling to transplant any portion of the herd. After seeing a large herd of elk completely devastated by this fast-spreading disease, I do appreciate the need to protect the herd. Most game managers know the larger the density of the herd, the exponentially greater the risk of bacterial infections. It is a slow horrific way for an animal to die. If the herd had been trans- ferred gradually over the years, this may have been avoided. So, yes, I believe the herd has been grossly mismanaged by the state, and I have never said Gearhart has jurisdiction over the herd. I have said Gearhart should communicate on a legal basis the damage done to the herd, and the dam- ages done to Gearhart residents. JACK ZIMMERMAN Gearhart Smith has served Gearhart well I would like to ask your consideration and sup- port for a very diligent, honest and thought- ful public servant who is running for re-election this November. Kerry Smith has served Gearhart well through a very decisive and important couple of years as we tackled short-term rentals. He proved himself a leader in addressing the sit- uation with a cool head and understanding for both sides. He was for upholding the regulation without rancor. We need people on the council who work to bring Gearhart together, not seek divisiveness. SUSAN SPRING Gearhart
