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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