Patrick Webb
Joe Paliani, left, is the author of ‘The Hounds of Heaven,’ a book aimed at young readers about environmental activism. He named an important character for his wife of 33 years, Charlotte, right.
Continued from Page 14
‘Decimated’
Paliani’s published letters to the editor in
local newspapers have expressed his pas-
sion for preserving the environment. In his
novel, the plight of salmon on the fictional
Keen river in Washington mirrors his fears
for the Columbia and Snake rivers.
“It is the end for native salmon, with
fish being decimated because of the dams,”
Pailani said. “The fish can’t swim up to
their natural habitats to mate and spawn.”
The Columbia River runs from British
Columbia and used to be unimpeded, until
dams set in place during the 1930s stropped
migration patterns.
“Hydroelectricity is a wonderful thing
— if the fish could bypass dams for migra-
tion,” he said. Pailani believes that wind
and solar power could replace hydroelectric
plants. “It is a great interest of mine to save
the salmon,” he added.
Comfort
Paliani, 83, said his life has been a spiri-
tual journey. A troubled boyhood, one cop-
ied directly for his lead character, created a
very strict Catholic young adult, who some-
what lapsed during his brief military ser-
vice, then developed through much study
to late adult contentment, believing all reli-
gions should be respected.
The portrayal of Jehovah’s Witness
characters in a positive light is one of
Paliani’s ways of expressing gratitude.
While he is not a member of the faith, he
cherishes the comfort they once brought
during two health crises, many years
apart.
As for the novel, action culminates in
a hearing before a U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers adjudication panel where pas-
sions are laid bare. Another federal agency
plays an important role, and the power of
prayer is supremely tested.
with deep pockets. Instead, he is scrupu-
lously polite, often reasonable and almost
charming. The situation is reminiscent of
another North Coast encounter.
Astoria’s 12 year controversy surround-
ing the use of liquified natural gas, which
ended in 2016, perfectly characterized the
manner in which a community could be
torn between the temptation of promised
economic prosperity and environmental
threats.
“Mr. Rentford is not a bad person,”
Paliani said. “He has billions of dollars to
offer to these people who do need a job.
He has plans for a hospital and more for
the community, but it is going to destroy
the lives of people that don’t want their
lives changed.”
Torn
One element that makes the novel
compelling is the character of the politi-
cally connected developer. Horace Rent-
ford is no cookie-cutter evil carpetbagger
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022 // 15