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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 10, 2016)
Polk County Voices Polk County Itemizer-Observer • February 10, 2016 4A How to Contact Officials EDITORIALS What’s the emergency The Oregon State Legislature is meeting for its short ses- sion shenanigans, 35 days in even-numbered years. From the looks of things, the State Capitol must be on fire. Or flooding, because 62 of the 97 bills in the Senate are being labeled with an emergency clause. In the House, 299 bills will be voted on, all in 35 days; 64 of the first 99 bills are considered an emergency. The bills vary widely, with no rhyme or reason to which will be declared an emergency — effective upon passage — and which are not. One emergency is how money will be distributed from the new wine country special license plates. Calling a bill — or ordinance, at the city level — an “emergency” is a way to push through an agenda without question. Before Oregonians know it, the laws have changed and there’s not much they can do about it. By putting emergency clauses on a bill, senators and representatives in Oregon remove the chance for those bills to be referred to the ballot, thus effectively removing the people’s veto power. What’s worse, senators and representatives say they have to pass these bills with emergency clauses to protect Oregonians from themselves, threatening that a ballot measure would have more drastic effects on Oregon’s economy and business and ecosystem. In the case of the minimum wage bill, which discrimi- nates wages based on location — three tiers with three dif- ferent minimum wages based on the county you live in — is an emergency. Legislators say it’s better than the alterna- tive ballot measure, which isn’t actually on the ballot yet, but they say the tiered, gradual system will be better for businesses than if voters approved a statewide higher wage all at once. But legislators seem to twist and interpret Oregonian’s wishes on ballot measures anyway. For example, when Oregonians OK’d letting the Legislature meet every year, regular and short sessions in alternating years, they proba- bly didn’t expect their lawmakers to try to stuff 398 laws into 35 days — more than 11 laws per day. These laws will affect public safety, the environment, victim’s rights, minimum sentences for some crimes, gun rights, business, economic development, and Oregonians’ pocketbooks. They deserve more than an hour each in discussion, and they deserve the chance to go to the voters. Legislators need to stop declaring fake emergencies. PUBLIC AGENDA Public Agenda is a listing of upcoming meetings for gov- ernmental and nongovernmental agencies in Polk County. To submit a meeting, send it at least two weeks before the actual meeting date to the Itemizer-Observer via fax (503- 623-2395) or email (ionews@polkio.com). — WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10 • Independence Heritage Museum Commission — 4 p.m., Independence Heritage Museum, 112 S. Third St., Independ- ence. 503-838-1212. • Monmouth Library Advisory Board — 7 a.m., Monmouth Public Library, 168 Ecols St. S., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Monmouth Parks and Recreation Board — 7 p.m., Volun- teer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Polk County Board of Commissioners — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, irst loor conference room, 850 Main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. • Polk Soil and Water Conservation District Board meet- ing — 6 p.m., USDA Service Center, 580 Main St., Dallas. 503- 623-9680, ext. 5 THURSDAY, FEB. 11 • Polk County Fire District No. 1 Board — 6 p.m., Central Station 90, 1800 Monmouth St., Independence. 503-838-1510. • Western Days Commission — 7 p.m., Independence Civic Center, 555 S. Main St., Independence. 503-838-1212. • Falls City City Council — 7 p.m., Falls City Community Cen- ter, 320 N. Main St., Falls City. 503-787- 3631. FRIDAY, FEB. 12 • Monmouth Tree Advisory Board — 7 p.m., Monmouth Senior Center, 180 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. SATURDAY, FEB. 13 • Polk County Fair Board work session — 8 a.m., Polk Coun- ty Fair & Event Center, 520 S. Paciic Highway (99W), Rickreall. Breakfast at 7:30. 503-623-3048. MONDAY, FEB. 15 • Independence Tourism and Events Commission — 6:30 p.m., Independence Civic Center, 555 S. Main St., Independence. 503-838-1212. • Dallas City Council — 7 p.m., Dallas City Hall, 187 SE Court St., Dallas. 503-831-3502. TUESDAY, FEB. 16 • Monmouth City Council — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Dallas Parks Advisory Board — 5:30 p.m., Dallas City Hall, 187 SE Court St., Dallas. 503-831-3502. • Falls City School Board — 6:30 p.m., Falls City High School, 111 N. Main St., Falls City. 503-787-3521. • Polk County Board of Commission work session — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, BOC oice, 850 Main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17 • Independence Traic Safety Commission — 6:30 p.m., In- dependence Civic Center, 555 S. Main St., Independence. 503- 838-1212. • Monmouth Planning Commission — 7 p.m., Volunteer Hall, 144 S. Warren St., Monmouth. 503-838-0725. • Polk County Board of Commissioners — 9 a.m., Polk County Courthouse, irst loor conference room, 850 Main St., Dallas. 503-623-8173. GOVERNOR Gov. Kate Brown (Dem.) 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-378-4582 Email: via website, http://governor.oregon.gov/ — STATE LEGISLATORS Sen. Arnie Roblan (District 5, Democrat) S-417 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 sen.arnieroblan@state.or.us www.oregonlegislature.gov/roblan LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Failed thief: it never pays to steal To all it should concern: I once tried to steal from this very hard-working, honest man. No guesses here, he caught me. What may seem strange to most people these days is that I find myself so fortu- nate that he did. Tough as it was, I was granted the opportunity to be reminded that I am not a thief aside from the fact and being even harder to ac- complish, I was made stronger in my God. Given convictions and was granted much grace when my heartfelt apology was accepted. Please learn from this lesson. It never pays to steal. If you really need it then ask for it. You never know you may be blessed to receive. Schrene Worley Dallas Dallas Hospital chief says ‘goodbye’ Friday marked my last day as chief administrative officer at Salem Health West Valley and clinics. With a heavy heart, I have decided to return to my native Washington state so I can spend daily quality time with my family. It’s been a pleasure and joy to serve the hospital staff this past year — plus getting to know the wonderful peo- ple who live and work in Dallas and Polk County. I immediately felt at home in the beautiful and simple life of Dallas, living two blocks from the hospi- tal. I treasure the friend- ships, both professional and personal, that I’ve made here. Thank you to all the com- munity members and or- ganizations who reached out and made me feel at home — including the Dal- las Rotary, and the Dallas and Monmouth-Indepen- dence chambers of com- merce. 2015 brought many changes for Salem Health West Valley. We completed the affilia- tion with OHSU. Soon after- ward, West Valley Hospital’s name changed to Salem Health West Valley. In part- nership with government agencies, we opened the Central Health and Wellness Center in Independence. The work continues at Salem Health West Valley to offer exceptional experi- ences to patients each and every day: Hospital staff improved patient pre-registration for scheduled appointments and decreased wait times. The emergency depart- ment vastly improved its trauma care by shortening the time it takes for patients to get a CT scan. Imaging services were ex- panded for MRI, CT and ul- trasound scans — plus colonoscopies and physical therapy related services. The hospital now accepts requests for medical records for the Salem Health sys- tem, so you don’t have to drive to Salem to get them. The future truly looks bright for Salem Health West Valley. I wish you all the best in the future. Thank you. Jim Sapienza Dallas ties to come. Over the past several years I have asked various members of Minet leader- ship to consider proposals including the following: re- structure governance board by including more citizen- at-large and non-voting ad- visory positions; focus in- vestments in assisting small business development; and invite a comprehensive re- view of internal practices, policies, and procedures. These recommendations are intended to yield a healthier, more representa- tive and transparent organi- zation better able to seize new avenues for potential revenues as well as en- hanced capacities to facili- tate economic growth and sustainability. I urge the leadership of our community to make the absolute best use of this public treasure. Changes needed to use potential Paul Evans Monmouth As a State Legislator, my job is to facilitate a safe and secure Oregon. Develop- ment of economic growth in our communities is a duty I take seriously. Our future depends upon our ability to create, inno- vate, and market the next best ideas. Therefore, I could not re- main silent about a recent decision made by the Mon- mouth Independence Net- work (Minet) board to shelve a proposal to provide free and/or low-cost WiFi throughout its service areas. This is an unfortunate de- velopment. I urge a recon- sideration of this policy choice. We originally built Minet as a tool for economic de- velopment: a magnet to bring tech start-ups, provide unique capacity opportuni- ties for small businesses, and empower innovators willing to share ideas to a global marketplace. While our services to resi- dential customers are best known, the network was en- gineered to support a robust commercial portfolio. Minet was intended as a modern “farm to market” portal to a global market- place — it is time for us to recalibrate the strategy and structure of Minet for the emergent potentials of the 21st century economy. Other communities throughout Oregon are rac- ing to do what we have al- ready done — it is critical for us to optimize invest- ments made for opportuni- Be safe when walking, biking Only bike and walk at dark or in the rain when ab- solutely necessary. Use crosswalks with lights or at intersections. Don’t jaywalk. Wear white clothing. When walking, take a high power torch which is easily seen at night. To pay for safety equip- ment, let service organiza- tions make this equipment available at bargain prices or the sheriff’s office with their multi-million dollar levy. At key intersections — government agency add flashing yellow lights with push button control. This is especially important at schools on state highways and high traveled streets. Equipment — wear lime- yellow vest or wind breakers with reflective stripes. Bicycles — wear hard hat with a bright torch and a bright torch on handle bars. Use flashing white/yellow lights. Wear reflector stripes at ankle and thigh area (level of car lights). Put re- flectors in spokes of wheels. Bike only in bike lanes, roads with wide shoulders or in parks created for bicy- cling. Walk — take a high power torch and hold it in hand next to the traffic. Use a torch not a flash- light. Aim to be seen in ad- verse conditions. Sen. Jackie Winters (District 10, Republican) S-301 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1710 sen.jackiewinters@state.or.us www.oregonlegislature.gov/winters Sen. Brian Boquist (District 12, Republican) S-305 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1712 sen.brianboquist@state.or.us www.oregonlegislature.gov/boquist Rep. David Gomberg (District 10, Democrat) H-471 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1410 rep.davidgomberg@state.or.us www.oregonlegislature.gov/gomberg Rep. Paul Evans (District 20, Democrat) H-281 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1420 rep.paulevans@state.or.us www.oregonlegislature.gov/evans Rep. Mike Nearman (District 23, Republican) H-378 State Capitol 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1423 rep.mikenearman@state.or.us www.oregonlegislature.gov/nearman — U.S. CONGRESS Sen. Ron Wyden (Dem.) 221 Dirksen SOB Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-5244 Fax: 202-228-2717 Salem oice: 707 13th St. SE, Suite 285, Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-589-4555 Email: via website, www.wyden.senate.gov Kenneth Johnson Dallas Sen. Jef Merkley (Dem.) 313 Hart SOB Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-3753 Fax: 202-228-3997 Salem oice: 495 State St. SE, Suite 330, Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-362-8102 Email: via website, www.merkley.senate.gov Rep. Kurt Schrader (Dem.) 108 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-5711 Fax: 202-225-5699 Salem oice: 544 Ferry St. SE, Suite 2, Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 503-588-9100 Fax: 503-588-5517 Email: via website, www.schrader.house.gov — POLK COUNTY Board of Commissioners 850 Main St. Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: 503-623-8173 www.co.polk.or.us — CITIES Dallas 187 SE Court St. Dallas, OR 97338 503-623-2338 www.ci.dallas.or.us Falls City 299 Mill St. Falls City, OR 97344 503-787-3631 www.fallscityoregon.gov Independence 555 S. Main St. Independence, OR 97351 503-838-1212 www.ci.independence.or.us Monmouth 151 W. Main St. Monmouth, OR 97361 503-838-0722 www.ci.monmouth.or.us HOW TO REACH US Vol. 141, No. 6 (USPS) - 437-380) The official newspaper of Polk County • Serving Polk County families since 1875 Winner of 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 General Excellence Awards from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, OR, Independence, OR and Monmouth, OR. Published weekly at 147 SE Court Street Dallas, Oregon 97338 Phone: 503-623-2373 Fax: 503-623-2395 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Polk County — One Year $27 Other Oregon Counties — One Year $33 Outside of Oregon — One Year $38 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Polk County Itemizer-Observer, P.O. Box 108, Dallas, Oregon 97338 The Polk County Itemizer-Observer assumes no inancial responsibility for errors in adver- tisements. It will, however, reprint without charge for the portion of an advertisement which is in error if the Itemizer-Observer is at fault. NEWSROOM Nancy Adams ...............Publisher/Editor .............................................................nadams@polkio.com Lukas Eggen..................Sports Editor......................................................................leggen@polkio.com Jolene Guzman............Dallas/Falls City/Polk County Reporter ................jguzman@polkio.com Emily Mentzer ..............Monmouth/Independence Reporter ..................ementzer@polkio.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Heidi Leppin .................Display Advertising Manager ....................................hleppin@polkio.com Rachel Best ....................Display Advertising.............................................................rbest@polkio.com Karen Sanks...................Client Services ...................................................................ksanks@polkio.com CLASSIFIED LINE ADVERTISING Dawn Ohren.....................................................................................................................ioads@polkio.com PRODUCTION Kathy Huggins ..............................................................................................................iosales@polkio.com Karyn Pressel .................................................................................................................iosales@polkio.com Web: www.polkio.com Phone: 503-623-2373 Fax: 503-623-2395
