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About Baker City herald. (Baker City, Or.) 1990-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 18, 2019)
BAKER CITY HERALD — 3A MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2019 Nichols files for re-election CONGRESSMAN WON’T RUN FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2020 Walden reflects on ‘great, joyful journey,’ ‘incredible opportunity’ By Pat Caldwell Malheur Enterprise VALE – Some of the best moments from Greg Walden’s tenure as a congressman happened far away from the lights and political drama of Washington, D.C. and occurred in places like Jordan Valley or Pendleton or Ontario. It was in those rural and of- ten secluded locations where Walden felt most at home. The memories of those visits will remain as he prepares to walk away from the nation’s Capitol. “I’ve had an incredible opportunity. It has been a great, joyful journey,” Walden said in an interview with the Malheur Enterprise. Walden, who is one of the most infl uential Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, announced last week that he will not run for reelection. The longtime Oregon law- maker said no single event triggered his decision. “You know, it is a personal decision. For me, after 30 years of public service, 22 in the House, I am ready to turn a chapter and close the chapter on public service,” said Walden. Walden said before every election he talks future plans over with his wife. Usually, he said, the vote is unanimous to continue. “As we approached this one, it was a little different discus- sion. I was like, ‘I am ready to do something new and differ- ent,’” said Walden. Walden’s decision is unique in that he will walk away from the halls of American political power at a time when his status and infl uence are at an all-time high. He said people were sur- prised by his decision. “Washington is not used to people in power who can continue in power giving up SCHOOLS Continued from Page 1A At BMS, where the regular- attenders rate is at 73%, the school last year hired Briana Peppers, former school secre- tary, to fi ll the role of student- family support specialist. At South Baker Intermedi- ate School, where students in Grades 4-6 are enrolled, the free and reduced-price meal rate is slightly lower, at 60%. The regular-attender rate is at 86%, an increase of 1% from last year. Individual student progress also is higher in math (up 2% from a year ago to 43%, compared to the state aver- age of 40%). English language arts test scores are up 3% from a year ago to 49%, but still below the 53% Oregon average. Haines and Keating elementary schools again are bright spots among the school report cards. The rate for free and reduced-price meals at those schools are 38% and 39% respectively and the regular attenders top the statewide average of 80%. Students who attended more than 90% of their enrolled school days hit 87% at Haines and greater than 95% at Keating, their At-A- Glance School Profi les show. Another impact of the Baker Charter Schools is recognized in the District’s on-time graduation rate. The overall District rate is at 79%, up 6% from the previous year and meeting the Oregon average. At Baker High School, a things, big and small, along the way,” said Walden. Walden said he has “no idea” about what he will do after he leaves the House. “I have no plans to do any- — Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon thing,” said Walden. Walden said there is al- that power,” said Walden. on the support for Patients ready speculation on why he Walden has been a political and Communities Act in is not running for reelection fi xture in Oregon for more 2018. The wide-sweeping and what he plans to do after than 25 years. and complicated bill essen- he departs Washington, D.C. He kicked off his career as tially changes the Medicaid “If all the rumors were true a press secretary and chief of program to include addiction I would have a banquet of staff for then-Congressman treatment in an effort to opportunities before me but Denny Smith in the 1980s. tackle the opioid crisis. that table is pretty empty,” Walden was elected to the Walden said the law “sets he said. Oregon House in 1988 and into motion new pain man- The job hasn’t been an easy served there until 1995, when agement concepts.” one, said Walden. The politi- he was appointed to the Sen- “Hopefully non-addictive cal issues aside, for the past ate to fi ll a vacancy when Wes drugs will come out of this 20 years Walden spent a good Cooley was elected to the U.S. and hopefully treatment for share of his time fl ying over House. people who have this disease the county as he journeyed Walden rose to the position of addiction. It is not just back and forth to Congress. of assistant majority leader opioids. We expanded it to “You never settle anywhere. in the state Senate and even substance abuse disorder. I I live on an airplane. You pondered a run for Oregon saw that as a big need to ad- are always in motion and governor in 1994, though he dress,” said Walden. we always plan out but you eventually decided against Walden said he is also are always kind of living out the plan. proud of the work he did there ahead of the clock and In 1998, Walden was elect- to help regenerate healthy the calendar,” said Walden. ed to the U.S. House. Voters forests in Oregon and across Walden said he made elected Walden to the position the West. 621 trips across the county ten times and he never faced He also noted the success of and sponsored 40 town hall a serious challenge. protecting the Steens Moun- meetings a year in his district Walden is the only Repub- tains area for dual-use in the throughout his tenure. lican member of Oregon’s early 2000s as a triumph. “You get to that point in delegation. The law, called the Steens your life where maybe it is Now, Walden serves as the Mountain Cooperative Man- time to move on and do some- ranking member on infl uen- agement and Protection Act, thing different,” said Walden. tial House Committee on En- averted federal overreach, He said he would miss his ergy and Commerce, but has said Walden. staff. also over his tenure worked “That was one of the fi rst “They become family on other high-profi le commit- things I tackled to prevent because I spend more time tees and subcommittees. For the Clinton Administration with my wonderful staff than example, he was the chair- from declaring the Steens certainly my wife because she man of the energy committee Mountains a national monu- is home in Hood River,” said between 2017 and 2018 and ment. Now, there have been Walden. was chairman of the energy different BLM folks who Just a day after Walden an- and commerce’s subcommit- have interpreted it in differ- nounced his intent, state Sen. tee on communications and ent ways, but, you know, we Cliff Bentz declared he would technology. headed off the national monu- run to succeed Walden. Walden said he is proud ment much like we did in the Walden said he isn’t en- of his legislative success and Owyhees,” said Walden. dorsing Bentz. while he “never kept a list,” Walden said he is also “At this point I am staying he said several initiatives he proud of his work to get more out of it. Cliff would do a good pushed stand out. broadband access into rural job but I am not going to get Most recently, Walden said areas like Malheur County. publicly involved in it at this he was pleased of his work “There are just lots of point,” said Walden. “For me, after 30 years of public service, 22 in the House, I am ready to turn a chapter and close the chapter on public service” “We have good teachers, good leaders and they are working very hard together.” Lumber Co. offi ce at 3000 ratings. Test participation is Broadway St. another area on which the Palmer said the programs District will be focusing in are designed for students the coming year. who prefer a setting that is The District as a whole different than the traditional is working on its continu- — Betty Palmer, assistant high school classrooms. ous improvement plan, a superintendent, Baker School District About half of the alterna- requirement by the state tive school program students Department of Education for variety of strategies have were not in school at all all districts to complete every been employed, which have before the new program was three to four years, Palmer resulted in a 5% increase in developed and the other half said. As part of that process the rate from the previous were barely hanging on, educators will be looking at year to 84% for 2018-19. Palmer said. The District data and considering differ- To continue the improve- hopes to build enrollment as ent viewpoints to develop ment, Kati Stuchlik, a former the year continues to about a district plan for improve- BMS teacher who taught 20 students. ment for the next several freshman English classes “We are trying innovative years. last year, was hired this year things to see if we can make Eagle Cap Innovative to serve as a graduation a difference in students’ High School and the Baker coach. Palmer said Stuchlik lives,” she said. Web Academy were identi- works alongside Adriene The number of students fi ed in 2017-18 under the Oster, Future Center direc- taking the tests also is below federal Every Student Suc- tor, to ensure that students state standards of 94.5% ceeds Act as schools requir- are making good progress and that affects the overall ing comprehensive support toward graduation, with an eye on their goals after high school. Eagle Cap Innovative High School has shown improvement in all areas ex- cept regular attendance. Tom Joseph, former language arts teacher, has been named director of specifi c secondary programs, which includes Any issue $40 fl at rate overseeing Eagle Cap. Call or Text 24/7 Tracie Smith directs Eagle Dale Bogardus 541-297-5831 Cap classes and Annetta Evans, former Haines sixth- grade teacher, was hired to teach an alternative school program at Eagle Cap this year. Both programs are housed at the North Baker www.outstandingcomputerrepair.com School Building. Refurbished Desktop & Laptops For Sale The Baker Web Academy House calls (let me come to you!) and Baker Early College will Drop Offs & Remote Services are Available be moving from that location into the former Ellingson All credit cards accepted Mobile Service Outstanding Computer Repair If your computer is being a turkey give me a call! Baker County Commissioner Bruce Nichols an- nounced Monday that he will seek another four-year term in the 2020 election. Nichols was elected to his fi rst four-year term in November 2016. He ran against Commission Chairman Bill Harvey in 2018 for a four-year term as chairman, but was defeated. Nichols is the only candidate so far Nichols for his position. The deadline to fi le as a candidate is March 10, 2020. In a press release Monday, Nichols said: “I chose this Veterans Day to publicly announce that I will be seeking re-election in 2020 as one of the three Baker County commissioners. Veterans Day serves as a reminder to all Americans that our rights and freedom are precious and must be guarded and defended no matter the cost. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as one of your Baker County commissioners. I will continue to advocate for viable partnerships within our County and throughout Eastern Oregon. Keeping our public lands public and open access to all is imperative to our economy and to the health and wellbeing of our citizenry. Law enforcement, fi re protection, health care including ambulance services are vital and are included in my top priorities.” L OCAL B RIEFING Thanksgiving meals to be distributed Tuesday at Safeway, Albertsons Employees from the Baker City Safeway and Albert- sons stores will distribute Thanksgiving meal packages starting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19 in each of the stores’ parking lots. The meals were bought with donations from custom- ers through the Turkey Bucks program, offered at checkouts for the past few weeks. Soroptimist Christmas Party Friday The annual Soroptimist Club of Baker County Christmas Party, with the theme “Life’s A Beach,” is set for Friday, Nov. 22 at the Baker Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with a prime rib dinner starting at 6 p.m. There will be live and silent auctions, along with a raffl e of a standup paddleboard. The fun- draising event makes possible the club’s scholarships, InnovateHER grant and a variety of other projects. Tickets are $30 and are available at Gregg Hinrich- sen State Farm, 1722 Campbell St., The Grove Team, 845 Campbell St., or from any Soroptimist member. Beach attire is encouraged. Turkey shoot Sunday at Virtue Flat The Powder River Sportsmen’s Club’s annual turkey shoot is set for Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Club’s Virtue Flat range, about six miles east of Baker City and about one mile east of the turnoff to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center off Highway 86. There are four events — lucky .22 shoot, centerfi re handgun at 50 yards, running deer target and center- fi re rifl e at turkey head targets — with a $3 per event entry fee. Winners of each event will win $10 cash. Range safety rules will be in effect, and competitors should keep weapons unloaded until ready to shoot. and improvement to better their student performance and graduation rates. In this year’s report, Eagle Cap’s on-time graduation rate had improved 15% over the previous year to 85%, which is 6% above the Oregon average of 79%. The on-time graduation rate at Baker Web Academy was up 10% this year to 63%, but still has a ways to go to meet the state average. Palmer says that although progress might seem slow, it is happening as student scores, graduation rates and regular attendance goals make steady gains. “We have good teachers, good leaders and they are working very hard together,” she said. Undisputed leader in sports with exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET. 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