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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (June 3, 1976)
TWO THE GAZETTE-TIMES, Ileppner. OR. Thursday. June 3. 1978 New traffic laws fake effect July 1 alem j by Jack Z, immtrmin WILL CALIFORNIA'S GOVERNOR SHAPE OREGON'S LEGISLATURE? It's not uncommon for congressional aspirants to ride into office on the coat-tails of popular presidential candidates. But seldom, indeed, do presidential candidates directly influence the makeup of Oregon's State Legislature. Particularly in the way some observers are claiming Jerry Brown influenced outcome of last week's primary election. The youthful California chief executive's record-shattering write-in campaign has politicos agog or aghast, depending largely on whether the Brown effort rubbed off for or against their particular interest. Said one conservative strategist: "Jerry Brown should be shot!" Campaigners of more liberal bent tended to react more favorably to the flood of unexpected voters who flocked to the polls to write in our southern neighbor's name as Democratic nominee for the nation's highest office. Even fellow-Governor Bob Straub expressed post-election concern about the Brown activity and its effect on decisions at the polls. Straub's statements added fuel to already smoking rumors suggestiong all of Brown's votes may not have been strictly legal. And whether they benefitted or not, most incumbent lawmakers emerged from the contest hinting broadly that a close examination of the state's new liberal registration and vote-casting regulations will be on the agenda for the next regular biennial get-together in Salem next January. Everyone concedes Jerry Brown swiped votes from all other Democratic presidential aspirants. Only the percen tages are in question. But, more to the point, the 12 day Brown write-in blitz drew literally thousands of voters to the polls, who previously hadn't been sufficiently motivated to register for the balloting privilege. One new election law enacted in 1975 permitted registration by mail. Another permitted potential voters to obtain a certificate of registration from the proper authorities as late as election day. Armed with same, those registrants were permitted to vote the same day. Long-standing law requires registrants otherwise qualified must be 30-day residents of Oregon. Proof of the residence requirement is difficult to enforce during mail registration and impossible for those signing up on election day. Present law even permits last-minute new registrants to qualify with the proper elections officer at the county seat, obtain an absentee ballot at 7:30 p.m. and vote without even getting close to the official polling place in their respective precincts! Even the most avid supporter of liberal voting procedures admits this process greatly enhances chances the less-than-honest might opt to take advantage of the situation. The fact false swearing of registration requirements is a felony does not deter the dishonest. And even if Californians did jump the border to register and vote for their popular governor, is it likely Brown would grant extradition so Oregon could prosecute his faithful? Such conjecture is purely that conjecture. Vote fraud may have been perpetrated in this Oregon primary. It may not. The Secretary of State cites only one previous case in history. But then his office also admits a dog recently became a registered voter albeit temporarily. The pooch was disenfranchised before casting a ballot. And the perpetrator likely faces prosecution. Meanwhile, how did Jerry Brown influence makeup of the 1977 Legislature? One assumes his write-in campaign attracted literally thousands of last-minute registrants. Those he attracted had to have registered as Democrats in order to support his partisan nomination. Anyone near a courthouse on election day can tell you the long lines of late registrants were young people and the young tend to be of relative liberal persuasion. Originally, the late registration privilege was intended only for balloting on presidential candidates. But subsequent law paved the way for voting the whole ballot. Consequently, the theory would lead us to believe a lot of Democrats were plugged into the final vote tally and they likely provided additional support for liberal candidates. It's easy to understand why some strategists would be upset by such a development and why others would welcome it. Campaign planners certainly couldn't have counted on the Brown happening in advance. And even if they could have, combatting the phenomenal voter surge likely would have been impossible. Other aspects of this election are interesting, too. The low 63 per cent voter participation anticipated may not materialize. Despite the outpouring of Brown support that may have pushed total registrations to near 1.3 million, unofficial returns show voter participation at closer to 53 per cent. Final certification of figures 30 days after the election likely will affect the arithmetic. But the general turnout was nothing compared with the Brown turn-on. Each election produces some close decisions. But this one may prove unique. Unofficial returns indicate as many as three automatic recounts in legislative races. Present law makes another tally automatic if the difference is less than oneJtalf of one per cent of total votes cast. Two of the races in question involve Republicans, so Brown supporters weren't Involved. And Incumbents and would be lawmakers were only nominated for candidacy during the primary unless they were unopponed. So the suggestion that California's governor might Influence the makeup of the Oregon Legislature can't be sustained until next November. But those ho voted for Brown in May will still be registered to vote next fall. And you can bet whatever you'd tike political strategists will take those folks into consideration as they promote their candidates through the second half of the Oregon election process. Rep. Sunnor invited State Representative Jack Sumner of Ileppner it among the political figures, arts and educational leaders and me dia rrprrwitativei ho have been invited to I tie traditional Fral of the Tribe of Will marking the formal opening of the Orrgnn Shakespearean Festival s 1976 summer sea son The Feast begins at 6 p m , Friday, June II in Aahland's Uthia Park and Include en tertainment hy The Kilty Band, Festival musicians and dancers. V K' . .v.v.v.v. .v. ....Hi u ii lf im . m i W,A '':t'i:','''",,,''',t'''',''''' ;::!$S: ""ife-W? alliliMi iw:l JjjiiivS'iii'iii':-::: CAL-I-FOR-NIA HERE I COME..." (Principal Ray Parnay of Forestville School wrote the following observations for the Bicentennial Edition of the Newsette. the school's PTA publication.) Democracy, and with it the free enterprise system, is a very fragile thing. Like a delicate plant it needs a great deal of nourishment and tender loving care in order to survive. As a plant grows older and less robust it needs even greater attention, partly because it has passed its prime, and partly because we tend to take it for granted. And we find America today in very much this state of affairs. We labor under the foolish delusion that our country, as we have known it will continue to exist with little or no efforts on our individual parts. Nothing could be further from the truth! Only the very myopic, or those who naively choose to live under a different system than our democratic form of government, can help but acknowledge that America has provided more personal liberty, more opportunity for persons of all races, colors and creeds, and a higher standard of living than any nation in the history of the world. But, what most of us fail to recognize is that we cannot continue taking money from the bank, and enjoying the fruits of past labors, without putting some back. Our 2WHh anniversary should be celebrated not so much because of past glories, but rather should serve as a fitting occasion to reaffirm the national values which can preserve the freedom and the opportunity for our children and theirs to follow. Those of us in education, in cooperation with parents, must take the time to discuss with our children some of the keys to survival of our way of life. We must teach them: 1. That there is no self-esteem in accepting something for nothing. 2. That communism, state socialism or totalitarianism in any form are all foreign to our way of life and will destroy us if given the chance. 3. That our preoccupation with rights to the exclusion of responsibilities will erode our moral strength. 4. That patriotism, love of one's country, is Just as essential for the well-being of our nation as positive feelings about ourselves are essential to our personal well being. This does not exclude recognizing our national or our personal weaknesses and working to improve them. 5. That there is no such thing as instant gratification without a terrible price, that this country was built on the spirit of self-sacrifice and a willingness to work hard now in order to have something better in the future. 6. That Inflation will eventually destroy us as surely as a communist takeover unless we learn to live within a balanced budget at all levels of government. 7. That business, honest competition, and the entire free enterprise system are not evil things, but rather the very life blood of our way of life . . . that without them our democracy could not flourish and our standard of living would wither. 8. That we must continue to strive for equal opportunity for every American, but recognize in the process that efforts to mandate equality through legislation and redistribution of wealth will destroy incentive, weaken our system, and is nothing more than a step toward communism. 9. That swift, sure punishment Is the only deterrent to rrlme , and that we ewe the good citizen In our im iely this protection against the rascals among us. 10 That In order for freedom to flourish, we must participate by voting for leaders who espouse the philosophy that the best government is that which governs least. 11. That there Is no place In the American way for unbridled aggression, but that to remain to strong militarily that no aggressor nation dare attack us is a basic lesson of history we dare not forget. 12. That in the final analysis, no country It belter than the individuals who comprise it, and that a firm commitment to the work ethic, and high standards of personal morality are ewnlial Ingredients fur survival. My message to our children It not a simplistic. "America, jtve tl or I-eave It." but rather, "America, Love it. Improve It, and taave it Better Than you Found it." 0SU Extension Service News by Morrow Extension Staff COWBELLES NEWS Oregon CowBelles have announced their second recipe contest to select an Oregon contestant for the Annual ; National Beef Cook-Off to be held in Salt Lake City, September 16-17, 1976. Any individual twenty-one years of age or older, without professional food status, may enter the contest by submitting an original beef recipe using chuck, fresh brisket, or round (including rump) cuts of beef. Six semi-finalists in Oregon selected from recipe entries, will then actually compete in a cook-off in Portland to determine state and second place winners. The state winner will receive a Choice side of beef, plus an expense paid trip to Salt Lake City to compete for the $1,750 national prize. The second prize winner for Oregon will win a Choice hind quarter of beef. Additional rules for the contest include the recipe must contain a minimum of two pounds of beef, and not more than five pounds. Each entry must be printed or typed on a full sheet of paper and must include a full list of ingredients and procedure. The recipe must be specific, indicating no name brands, and should be properly prepared within 3's hours. Recipe should also include the number of servings and cost per serving. No outdoor recipes will be accepted. Recipes will be judged on taste, appearance, and originality. To enter, submit recipe according to rules above, no later than July 2, 1976. Mail entries to BEEF COOK-OFF, care of Oregon Beef Council, 400 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR, 97205. Morrow County CowBelles encourage all the good cooks in the county to get out their favorite original recipe and send it in. according to Birdine Tullis, CowBelles Beef Promotion Chairman. "It's an easy contest to enter . . . and wouldn't a side of beef and a trip to Salt Lake City be great?" FOOD FOR LATER A TV series on home preservation of foods will be shown on Oregon channels KOAC and KOAP TV, channelt 7 and 10, and will include all the popular food preservation topics. Starting June 4, the series will be shown at 7:30 p.m. each following Friday evening, ending July 16. June 4 Making Jams and Jellies June II Freezing Fruits and vegetables June 18 Water bath canning July 2-Pickling July Drying Foods July I6Canning Fish TUT, ETTTMSa GAZETTE-TIMES THE GAZETTE-TIMES Tt WfkUl awiaBf W ta CHy tt Htffr aa4 tU Cmmty f Marrow. CM. Re4, rMisar Drtartt Ra4, CfMitW Znto CartM, E4W tfch4 trary TkarWUy a4 a4arl m a new tl tUn atw at la p rYV 4 Miattwr. Orrg aa. w4 Ik art Martfc t. 117. Iirwl ttaaa fiMgl paM al HiifHf, Orfa. Oregon will Join a handful of other ttatet In attempting to deal with alleged traffic offender, faster and mora effectively when the state', new vehicle code take, effect on JThe new code, enacted by the 1975 legislature after an 18-month study by an Interim Judiciary Committee, bring, sweeping changes In laws governing traffic a. well a. In the procedures for prosecuting traffic offender.. Under the new code, drivers cited by police for breaking most traffic laws will commit a "traffic Infraction." A driver convicted of a traffic Infraction will be penalized upon conviction only by a fine, bail forfeiture, limitation, suspension or revocation of a driver, license, or some other civil penalty. A Jail sentence is not authorized for a traffic Infraction. Though it seldom if ever happened, officials note that the old vehicle code, in effect for more than 40 year., actually authorizes up to 10 days in jail, or a fine of up to $100, for first convictions of failing to use your headlights when required to do so or making an illegal U-turn. Traffic infractions in the new code are classified into four groups, depending on the seriousness of the offense as It relates to highway safety. The fine for each class of infraction may not exceed an amount set by law. The most serious traffic Infraction, are Class A' infractions. These include the first charge for driving while under the influence of intoxicants or any hit and run charge involving only property damage. The maximum penalty for these infractions is $1,000. Hit and run Involving death or injury, however, is a traffic crime and, as such, I. a Class C felony a penitentiary offense. Since most people cited for breaking traffic laws either forfeit bail or handle the charge by corresponding with the court, many drivers probably will not see much different In the way things are done under the new code as opposed to the old vehicle code. But if a driver wants to fight a ticket and tell his side of the incident to a judge, the changes will be evident. In the first pluce, officials point out that a Judge without a jury will hear the evidence If you are required to appear in court to answer a citation, or if you want to plead not guilty. Since a jail sentence cannot, by law, result from conviction for a traffic infraction, the rules of evidence are less severe than in a criminal proceeding. The judge will not need proof "beyond a reasonable doubt" to convict, only a "preponderance" of evidence. The district attorney or city attorney will not be in court for a traffic infraction trial unless the defendant hires an attorney. This means the officer who cites a driver will be required to give the state's case against an errant driver without a prosecuting attorney in the courtroom. In addition to Class A traffic infractions, there are also Class B, C, and D traffic infractions. Maximum penalties for these range from $250 for a Class B infraction to $50 for a Class D infraction. Here are a few examples of each type of infraction: ClassB-failure to yield right of way at an intersection, passing in a no-passing zone, following too closely, running a red light. ; Class C failure to yield right of way before entering or crossing a road from a private driveway or roadway, failure to signal a turn, failure to drive in the right-hand lane if you are a slow driver. Class D stopping, standing or parking where it is not permitted, opening a car door on the street side when it interferes with passing traffic, most pedestrian violations. In addition to traffic infractions, the new code establishes four traffic crimes reckless driving, driving while suspended or revoked, hit and run involving death or injury, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. These offenses will be prosecuted under criminal procedures and will be subject to stricter rules of evidence since both a fine and jail sentence may result. In at least two cases hit and run involving death or injury and in some driving while suspended cases a penitentiary sentence it possible for conviction. Officials also point out that drivers charged with a Class A traffic infraction, such as driving under the influence of intoxicants, will be prosecuted under the criminal rule, if they have had a previous conviction for a Class A traffic infraction or traffic crime within the last five yeart. The new code also authorize, arrest for five offenses, called "serious traffic offenses," in some place, other than on a public highway. A driver may be arrested for reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicanta. hit and run, attempting to elude police, or driving while suspended or revoked in area, labeled as premises open to the public for use of motor vehicles. The authority exists whether the premises are publicly or privately owned and whether or not a fee I. charged for their use. Measure 1 Veterans may apply for State and farm loans Veterans made eligible for the state veterans' farm and home loan by passage of Measure 1 In the primary election May 23 can apply for Ihe benefit immediately, This was Ihe word put out t inlay by II C. Saaireld. director of the Department of Veterans' Af fairs, Ihe administering agen cy for the loan program. Saalfcld said that even though the measure It not effect I v until June 25, loan applications will he taken now and processed up to the point of disbursement of funds. Actual disbursement will have to wall until the effective dale or later, he said. An estimated 25.0(10 addi tional veterana were made eligible by the Measure I passage. These were: Iost Korean and Vietnam veterans who came to Oregon after military dUharge and lived here for two yean prior lo May 1, 1977. Up to now they must have entered service from Oregon to qualify. These veterans must have served 210 dayt or more after January 31. 190. World War II veterant who lived In Oregon, for Iwo year, between discharge and December 31, 1063. Up to now they must have lived hert for Iwo yeart prior to December 31, I9.'i2, unless they entered service from Oregon.
