Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - FIVE
County Commissioner candidate’s forum
In preparation
for the primary elections to be
held on May 21, the Gazette-
Times asked each o f the four
candidates for Morrow County
Commissioner to respond to a
questionnaire regarding their
qualifications and plans if they
were to be elected into office.
David L. Barnett
Republican
David L. Barnett was bom in
Morrow County and grew up in
lone. He is the ow ner and
operator of lone Key Gas. He is
a member of the Valby Lutheran
church, an Elks club member and
past exalted ruler and a member
of his church council. Barnett has
been a registered republican since
1949 and served on the state
Republican Central Committee.
He has been involved in sales,
business
and
personnel
management most of his adult life.
Why would a voter select you
over your opponent?
Basically, the same
reason I would vote for
someone— confidence in their
professional abilities.
If elected, what is the biggest
challenge facing you?
My most im portant
challenge would be to be what the
voters expected of me by the
confidence of their vote.
What major project would you
like to see accom plished?
What is your first priority?
M y first priority will be to
acquaint myself with the others
serving on the county commission
and then, next, the immediate
awaiting responsibilities. I am
certain there are many projects
that will test my convictions.
O u t lin e
you r
p la n
r e s u lt in g
fro m
Ray Grace
Republican
Ray Grace first moved to
Heppner in 1973 and retired there
in 1995. He is the owner of RGA
Laser Services in Heppner.
Grace is a member of the Saint
Patrick's Catholic Church in
Heppner and the Elks Lodge. He
has served on the board o f
directors for Columbia Basin
E lectric Co-Op and has
w orldw ide
construction
management experience working
with engineers, developers,
governm ental agencies and
owners.
fo r
a c c o m m o d a t in g g r o w th a n d o th e r
c h a lle n g e s
by whoever will be the Morrow
County Commissioners. God
willing, time wise, I will accept the
challenge.
What is your plan for drawing
businesses/creating jobs in
South Morrow County?
Having been aware of
the drastic economic changes in
this area for the past few years
and being a m em ber o f
I.C.A.B.O. since it’s inception, a
lesson has been learned here with
the Emert Addition, and that is, to
dare to have a dream. I have
been privileged to share this
experience with the lone
com m unity people.
The
unspoken secret is community
effort so my plan would be to
work with some kind o f
com m ittee throughout the
Heppner, Lexington and lone
area. So don’t be surprised if I
should call on you for some help
and input if elected.
In my past experiences,
teamwork has most often been
the proven formula to success.
This should be a common
denominator throughout Morrow
County. The best county in the
state of Oregon in my opinion!
th e
p ro p o s e d B o a r d m a n a re a ra c e tra c k .
It would not be practical
to presume any opinion on a
project of this magnitude simply
from the news stories and rumors
that have been circulating around.
I am sure there are some
awesome economic opportunities
to be considered. A few that
come to mind; housing/lodging/
food/employment and of course,
the taxing structure changes at the
county level. If it matures into
the econom ic boom that I
visualize, it will take more than a
momentary inspiration of planning,
but will take a few years of input
government cannot change this
situation, but we must monitor it
carefully and react successfully
to it.
What major project would you
like to see accom plished?
What is your first priority?
Left unanswered
O utline your plan for
accommodating growth and
other challenges resulting
from the proposed Boardman
area racetrack?
By the time the next
commissioner comes into office,
the Speedway in Boardman will
either be in progress or a past
issue. The sheer size o f the
project means it will command
diligent oversight if in progress.
The next commission will be
largely reacting to and monitoring
an existing situation.
What is your plan for drawing
businesses/creating jobs in
South Morrow County?
This task will take some
re-thinking of standard economic
development practices. HEDC
sent 10,000 flyers into California
during the energy crisis, and has
a number of requests for further
information. The net gain to
present is zero. South Morrow
County has one of the lowest
electrical rates in the Northwest,
guaranteed until 2006; additionally
most of the Kinzua buildings are
available for minimal rental. The
cost of truck transport to and from
the 1-84 corridor to Heppner,
added to the lack of available
labor force in the local area
obviously offset these benefits, or
some businesses would have
come. South Morrow County
must think “outside the box” to
bring in industry or business for
whom we can offer benefits not
cancelled out by factors over
which we currently have no
control.
Why would a voter select you
over your opponent?
I am not running against
any candidate. I am running for
the office.
If elected, what is the biggest
challenge facing you?
The biggest challenge to
county government in the coming
years will be to maintain an
operating budget. The rural tax
base is shrinking and increasing
compliance with federal and state
mandates is a bottomless hole. At
the same time, ongoing regulation
increases the difficulty o f
establishing a stable tax base by
increasing the cost and the tax
burden of doing business. County
fM eelrlin y £Ja£le<y
Betty Gray
Republican
Betty Gray has lived in
Morrow County since 1985. She
is currently the mayor of the City
of lone. Gray has served as a
member of the Oregon Mayors
Association, I.C.A.B.O., and is a
board member o f the Baker/
Morrow Partnership. She is also
active with the lone Boosters
Club, and the lone Topic Club.
She is a member of the United
Church of Christ in lone and has
taught in several local schools
including positions in 1 leppner and
lone. She was most recently the
owner and operator of Beecher’s
restaurant and lounge in lone.
We Print Business Cards
Heppner Gazette-Tim es
Toni Kemp and Travis Parish
Saturday, June 1st
Brenda Holtz and David Long
Shower: Saturday, May 25th
Wedding: Saturday, June 22nd
Jessica Maben and Josh Roy
Saturday, June 29th
at the Glavey Ranch
^ Miwwj'i D juu |
217 North Main • Heppner • 676-9158
Serving Heppner, Lexington A lone
C ategories
for
youngsters at the
county fair
Parents: have you been
saving your children’s crafts and
artwork from school? Bring them
to the Morrow County Fair on
August 12. Some changes have
been made for ages seven to 13
in the categories they can enter,
so entrants should check the fair
premium book for details. It will
be available in June.
For the Superkids and Juniors
in the family, categories have
been added, featuring oil painting
and colored marker pictures. In
the crafts division, pipe cleaner art.
soap crafting and stamp art have
been included for the young
person's imagination.
Young
w riters
are
encouraged to enter the Creative
W riting division in the Art
Department. Written work may
be as short as one sentence or a
two-line poem, but no longer than
500 words.
Community members are
invited to save any art and craft
projects their child does during the
summer, w hether it is at a
vacation school, hands-on-science
or at home, and bring them to the
fair in August.
Final American
Legion meeting
IF THE 60LF WERE ANY BETTER.
Sheila Dunaway and Brian Price
Saturday, July 13th at 1 p.m.
McKay Park, Pendleton
Why would a voter select you
over your opponent?
I have alw ays been
interested in government since
college days when I was
president o f Women’s Affairs
Board at William Carey College,
H attiesburg, M ississippi. I
thought we needed choices in our
selection of commissioner. I
would like for the Willow Creek
Valley to have an experienced
person representing them on the
county court. I know how
government operates and am
familiar with obtaining funds for
needed projects. I consider
myself to be a moderate person
who knows how to gather a
consensus and get things done.
If elected, what is the biggest
challenge facing you?
Left unanswered
What major project would you
like to see accom plished?
What is your first priority?
If I am elected, a top
priority would be to work with all
cities in Morrow County to make
our county the best in the state.
“W'orking Together Works” and
we can accomplish our goals.
O utline your plan for
accommodating growth and
other challenges resulting
from the proposed Boardman
area racetrack.
Working with each of
our five cities to make sure we
can accommodate the growth that
w ill come, enough housing,
m otels, good roads, sewer,
infrastructure that is needed in
each community. Working with
county commissioners, Port of
Morrow, city councils to assess
each area and form a plan to
prioritize and meet this challenge.
Work with Martin Davis, Morrow
County Economic Development
officer.
What is your plan for drawing
businesses/creating jobs in
South Morrow County?
We have been working
with Baker/Morrow Partnership
for four years to draw businesses
to both counties. Community
Oregon was here last year to visit
Willow Creek Valley and many
good ideas came out of that visit.
Our industrial area needs to be
readied for businesses now.
Many caring people are working
behind the scenes on projects that
will better our communities.
Example: Willow Creek Valley
Assisted Living in Heppner will
open in August.
YOU'D BE WATCHING IT FROM YOUR COUCH
Take to tho links with our Birdie Maker's
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American Legion and
Auxiliary will meet on Monday,
May 20, at the Methodist Church
basement at 7 p.m., instead of
Monday, May 27.
Officers for the year,
2002-2003. will be installed, and
yearly activities will be reported
on. This will be the last meeting
for the summer and members are
asked to attend.
W c P r in t C o m p u te r F o rm s
H rppnrr G a rn ir-Timet»
County Court news
B y D o r is B ro sn a n
Much of the Morrow County Court session on Wednesday,
May 1, was needed for a public hearing on the appeal of the Boeing
Agricultural Industry Company (BAIC) land partition, which began
with a report from Planning Director Tamra Mabbott.
Mabbott reported that the Planning Commission reviewed and
approved, with six conditions, the application to partition a tract of
approximately 86,000 acres into three parcels. She said that three
conditions were appealed: #4- compliance with recommendations of
the Emergency Management Director to guarantee adequate access
to each parcel; #5- completion of the dedication of the extension road
(Boardman-Cecil Road); #6- construction of a roadway along the
extension road alignment to a minimum “Rural Access II” standard.
Mabbott located on a map the roads in question and explained
documents in the Court’s packets of information. She entered into
record a letter from George Ruby, District 12, encouraging the county
to pursue connectivity, the agreement for creation of a conservation
area, and the purchase and sale agreement. She explained that she
awaits the final survey alignment survey, which needs to be included
as a condition.
Attorney Larry Epstein, who has assisted Mabbott in the case
and appeared on behalf of the county, passed out copies of his testimony
and explained his opinion that the Court does have authority to respond
to the appeal. His comments included his review of the authority of
the county to adopt regulations governing the partitioning of land and
his enumeration of the constraints on conditions of approval, including
the constitutional “taking” and “due process” requirements. Epstein
reviewed the Planning Commission’s concern over lack of a north-
south connectivity and addressed the transfer of a parcel to the Nature
Conservancy, which would contribute to a lack of connectivity.
Epstein further explained his legal opinions on the conditions
placed by the Planning Commission on the partition approval. He said
that #4 is not clearly enough described to determine whether its
requirement is proportional; #5 requires dedication of a public right of
way, to which the applicant has previously agreed; #6 is not adequately
analyzed to show evidence of proposed development impacting the
need for road improvements or of a proportionality of costs of road
improvements.
Epstein, noting that the applicants are entitled to a decision
within 180 days, reviewed with the Court positive and negative aspects
of seven options and offered his recommendation of a continuance to
draft a final decision. The commissioners asked several questions of
Epstein.
Testifying on behalf of the applicant, BAIC, Steve Hultburg
said that he agreed with several statements by Mr. Epstein. He noted
that BAIC’s primary issue is over proportionality, that BAIC intends
to honor the agreement with the county for a dedicated right of way.
and that BAIC does not contend that there will be no further
development but that the partition will not result in new development.
Marty Myers, general manager of Threemile Canyon Farms,
expressed appreciation for the Court's hearing the matter and added
that his company is asking for a partition of an area that will be managed
as a conservation area with restriction on development. He added
that he thinks the partitioning will hinder future development, and he
noted that a significant property tax increase would result from the
activities of Threemile Canyon Farms. Myers said that they are prepared
to move forward with the dedication of the road and urged the Court
to delete #6.
A lengthy discussion among Commissioner Dan Brosnan.
Myers, and Hultburg revisited topics previously addressed: litigation
over use of water from the Columbia River, BAIC’s agreement with
the environmental group, and the Ione-Boardman road, w hich Brosnan
noted may lack closure for many years into the future because of its
importance to the county. Judge Terry Tallman asked Myers about
support for the county’s work to get the state’s help with the building
of the alternate road. Myers noted that they would try to enlist
professionals, such as Hultburg, for help in the county’s efforts.
Planning Commission Chairman Joel Peterson testified in the
hearing as an opponent. He clarified that the commission had made a
decision, not a recommendation and that the Ione-Boardman road is
part of the county’s transportation system plan and remains important
to the county. Peterson acknowledged that the partition hearing was
not the forum for discussion of that road but wanted to make certain
that its being an issue remains clear. He objected to the characterization
of the Tower Road extension as a substitute for the north-south Ione-
Boardman road, though that road can still be good for the county. He
also read a portion of a letter from the Court to the lone mayor
expressing dedication to continuing pursuit of a north-south route when
opportunity arises. He thanked the Court for hiring Attorney Epstein.
Judge Tallman allowed County Counsel Bill Hanlon to explain the
chronology of the Ione-Boardman agreement
Hultburg recommended that the too-broad condition #4 be
redrafted, agreeing that its compliance should be proportional, that #5
be retained, and that #6 be stricken. The hearing closed.
Commissioner Brosnan explained conclusions he had reached,
based on Attorney Epstein’s written evidence and the hearing's
testimony: for legal reasons, he felt that the Court's one option was to
agree to Hultburg's recommendations. Tallman agreed and noted a
“tremendous learning curv e” on the issue. Brosnan also recommended
keeping the record open for seven days, to allow Joel Peterson to
submit a summarization of his testimony, and the Court agreed. It also
set Wednesday. May 15, for the final hearing in Boardman at 10 a.m.
Epstein suggested that the emergency management director
provide clarification for the redrafting of #4 and suggested asking the
applicant to grant access, though not a road improvement - which he
thinks would not be proportionately supportable - for emergency
purposes on the south 23,000 acres. Hultburg said that BAIC would
grant an easement to the border of that protected parcel. Wayne
Downey of DEQ reported several existing roadways available for
emergency access to parcel 2. Myers noted a way to provide access
on the eastern central side of the conservation area around the Carty
reservoir, graded to the last row of circles. Hultburg suggested an
easement be granted for emergency service on an existing road, and
the Court agreed to have staff complete the redrafting in advance of
the May 15 hearing.
The Court reviewed some proposed changes in the county
fees schedule, discussed them in length, and agreed to revisit the
proposals at the next meeting.
Sheriff Verlin Denton shared with the Court a report of reserve
officers' hours to help demonstrate the department's use of tippage
fees. The 582 hours of work since January 2002 represents nine
volunteer reserves, Denton explained. He said that the department is
training more reserves now, including two persons certified in tracking
and drug searches, with a canine qualified for drug searches. He
suggested that the quality of the program is now attracting excellent
candidates. Denton also reported to the Court that he has been
appointed representative of District Three to the Oregon State SherifT s
Associa
Assistant Public Works Director Bob Naims reported to the
Court that the crew has been stockpiling chip rock on roads to be chip
sealed, has removed two unneeded cattle guards from Halvorsen and
Holtz Lanes, has installed two culverts on Eight Mile Road and is now
putting base rock on the sides of that roadway, and will be patching
Liberty School Road. He said that the department is looking to repair
some deterioration on Little Butter Creck Road and will start patching
paved roads as soon as the chip sealing projects have been completed.
Rest o f meeting will be reported in next week s
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