The independent., May 02, 2002, Page 2, Image 2

Page 2
The INDEPENDENT, May 2, 2002
Low key primary is
unusual, but welcome
The six main gubernatorial candidates have cam­
paigned without throwing mud, which is refreshing. It’s
too bad they have also worked hard to avoid any sticky
details—like how to develop stable funding for educa­
tion. Nevertheless, some endorsements are in order.
Republicans Jack Roberts and Kevin Mannix both
have substantial experience in Salem. Mannix played
a starring role in increasing prison costs by heading the
movement for mandatory minimum sentences for even
minor crimes. He didn’t accept any responsibility for
the companion increases in prison construction and
costs, of course, he just blamed those on the governor.
A former legislator, Roberts has kept a fairly low pro­
file as Labor Commissioner, a position made easier be­
cause of the positive economy during most of his
tenure. When people have good jobs and business is
making money, there are few calls upon the labor de­
partment for changes.
Republican Ron Saxton is not a government insider,
he’s a businessman, but he has specialized in getting
business to understand the importance of education for
economic and social development. He is a coalition
builder and that may be exactly what is needed in
Salem. Saxton is a good choice.
All three Democrats have extensive experience in
government.
Jim Hill a former legislator, is state Treasurer. Like
Roberts, his position has certainly been easier be­
cause of the robust economy during most of his tenure.
He has also been the only candidate with courage
enough to say the T-word out loud, agreeing with the
governor that tobacco and alcohol taxes should be
raised to prevent cuts in education funding.
Ted Kulongski has been in every branch of govern­
ment and may have more experience than all the oth­
ers combined, yet he says very little, often talking
around a subject rather than about it. This is standard
for all too many politicians, but frustrating to voters.
Beverly Stein’s government experience includes one
area the others lack: She worked on the local level for
many years and, as chair of the Multnomah County
Board of Commissioners, knows how mandates from
Salem can negatively impact local government. She is
also a strong supporter of grass roots coalitions. Stein
isn’t flashy, but she is a good choice.
Ike Says.. .
By Dale Webb, member
Nehalem Valley Chapter Izaak Walton League
Here is Part Two of “ Down the Nehalem River
in a Boat,” the story of five young men (and a
dog) who experienced a great adventure in
1932, taking two wooden boats down the Ne­
halem River. The expedition took place when the
tall timber grew, men were tough as leather and
when getting home was counted in days, not in
hours. Frank Serafin, of Vernonia, was gracious
enough to lend me a diary of this adventure so I
could share it with you.
When we left the diary written by Emil Mess­
ing, the group had completed two days journey
and, after m ajor problems at Birkenfeld, started
a third day on the river.
The party stopped at an old mill below Vesper,
to see if we could find an old frying pan or any
cooking utensils, but had no luck.
This being Sunday we saw many fishermen
along the banks and at Willow Bar. We caught
up with Ed Bollinger and Bob Berg who had a
very nice basket of trout. Ed lent us three large
Doc Shelton spinners and told us how to catch
the big ones, (that is what I call a real friend). Ed
also remarked that Grand Rapids was not so
bad, but to be careful at the Linden Rapids just
above Elsie. We were asked by many of the fish­
ermen during the day “You are not surely going
to ride those boats through the Grand Rapids?”
We told them that we were and, furthermore, we
intended to go all the way to the ocean. They
usually looked at us as if we were nutty, and
maybe we were, but more about that later.
We cooked our dinner just below Willow Bar
riffle and floated on down through the deep w a­
ter above Jewell during the afternoon, arriving at
Bill Wage’s place Sunday evening. We were go­
ing to camp at the mouth of the Big Fishhawk,
but did not see it, which is the reason we are one
half mile below Jewell now.
We had a very nice camp at Jewell and the
weather had cleared somewhat so things were
pretty well dried out tonight. After we got here we
hung out our bedding and clothes on a wire
fence and telephone line. Archie, Frank and I
walked to Jewell and bought more supplies and,
on the way back, Frank had to drop the only jar
of strawberry jam we had on the only railroad
track in a hundred miles.
Everyone slept well this night, as all were tired
from the day and night before. All hands were up
early the next morning (Monday) and we got
away from Jewell at 9:00 a.m.
We arrived at the head of Grand Rapids at
about 10:30, after hanging up on about a hun­
dred rocks in the deep holes en route, all the
boys who had not seen these rapids before were
somewhat disappointed, as the water was quite
low. But when we were over, Archie remarked
“that was fun, I hope they (meaning the rapids)
don’t play out.” (Archie sure had his eyes
opened a little further along.) After passing
Grand Rapids we encountered quite a lot of still
water and, at about time for lunch, Archie was
pretty disgusted with the slow going.
We arrived at the head of the Linden Rapids
and cooked our lunch, Archie was pretty much
pleased with the looks of the water here, but in
company with the rest of the party we looked
them over, and he decided they were not so hot.
Please see page 14