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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (July 21, 2005)
The INDEPENDENT \ME Published on the first and third Thursdays of each month by The Independent, LLC, 725 Bridge St., Vernonia, OR 97064. Phone/Fax: 503-429-9410. Publisher Clark McGaugh, clark@the-independent.net • Managing Editor Rebecca Mc Gaugh, rebecca@the-independent.net • Editor Noni Ander sen, noni@the-independent.net Opinion CooLfc c>er 3OM6 ___ County needs to do better for public planning on trail There is no doubt that Vernonia has benefited from the development of the Banks-Vernonia Linear Park trail. There is also no doubt that additional benefits will accrue from the proposed Scappoose-Vernonia trail. Doubts have developed, however, about the ability of Columbia County staff to incorporate the needed public participation in the project. As an illustration, prior to the July 7 issue, The IN DEPENDENT received a press release with a public meeting date of July 12. Immediately after printing that issue, we received a call asking why we printed inac curate information. The answer, of course, was that we were sent a press release with that information. We don’t know why it was sent if it was inaccurate; that is the responsibility of the county. When new information was sent, the meeting was set for today, July 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Scout Cabin. There was no consideration given to Vernonia resi dents to allow advance planning. Since two meetings were scheduled and Scappoose residents can access a weekly newspaper, The INDEPENDENT asked the county to switch the two meetings, with the Scappoose meeting tonight and the Vernonia meeting on the 27th. They couldn’t do that, though, because the press re leases had already been sent! Ah yes, actually, they had been sent twice...the first one was wrong! This project is important. We hope the county will do a better job of involving the public than they have yet. Keep bikes off the sidewalks Riding bikes is both fun and economically sensible. But riding bikes on Vernonia’s narrow downtown side walks is both dangerous and illegal. During warm weather, more pedestrians are down town, and some of them will be physically unable to move fast enough to avoid being hit by scoff-law bicy clists. Some of the bike riders will also be in danger, especially young ones, who suddenly realize they might hit someone and react by going into the street. The police department can’t do everything. Parents need to educate their children about bike safety and laws, or be prepared for serious consequences. There is no excuse for adults and teens who ignore the city ordinances; they should receive maximum penalties. i 1* ..... . . ......................... — -------- ....................... .............I ................................................................ .................................................................................................... 1 Sa» mitment and professionalism of State Legislators By Representative Brad Witt and the efficiency of their state government. House District 31 Last but certainly not least, it is thoroughly For the second time in as many weeks, a majori embarrassing that the same 32 members who ty of House Members vot voted for our second recess also voted 32 to 27 ed 32 to 27 on Monday to disallow any debate on their motion. Too em (July 11) to recess for 3- barrassed, perhaps, to even discuss how they 1/2 days. The vote was were compromising the public’s interest. I want taken only one day after ed desperately to take the floor and warn my col we reconvened on Sun leagues of the disrespect that they and our body day evening, July 10th, would earn from another recess. I wanted, also, following our first 3-1/2 day recess. This haphaz to tell them that their crass dismissal of any de ard work schedule is not the way to run our State bate made a mockery of our democratic form of government, of civility and respect for others. Legislature. I wanted to tell them how our little tiff over re In my opinion, the 32 State Representatives who voted for another paid vacation (per diem cesses paled in comparison to the every day continued to accrue during these recesses) problems that confront local governments ought to be embarrassed by their votes. Embar throughout our Legislative Districts. Real world rassed that the citizens of Oregon sent us to problems like getting food to shut-in senior citi Salem to do their work — to develop a compre zens, repairing county roads, finding school sup hensive state budget and to address their public plies for disadvantaged families, fighting drugs policy priorities. Yet after six months, we have and crime, maintaining veterans services, ade completed neither task. Our performance hardly quately staffing our schools and on and on. I wanted to tell them that, in spite of all of warrants time off. Members should also be embarrassed that these problems and the paucity of resources to their July 11th vote, in light of our remaining deal with them, our local government partners work, appears to disaffirm a Legislator’s oath to find the will to get their jobs done. I wanted to tell “faithfully discharge” my duties “according to the them that, as state leaders, we have an obliga tion to set an example, to get our jobs done, too. best of my ability.” But as I have explained, no one was allowed It is further embarrassing that the Session costs taxpayers $28,500 per day, even when the to challenge the wisdom of another House re House is off on vacation. Representatives cess. Candidly, it is not in my make-up to accept should also be embarrassed that Monday’s vote such undemocratic treatment. As a result, I re- Please see page 20 once again causes the public to doubt the com Salim -------- 1 ......... .... ..............- ■ — — ----
