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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 2008)
Page 18 The INDEPENDENT, December 4, 2008 20 Years Ago This Month The December 29, 1988, is- sue of The Independent includ- ed the following editorial piece on page 2: The City of Vernonia has had serious financial difficulties for several years. The situation isn’t going to get better either, without considerable effort on the part of the new city council. For many years, the city stagnated. City government seemed to ignore problems in- stead of actively seeking solu- tions. As a result of this head- in-the-sand form of govern- ment, complainants sought so- lutions through legal action, a process that has been very costly to the taxpayer. The city has paid $140,000 in two settlements in the last few years. Approximately $115,000 in two additional set- tlements is at various stages of appeal. In addition to the settle- ment figures, the city continues to pay legal fees in connection with the law suits. Since at least three of the four law suits could have been settled before reaching litiga- tion, the failure of city govern- ment to address the problems resulted in a severe drain on the budget. A workshop called by Coun- cilor Mario Leonetti this month was a move in the right direc- tion. He brought together local builders, the building inspector and the building official to pub- licly discuss a permit and in- spection process that has been frustrating to nearly everyone involved. When the council convenes in January, it will have the information it needs to make adjustments in the sys- tem. They may not be able to satisfy everyone, but they won’t be ignoring the problem. Open meetings and public discussions should be a regular part of the city’s policy for han- dling problems. Beside conflict solution, there are other problems that must be dealt with in 1989. The sewer system must be replaced or repaired, and the overflow of raw or partially treated sewage into the Ne- halem River must be sopped. Please see page 21 Tony Johnson Construction DALE WOODWORKING N I A .CO NT U O SPECIALIZING IN REMODEL & REPAIR UTILITY SHEDS GARAGES CAR PORTS ADDITIONS DRYROT DRYWALL VINYL M M Service Directory C ABINET D ESIGN & M ANUFACTURING S INCE 1976 J OEL T EMPLIN CCB #43965 503-429-5436 V ERNONIA , O R 97064 FALL CREEK WOODWORKING WOOD FLOORS INSTALLED & REFINISHED 503-429-4351 Cory Colburn 11561 Keasey Road, Vernonia, OR 97064 • CCB #79876 Be here when they need you. • Excavating • Septic Systems • Site Prep • Underground Utilities • Driveways & Roads • Trenching “Have Tools Will Travel” WINDOWS & DOORS POLE BUILDINGS ROOFING FENCING SIDING DECKS TILE CCB #85280 Office (503) 429-7009 • Cell (503) 989-9109 PO. Box 65 Vernonia CCB 166815 DEQ 38649 STORAGE, TOO OPEN 10-6 TUES-SAT • 12-4 SUNDAYS • CLOSED MONDAYS The INDEPENDENT Service Directory is the ONLY Service Directory in the Upper Nehalem Valley. RV STORAGE ENCLOSED STORAGE PADLOCKS AVAILABLE 503-429-STOR 503-429-7867 Call 503-429-9410 for information. PAT’S SEPTIC SERVICE Septic Tank Pumping 1-503-397-4632 LOW, LOW PRICES 24-HOUR SERVICE LOCATED IN ST. HELENS OR 58605 NEHALEM HWY. S., VERNONIA, OR 97064 DENNIS ELECTRIC, INC. FREE ESTIMATES 503-429-8930 1-800-439-8930 OUTSIDE PORTLAND METRO AREA Reliable Commercial and Residential Service Dennis Electric is a family owned & operated electrical contracting company. Our goal is to provide quality electrical service while delivering fair value to our customers. New Construction and Remodeling Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Ceramic Tile, Finish Carpentry & More! Jim Morrison Jr. General Contractor Licensed & Bonded • CCB No. 19808 Dennis & Schann Nelson • P.O. Box 412 • Vernonia, OR 97064 (503) 429-0154 Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB# 112057