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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 17, 2011)
Page 22 The INDEPENDENT, August 17, 2011 Merkley explains no vote on debt bill From page 20 economy competitive so there are good jobs in the future – would endure as much as 15% in cuts. Mortgaging the middle class’s future and increasing their burdens now do not make America stronger. “Moreover, while all reason- able people can understand the need for belt-tightening to bring down our unsustainable deficits, this plan exempts the wealthy and well-connected. The many subsidies and enti- tlements that they enjoy are tucked away in the tax code, which has been put off limits. So despite the dramatic in- creases in income of the best off in our nation since 2000, the sweetheart deals that litter the tax code are protected. “Finally, this flawed product is the result of irresponsible threats to torpedo the economy by refusing to pay America’s bills. The editorials are full of phrases like ‘extortion,’ ‘hostage-taking,’ and ‘lunacy.’ President Reagan himself said, ‘This brinkmanship threatens the holders of bonds and those WEATHER REPORT JULY 2011 DATE TEMPERATURE HI LO PRECIP. AMT. 1 75 40 -- 2 80 42 -- 3 72 54 -- 4 74 40 -- 5 82 41 -- 6 83 45 -- 7 76 53 -- 8 67 50 -- 9 74 36 -- 10 71 44 -- 11 71 44 .03 12 67 54 .20 13 66 50 .72 14 65 48 T 15 71 49 .44 16 69 55 T 17 64 54 .10 18 70 53 .01 19 66 52 T 20 70 46 -- 21 68 50 .01 22 71 44 -- 23 81 45 -- 24 87 45 -- 25 73 54 -- 26 68 54 -- 27 71 43 -- 28 79 41 -- 29 78 48 -- 30 78 46 -- 31 72 43 -- Temperature and precipitation amounts are from the official U.S. weather station at the Vernonia water plant. Measurable precipi- tation in July totalled 1.51 inches. who rely on veterans benefits. Markets would skyrocket, in- stability would occur and the federal deficit would soar. The United States has a special re- sponsibility to itself and to the world to meet its obligations.’ A default would be enormously damaging to every American, and I respect and value the hard work of the President and Leader Reid to avoid that calamity despite the unreason- able ransom demands they were facing. But at some point we must finally stand up for the middle class and insist that their jobs and their futures be our priority, or this ugly drama will repeat itself again and again. “I am fully committed to work towards real compromise, one that asks for sacrifice from everyone who can afford it to tackle our long-term debt chal- August 3 solution lenges. I’m prepared to make hard choices when those choices are necessary to solve our nation’s challenges and make it stronger. However, I cannot endorse a process that will worsen our economy, bur- den middle class families, and reduce our children’s opportu- nities in the future, and doesn’t ask those who have so much already to contribute one thin dime. “Somewhere in the frenzy of economic anxiety, ideology, and electoral politics, Washing- ton has lost its way. The great- ness of America and the strength of our economy can- not be separated from the well- being of the American middle class. If we continue to sacri- fice their prosperity to subsi- dize the well-off and well-con- nected, we sacrifice America’s future.” From the Sheriff’s Desk… From page 19 month, and the response has been outstanding. Now citizens in these areas do not have to drive to St. Helens, for now, we come to them once a month. Our staff performs this service in at the Vernonia Police Department from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the third Friday of every month. Even with our staffing reductions this year, we are attempting to keep this popular service going. The fiscal year ending June 30 also saw our Corrections Divi- sion respond day-in and day-out to a demanding routine. Every day, our Jail deputies book, intake, classify, clothe, house and feed inmates who come to us for a variety of reasons. There are the accused murderers, those charged with assault, burglaries, thefts and DUII. There are also probationers who are being sanc- tioned, and from time-to-time, even a potentially dangerous per- son kept here voluntarily for emergency housing. The latter being here on agreement with parole and probation, as the alternative of putting certain people out on the streets is dangerous to the community. Efforts to find places for people like this can be trou- blesome in our small county. In the past fiscal year, our Jail booked and fingerprinted 2,760 individuals, or more than 7 per day. The needs and housing dis- tinctions for each person are important business for our deputies. Every person detained in our facility must be checked in person at least once per hour. Their medical needs and dietary needs must be met adequately. And we serve as their conduit to the court system through transport vans and/or video arraignment. Though working with a minimum crew on each shift, these deputies have earned a reputation for their fairness and profes- sionalism. They consistently score high on Jail inspections con- ducted by state and federal auditors, and have been recognized for their reliability by the U.S. Marshal and ICE. They are a big part of keeping our community safe and helping secure a future for our citizens. Volunteers also put in a huge amount toward making this office a success. Last year, Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff, our Search and Rescue team volunteers and our reserve patrol deputies put in thousands of volunteer hours. Without their dedi- cation and giving spirit, we could not have provided nearly as thorough service to citizens at our front counter, or extra backup to our deputies and other police officers on patrol. We would not have had ANY trained searchers on our Search and Rescue mis- sions, and we would have not provided operational assistance to community events like the Ralph Painter Memorial Run. I am so grateful to have so much good will and desire to serve in the people who work for me – and for the citizens in our coun- ty. I love my job, and I thoroughly enjoy serving you with the help of the folks here at the Sheriff’s Office. As we have begun a new fiscal year with new challenges, I trust we will continue to grow as people and public servants. Action Ads ~ Call 503-429-9410 to place your ad LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice advisory and technical capacity to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and Columbia County Solid Waste Division on matters relating to how Columbia County manages solid waste dis- posal (trash) and recycling serv- ices. The SWAC consists of volun- teer voting members who repre- sent a balance of interests. SWAC members are citizens, professionals from the business community, operators of solid waste collection and recycling companies, and representatives of local governments. The SWAC generally meets at 9 a.m. Tues- day mornings, on a quarterly basis with some additional meet- ings being held, as needed. The term for this position would run for three years, through the Fall of 2014. For more information and de- tails on how to become a SWAC member contact Roy Weedman, Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator at 503-397-7263 or roy.weedman@co.columbia.or.u s before Friday, September 2nd, 2011. County Solid Waste Adviso- ry Committee seeks interested citizen for vacant At-Large Po- sition The Columbia County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is seeking an interested resident from Rural Columbia County to fill a vacant At-Large position. The SWAC serves in an Publish August 3 and 17, 2011