Health Options Digest
August 1, 2004
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
In This Issue
From the Editor
Week In Review
After meeting last week, the EWEB board of directors is still considering selling their headquarters to Triad Hospitals, Inc., for a new McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.
McKenzie-Willamette's service workers ratified a new 3-year contract.
The United Way of Lane County released the results of their annual "State of Caring" survey. The survey asked respondents about household needs, special populations, and health care. The inability to pay for doctors, dentists, prescription drugs, and health insurance ranked as the most severe problems for the survey sample as a whole, as well as for each segmented population.
Statewide and national, access to health care continues to be a major issue.
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Looking Ahead
Tuesday, Congressman Peter DeFazio will hold community forums on Medicare and health care.
Wednesday, we hear that the City of Springfield will hold an open house to discuss the possibility of switching Glenwood from the 97403 Eugene ZIP code to the 97477 Springfield ZIP code. We understand that the U.S. Postal Service is happy with the current ZIP code, but that the City of Springfield is hoping to entice McKenzie-Willamette to relocate to Glenwood by changing the ZIP code, thereby allowing McKenzie-Willamette to bypass a certificate of need process.
We also hear that the Springfield Planning Commission is scheduled to hold their first hearing on PeaceHealth's second attempt at plan amendments on Tuesday, August 17. But as we haven't seen any paperwork yet and as the planning commission traditionally takes August off, we wouldn't be surprised if this hearing were postponed.
Actually, taking the month of August off sounds like a great idea! We hope that news will slow down, we can take some time off, and perhaps skip publishing "Health Options Digest" for a week.
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Rob Zako, Editor
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
Calendar
Tuesday, August 3 -- DeFazio to hold forums on Medicare, health care
| The Register-Guard | August 1, 2004 |
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio will hold a series of community forums on Tuesday to discuss the Medicare Modernization Act and other health care issues. He will be accompanied by Max Ritchman from the National Committee for the Preservation of Social Security and Medicare.
The forums are scheduled for:
* 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Douglas County Library in Roseburg.
* 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Campbell Senior Center in Eugene.
* 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Albany senior center.
For more information, contact DeFazio's Eugene office at 465-6732, or toll free at (800) 944-9603.
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Wednesday, August 4 -- Glenwood ZIP Code Open House
The City of Springfield is hosting an open house at Roaring Rapids Pizza Company in Glenwood to discuss the possibility of switching Glenwood from the 97403 Eugene ZIP code to the 97477 Springfield ZIP code.
For more information, contact the City of Springfield, 726-3700.
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Opportunities
City Panels Looking to Fill Vacancies
| Eugene Weekly | July 29, 2004 |
The city of Eugene is seeking volunteer applicants for committees that advise the City Council, and for one intergovernmental committee.
The recruitment period opened July 19 and continues through Sept. 24. The City Council will decide on appointments Oct. 25, and the appointments begin Nov. 1.
The following groups have vacancies to fill: Budget Committee: two vacancies; Planning Commission: two vacancies; Human Rights Commission: five vacancies; Toxics Board: three vacancies (must meet specific criteria); Historic Review Board: four vacancies; Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority: one vacancy
Interested persons must complete an application and for some bodies, a supplemental questionnaire is required. Application information is available at the City Manager's Office, Room 105, City Hall or visit http://www.ci.eugene.or.us Finalists may be interviewed by the City Council in early October. For additional information contact Mary Walston at 682-5406 or mary.f.walston@ci.eugene.or.us
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PeaceHealth
Letter -- Setting can promote healing
By Tracy Ellis, Pleasant Hill
The Register-Guard | July 29, 2004 |
In his diatribe against Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend (guest viewpoint, July 23), Tom Bowerman denies that RiverBend's natural setting would have any healing qualities for patients, since most patients do not have extended hospital stays. I beg to differ.
Several years ago, I had an extended stay at McKenzie-Willamette Hospital after being critically injured in an automobile accident. Although the health care I received was excellent, the environment certainly could have been more conducive to healing.
When I was finally strong enough to go outside for some much-needed respite, I was fortunate enough to park my wheelchair along the edge of the parking lot with a cluster of people smoking 25 feet away. That was delightful.
Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend will be a tremendous place of healing for each member of this community. The rooms will be large enough to accommodate the lifesaving equipment and all of the caregivers who provide necessary medical treatment to patients. And the natural views from the windows and the walking paths along the river will most definitely provide vital healing qualities for those unfortunate enough to require a lengthy hospital stay.
Those individuals who are lucky enough to have never experienced a serious illness or injury do not realize how important a person's mental well-being is to the healing process. Bowerman certainly doesn't understand this. Is he really interested in what is best for this community?
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McKenzie-Willamette/Triad
Plan to put hospital on EWEB site hits a snag
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | July 29, 2004 |
The feasibility of Triad Hospitals Inc. building a new McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center on the Eugene Water & Electric Board's downtown headquarters site appears to be diminishing.
Two new appraisals of the utility's riverfront property assigned a surprisingly low value to the site, putting the complicated transaction on shaky ground. EWEB had been hoping for a higher value, so that a sale of the site to Triad would yield EWEB enough money to build a new headquarters elsewhere.
The valuations, by the appraisal firms Duncan & Brown of Eugene and Moscato, Ofner & Henningsen Inc. of Portland, put a market value of $22 million to $24.6 million on EWEB's 24-acre parcel, including the utility's headquarters building.
But a sale in that range would leave EWEB $14 million to $17 million short of what it needs to move and build a new headquarters. A study commissioned by EWEB in 2002 estimated that moving and constructing new buildings would cost $38.5 million. (more...)
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EWEB holds financial hopes for site sale
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | July 30, 2004 |
Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners on Thursday re-affirmed their policy mandating that any sale of the utility's downtown headquarters to Triad Hospitals Inc. generate enough money to cover the costs of EWEB moving and setting up a new home.
At the same time, however, the five-member board signaled that it will remain flexible in trying to work a deal with Triad. (more...)
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Hospital service workers approve 3-year contract
By Tim Christie
The Register-Guard | July 30, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- By a 2-1 margin, members of the Service Employees International Union Local 49 approved a new three-year labor agreement Thursday with McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.
The final vote was 67 in favor, 31 against, SEIU organizer Erik Haunold said. (more...)
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Fast and Painless Update
By Rosie Pryor, Director, Marketing and Planning, 744-6164, rospry@mckweb.com
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center | July 30, 2004 |
EWEB Site Continues Viable
Several people have asked about the status of EWEB as a hospital site. We had three threshold tests to determine if the EWEB property is viable for hospital development: 1) Is it big enough? Our architect confirms it will support a hospital even larger than we plan to build. 2) Can the transportation system be improved to ensure the site functions safely for a hospital? In June the Eugene City Council approved construction of improvements aimed at increasing the number of unimpeded access points to three. And 3) is it affordable? Our reaction to the appraisals was to prepare a purchase agreement which will be presented to EWEB today or Monday.
We were encouraged at the comments of individual members of the EWEB Board during its special July 29th meeting. We recognize EWEB is considering a relocation sooner than its long range visioning and planning had anticipated. EWEB General Manager Randy Berggren was directed to update estimated relocation costs and evaluate a variety of scenarios for facilitating the relocation, such as splitting service operations from administrative functions. We anticipate being back at the "table" with EWEB soon to continue our discussions.
We'll keep you informed of our progress.
SEIU Ratifies Contract
Other good news this week is successful ratification by Service Employees International Union of a new 3-year labor contract with McKenzie-Willamette. The contract contains 2% annual across-the-board increases along with the introduction of a 12-step system of annual increases. We will retain the current health insurance plan and for qualifying employees will make special provisions to assist them with the cost of premiums. All individuals who are hired into SEIU-represented positions will have 30 days to determine whether to become dues-paying members of the union and will have the option to re-evaluate that choice each year on the anniversary of their hire date. Despite struggles along the way we're grateful to conclude the negotiation process and continue the work of providing extraordinary care to our patients.
Thank you for your continued support. Questions? Feel free to give me a call.
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Health Care
State of Caring: Health Care
| United Way of Lane County | July 2004} |
Twelve hundred survey respondents in Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, Oakridge, Florence, and rural areas of Lane County were asked to report on problems that sometimes occur in their household. Respondents were asked to rate the severity of each problem on a four-point scale from "not a problem" to "major problem." Unless indicated otherwise, ratings of minor, moderate, and major have been combined in this report.
Health Care
* The inability to pay for doctors, dentists, prescription drugs, and health insurance ranked as the most severe problems for the survey sample as a whole, as well as for each segmented population.
* Comparatively, respondents over 65 have the least amount of difficulty paying for health care, because they receive Medicare. Respondents under age 65 and making less than $34,000 per year have the most difficulty paying for health care. Respondents under the age of 65, making less than $34,000 per year, with children in the household have even more difficulty. The unemployed have the most difficulty paying for medical care.
* Government sponsored health care for low-income people is the most unstable coverage. Over the past two years, health insurance coverage given by the Oregon Health Plan and Medicaid was often interrupted. Oakridge, Florence, and Cottage Grove
* Residents of Oakridge reported experiencing the greatest need in nearly every category of the householder needs portion of the survey, while residents in Florence reported the lowest level of need. (Note, however, that households earning less than $34,000, without senior citizens in their home, report levels of need higher than those for the county as a whole.) The difference in need reported was the highest in relation to medical care and housing.
* A large percentage of respondents in all locations reported problems related to their inability to get medical insurance, inability to pay for a doctor or dentist, and inability to pay for prescriptions.
* Florence has the highest level of volunteerism of all individual communities surveyed, with over 55% of the respondents volunteering in some capacity. Volunteerism and Social Capital
* A large percentage of respondents already volunteer their time in charitable and not-for-profit organizations, with 43% reporting that they currently volunteer. This compares to a 32% volunteerism level statewide and 27% nationwide. Lane County volunteers most frequently donate their time to religious organizations.
* 95% of respondents feel it is important to give something back to their community.
* Human service organizations receive the most frequent of financial donations, with 61% of the respondents reporting that they gave to human service organizations during the past 12 months.
* The majority of people who do not volunteer are unaware of volunteer opportunities in their community.
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Terry Coplin -- LIPA works as provider and police
By Terry Coplin
The Register-Guard | July 26, 2004 |
"Patricia" came into the clinic nearly every month. The doctors and nurses who administered and reviewed her diabetes tests looked forward to her smile and positive spirit. But last year, when the Legislature cut funding for the Oregon Health Plan, Patricia could no longer afford home testing and required more frequent trips to the clinic.
Later, in order to remain on the Oregon Health Plan, she was required to pay a monthly premium and co-pays for each visit to the doctor's office.
Today, Patricia cannot afford coverage. She receives care only when her blood sugar levels become life-threatening and she is forced into an emergency room. Her once-normal life is now in permanent crisis.
Ironically, this is exactly the scenario the Oregon Health Plan was created to prevent. In the 1980s, then-Senate President John Kitzhaber designed the plan so that low-income families had access to basic health care. The alternative was to watch these families show up in emergency rooms at a far greater cost to society than a rational health care system. (more...)
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Letter -- LIPA owes clients an apology
By Melissa Mona, Eugene
The Register-Guard | August 1, 2004 |
In his July 26 guest viewpoint, Lane Individual Practice Association CEO Terry Coplin provided a half-hearted apology for what he described as "discourtesy" by some LIPA staff toward Oregon Health Plan clients. Discourtesy describes jumping ahead in a line or failing to tip a waiter or forgetting to say thank you. What LIPA has done, systemically and consistently, is more than mere discourtesy or inconvenience -- LIPA has denied vital medical supplies, equipment and medication to our county's most vulnerable citizens. Why?
Not due to any unintentional oversight or culture problem. It is because LIPA has a profit motive -- every penny it can squeeze at the expense of the disadvantaged goes to pay the big salaries for Coplin and the other administrators at LIPA. Do not be fooled. It is a for-profit business and couldn't care less about our county's poor and sick.
This is the company that describes using a wheelchair outside the home as "abuse" and refuses to fix it, the company that denies medication that physicians indicate as medically necessary for conditions that are funded by OHP, the company that describes customer complaints as "patient education opportunities."
It is every bit as rotten as you can imagine, so let's hold LIPA accountable for its money-grubbing disregard for the health and well-being of our fellow Lane County residents. It is disgraceful, and Terry Coplin and LIPA owe all of us a sincere apology.
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Thomas Wuest, M.D. -- Doctors, city have something in common
By Thomas K. Wuest, M.D.
The Register-Guard | July 29, 2004 |
I read with interest, and some empathy, The Register-Guard's July 14 editorial discussing the possibility that the actions of former Eugene police officers Roger Maga–a and Juan Lara might result in lawsuits in amounts that exceed the city's insurance coverage. This predicament is a part of everyday life for practicing physicians in Oregon.
To the city of Eugene, I say, "Welcome to my crisis!"
Medical malpractice suits commonly list noneconomic damages in the multimillion dollar range, well above malpractice insurance limits. Large claims may be part of a strategy to scare a doctor or insurance company into settling the case at or near the limit of the policy before it even goes to trial or discovery. Defendants know that if the case went to trial and a jury awarded an amount above the insured amount, they would be responsible for making up the difference out of their own assets.
Clearly, it is an effective strategy for a plaintiff's attorney to get a physician to think, "Whew, I got out of there for only $2 million! They wanted $15 million, and I didn't even have to go through a trial!" (more...)
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Goldschmidt's SAIF deal detailed
| The Associated Press | July 30, 2004 |
SALEM -- New documents reviewed by a Salem newspaper map out how former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt's deal-brokering helped shape a plan on medical malpractice insurance for obstetricians in rural Oregon.
The former governor was widely acknowledged as one of Oregon's most powerful behind-the-scenes political lobbyists until the news broke in May that he had sex with a 14-year-old girl while he was mayor of Portland in the 1970s.
Goldschmidt and SAIF Corp. also have been under fire for the more than $1 million in "consulting fees'' he got from the state-owned workers' compensation firm. A state ethics panel is investigating allegations that the firm failed to report all of its lobbying spending, as required by law.
SAIF's main private-sector rival in Oregon, Liberty Northwest, is currently financing a ballot campaign to dissolve SAIF. (more...)
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Medicare drug rule on assets clarified
| The Associated Press | July 27, 2004 |
WASHINGTON -- Low-income elderly people won't have to declare wedding rings, burial insurance and certain other assets to determine whether they qualify to have their medicines paid for under the new Medicare prescription drug program, the Bush administration said Monday.
Nearly 11 million low-income older and disabled Americans are projected to take part in the drug benefit when it begins in 2006, the administration said in issuing 1,956 pages of proposed regulations to govern the program. On average, the government will pay 95 percent of drug costs for low-income Medicare clients.
Congress included a provision in last year's Medicare law that would disqualify low-income older people with more than a few thousand dollars in assets from receiving subsidized coverage. Studies suggest that a couple of million people could be excluded.
Democratic lawmakers and other critics said the value of heirlooms and insurance policies to pay funeral costs could keep some people from receiving the aid.
The administration agreed and proposed to count as assets mainly bank accounts, retirement savings and real estate other than a beneficiary's home. (more...)
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Doctors brace for Medicare payment cuts
| From The Register-Guard and news service reports | July 28, 2004 |
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration announced plans Tuesday to cut Medicare payments to cancer doctors, saying taxpayers have been paying the physicians up to twice what they should for certain medications.
The proposed changes would save the government $530 million and Medicare beneficiaries $270 million next year, said Mark McClellan, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare spent $10.5 billion last year on prescription medicines administered in physician offices and clinics.
Cancer doctors and patient advocates said the proposal could force a dramatic change in care, with patients forced to get their treatment in hospitals, sometimes far from their homes, rather than in physicians' offices.
Dr. David Fryefield, medical director of Willamette Valley Cancer Center in Eugene, said it's clear that Medicare's system for reimbursing cancer doctors needs overhaul. But he predicted oncologists will be forced to change how they do business. (more...)
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Nearby Developments
Springfield pushing Glenwood renewal
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | July 27, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- If agreement can be reached in a hurry with the Lane County Board of Commissioners, the City Council would like to create an urban renewal district in Glenwood as soon as next year, its members said Monday. (more...)
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City hopes for Glenwood district
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | July 28, 2004 |
Springfield City Councilors want to go forward with an urban renewal district in Glenwood, but movement hinges on the Lane County Board of Commissioners' cooperation.
City officials hope to meet with county commissioners some time later this week or early next to secure approval from the county to include unincorporated areas of Glenwood -- which are under the county's domain -- in the folds of an urban renewal district.
A portion of Glenwood already lies within the city's limits and the scope of urban renewal could be limited to that, but each time a property is annexed to Springfield the city would have to go to voters to include that portion in the urban renewal district because residents have to vote on tax increment financing.
By asking the county to coordinate on a district now, the city can bring a plan forward for a Glenwood urban renewal district that would include both incorporated and unincorporated areas. The key is to reach an agreement quickly to be able to bring it to Springfield voters on the November ballot. (more...)
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City's plans worry Glenwood residents: Development ideas making Ponderosa Mobile Village residents very nervous
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | July 28, 2004 |
[PHOTO: The old but tidy homes and manicured lawns of Ponderosa Mobile Village look out over a stretch of prime riverfront in Glenwood -- frontage the city of Springfield may want for some other development.]
Glenwood's prime riverfront area may get a facelift if property owners and developers climb aboard the city's plans for redevelopment.
That, however, may prove a challenge.
Redevelopment ideas have been in the works for years, and city officials are stepping closer toward the goal of adopting a plan in Spring 2005. But attempts to seek out interested developers for partnership have proved fruitless so far, and not all property owners want change. (more...)
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Commissioners vow to keep state siting council in check
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | July 30, 2004 |
The Lane County commissioners had harsh words this week for the state Energy Facility Siting Council and a developer who wants to build a major new power plant near Coburg.
The board accused the council and applicant Gary Marcus of trying to circumvent the siting process by failing to submit a complete application for the proposed facility to the county and then saying the commissioners had not responded adequately by the required deadline, giving the council the right to proceed toward approval. (more...)
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Editorial -- State to Lane: Step aside
| The Register-Guard | August 1, 2004 |
Maybe PeaceHealth should call its new RiverBend hospital a power plant. That way, it could seek approval of its project from the state Energy Facilities Siting Council instead of going through the local government planning process, with all its pitfalls and appeals. The siting council, not local governments, is reviewing plans for a power plant near Coburg, and the process is as streamlined as a gas-fired turbine. (more...)
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Editorial -- Arena moving forward: UO officials focus on Williams Bakery site
| The Register-Guard | July 26, 2004 |
Any good college basketball coach knows that a winning game plan must be flexible. The same pragmatism has proven essential to keeping alive the University of Oregon's hopes for a new basketball arena.
Reporter Greg Bolt's story in Friday's Register-Guard indicates that construction of a new UO arena is moving closer to reality, as university officials and Williams Bakery negotiate a deal for the bakery site just east of the university on East 13th Avenue near Franklin Boulevard.
All parties are appropriately cautious, hedging their comments with talk of a "complicated process" and the possibility of "something catastrophic" happening before the final buzzer. But it's beginning to look like a deal is in the works that will -- OK, may -- put a gleaming new pavilion on what early in last year's siting process was the school's preferred location. (more...)
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City puts police facilities on ballot
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | July 27, 2004 |
The Eugene City Council on Monday night narrowly took the plunge into what have been unfriendly waters: asking voters to raise their property taxes for a police station-related bond measure.
Councilors voted 4-3 to put a $6.79 million bond issue on the Nov. 2 ballot. The money would be used to help build part of a proposed police station along East Eighth Avenue, between Pearl and High streets, across from City Hall.
The city has enough money to pay for a police station, but with the bond issue officials could add 15,000 square feet to house victim and social service agencies in the same building as the police department. The bond would also help pay for expansion and improvements of the downtown park blocks, and sidewalk and street improvements along Eighth Avenue, from Willamette Street to the proposed Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse area.
Altogether, the police station with victim services offices and the public improvements would cost an estimated $35.9 million. (more...)
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Wal-Mart expansion clears hurdle
By Joe Mosley
The Register-Guard | July 27, 2004 |
Wal-Mart has won the opening round of its fight to expand its west Eugene discount outlet by adding a grocery store, but opponents on Monday vowed to continue hammering away at the giant retail chain and its business practices. (more...)
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Santa Clara park deal would bring new houses with it
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | August 1, 2004 |
When it comes time to play in burgeoning Santa Clara, there aren't a lot of parks to head for.
The fast-growing area, home to more than 15,000 people, has only a few developed parks covering a combined 1 acre. (more...)
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Expansion not so simple
| The Register-Guard | August 1, 2004 |
The Santa Clara parks/development proposal faces land use hurdles that have tripped up many a project.
For example, to expand the urban growth boundary in the Santa Clara area, the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan must be amended. That long process involves public hearings and approvals by various layers of government.
The co-applicants for the Santa Clara land use changes are likely to be the city of Eugene and property owners Norman and Melvin McDougal. They'll have to show that the plan complies with state planning goals that seek to allow compact growth while preserving farmland and natural areas. (more...)
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Transportation
Commentary -- Timing is terrible for I-105 upgrade
| The Springfield News | July 28, 2004 |
The Oregon Department of Transportation has sent word around that it's planning to do a major overhaul on Interstate 105 next year.
It seems the freeway spur, which was first poured in the late 1960s, is showing its age in a few spots. It's nearing the end of its service life, and it's time for it to be replaced -- and, a little over a year and $14.5 million from now, it will be.
No one disagrees -- this project will need to be done eventually.
But is now the right time to do this? (more...)
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Power tools will run 24 hours a day
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | July 28, 2004 |
Things will go bump in the night.
Lane Transit District has permission to work construction crews 24 hours a day, Sunday through Thursday, starting this week and continuing on through Oct. 31. to finish work on its bus rapid transit system.
The power tools will be allowed to howl into the night along South A Street between Mill and Fifth streets and Pioneer Parkway East.
Colin Cunningham, Wildish Construction Co. project engineer, said crews will work at night only when necessary from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (more...)
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Letter -- LTD's plans will reduce parking
By D. W. Larson, Eugene
The Register-Guard | July 27, 2004 |
I read a letter on July 20 pointing out how foolish the Lane Transit District system is, and I would like to add to that.
First of all, it is a little-known money scheme LTD has that everywhere the bus travels, all businesses in that area have to pay LTD tax. The rate is 0.6 percent of every payroll penny. My company employs three full-time people, and we pay $40 per month to LTD. Can you imagine how much it collects from the big employers?
How come a big company like LTD can't run its own advertising department? Instead, it hires Obie Media to sell ads on the buses. Why? Can't LTD's own people do that? What a joke.
Then, LTD plans to make a bus lane that goes against traffic on East 11th Avenue and takes all the parking away from all of those businesses. Nice going, LTD. I am sure the five people per day making the journey from Eugene to Springfield will outweigh the loss of revenue for those businesses LTD is going to put out of business. Progressive thinking? I think not. Totally inept and foolish is more like it.
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Letter -- Area fortunate to have LTD
By A. S. Cabral, Eugene
The Register-Guard | July 28, 2004 |
Although we live too distant to ride Lane Transit District buses from our home, my dad does so regularly -- unlike Michael Barker (letters, July 20), who obviously never set foot in one.
My dad says LTD buses are always on time with their published schedules. They're spic-and-span inside and are much better than driving his car, paying for parking, risking dents or tickets and adding to the traffic congestion and pollution. At week's end he also has extra money in his wallet, he brags.
Eugene and Springfield are fortunate to have an efficient public transit system. If the LTD buses aren't full of passengers, it's because of folks like Barker who don't see the whole picture.
Imagine how much more he'd be stuck in traffic were it not for LTD. How many more wars need we fight for access to cheap oil from the Middle East?
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Elections
City Council campaigns in low gear
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | July 31, 2004 |
With three months to go until their runoff election in November, Ward 6 City Council candidates Joe Pishioneri and Debi Baker are running low-key campaigns to represent the Thurston area.
Pishioneri, a sheriff's deputy who works at the Lane County Jail, has signed on Planning Commissioner Steve Moe as his campaign manager and is working to recruit campaign volunteers. (more...)
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Other News
Auditor issue still simmering after council's latest try fails
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | August 1, 2004 |
Information is a valuable commodity around City Hall. Facts can be used to make arguments, change minds and enact policies.
A debate over the way the City Council gets information laid dormant for two years. But it flared up last week, generating sparks between some councilors and City Manager Dennis Taylor.
At issue is whether councilors should be allowed to hire a fact-finding auditor to examine the performance of city agencies. That hiring authority now rests with the city manager, who often employs auditors. However, Councilors Bonny Bettman, David Kelly and Betty Taylor want the council to be able to hire an auditor. (more...)
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Three Nike directors to step down next month
| The Associated Press | August 1, 2004 |
BEAVERTON -- Three of Nike Inc.'s directors are leaving, opening avenues for change.
The three longtime board members will step down in September, creating an opportunity for the company to change the makeup of the board that oversees the world's largest sneaker and athletic apparel manufacturer.
John Jaqua has been a director at Nike since 1969, Richard Donohue since 1977 and Charles Robinson since 1978.
Collectively, the three have spent nearly 86 years on the board.
The three will step down at Nike's annual shareholders meeting Sept. 20 at the Oregon Convention Center, according to the company's filing Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Another nine directors are up for re-election at the shareholders meeting, five of whom have deep ties to Nike, The Oregonian reported.
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