Health Options Digest
January 16, 2005
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
In This Issue
From the Editor
Week In Review
Last Monday, the Springfield City Council amended its plans -- again -- to allow PeaceHealth to build a $380-million regional medical complex in the Gateway area. It is generally expected that opponents will appeal the decision to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA), casting doubt on whether or not PeaceHealth will actually be able to construct a new hospital anytime soon.
Last Wednesday, Arlie and Company announced a "back up" offer to purchase the EWEB site, should McKenzie-Willamette/Triad fail to do so. This second second offer might embolden EWEB to ask for more money from Triad, thereby decreasing the odds that Triad will be able to close the deal.
Thus it appears likely that the game of "Musical Hospitals" will continue for quite some time. Look for more surprises and no quick resolutions. But someday, sooner or later, something will happen to cause all the dust to settle and we really will get two new hospitals to serve the community.
As a 30-day cooling period comes to a close and the transit workers union is leveling public charges against LTD's board and management, both sides in this labor dispute have agreed to another mediation session. If a new labor contract can't be reached, there may be a strike, causing LTD to severely cut back on service.
LTD is generally recognized as one of the best transit services in the nation, at least for communities of our size. LTD has also been aggressive in pursuing Bus Rapid Transit, an untried approach to transit for medium-sized communities that has yet to gain widespread support in our community. Thus it shouldn't be surprising that LTD has drawn some criticism.
Last Monday, local citizens gave the Fourth Annual "Citizens State of the City" address.
Also last Monday, Governor Ted Kulongoski gave his State of the State address. Some observers are saying that the "old Ted" is back.
Last Friday, opponents of Measure 37 announced a lawsuit against the Measure, charging that the measure was unfair and unconstitutional.
Finally, our alternative news story last week about how Springfield might have handled PeaceHealth's request has generated a lot of interest -- and chuckles. Among others, Mayor Sid Leiken told us that the story gave him quite a laugh. Let it never be said that Leiken always sheds tears and can't enjoy a little humor.
Looking Ahead
This Wednesday, the Eugene City Council will be looking at the impacts of Measure 37. It will also again consider a gas tax increase to help pay for road maintenance.
Also this Wednesday, a state committee will continue discussing plans to weaken state rules that require adequate roads to be planned before allowing new developments -- such as a new PeaceHealth hospital -- that would generate too much traffic.
The City of Springfield isn't waiting to learn if their recent plan amendments will be appealed. They have already scheduling a public hearing January 25 to review PeaceHealth's master plan. Last time they did so, they "tentatively" approved the master plan, only to see the whole effort made irrelevant when the Court of Appeals overturned their previous plan amendments.
Also on January 25, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Services -- the nonprofit arm of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center -- will hold its annual meeting.
Finally, CHOICES is sometimes asked what it is we want. As CHOICES members and other frequent reads should know, we'd like to see two viable hospitals located in the hearts of our communities. We'd like to see a process for the two hospitals -- working together and with the community -- to determine where those two hospitals should go and how to make that happen as quickly and cost-effectively as reasonable. We don't want to see the game of "Musical Hospitals" continue, which more often than not resembles a bad game of Monopoly, which opportunistic real estate dealers trying to make a quick buck by buying and selling properties. Perhaps we are dreaming and perhaps we are too far down the current path. But perhaps it is actually PeaceHealth and McKenzie-Willamette/Triad who are dreaming, if they think that the game of "Musical Hospitals" will result in any winners. It's never too late to change the game.
Rob Zako, Editor
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
Calendar
Wednesday, January 19 -- Eugene City Council
Noon, City Council Work Session, City Hall, 777 Pearl Street, McNutt Room
1. Measure 37 -- Update and Effect on Planning and Development Department Work Plan
2. Transportation Funding for Pavement Preservation
Contact: Lynda Rose, 682-5017, lynda.l.rose@ci.eugene.or.us
Wednesday, January 19 -- Joint LCDC/OTC TPR Subcommittee
1:00 pm, ODOT Human Resources Center, 2775 19th Street SE, Salem
The Subcommittee will review and discuss proposed amendments to Section 0060 and may discuss other proposed rule amendments. These amendments were promted by the Court of Appeals' ruling in the case of Jaqua v. City of Springfield (PeaceHealth). The public is invited to attend.
Questions about the Transportation Planning Rule Evaluation should be directed to Bob Cortright at 503-373-0050 x241, or via email at bob.cortright@state.or.us.
Tuesday, January 25 -- Springfield Planning Commission
The Springfield Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on PeaceHealth's master plan for a $380-million regional medical complex in the Gateway area.
Tuesday, January 25 -- Hospital nonprofit to hold annual meeting
| The Register-Guard | January 7, 2005 |
SPRINGFIELD -- The annual meeting of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Services is at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 215 West C St.
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Services is a nonprofit organization doing business as Cascade Health Solutions, created after McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center became part of Triad Hospitals Inc. Cascade Health Solutions owns 20 percent of the hospital.
Jim Ginger, Nancy Golden and Don Mogenson have been nominated for the board of directors. The organization is seeking additional nominees. For more information, call Diane Baldwin at 228-3000, Ext. 3210.
Opportunities
Glenwood renewal committee to form
| The Springfield News | December 17, 2004 |
Applications are being accepted for eight vacancies on the city's Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan Advisory Committee.
These vacancies arise because this is a new advisory committee formed to provide advice to the Board of the Springfield Economic Development Agency. SEDA will operate the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan over the next 21 years to develop and redevelop the infrastructure to support the Glenwood Refinement Plan and other development activity outlined in the recently adopted Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan.
The positions are specific to the Glenwood area residents, businesses, and property owners for the following positions:
Position 1 -- Resident of a mobile home in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 2 -- Homeowner in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 3 -- Retail business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 4 -- Industrial business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 5 -- Glenwood Water District Board member
Position 6 -- Resident of a mobile home in the incorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 7 -- Homeowner in the incorporated are of Glenwood or for the area at-large.
Position 8 -- Retail businesses in the incorporated are of Glenwood.
Position 9 -- Industrial business owner/operator in the incorporated area of Glenwood.
The new terms for Positions 1 and 2 will begin upon appointment by the Lane County Board of Commissioners, and application for these positions requires a Lane County Citizen Advisory Committee Application.
The new terms for Positions 3 and 4 will begin upon appointment by the Springfield City Council. Positions 5-9 will begin upon appointment by the Springfield Economic Development Agency. All of these positions require a City of Springfield application.
Lane County, the City of Springfield, and the Springfield Economic Development Agency have not yet set the terms of appointments.
Applications are encouraged from lower-income earners, residents of lower-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and female heads of households.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 31.
For more information about positions 1 and 2, or to get an application, call 682-4203.
For more information about positions 3-9, or to get an application, 726-3700 or stop by City Hall at 225 Fifth St.
None apply for Glenwood advisory committee seats: But applications are expected to roll in after New Year's
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 29, 2004 |
With just over a month left to apply, the city has yet to receive any applications from community members interested in serving on the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan Advisory Committee.
"I'm fully anticipating all of those positions to be full, but with the holidays, it's a tough time," said Tammy Fitch, city council president.
The city sent out application notices in mid-December, and community members interested in filling a position on the advisory committee have until Jan. 31 to apply.
City Recorder Amy Sowa said application forms have been placed at several Glenwood businesses in the last week to help spur interest. Interested residents can find applications at Roaring Rapids Pizza, 4006 Franklin Boulevard; Brooks Cut Rate Auto Parts, 3331 Franklin Boulevard; Tom's Tapper Tavern, 4095 Franklin Boulevard; Dari Mart, 4215 Franklin Boulevard; and Duck Stop Market, 4791 Franklin Boulevard.
Glenwood resident Dave Carvo said he would be applying and has been helping pass out applications for the committee to the Glenwood community.
The council decided to appoint an advisory committee after Glenwood residents attended a council meeting in November to express concern with the urban renewal process and lack of community representation.
Many Glenwood community members said they wanted a representative on the Springfield Economic Development Agency board, which will guide development and redevelopment in the urban renewal district for the next two decades.
Speaking before the council in November, Glenwood resident Joan Armstead said, "There are a lot of people who want to make sure this is done right."
The council voted against appointing a Glenwood representative to the SEDA board, and instead followed recommendations from Lane County Commissioners to create a separate advisory council made up of Glenwood residents who represent various stakeholders.
"I think the more we can involve them, the better off we'll be," Fitch said Monday. "The fact that they don't have a seat on the board, I think, will be a minor issue."
The new advisory committee's role will be to advise the Springfield Economic Development Agency throughout the duration of the 20-year urban renewal district. The terms of appointment and how frequently the committee would meet have not been determined.
Positions to the advisory committee are specific. Position 1 is for a resident of a mobile home in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 2 is for a homeowner in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 3 is for a retail business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 4 is for an industrial business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 5 is for a Glenwood Water District Board member; Position 6 is for a resident of a mobile home in the incorporated area of Glenwood; Position 7 is for a homeowner in the incorporated area of Glenwood or for the area at large; Position 8 is for a retail businesses owner/operator in the incorporated area of Glenwood; and Position 9 is for an industrial business owner/operator in the incorporated area of Glenwood.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners will appoint positions 1 and 2; the city council will appoint positions 3 and 4; and positions 5-9 will be appointed by the Springfield Economic Development Agency.
In addition to locations throughout Glenwood, application forms for positions 3-9 are available at the Springfield city manager's office, 225 Fifth St. Application forms for positions 1 and 2 are available at Lane County administration, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene, or by calling 682-4203. Forms are also available on the Lane County's Web site at www.co.lane.or.us/BCC/documents/applicationadvisorycommittee.pdf.
Application reviews will likely occur in February or March, according to city officials.
Help renew Glenwood
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | January 1, 2005 |
The city's new Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan Advisory Committee needs nine citizens with very specific qualifications to help chart the course of redevelopment in the largely unincorporated area between Eugene and Springfield.
Terms of the appointments have not yet been decided.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners will appoint the first two committee members. They are to be a mobile home resident and a homeowner, both from the unincorporated county area of Glenwood.
Application forms for those two positions are available at the Lane County Public Service Building, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene, and at http://www.co.lane.or.us/BCC/documents/applicationadvisorycommittee.pdf.
The other seven positions, which will be appointed by the Springfield City Council or the Springfield Economic Development Agency, are to be: a retail business owner/operator in unincorporated Glenwood; an industrial business owner/operator in unincorporated Glenwood; a Glenwood Water District board member; a mobile home resident from an incorporated area of Glenwood; and a homeowner, a retail business owner/operator, and an industrial business owner/operator from the incorporated part of Glenwood.
Application forms for those seven positions are available at the Springfield City Manager's Office, City Hall, 225 Fifth St. No date has been set for review of applications.
PeaceHealth
Rules altered to allow RiverBend
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | January 11, 2005 |
SPRINGFIELD -- Amid accusations by one of its own members that it had been "bought and sold," a glum-looking City Council approved land use rule changes Monday night to allow PeaceHealth to build a $380 million regional medical center next to the McKenzie River. (more...)
City changes its rules for PeaceHealth
| The Springfield News | January 12, 2005 |
To no one's surprise, the Springfield City Council last night approved zoning and rules change to allow PeaceHealth Medical Group to put a hospital in at the RiverBend area near the Gateway neighborhood. (more...)
Editorial -- Keep emergency rooms on both sides of river
| The Springfield News | January 14, 2005 |
Everybody has been talking lately about the situation in south Asia -- the Sumatra area -- that got hammered with the tsunami a few weeks ago. We've heard about tsunami safety and whether it can happen on our own coast.
But in all the discussion of the devastating wall of water, we haven't heard much about what started it.
The tsunami was kicked off by an earthquake -- one of the biggest ones ever recorded, at 8.9 on the "Richter scale."
That quake was an event that would have dominated the headlines if it hadn't been drowned out, as it were, by the bigger catastrophe of the waves. But for us, living well inland from the sea, that's the bigger of the issues. (more...)
Letter -- Hospital staff offers compassion
By Scott Landfield and Karina Warren-Landfield, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 14, 2005 |
Those of us who have lived around Eugene for any length of time have heard many stories about Sacred Heart Medical Center and usually can tell a few as well. Here's my latest tale.
I am a single man who does not make enough to afford health insurance. Recently, my 23-year-old daughter came to live with me. She also has no health insurance. A few days ago she got unexplainably ill, then really ill.
We went to Sacred Heart's emergency room. After an initial checkup, she was registered by a very courteous clerk. When the clerk asked if my daughter had insurance and was told no, she checked the appropriate box.
The next morning, my daughter had an inflamed gallbladder and stones removed by a very kind, competent surgeon. She spent three days in the hospital. From entrance to exit, from the cleaning lady to the surgeon, my daughter was treated with the utmost care, dignity and friendliness. Not once was either of us asked how we might pay for the treatment.
Among the many terms used to describe Sacred Heart, here is one from me: a treasure. My daughter and I are deeply grateful.
McKenzie-Willamette/Triad
Letter -- A Disturbed Sleep
By Ned Peabody, Eugene
Eugene Weekly | January 13, 2005 |
I had a dream that the new McKenzie Willamette Hospital was open at the former Eugene Water and Electric Board site and I was being rushed there by ambulance down Coburg Road. The ride was fast as we approached the Ferry Street Bridge when suddenly we came to a screeching stop.
I was groggy, but overheard one of the paramedics exclaim in a frustrated tone, "Geez, another traffic jam at the bridge and there's no way around." His partner shook his head and replied, "We probably should have taken the freeway through Glenwood again and come in the back way."
We were so close I could clearly see the hospital's main entrance sign, but it took us another 20 minutes to finally reach the front door. By then, the pain in my throbbing big toe was intense and I was in and out of consciousness. I vaguely remember being wheeled into a room.
When I awoke, I was pleasantly surprised by my surroundings. It was a nice room with several beautiful wall hangings. I had a roommate whose bed was next to a big picture window and I introduced myself and asked about the view. He excitedly replied, "I look right into the window of the changing room for the judges at the federal courthouse next door."
My toe was starting to feel much better and I began to drift off to sleep when an echoing whistle pierced my ears and the room began to shake violently. The wall hangings began jiggling and the binoculars on my roommate's night stand crashed to the floor. I grabbed my bed railings and held on for dear life.
"What was that?" I shouted at my roommate. "Oh, it's only the 4:45," he replied nonchalantly while flipping through a magazine. "The 4:45?" I asked with a puzzled expression. He explained, "Yes, the train. We get 'em coming by the hospital every couple hours. No worries, you can ask the nurse for special ear plugs." He added, "Insurance pays for 'em."
After a bumpy, sleepless night I was released and said goodbye to my roommate who was busy setting up a camera tripod in front of his window. My wife helped me out to the car and we loaded up. After waiting in traffic to get back over the bridge, we finally made it home. My toe felt much better, but I had a funny ringing in my ears. I went out and got the mail and opened our monthly EWEB bill. I grabbed my chest and yelled to my wife, "Another rate increase -- call 911 and tell them to take me to Springfield!"
Arlie announces "back up" offer for EWEB site
By Rosie Pryor, Director, Marketing and Planning, 744-6164, rospry@mckweb.com
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center | January 12, 2005 |
Arlie and Company announced today that if McKenzie-Willamette's efforts to acquire the EWEB site in central Eugene fail, Arlie will make a "back up" offer to buy the EWEB property. Apparently no specific offer has been made.
We don't know anything about Arlie's offer. We continue to work with EWEB and the City of Eugene on our proposal to purchase the property. In November, and again in December, the EWEB board voted to authorize the General Manager to sign a purchase agreement with us. Roy Orr, Randy Berggren and Dennis Taylor continue to meet regularly to work on the details of the transaction. The City of Eugene is preparing a Memorandum of Understanding covering its commitment to build transportation improvements in return for hospital development on the site.
Our enthusiasm for the EWEB site continues undiminished, and we're optimistic EWEB's analysis will reveal a move would be cost effective. We understand EWEB has always planned to relocate, and that our offer comes far sooner than the utility had anticipated making such a move. We want to give them the time needed to do a thorough analysis. We're also doing our own due diligence on the EWEB property.
Questions? Please feel free to give me a call.
Interest in EWEB Site
EUGENE -- Triad Hospitals is still negotiating with the Eugene Water and Electric Board over their riverfront property near downtown Eugene, but now there's a new party interested in the site.
Arlie and Company, a local developer, submitted a back up offer to EWEB on Wednesday. It doesn't have a monetary value and is in no way a competing offer, but if the hospital deal falls through, Arlie wants a shot at developing the site. (more...)
Another bid is made for EWEB's property
Another offer is on the table to buy the 27 acre EWEB site. The latest one is from a well-known development firm in Eugene. (more...)
EWEB site draws new suitor
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | January 13, 2005 |
Eugene-based Arlie & Co. on Wednesday unveiled a plan to redevelop the Eugene Water & Electric Board's riverfront property. EWEB, however, is continuing to negotiate the sale of its downtown headquarters and operations site to Texas-based Triad Hospitals Inc. (more...)
Arlie to hospital: If you don't want land, we do
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 14, 2005 |
The Eugene Water & Electric Board site in downtown Eugene has been eyed for a new $85 million medical center for McKenzie-Willamette Hospital.
But while negotiations continue to locate a hospital at that site, there is another nibble of interest.
Arlie & Company -- the local company made famous by its involvement in PeaceHealth Medical Center's deal for the RiverBend site -- announced Wednesday that it delivered a letter to EWEB expressing interest in making a backup offer for the 27-acre site along the Willamette in Eugene. Company officials said the offer would only come into play if negotiations between McKenzie-Willamette's parent company, Triad Hospitals, and EWEB failed. (more...)
Editorial -- A new ball game: Arlie offer alters dynamics of EWEB site sale
| The Register-Guard | January 16, 2005 |
A bit of advice to people who are closely following the "musical hospitals" drama in Eugene-Springfield: Place no bets on any outcome until you know what developer John Musumeci intends to do. (more...)
Health Care
Letter -- Try three strikes for doctors
By Roger Wilson, Coos Bay
The Register-Guard | Janaury 12, 2005 |
Since President Bush is running around the country pushing for medical malpractice reform, I have an idea. Why doesn't the medical community enact its own nationwide reform, such as a "three strikes" rule?
Simply put, if a doctor has three major claims against him -- such as cutting off the wrong leg or giving the wrong medicine to a patient, causing death or serious harm -- yank his license nationwide and stop him from ever working again.
As it stands now, a doctor can lose his license in one state and simply move across the country and set up practice again. As I see it, if the medical community isn't willing or able to police itself then there is no other stance but to allow people to sue in the most serious cases.
If a doctor takes his new car into a dealer and the dealer breaks that car, most doctors would probably sue. So what makes them so special that they should not be held responsible when it comes to your body and health?
Three strikes and they're out, simple and clean. A mistake is putting a Band-aid on the wrong leg; cutting off the wrong leg is stupidity.
For every hundred cases filed, few ever get to court. And if people and their lawyers file unwarranted cases, then make them pay the court costs. But to take away people's right to sue when their life or health has been damaged is not only unfair, but also lets these few doctors get away with criminal conduct in some rare cases.
The next horror story about someone having a surgery gone wrong could be you.
Hospitals stuck with twice the bill
By Charles Beggs
The Associated Press | January 13, 2005 |
SALEM -- Nonreimbursed health care costs at Oregon hospitals doubled from 1995 to 2003, rising most sharply during the recession that caused state Health Plan cuts along with joblessness, a new state study shows. (more...)
Health care costs rise, but at slower rate
By Larry Lipman
Cox News Service | January 11, 2005 |
WASHINGTON -- The cost of health care is still rising several times faster than inflation, but in 2003 -- for the first time in seven years -- the rate of growth slowed, according to federal statistics released Monday. (more...)
Robert Reich -- Federal tort liability reform is a prescription for disaster
By Robert Reich
The Washington Post | January 16, 2005 |
The White House doesn't seem too worried about the medicines we take. Chief of Staff Andrew Card said recently that the Food and Drug Administration is doing a "spectacular'' job overseeing drug safety.
Really? Even though the agency reportedly didn't act on warning signs linking blockbuster arthritis painkillers to increased risk of heart trouble and strokes? When it failed to warn doctors and parents about the risk of suicide among children taking antidepressants?
Meanwhile, the president is calling for "tort reform.'' As a first step, his Republican allies in Congress are working on a bill to limit the liability of pharmaceutical companies from lawsuits brought by people injured by drugs or medical devices the FDA had OK'd.
But the administration can't have it both ways. Either it should move to strengthen regulatory agencies or it should maintain the present system of tort liability. Take away both, and consumers are in deep trouble. (more...)
Nearby Developments
Homing In: Home Depot appears ready to up the ante in Eugene-Springfield market
By Joe Mosley
The Register-Guard | January 16, 2005 |
Look at it as a house-painting project: during its wildfire growth phase of the 1990s, Home Depot sprayed an even swipe of orange-and-white-signed home improvement superstores across the vast unpigmented markets of America.
Now the company is touching up around the edges, and getting around to its trim work -- including plans for a second Eugene store. It will be the fourth big-box home improvement store in a midlevel market, leading some to wonder just where the saturation point may be. (more...)
New Development
EUGENE -- Some downtown Eugene land that has sat empty for years is a step closer to becoming affordable housing.
Tuesday afternoon the Eugene Housing Policy Board Allocation Committee decided on which proposal to accept for the West 8th Avenue project. (more...)
Downtown apartment plan gains ground
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 16, 2005 |
A Eugene developer of low-income housing has won a key early endorsement to build a downtown apartment complex on city-owned property next to the WOW Hall.
A subcommittee of the Housing Policy Board on Jan. 11 recommended the plan by Metropolitan Affordable Housing for 94 units on West Eighth Avenue, between Lincoln and Charnelton streets.
The City Council in March could decide which developer gets the property. (more...)
Developer Scales Back Coburg Proposal
EUGENE -- Plans for a natural gas-fired electricity plant near Coburg have been scaled back, in order to to ease the local approval process. (more...)
Power plant proposal scaled back
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | January 14, 2005 |
The developer of a proposed power plant near Coburg plans to shrink the size of the plant by two-thirds and use it only at times of peak demand, a move that could make it easier to win approval for the West Cascade Energy plant. (more...)
Transportation
Town hall participants give senators an earful
By Scott Maben
The Register-Guard | January 11, 2005 |
SPRINGFIELD -- The scourge of meth addiction, the torture of foreign prisoners in U.S. custody, dwindling dollars to guard against terrorism and the looming funding gap in Social Security were on the minds of Lane County residents Monday night.
...
Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken, before dashing off to a City Council meeting, asked the senators to help secure federal funding for better Interstate 5 access along the Franklin Boulevard corridor near the Willamette River bridge.
Both responded favorably.
"You can't have big league quality of life with a little league transportation system," Wyden said. (more...)
Possible LTD Strike
Tension Mount between LTD management and bus drivers.
EUGENE -- Tension is coming to a head between Lane Transit District Management and LTD bus drivers. (more...)
Slant -- LTD Picketing
| Eugene Weekly | January 13, 2005 |
As we go to press, we hear members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 575 are planning an informational picketing from 4 to 6 pm Thursday, Jan. 13 at the LTD station downtown. For more information, contact Carol Allred at 729-1903, or read Gary Gillespie's comments on the threatened strike in our cover story this week.
LTD workers rally at Eugene Station
Carrying signs and chanting slogans at the Eugene Downtown Transit Station, union workers for Lane Transit District marched Thursday night to voice their demands. (more...)
Buses still running, as is labor dispute
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | January 14, 2005 |
A gathering of pickets outside the Lane Transit District's downtown Eugene station alarmed some passers-by late Thursday, but the event did not herald the beginning of a workers' strike that would shut down bus service, as some people feared. (more...)
Another mediation attempt for LTD labor dispute
An agreement has been reached to hold a mediation session between Lane Transit District and its drivers. (more...)
LTD Rollback -- January 11, 2005, Advertisement
| ATU 757 Lane Transit District Workers | January 11, 2005 |
It's a Matter of Choices...
A strike of the Lane Transit bus system is imminent because of the bad choices made by LTD management -- bad choices the general manager also made at the other transit system he managed.
Here's the story...
Before he was general manager of LTD, Ken Hamm was general manger of the Link transit system in Wenatchee, Washington. During his tenure, every spare cent in the Link budget was transferred into capital projects. Sound familiar? It should because that's exactly what's been happening at LTD. (more...)
LTD Rollback -- January 12, 2005, Advertisement
| ATU 757 Lane Transit District Workers | January 12, 2005 |
It's a Matter of Choices...
A strike of the Lane Transit buses is imminent because of the bad choices made by LTD management regarding labor relations.
LTD wants the public to think that this dispute is ONLY about health insurance. It's not. LTD management is demanding the following 17 takeaways, all of which hurt LTD workers' incomes or working conditions: (more...)
LTD Rollback -- January 13, 2005, Advertisement
| ATU 757 Lane Transit District Workers | January 13, 2005 |
An Open Letter from Your Bus DriverÉto the Citizens in Lane Transit DistrictÉ
We write this letter to seek your understanding and support during our current labor dispute with Ken Hamm, the general manager of the Lane Transit District. One of the issues in this dispute is health insurance. For you to understand why this issue is so important to us, we must first tell you certain facts about a bus driver's health. (more...)
LTD Rollback -- January 14, 2005, Advertisement
| ATU 757 Lane Transit District Workers | January 14, 2005 |
It's a Matter of Choices..
We read, see and hear that...
LTD management is making a big show of running around like Chicken Little... squawking "There's going to be a STRIKE! STRIKE! STRIKE!"
What LTD is not telling you or the people they are trying to scare is that LTD controls whether or not there will be a strike.
It was LTD that declared to the mediator that negotiations were over and impasse was reached, not the workers.
LTD is the party who keeps insisting that the cooling off period be limited to 30 days. (more...)
Debate on gas tax hike back on council agenda
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 16, 2005 |
The timeout on whether to hike the city's 3-cent-a-gallon gas tax is about to end.
Earlier this month, City Manager Dennis Taylor and new Mayor Kitty Piercy decided to pull the vote on a proposed 2 cent raise in the tax from the council's agenda so new councilors Chris Pryor and Andrea Ortiz could familiarize themselves with the topic before voting. The item is back on the council's agenda, this time for the Jan. 24 meeting. (more...)
Veneta City Council endorses 126 West as state freight route
By Karen McCowan
The Register-Guard | January 11, 2005 |
VENETA -- The state is one step closer to winning local support for designating Highway 126 West as a freight route, after the City Council voted unanimously Monday night to endorse the proposed change. (more...)
Council joins foes of freight route title
By Karen McCowan
The Register-Guard | January 12, 2005 |
JUNCTION CITY -- The City Council gave a unanimous thumbs down to a state proposal to designate its main thoroughfare as a freight route. (more...)
States of the Cities, County, State, etc.
Emboldened activists roll up their sleeves
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 11, 2005 |
Eugene's activists, enthused about changes at City Hall, said they still need plenty of help to accomplish their goals on the environment, growth, labor and other topics. (more...)
Dianne Lobes -- Eugene can be model of sustainability
By Dianne Lobes
The Register-Guard | January 12, 2005 |
Corporations, highways and clogged four-lane roads lined by cookie-cutter franchises and parking lots reign supreme amidst brown haze and noise in many cities. It numbs, disheartens and deadens the soul.
Eugene delights with small, quiet streets and local shops, amazing scenery and the ability to get around without taking the freeway everywhere. Eugene is also blessed with lively and knowledgeable advocacy groups that have ideas for countering the forces that threaten to make our city a home for strip malls and superstores. (more...)
Citizens State of the City Address
| Eugene Weekly | January 13, 2005 |
Below is the text from the fourth annual Citizens State of the City address given at noon Monday, Jan. 10 at the Eugene Public Library. The event traditionally serves as a counterpoint to the Mayor's State of the City Address and highlights issues of pressing importance to Eugene, as viewed by citizen groups in the community. Speakers this year are Lisa Arkin of Oregon Toxics Alliance, Rob Handy of River Road Community Organization, Gary Gillespie of Eugene-Springfield Solidarity Network, Kevin Matthews of Friends of Eugene. and Hope Marston of the Lane County Bill of Rights Defense Committee. (more...)
Governor Ted Kulongoski -- State of the State Speech 2005
By Governor Ted Kulongoski to Opening of Legislative Assembly
State of Oregon | January 10, 2005 |
Speaker Minnis, President Courtney, members of the Legislative Assembly, honored guests and fellow citizens, I am honored to be here, and proud to deliver my State of the State message on this first day of the 2005 legislative session. (more...)
Editorial -- Governor finds a legacy: Kulongoski embraces environmental issues
| The Register-Guard | January 13, 2005 |
For most of his first two years in office, Gov. Ted Kulongoski was a disappointment to Oregon environmentalists.
Although known as a strong environmentalist throughout most of his political career, Kulongoski focused more on jobs and the economy than on issues such as salmon restoration or clean air and water.
More recently, however, Kulongoski has had a green awakening, elevating environmental issues to such a degree that they may well end up becoming his primary legacy. (more...)
Les AuCoin -- Ted Kulongoski of old finally has resurfaced
By Les AuCoin
The Register-Guard | January 16, 2005 |
Well, that was the Ted Kulongoski I used to know! In his State of the State speech Monday, the governor at last stopped playing Mr. Goodwrench and started leading with guts and gumption. (more...)
Other
Voters will decide fate of tax
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 14, 2005 |
A city council-approved utility tax will now have to earn voters' consent.
A petition to send the tax, which would impose licensing requirements for all utilities and a 5-percent gross revenue tax on the privilege of conducting business within Springfield, to voters for approval or disapproval proved successful. Springfield voters will decide if the tax stays in an election this May. (more...)
Bill targets Coburg's speed trap
By David Steves
The Register-Guard | January 14, 2005 |
SALEM -- Sen. Floyd Prozanski has renewed his campaign against Coburg's lucrative speed trap, introducing a bill Thursday that bans ticketing agencies from keeping a portion of traffic fines. (more...)
A Bill to Manage Traffic Fines
COBURG -- It has been a controversial issue for the city of Coburg for years. Speed traps on I-5 as a source of revenue. (more...)
Coburg defends 'speed trap'
The City of Coburg is defending its policing practices -- after allegations officers give out speeding tickets on Interstate 5 to make a profit for the city. (more...)
Obie Merger
EUGENE -- The Eugene company that brought wrap-around bus signs to dozens of communities across the U.S. and Canada is merging with a larger competitor.
Stockholders approved the sale Friday, with Lamar Advertising Company out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana set to take over Obie Media on Tuesday. (more...)
Measure 37: News
Measure 37 support appears solid in Ore. House
By Mark Engler, Freelance Writer
The Capital Press | January 7, 2005 |
SALEM -- A Klamath Falls Republican who'll supervise a key front in looming battles over Measure 37 says one of his pressing political missions this legislative session is to defend against attempts to dilute, pollute or repeal the voter-approved initiative that became Oregon law on Dec. 2.
That probably means efforts favored by some to remove the provision of Measure 37 allowing governments to "forgo enforcement" of certain land use restrictions in lieu of providing financial compensation aren't going to gain much traction in the Land Use Committee of the Oregon House of Representatives. (more...)
Economist Examines Measure 37
CORVALLIS -- Since the passage of Measure 37 in November, government officials have been grappling with its implementation in cities and counties throughout the state. The ballot measure enables landowners to seek compensation when their property values are reduced by land-use regulations.
But how should that compensation be calculated? "The text of the measure says that compensation should equal the reduction in the fair market value of the property," said Andrew Plantinga, an economist at Oregon State University. "This sounds simple enough. It isn't." (more...)
Measure 37 awaits its first court test
"Major action" is expected today, and both sides of the property rights debate are gearing up for a fight
By Laura Oppenheimer and Ashbel S. Green
The Oregonian | January 14, 2005 |
Oregon's landmark property rights measure is expected to get its first legal challenge today when environmentalists and farming advocates file a lawsuit against it.
The conservation-oriented 1,000 Friends of Oregon and several supporters hinted at their plans Thursday, saying they will announce "major action" against Measure 37. But allies and opponents are gearing up for a legal battle. (more...)
Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of property rights measure
By Niki Sullivan
The Associated Press | January 14, 2005 |
SALEM -- A land-use watchdog group and several county farm bureaus announced Friday they are challenging the constitutionality of Measure 37, which demands governments compensate landowners for value lost because of regulations or waive the regulation.
The lawsuit filed in Marion County Circuit Court by 1000 Friends of Oregon and the Linn, Washington, Marion and Yamhill county farm bureaus claims Measure 37 violates the Oregon constitution by granting special privileges to landowners based on how long they've owned their property. (more...)
Lawsuit begins first challenge to Measure 37
Land-use law gives some owners special rights, claimants say
By Peter Wong
The (Salem) Statesman Journal | January 15, 2005 |
Farm groups, farmers and a land-use watchdog group went to court Friday in the first legal challenge to the property-compensation measure that Oregon voters approved last year.
Among those filing the suit were the Marion County Farm Bureau, Salem-area farmer Jack Chapin and 1000 Friends of Oregon. The suit involves four county farm bureaus and seven farmers.
They seek to overturn Measure 37, which voters approved Nov. 2 to require governments to pay landowners when regulations reduce their property values or to forgo regulation.
Their suit in Marion County Circuit Court alleges that the law violates the Oregon Constitution because it favors one group of citizens over another. (more...)
Measure 37 gets 'special rights' challenge
By David Bates
The (McMinnville) News-Register | January 15, 2005 |
A coalition of land-use activists and farmers filed suit Friday in Marion County Circuit Court seeking to have Measure 37 overturned on the grounds that it arbitrarily creates special rights for some landowners at the expense of others. (more...)
Lawsuit challenges Measure 37
By James Sinks
The (Bend) Bulletin | January 15, 2005 |
SALEM -- The landmark Measure 37 property compensation law passed by voters in November already figured to be among the hotly debated topics for this year's Legislature.
Now, it's also headed to the courtroom.
A coalition of farmers, an author of the 30-year-old state land-use law and watchdog group 1000 Friends of Oregon are suing in Marion County Circuit Court to overturn the measure.
Spokesmen for the groups announced the suit at a Capitol press conference Friday. (more...)
Measure 37: Debate begins on land use details
By Niki Sullivan
The Associated Press | January 16, 2005 |
SALEM -- During the fall election, Dorothy English appeared in TV commercials urging voters to approve Measure 37 and allow her to sell off or give away part of her 19 acres in Portland's West Hills.
Now that the property compensation measure has passed, some in the Legislature are scrutinizing the details -- including one lawmaker who says there are questions whether landowners such as English can even subdivide their property.
State Sen. Charlie Ringo, a Beaverton Democrat who opposed Measure 37, said it is "so ambiguous" and "so vague" that it might need to be retooled by the 2005 Legislature. (more...)
Measure 37: Ordinances
County may waive Measure 37 fees
Commissioner C.W. Smith believes government shouldn't penalize people even more by charging them a fee to file a claim
By Damian Mann
The (Medford) Mail Tribune | January 13, 2005 |
Jackson County commissioners are poised to grant refunds for Measure 37 claims filed so far and to waive future fees, though many communities in the state charge as much as the county did or more.
With 12 claims filed so far, the county could reimburse a total of $1,800 in fees if the proposal is passed. (more...)
Measure 37: Claims
Tualatin has received its first Measure 37 claim
The owner of a gymnastics center is asking the city for permission to expand, but no compensation
By Patrick Harrington
The Oregonian | January 12, 2005 |
TUALATIN -- Shortly after voters approved Measure 37 in November, some city officials wondered out loud if the property-rights measure would drown them in paperwork, bankrupt their cities or eviscerate exiting zoning laws.
And while there is plenty of time for that to happen, so far Measure 37 has yielded only one claim between the cities of Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood. (more...)