Health Options Digest
January 23, 2005
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
In This Issue
From the Editor
Week In Review
The year is starting off with a bang!
Last week, PeaceHealth and the Oregon Department of Transportation struck a deal, whereby PeaceHealth will contribute $8 million to the construction of the Interstate-5/Beltline interchange in order to see that the project is constructed in time for the opening of a new hospital.
EWEB has decided to ask the public, i.e., ratepayers, what they think about selling the EWEB site to Triad/McKenzie-Willamette for a new hospital.
Meanwhile, you can read what Arlie & Company has to say about its "back up" offer for the site. Just how much is Arlie offering?
Many Oregonians continue to lack basic health coverage.
The big story this past week is the continuing impasse between LTD management and the union over a new labor agreement. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, a strike might occur as soon as February 1.
The strike is raising questions about the accountability of LTD's board of directors, which isn't elected but rather appointed by the governor. As you read previously on this email list, State Senator Bill Morrisette is looking to introduce a bill to make the LTD board elected, a move intended to insure better accountability and "taxation with representation" for LTD.
Even if the Eugene City Council raises the local gas tax, that still won't be enough keep our streets free of potholes.
And in Florence, voters will be deciding whether they want to live with the local gas tax recently adopoted there to fix their potholes.
Measure 37 is a real mess, which will likely take years for the state legislature and the courts to sort out.
Lastly, bloggers -- people who post logs on the Web -- are starting to wonder what rules govern their conduct, especially as their influence grows. (Bloggers are credited with exposing Dan Rather over questionable documents related to President Bush's military record.) The Wall Street Journal recently reported about a meeting at Harvard University to address the journalistic and ethical rules that should govern blogs. Although "Health Options Digest" isn't exactly a blog, what we have been doing is more like a blogging than traditional print or broadcast media. We continue to strive to be "fair and balanced" (no pun on Fox News intended). Please know that any member of the community is welcome to send comments to our email list: choices-l@efn.org. The list is moderated to filter out spam and messages that are off-topic, and to prevent our subscribers from ebing overwhelmed by email. But we otherwise do not censure views.
Looking Ahead
On Monday, the Eugene City Council will discuss a list of metropolitan area transportation projects slated for construction in 2005-2007, even though Mayor Torrey jumped the gu and got the Metropolitan Policy Committee to approve these projects before the council could discuss them.
On Tuesday, the Springfield Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on PeaceHealth's master plan for their RiverBend site. From what we have heard, the plan is substantially the same as the plan PeaceHealth submitted and Springfield tentatively approved almost a year ago. But court decisions last year effectively changed the rules, meaning that PeaceHealth now has to comply with the correct rules.
Also on Tuesday, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Services, the nonprofit arm of McKenzie-Willamette, is holding its annual meeting.
Rob Zako, Editor
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
Calendar
Monday, January 24 -- Eugene City Council
City Hall, 777 Pearl St., Eugene, Lynda Rose, 682-5017, lynda.l.rose@ci.eugene.or.us
5:30 pm, Work Session, McNutt Room
1. Items from Mayor, City Council and City Manager
2. Work Session: Context-Sensitive Design and Funding of Crest Drive Neighborhood Street Improvements
3. Work Session: FY2005-2007 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program Project List
Tuesday, January 25 -- Springfield Planning Commission
Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St, Springfield, 726-3753
6:00 pm, Work Session, Jessie Maine Room
1. WORK SESSION: RiverBend Master Plan and Zone Change.
7:00 pm, Regular Meeting, City Council Chambers
5a. QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARING: RiverBend Master Plan and Zone Change.
In accordance with the Planning Commission's December 9, 2004 recommendation, on January 10, 2005 the City Council readopted amendments to the Metro Plan, Gateway Refinement Plan (GRP) Springfield Development Code (SDC) and Springfield Commercial Lands Study (SCLS) policies allowing PeaceHealth to locate the RiverBend hospital comp lex at their Gateway property. On January 12, 2005, PeaceHealth resubmitted applications for both master plan and zone change approval in order to meet the procedural requirements of the Development Code and the Oregon Revised Statutes. Both applications require a recommendation from the Planning Commission and a final decision by the City Council.
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.
Tuesday, February 1 -- Governor to lead off economic conference
By Sherri Buri McDonald
The Register-Guard | January 18, 2005 |
No one has a crystal ball to predict what will happen to Lane County's economy this year. But the next best thing may be the Lane County Economic Forecast conference -- an annual event since 1993.
The conference will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Hilton Eugene & Conference Center, 66 E. Sixth Ave.
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski will be the opening speaker. He will be followed by two panels: one of University of Oregon professors who will discuss issues affecting the local economy, and a second made up of working economists.
The UO speakers are Ronald Davies, associate economics professor, speaking on foreign investment and how to encourage exports; Larry Singell Jr., economics professor, discussing Oregon's minimum wage; and Bruce Blonigen, Knight professor of social science, on tax incentives for business.
The economists are Tom Potiowsky, state economist; John Mitchell, regional economist for U.S. Bank; Brian Rooney, the Oregon Employment Department economist for Lane County; Bill Conerly, an independent, Portland-based economist; and Ed Whitelaw, an economics consultant and UO economics professor.
The session includes a forecast by the panel on job growth, housing construction and real estate prices in Lane County.
The event is produced by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, The Register-Guard and the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences. The main sponsor is Northwest Natural.
Advanced registration is recommended. For cost and other information, contact the chamber at 484-1314, or visit www.eugenechamber.com.
Tuesday, February 1 -- Community Health Benefits Workgroup of Lane County (CHBW) and Oregon Health Action Campaign (OHAC)
| By Mary Ann Holser, Coordinator, CHBW, and Ellen Pinney, Executive Director, OHAC | January 19, 2005 |
5:30 pm -- 7:30 pm, Eugene Public Library, Bascom Room, 100 West 10th, Eugene, Appetizers and Refreshments Served
As a respected community leader who has, expressed concern about health access for the medically and economically vulnerable in Lane County, the Community Health Benefits Workgroup of Lane County and Oregon Health Action Campaign (OHAC) invites you to attend a special 2005 priority-setting meeting.
Presenters scheduled include Kevin McAndrews, Director, Peace Health Patient Financial Services; Bob Dritz, Executive Director White Bird Clinic; Steve Manela, Manager, Lane County Health and Human Services Commission and Ellen Pinney, Executive Director, OHAC.
For the first hour of the meeting, speakers will address access initiatives currently underway in Lane County including:
* Hospital financial assistance policies: update on McKenzie-Willamette and Peace Health
* 100% Access Initiative
* Lane County's new Federally Qualified Health Center: expansion, roles and challenges
* National and state legislative action on hospital charity care
* Oregon Health Plan / Medicaid budget issues.
The remainder of the meeting will be dedicated to developing priorities for 2005.
We request a RSVP to Tom Holser in our Eugene office: tholser@comcast.net or telephone (541) 343-5132.
The Community Health Benefits Workgroup of Lane County is a project of the Oregon Health Action Campaign (OHAC). Established in 1985 OHAC is a coalition of individuals and organizations who have come together to empower the consumer voice in the development of quality, responsive health systems that allow all people to access the health care they need, when they need it from the providers of their choice at an affordable cost.
Friday, February 4 -- Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC)
8:30 am, Agriculture Building, Basement Hearing Room, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, (503) 373-0050 ext. 271
9. Public Hearing on Proposed Administrative Rule Amendments -- OAR 660-012 (Transportation Planning Rule) -- Regarding Review of Plan and Land Use Regulation Amendments. The proposed amendments would revise requirements in Section 0060 that apply to local government review of plan and land use regulation amendments. The revisions are based on the work of a joint subcommittee of the LCDC and the Oregon Transportation Commission in response to LUBA and Court of Appeals decisions in the case of Jaqua v. City of Springfield. This is the first hearing on these proposed amendments. (A second hearing and possible adoption is scheduled for the Commission's March 16-18 meeting.) The Commission will accept written and oral comments. Persons wishing to comment should be prepared to limit oral testimony to three minutes. For additional information, please contact Bob Cortright at 373-0050 ext. 241, or by email bob.cortright@state.or.us.
Wednesday, February 9 -- Eugene City Council
A. WORK SESSION: Hospital Ordinance, City Attoney's Office
Tuesday, February 15 -- Joint LCDC/OTC TPR Subcommittee
1:00 pm, ODOT Human Resources Center, Suite C, 2775 19th Street SE, Salem
The Subcommittee will review and discuss proposed amendments to Section 0050 and 0070 of the Transportation Planning Rule (TPR), 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.
Wednesday, March 16 -- Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC)
Agriculture Building, Basement Hearing Room, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, (503) 373-0050 ext. 271
Public Hearing on Proposed Administrative Rule Amendments -- OAR 660-012 (Transportation Planning Rule) -- Regarding Review of Plan and Land Use Regulation Amendments. For additional information, please contact Bob Cortright at 373-0050 ext. 241, or by email bob.cortright@state.or.us.
Opportunities
County seeks volunteers
| The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
The Lane County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from citizens interested in serving on the Parks Advisory Committee.
This committee:
* advises the board on park needs of county residents and visitors regarding county park facilities;
* recommends priorities for projects, including financial and operational development and acquisition; and
* provides recommendations regarding long-range planning for future park programs and future park needs.
Meetings are held once each month. Seven at-large positions are available. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11.
For additional information, or to request applications, please call 682-4203.
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
Letter -- Quake could destroy riverside hospitals
By Sue Mandeville, Springfield
The Springfield News | January 21, 2005 |
Your editorial for Friday, Jan. 14, left out one obvious scenario. That is, if this earthquake you spoke of knocks out all the bridges, don't you think Riverbend is going to be wiped out too? No doubt Triad will also get its river view property, so the real danger is not just Eugene folks having no access to a hospital, it would be that both hospitals are destroyed!
A more likely danger with a big earthquake would be the damage caused to earthen dams upriver with the resulting wall of water coming down the rivers and destroying both hospitals. Since there seems to be no possibility in stopping the hospitals from building in such danger zones, there is a faint hope that the CEOs responsible for placing their hospitals on river banks would be in their offices at the time of the great flood and be swept away along with all their helpless patients.
Hospitals should never be put in the path of flood danger zones. I'm a secretary and know this. You'd think the city, the county or the state could find a spine and put a stop to this nonsense.
The BIG disaster for area health care has ALREADY OCCURRED; it is the waste of MILLIONS OF DOLLARS to create new grand hospitals where the old ones were serving the area just fine. All that money could have provided lower health costs to those of us who live in Springfield and Eugene. Case in point -- in the Eugene Register-Guard this morning is an article that tells of PeaceHealth committing $8 million to build roads. Hardly a hospital's best use of its money. Then again, it's no secret that the taxpayers will ultimately be stuck with the bill.
PeaceHealth offers road funds
By Tim Christie
The Register-Guard | January 18, 2005 |
PeaceHealth has struck a deal with the Oregon Department of Transportation to kick in $8 million toward rebuilding Interstate 5's interchange with Belt Line Road, possibly clearing a significant legal hurdle in the hospital corporation's effort to build a new hospital in north Springfield.
The agreement, announced Monday by PeaceHealth, satisfies the concerns raised last year by the Land Use Board of Appeals and upheld by the state Court of Appeals, PeaceHealth spokesman Brian Terrett said. (more...)
PeaceHealth, ODOT strike 'win-win' deal: Agreement ensures access to new hospital site
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
PeaceHealth and the Oregon Department of Transportation have an $8 million deal in place.
The agreement, announced Monday, provides that PeaceHealth will match up to $8 million in funding for the Interstate 5 and Beltline Highway interchange project. In turn, ODOT has agreed to complete both the first and second phases of the interchange project in time for the new hospital opening in 2008.
PeaceHealth will make $1 million payments each year from 2012 to 2020, according to hospital officials. (more...)
McKenzie-Willamette/Triad
EWEB to consult public on Triad hospital deal
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | January 19, 2005 |
It pays to listen to your customers, whether you're a business or a public utility.
With that in mind, the Eugene Water & Electric Board plans to hold a public forum to provide ratepayers with more information on the utility's negotiations with Triad Hospitals Inc.
Such an open forum also would give customers an opportunity to sound off on the proposed sale of EWEB's headquarters and operations facility along the Willamette River in downtown Eugene. Triad wants to buy the property and build a new McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center there, but price and other issues are far from settled.
Although negotiations have been going on for almost a year, the utility has yet to solicit feedback from its ratepayers. Board members on Tuesday night agreed to hold one or more forums, though dates have yet to be set. (more...)
Arlie & Company -- A Message to the Community
Arlie & Company has informed EWEB that we would like to make a back up offer for the 27-acre site along the Willamette River in Downtown Eugene in the event the Triad purchase is unable to move forward with their purchase.
Arlie & Company believes that the planning of the EWEB site requires community-wide discussions to set goals and to establish a common vision that allows all of Eugene to take ownership in the future of this special, historically significant place. We understand that the vision for a downtown riverfront must reflect the dreams and meet the needs of the collective community. The ideas presented in these drawings are intended as a starting point for the discussion of this collective vision. (more...)
Slant -- John Musumeci
| Eugene Weekly | January 20, 2005 |
John Musumeci's firm Arlie & Co. is getting plenty of head pats in the R-G and TV news following the company's press conference last week. Arlie announced its plans for redeveloping the EWEB site if Triad/McKenzie-Willamette bows out of its hospital plans. Sleepy R-G newshounds wrote about Arlie's "offer" and "proposal," but where's the kibble? No dollar amounts were mentioned, no earnest money offered, no plans for traffic across those nasty railroad tracks. What's behind this dog and pony show? We hear rumors that Musumeci, who once mated with PeaceHealth on the RiverBend deal and carried off 18 million bones, is now barking about Triad building its new hospital at Crescent Drive, not more than a five-minute trot from PeaceHealth's RiverBend site. Such a deal might scratch Arlie's back, but it would be a choke collar for the public, unless of course PeaceHealth rolls over and retreats to lick its wounds in Glenwood. We can't help but wonder if PeaceHealth board members had any idea what kinds of dogs they were about to unleash when they walked along the McKenzie River in 2001, inhaled the aroma of pine trees and thought, "This would be a healing spot for our new hospital." Leaves us scratching our heads.
Piercy and Poling -- Hospital move a golden opportunity
By Kitty Piercy and George Poling
The Register-Guard | January 21, 2005 |
Much has been said in these pages about the pros and cons of developing a hospital on the Eugene Water & Electric Board's central Eugene property. The discussion is welcome. Much is at stake. (more...)
Letter -- Let ratepayers decide on sale
By Harland Hurd, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 22, 2005 |
I'm not usually a great fan of Arlie & Co., but I think the company's idea to develop the riverfront at the Eugene Water & Electric Board site is a good one.
I have a modification to suggest that would make it a better idea. Why doesn't EWEB keep its administrative headquarters right where it is, move utility operations to an outlying area and sell all the land except the headquarters building and parking to Arlie or another developer?
Doesn't it make sense to keep a perfectly good building for administration instead of incurring all the expense of a new building at today's high costs and the expense of moving?
Doesn't it make sense to sell the remaining prime waterfront land to a developer who would probably pay as much for that part as Triad was willing to pay for the whole site?
Doesn't it make sense to develop the remaining land as a residential and commercial and recreational mix that all the people of Eugene could enjoy?
EWEB does not have an obligation to make Triad happy, but it does have an obligation to make their ratepayers happy, and I think that this idea would make ratepayers very happy. If the commissioners aren't sure what to do, I suggest a referendum. Ratepayers should decide.
Health Care
Healthcare Eludes Many More Oregonians
| The Associated Press | January 18, 2005 |
SALEM -- High unemployment, rising health care costs and a shrinking Oregon Health Plan have left a rising number of Oregonians without health insurance, according to a survey released Tuesday.
The survey also indicated that, despite ups and downs in state funding for schools, people are generally pleased with the quality of education students are receiving in Oregon's public schools.
The extensive population survey is conducted every two years by the Oregon Progress Board and 16 other state agencies.
The latest survey found that 17 percent, or 609,000 Oregonians, are without health insurance, up from 14 percent in 2002. More than 18 percent of employed Oregonians lack health insurance.
Cuts in the Oregon Health Plan are a factor in the "tragedy" of fewer insured Oregonians, said Bruce Goldberg, head of Oregon's Office of Health Policy and Research. (more...)
1 in 6 Oregonians lack health coverage
The ranks of uninsured, the most since 1992, exceed the national rate, and reflect a smaller Oregon Health Plan, the economy and rising costs for all
By Don Colburn
The Oregonian | January 18, 2005 |
One in six Oregonians lacks health insurance, the highest rate since 1992, according to a new survey by the Oregon Progress Board.
The estimated total of 609,000 residents with no medical coverage is the most since the agency started tracking statewide trends in 1990. Seventeen percent of Oregonians are uninsured, an increase from 14 percent two years ago.
For the first time in a decade, Oregon appears to have a greater proportion of uninsured residents than the nation as a whole. The most recent national estimate is 15.6 percent, based on 2003 data.
Analysts cite three intertwined factors: a sputtering economy, a shrinking Oregon Health Plan for low-income residents and escalating health care costs for all. (more...)
Medicare savings urged
| The Associated Press | January 19, 2005 |
WASHINGTON -- A Medicare advisory group is recommending to Congress that it curb projected increases to hospitals in 2006 and freeze payments to nursing homes and home care agencies. (more...)
Governors whittle Medicaid costs
By Rich Lyman
The New York Times | January 23, 2005 |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- America's governors, struggling for a grip on mounting Medicaid costs, are restricting access, squeezing providers and chipping away at services. But perhaps no one is proposing changes as far-reaching and fundamental as Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida. (more...)
Nearby Developments
Terry McDonald -- Tax credits for housing a crucial need
By Terry McDonald
The Register-Guard | January 17, 2005 |
Lists. They help us get stuff done, or at least plan to get stuff done. So, I was disturbed to read The Register-Guard's front-page article of Jan. 9, "Digging for common ground," and find no mention of affordable housing in the list of legislative issues to watch during the upcoming session. (more...)
Task force urges convention development
By Bob Keefer and Christian Wihtol
The Register-Guard | January 22, 2005 |
The idea of building a big new convention or conference center in the Eugene-Springfield area has been batted around by tourism advocates for a decade or more -- and it looks like a new report will revive the discussion. (more...)
Editorial -- Kick-starting tourism: Let's figure out how to do it
| The Register-Guard | January 23, 2005 |
People involved in promoting tourism and attracting conventions have warned for at least a decade that Lane County risks losing its status as Oregon's No. 2 destination for visitors. The risk is real: Other Northwest communities are building bigger, more up-to-date visitor accommodations and convention halls, eclipsing Lane County's disco-era facilities. Local governments need to figure out what, if anything, ought to be done about it. (more...)
Springfield justice center might take 4 years to rise
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | January 19, 2005 |
SPRINGFIELD -- It may take as long as four years for the city to plan and build its new $28 million downtown justice center and municipal jail, the City Council was told Tuesday night. (more...)
City tackles logistics of new justice center
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 21, 2005 |
While it's not expected to be complete for three to four years, initial tasks must be addressed to jump-start the voter-approved justice center facility project.
Springfield city staff briefed city councilors on a possible timeline for the new municipal facility, which will house the police department, municipal court, prosecutor's office and proposed municipal jail.
But before the project moves forward, city staff said a citizen advisory committee would need to be formed, a site plan developed and planning issues identified, and a project architect selected. (more...)
Neighborhood Group Concerned About New Arena
EUGENE -- With the University of Oregon eyeing the Williams Bakery site near campus for the development of a new basketball arena, a neighborhood association is making its voice heard.
The Fairmount Neighbors Association met with a Eugene city planner Thursday night at the Laurelwood Golf Course to talk about the arena project.
Some of the neighbors are worried about parking for the new arena, others, including Darcy Vanderlan favor a mixed-use development for the neighborhood. "I don't see how you can reconcile a more pedestrian friendly, more liveable neighborhood with the added traffic of higher density development and an arena and a potential freeway off-ramp."
The Fairmount Neighborhood Association has formed a committee to work with the University of Oregon and with the City of Eugene on the proposed arena development.
Opponents to Santa Clara land swap craft survey
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 23, 2005 |
The opinion of Santa Clara residents is much in demand these days, especially when it comes to the proposed park and housing development on the city's northern edge.
Residents opposed to the city's proposed land swap with developers Norman and Melvin McDougal are running an advertisement in The Register-Guard this week, asking what their neighbors think of the plan for a 77-acre park and 125-acre housing and commercial development near Irvington Road and Northwest Expressway.
Among other concerns, opponents fear the new park and housing development would cause traffic congestion and clog already-crowded schools. (more...)
Area waterways the subject of study
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 21, 2005 |
Springfield's Cedar Creek has been tapped for close examination as part of a larger multi-year study of the health and function of the metropolitan area's waterways.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lane County, Springfield and Eugene have partnered together for the study, which aims to provide a better understanding of existing problems facing local waterways. The study will also look at potential solutions to improve local creeks and rivers, and identify potential projects for the future. (more...)
Big utility takes over plan for Coburg power plant
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | January 23, 2005 |
Black Hills Corp. has been moving west from its South Dakota base for decades, but it didn't hit the Oregon Trail until two years ago.
Black Hills partnered with Eugene-based energy developer Gary Marcus in 2003 on a plan to build a natural-gas-fired power plant two miles north of Coburg -- a town with its own pioneer roots.
Like others who have headed West, Black Hills is coming in search of opportunity. (more...)
Transportation
Letter -- LTD has spent money foolishly
By Betty Barton, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 17, 2005 |
The large ads in The Register-Guard on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4 point the accusing finger directly at Lane Transit District's General Manager Ken Hamm for the mess in which we find our transit system and his refusal to negotiate a decent contract for the majority of LTD employees.
He has pulled the rug out from under the unsuspecting community that has supported the transit system -- primarily through payroll taxes.
It appears that LTD has blown money foolishly, with future plans to blow even more. It's difficult to believe that the coffers of LTD are so empty that now management is moaning it cannot even continue the present contract with its union employees, let alone negotiate a better one.
The article appearing in The Register-Guard on Jan. 5 stated that the nonunion employees have agreed to the new health plan offered by LTD. To set the record straight, there is no agreement with nonunion employees for benefits. They are not in a position to bargain with management. Plus, a large part of those nonunion employees hold positions with salaries considerably higher than the wages of the union bargaining unit.
It's much easier to shell out a huge deductible when the paycheck is much larger.
In the bus they trust: The threat of a strike looms over those for whom LTD is a lifeline
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | January 17, 2005 |
Thousands of bus riders will feel the pinch if union workers at the Lane Transit District go on strike.
For some, a shutdown of bus service will amount to an inconvenience as they scramble to catch rides with friends or take on the hassle of driving their own cars and competing for scarce parking spaces.
But for many who don't drive and who travel only by bus, the possibility of a strike poses a far greater threat -- from no way to get to the grocery store or medical appointments to the threat of losing their jobs if they can't get to work.
It's a fear that grips many of the developmentally disabled workers at the Pearl Buck Center's production services location at West Fifth Avenue and Bertelsen Road in west Eugene. (more...)
Drivers' Demands
LTD's buses are still running, for now. "I have been in negotiations, but not like this before," explains Union Executive Board Officer Carol Allred.
The difference, she says, is that LTD is not offering a better deal. Instead, it's cutting back on benefits, starting with healthcare, a common practice in the private sector. "LTD considers itself an employer of choice in this community, I believe we set the standard for this community. Even though the private sector folks don't have insurance or may have to pay for it, that doesn't make it right," she explains. (more...)
LTD Rollback -- January 18, 2005, Advertisement
| ATU 757 Lane Transit District Workers | January 18, 2005 |
Open Letter from the LTD Workers to the LTD Board of Directors:
Mr. Gerry Gaydos; Ms. Susan Ban; Ms. Deborah Davis; Mr. Michael Eyster; Mr. David Gant; Mr. Nancy Doran; Mr. Dave Kleger:
As we write this letter we are giving you the benefit of the doubt and know that not all of you agreed with the LTD Board decisions discussed below. We also believe that, like most people in your position, you have followed management's lead because you trusted what they told you. Unfortunately, in this case, that trust was misplaced. LTD's budget documents show a pattern of bad decisions that jeopardize the future of LTD as a transit agency. All of these documents are available on the Public Information page of our website (www.ltdrollback.com). We are using this opportunity to highlight these bad decisions by pointing to them in LTD's 2004-2005 budget document ("Budget") and prior budget documents: (more...)
Editorial -- Avoid a transit strike: Riders' lives, LTD's stability at stake
| The Register-Guard | January 19, 2005 |
The Lane Transit District and the union representing transit workers are no doubt aware that thousands of bus riders' lives would be seriously disrupted by a strike. They may have given less thought to the long-term damage that a strike could inflict upon the district itself. As they meet again today in an attempt to agree upon a contract, negotiators should keep in mind both groups' interests: their riders' and their own. (more...)
Letter -- LTD parties should compromise
By Neah Kratzer, Creswell
The Register-Guard | January 19, 2005 |
In response to the Jan. 7 article on the Lane Transit District negotiations: I am a seventh-grade student at the Network Charter School.
Our school uses the LTD bus system instead of a normal school bus. I use the LTD bus system to get to and from school, so the bus drivers going on strike would greatly affect me.
I think that the union has a good point, that its members do need good health care benefits.
If I were in their position, I would do the same thing.
It seems to me that the union was willing to give up a lot of other stuff for good health care benefits, but it still couldn't convince the LTD administration to give employees more health care.
I heard the union said that it cares about the riders, but if it really does, then it shouldn't go on strike because that would affect all of the riders.
Also, not all people would be able to get to work or school easily without the bus.
I think that they -- the union and administration -- could easily just meet in the middle of both of their offers. A compromise would be the easy solution.
Letter -- LTD's building boom is at riders' expense
By Melinda Raven, Springfield
The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
What's going on with Lane Transit District? Why are the employees preparing to strike? Why have 200 of the employees signed a petition of no confidence in the general manager's ability to run Lane Transit? Why aren't the citizens of Springfield and surrounding areas up in arms over the excessive capital expenditures by the current general manager?
Everyone who has an employee or is self-employed in the area serviced by Lane Transit District pays the employment tax. Do they realize that their money is being spent on grandiose projects and not to support service for the riders? The current general manager, Ken Hamm, started with a capital expenditure budget of $2 million when he came on board four years ago, and the budget is now $27 million for 2005. He has done this while cutting the number of routes, served and the hours of service resulting in a 24 percent cut in service in the last 3 years.
Ken Hamm and his board of directors have also now requested an increase in the payroll tax.
If this is the way you'd run your business -- buying new building, remodeling, repainting, buying new vehicles, while cutting your services and service hours and raising your rates -- then support Ken Hamm. If, however, you see this as a way to business ruin and in this case a gross abuse of the way YOUR TAXES are being spent, contact Representative Peter Defazio, Deborah Davis (your LTD board representative), Governor Ted Kulongoski and don't forget to write letters to the editor. Please, help save Lane Transit District.
Letter -- LTD drivers seek a better bus for all
By Rebecca Emerson, Springfield
The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
Addressing employee contributions for health benefits: If I were to ask, "Would you like your employer to pay for all your benefits?," I doubt the response would be, "No, I love having wages deducted from my check." People have been led to believe that they are not worthy, are undeserving of the employers paying for their "benefits." It saddens me people feel this way.
Our goal is not just about us; we're fighting for the good of the American labor force. Our direction takes us towards NO employee contributions being the "norm." Can you imagine a place where EVERYONE makes a living wage? Americans are going in the wrong direction. Just because "everybody is doing it" does NOT make it right.
I would like to be clear about what we are asking for. No more money, more benefits, or anything else. All we want is to extend our current contract. That's not good enough; we are being asked to take cuts.
If a strike occurs, the people hurt will be the customers, the same customers hurt by fare increases and service cuts. It's not just about health benefits, it's about bad management choices. It is our goal to make things better for everyone. I would love to have six minutes, in between runs, to really listen to a customer and literally walk them to their next bus, making sure they got where they were going ... those days are gone, as are most aspects of "customer service," thanks to something they call "efficiency."
Cooling-off time is over for LTD, union
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
The 30-day cooling-off period has ended and negotiations continue today between the Lane Transit District and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757.
However, it's not clear how much cooling off has actually happened in the heated dispute between drivers and management.
Both parties say they want to avoid a strike, but contract issues over health care, wage increases and work rules remain unresolved. Bargaining began last May and a mediator was requested by both parties in October to help reach an agreement. After months of failed negotiations, the district and the union are considering the next step. (more...)
LTD, union to try again to settle labor dispute
| The Register-Guard | January 19, 2005 |
Bargaining teams for the Lane Transit District and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 will meet in mediation at 1 p.m. today at the Hilton Eugene to try to resolve issues standing in the way of a new labor agreement.
The greatest obstacle to a new contract continues to be the rapidly increasing cost of health care and the type of health care plan available to unionized workers.
The union wants to maintain the current managed care plan with premiums paid by the transit district. LTD wants to switch workers to a less-expensive plan that includes a deductible for major medical expenses. The district would continue to pay the entire premium and has offered to create a reserve account for each employee to help defray out-of-pocket expenses.
The positions of the transit district and the union on health care and other unsettled issues may be seen on the Internet at www.ltd.org or www.ltdrollback.com. The two sides have been in negotiations since May, with impasse declared in December.
At any time, the transit district could give five days' notice to impose its final offer, and the union could call for a strike with 10 days' notice.
LTD Stike Could be Around the Corner
Bus drivers for the Lane Transit District will file an intent to strike Thursday, giving LTD ten days notice before walking off the job. (more...)
LTD Manager Blamed for Overspending
| Eugene Weekly | January 20, 2005 |
LTD's operating revenues for fiscal year 2004-05 are expected to exceed operating costs by more than $2 million, and the district has operating reserves of almost $8 million. So why, ask unionized LTD workers, is the district cutting both services for riders and health care benefits for employees? (more...)
Strike nears as talks fail between LTD, union
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | January 20, 2005 |
Attempts to mediate a contract settlement between the Lane Transit District and its employees represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 fell apart again Wednesday, with both sides ready to take the next step toward a strike that would shut down the bus system.
Mary Neidig, LTD's human resources director and a member of its bargaining team, said the district will file today the required five-day notice of intent to impose the conditions it had on the table in mid-December when the two sides came to an impasse in negotiations. The conditions will go into effect Wednesday, Neidig said.
For its part, the union announced its intention to call a strike of its employees on Jan. 30, after the requirement for a 10-day notice has been met. (more...)
Bus Strike Preparations
EUGENE -- Lane Transit District bus drivers are expected to give the official word Friday, they plan to strike.
Union officials say they'll issue an 11-day strike notice Friday, one more day's warning than they're required to give. Under that schedule drivers would walk off the job on Monday, January 31st, if no agreement is reached first.
Meantime, local agencies and organizations are realizing it's time to get serious about a back-up plan. 250-clients of Senior and Disabled Services rely on LTD as their only transportation. Agency officials are planning to use taxi's to get those clients to medical appointments. (more...)
Schools Brace for Bus Strike
EUGENE -- As a bus strike edges closer, local schools are making plans for students who rely on public transit to get to school.
For 10-years, the Eugene 4-J School District has used L-T-D buses to transport students who live outside the school bus routes.
But with the possibility of a strike, Kelly McIver with the school district says, they may have to double its school bus routes.
"We're just crossing our fingers hoping that things get worked out amicably of course. And we can get things back to normal. We're trying to get ready in case we need to." McIver said.
If the strike does take place, McIver says, they will send out letters to parents detailing their plans.
LTD Rollback -- January 21, 2005, Advertisement
| ATU 757 Lane Transit District Workers | January 21, 2005 |
You're running a little late for class... It's dark, cold, raining... The bus should be here any minute, but... There is NO BUS!!
LTD management wants you to think that your bus operator is to blame if LTD workers go on strike. Yet, it is LTD mis-management that will cause a strike because... (more...)
Letter -- Save money with smaller buses
By Suzy Hess, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 21, 2005 |
If Lane Transit District officials had been purchasing smaller buses, such as the Breeze-sized buses, instead of the giant-sized ones that ride around some of the routes empty, perhaps they could have spent the money saved on health insurance for their drivers. And don't tell me that the bigger ones are less expensive to operate than the smaller ones.
Letter -- LTD workers must share costs
By Larry Jackson, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 21, 2005 |
Lane Transit District employees have a really good deal. In reading the article about the health care cost for LTD employees (Register-Guard, Jan. 7), I found it very interesting that the employee cost for health, dental and vision is zero. The article does not state whether the employee pays a deductible or a cost share per visit, but I find it absolutely amazing that their cost for premiums is free.
Businesses operate using best practices that are generally accepted among most companies. LTD's current health care cost management is not a best practice. Most major corporations pay only a portion, generally up to 75 percent, of employees' medical, dental and vision coverage, with the employee paying the remaining 25 percent. In addition, the employee has a cost share per visit and often an annual deductible. The same formula is used for pharmacy costs.
Competitiveness and viability are essential whether you're managing a government entity, a private business or a publicly traded corporation. Government entities such as LTD must operate within their budgets, and instituting business best practices is absolutely essential.
I am certain the LTD employees will not like hearing this, but they should be paying a fair share of their health care costs. They need to open their eyes and realize how many people do not have health care, and that virtually everyone who does must pay a portion of this expense.
It's time to be reasonable before they begin hurting the very people who need them the most.
Union, LTD in the 'strike zone'
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | January 21, 2005 |
Another round of negotiations ended in failure Wednesday, and a strike may be on the horizon.
The Lane Transit District filed anotice to implement its final offer -- saying, in effect, "take it or leave it" -- on Thursday. And Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 representatives said a 10-day strike notice would be filed by today, which means by month's end, bus services could grind to a halt. (more...)
LTD workers postpone giving notice of strike
| The Register-Guard | January 21, 2005 |
If members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 go on strike against the Lane Transit District, the walkout won't happen until Jan. 31 at the earliest.
After mediation efforts failed Wednesday, the union indicated that it would file its 10-day notice of intention to strike on Thursday, but it did not, according to a news release issued late in the day.
"The negotiating team is discussing that notification, but no decision, as yet, has been made" about filing the notice, the release said.
However, the transit district filed its intention Thursday to impose on workers the conditions contained in its last offer before negotiations between the two sides reached impasse in December. The conditions include putting into effect on Feb. 1 a new health plan opposed by the union.
Based on that action, the union said, "a strike appears inevitable."
The two sides will meet with a professional mediator again Wednesday.
Looming Strike
EUGENE -- Lane Transit District bus drivers delivered their strike notice today. If union and LTD officials don't agree on a contract, drivers will walk off the job February first.
It's definitely the talk around the bus station, what LTD riders will do if there is a strike. Thousands of people will be impacted should these buses be parked.
Regular riders are starting to make other plans. Many have signed up with LTD's Commuter Solutions program. The program matches people willing to share a ride with neighbors going the same way. (more...)
LTD employees' union files notice of intention to strike
| The Register-Guard | January 22, 2005 |
If talks between the Lane Transit District and its 230 employees represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 don't result in a new bargaining agreement soon, the union workers could go out on strike one minute after midnight on Feb. 1. (more...)
Letter -- Eugene gas tax hike fair to all
By Art Farley, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 18, 2005 |
Eugene is accumulating a backlog of more than $7 million per year in street repairs. As maintenance is deferred, the extent of street damage increases and repair costs rise.
The Eugene City Council is considering a 2-cent-per-gallon increase in local gas taxes to cover partially this shortfall. What would be the cost of this new tax to you? If you drive locally 20,000 miles per year (high), get 20 miles per gallon (low) and buy all of your gas in Eugene (unlikely), you would pay $20 per year in increased taxes. This is less than one latte per month.
Eugene gas dealers object, saying they will lose business when they pass the tax along to customers. Gas prices differ by up to 10 cents per gallon across town as it is, and stations are not closing because of it. Even if everyone were charging the same price and gas were 2 cents cheaper elsewhere, it is hard to imagine many people driving out of the city to save about $1.60 a month.
Our roads will not be maintained unless we step forward and pay for needed repairs. The benefits of this tax are clear. I urge the City Council to approve the tax increase. The combined 5-cent-per-gallon tax will only cover about one-third of the overall annual need.
Since we all use the streets for many reasons, this is fair. The rest would best be covered by a fee on commercial uses. Businesses receive the most direct benefits, and trucks produce most of the damage.
Rise in gas tax still would fall short
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 20, 2005 |
If the Eugene City Council raises the city's gasoline tax on Monday, it won't be the last that residents will hear about paying more for street repairs. (more...)
Florence Gas Tax Now Up To The Voters
The gas tax issue in Florence will now be up to the voters. (more...)
Road work on I-105 slated to begin next week
| The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
Work on the I-105 Highway Improvement Project will begin late next week when ODOT's contractor on the project, Main Line Paving of McMinnville, installs construction signs and works on the bridge railing. During the week of January 31, Main Line Paving will be clearing brush on the side of the road as it prepares to build auxiliary lanes from Interstate-5 to Coburg Road and from Country Club Road to Delta Highway. No major traffic delays are expected during this work. (more...)
Other
Editorial -- City will lose tax fight if it doesn't say what it's for
| The Springfield News | January 19, 2005 |
Last November, Springfield bucked a long-established trend in the state of Oregon by passing a tax measure -- by a substantial margin, at that. As a result, our town got the green light to build a new public safety facility, possibly including our own municipal jail.
Now, just two months later, we get the word that voters in our town will be asked about another tax measure -- this time, a telecommunications tax that the City Council enacted just weeks after the November election.
And it will go down in flames -- unless the city learns from its success in November. (more...)
When Bloggers Make News
As their clout increases, web diarists are asking: just what are the rules?
By Jessica Mintz
The Wall Street Journal | January 21, 2005; Page B1 |
Christopher Frankonis, like many bloggers, first began writing on his Web site about whatever popped into his head -- what kind of day he was having, the craziness of Oregon weather. Sometimes he would comment on a news story that caught his attentioon, and provide readers with a link to the story.
Then, two years ago, he launched the Portland Communique, a blog that combines firsthand reporting, opinion and links to articles about Portland news and politics, from mayoral races to neighborhood meetings. IN essence, he became a one-man newspaper with about 400 readers a day. Although he has no formal hournalism background, he began thinking of himself as a journalist.
Bloggers such as Mr. Frankonis are finally moving from the alleys and side streets of the Internet into the mainstream. And as their visibility and clout increases, some are asking: what are the rules of the road?
Measure 37: Views
Letter -- Governor is wrong about the details of Measure 37
By T.J. Schaffer, Turner
The (Salem) Stateman Journal | January 18, 2005 |
Citizens not wrongly offended by misadministration of land-use rules are one "constitutional class." Another class of citizens, whose rights were wrongly impaired, are now entitled to restoration of property rights because of Measure 37.
To satisfy the requirements of the Oregon Constitution, Article 1 Bill of Rights, Section 20, Equality of privileges and immunities of citizens, both classes must be restored to the same real property rights, based on the date of ownership and then applicable rules.
Additionally, the Oregon Constitution at Section 21 prevents government from making "ex post facto" laws. Government cannot modify property rights, effective yesterday. Giving back a personal right to displace a real property right, wrongly impaired, is not lawful. Restoring rights means rolling the administrative clock back in all respects.
The governor is wrong.
Editorial -- Question of fairness: Lawsuit cites Measure 37's many inequities
| The Register-Guard | January 22, 2005 |
When Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 37 last November, they thought they were getting a law that resolved inequities in the state's land-use system. They ended up getting the initiative version of a car-lot lemon, a sputtering junker that spews more inequities than it fixes -- if, indeed, it fixes any at all. (more...)
Measure 37: News
Legislature to dissect Measure 37
Lawmakers might decide issues of compensation and division of property
By Niki Sullivan
The Associated Press | January 18, 2005 |
During the fall election, Dorothy English appeared in TV commercials urging voters to approve Measure 37 and allow her to sell 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 even can 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.
Ringo is the chairman of the Senate Environment and Land Use Committee, which is looking into possible revisions of the measure that entitles property owners to receive compensation by government or have land-use rules waived if their land value was decreased by regulations.
The issue also has landed in the courts. On Friday, opponents filed a lawsuit saying Measure 37 is unconstitutional because it grants special privileges to landowners based on how long they've owned their property.
Not everyone agrees that Measure 37 needs to be fixed.
David Hunnicutt of Oregonians in Action, the chief sponsor of the measure, said it is clearly written and opponents are only searching for ways to undermine the vote. (more...)
Intervenor status sought
By The News-Register staff
The (McMinnville) News-Register | January 20, 2005 |
Howard Meredith of Dundee this week filed papers in Marion County Circuit Court to intervene in the Measure 37 lawsuit filed Friday by 1000 Friends of Oregon and a coalition of farmers.
Meredith and city officials in Dundee are haggling over a Measure 37 claim he filed there in December for the property where his purple-colored house is located on Highway 99W.
Lincoln City attorney Russell L. Baldwin, acting on Meredith's behalf, is asking that the land-use watchdog's lawsuit be dismissed on the grounds that the plaintiffs haven't exhausted other judicial remedies.
On Friday, Measure 37 opponents asked a Marion County judge to throw out the property compensation initiative approved in November by voters on the grounds that it establishes special privileges and immunities for some, but not all, property owners.
Suit challenges constitutionality of Measure 37
SALEM -- Measure 37 is headed to court.
Oregon farmers, several county Farm Bureaus and a land-use watchdog organization Jan. 14 filed suit in Marion County Circuit Court challenging the constitutionality of the property rights compensation measure Oregon voters approved in the Nov. 2 general election.
Bob Stacey, executive director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, said at a press conference Jan. 14 that the measure creates inequality among Oregon property owners and affords special rights to a privileged class based on when property owners bought their land. (more...)
Eugene seeks to find Measure 37's place
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 19, 2005 |
The state mandate has been clear for years: Identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas in Eugene from development.
But then came Measure 37, which allows landowners to seek compensation from state and local govern- ments if land use rules lessen property values.
In the continuing fallout from the law's passage last November, questions are now being raised about the city's ability to use regulations to protect wildlife habitat, waterways and wetlands.
Officials are trying to figure out how to comply with long- standing state requirements to protect natural resources while avoiding Measure 37 claims from landowners.
The City Council today will be briefed on the subject by the Planning Department staff and city lawyers. (more...)
County divided over Measure 37
Commissioners debate several ideas for a policy from not paying money to looking at claims case by case
By Henry Stern
The Oregonian | January 19, 2005 |
HILLSBORO -- Washington County commissioners are far from one mind when it comes to wrestling with Measure 37 claims.
At a discussion Tuesday about the property compensation measure, commissioners' recommendations ranged from waiving land-use regulations for all claimants to deciding development requests on a case-by-case basis. (more...)