Come Share Your Vision for Oregon's Future!
April 26, 2006
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
Some rich man came and raped the land, nobody caught 'em,
put up a bunch of ugly boxes and, Jesus, people bought 'em.
And they called it paradise, the place to be,
they watched the hazy sun sinking in the sea.
You can leave it all behind and sail to Lahaina
just like the missionaries did so many years ago.
They even brought a neon sign 'Jesus is Coming',
brought the white man's burden down, brought the white man's reign.
Who will provide the grand design, what is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier, we have got to make it here.
-- From "The Last Resort" by The Eagles, 1976
Dear CHOICES members and supporters,
There is still much wisdom to be gained from this musical gem from The Eagles: urban sprawl, paradise, the parallels between Oregon and Hawaii, the history of missionaries and native peoples, false idols, the importance of planning, the need for us to come together, etc. The song was released in 1976 as part of the "Hotel California" album. The title is a metaphor for our whole country and the album is a kind of 200-year birthday present. But further ruminations on the significance of "The Last Resort" will have to wait for another day.
For now, recall that we -- CHOICES, the hospitals, our elected leaders and the whole community -- have collectively failed to plan for our health care future. Planning in Lane County isn't really working, at least when it comes to siting hospitals, and we are all worse off as a result. (See "We Have Got To Make It Here," March 8, 2006)
Also, recall that according to Portland planning consultant John Fregonese, "A vision keeps you on the path when the plan fails." Last time, we argued that our leaders are all of us, you and me. In talking about creating visions, John Fregonese's most important message is this: "Trust the people." We have work to do. Let's roll up our sleeves and begin. (See "Cloudy Visions," March 30, 2006)
But our talk is cheap. It's time to take the next step. We are writing today to urge you to roll up your sleeves and join us and other Oregonians in beginning the important work of crafting a vision for Oregon:
Town Hall Forum: Come Share Your Vision for Oregon's Future!
Saturday, April 29. 2006, 9 am - noon
LaSells Stewart Center, OSU Campus, Corvallis
It's fun, it's free and it's important. We won't be able to do enough to fix our little part of Lane County until we join other Oregonians and take a look at the bigger picture. Read on for details.
And if you are interested in carpooling, let us know and we will try to help arrange that. We might not be able to do much to lower the price of gas, but at least we can split the cost more ways!
For CHOICES,
Rob Zako
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
"You and I shouldn't claim we love Oregon more than anyone else, but that we love Oregon as much as anyone. Our thoughts today, and our deliberations to come, must spring from our determination to keep Oregon lovable and to make it even more livable."
-- Gov. Tom McCall
WHEN:
Saturday, April 29, 2006, 9:00 am - Noon
(light breakfast provided)
WHERE:
Oregon State University, LaSells Stewart Center
26th Street and Western, Corvallis
Click here for directions
WHO:
Oregonians who care about Oregon should attend! This includes students, farmers, homeowners, renters, union members, parents, teachers, business owners, people of faith, retirees, and you!
HOSTS:
Jack McGowan, SOLV
Jefferson Smith, The Bus Project
Bob Stacey, 1000 Friends of Oregon
WHY NOW?
A 10-member state Land Use ("Big Look") Task Force has been appointed to lead Oregonians in looking ahead and planning our future. Oregonians should expect the task force to ask big questions: What makes Oregon special? How do we enhance Oregon's economy and livability? Where and how do we want to grow as a state? What tools do we need today to prepare for a better tomorrow for Oregon?
COST:
Free -- if you answer this question: "What makes Oregon special to you?"
REGISTER ONLINE:
SPONSORS:
1000 Friends of Oregon
Bus Project
Oregon Business Association
Coalition for a Livable Future
League of Women Voters of Oregon
MORE INFO:
Visit