BBC News
Majel Barrett Roddenberry, voice of the Star Trek's computer and wife of Star Treks creator Gene Roddenberry, died of leukemia at her home in Los Angeles Thursday.
Roddenberry's first appearance on the show was the character known as "Number One" in the original pilot under Captain Christopher Pike's command, to be later recast as Nurse Christine Chapel when the show was relaunched in 1966.
She is survived by her son Eugene Roddenberry Jr.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
DMV to verify immigration status for ODL and ID cards.
KGW --
The Oregon department of transportation will begin verifying immigration status for driver's license applications or identification cards at it's offices beginning January 1, 2009 using a Federal Dept of Homeland Security program called SAVE, which stands for systematic alien verification for entitlements.
Additionally, the state will not issue driving privileges or ID cards to outlook and whose immigration status cannot verified. However, temporary licenses may be issued to applicants that meet all other Oregon driver's license requirements in order to allow time to resolve the problem.
Really! Care to bet that this won't last long.
The Oregon department of transportation will begin verifying immigration status for driver's license applications or identification cards at it's offices beginning January 1, 2009 using a Federal Dept of Homeland Security program called SAVE, which stands for systematic alien verification for entitlements.
Additionally, the state will not issue driving privileges or ID cards to outlook and whose immigration status cannot verified. However, temporary licenses may be issued to applicants that meet all other Oregon driver's license requirements in order to allow time to resolve the problem.
Really! Care to bet that this won't last long.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Honest, it's law enforcement, not revenue enhancement!
Registerguard
The Springfield City Council was split over whether or not to approve $114,000 project to install "tattletale" lights on the back of traffic lights. The lights which can be seen from safe distance allow officers to determine the state of the traffic light as the driver passes through the intersection.
The "tattletale" light is designed to indicate the red phase of the signal. It is attached normally to the back of the traffic light itself so that officers can see the status of the light from a safe distance.
Leiken along with Councilors Christine Lundberg, John Woodrow and Dave Ralston voted against the combined projects, stating that the city needs to be "very prudent right now."
once again the city a Springfield makes me proud. While I will agree that this can be considered "revenue enhancement", at the majority of intersections, I would think this would be unnecessary. At most four way intersections, the traffic light in the opposite direction is normally synced together.
Photo courtesy of Lane Controls
The Springfield City Council was split over whether or not to approve $114,000 project to install "tattletale" lights on the back of traffic lights. The lights which can be seen from safe distance allow officers to determine the state of the traffic light as the driver passes through the intersection.
“They allow law enforcement to more accurately, more objectively enforce the laws,” said Pishioneri, who is a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy. “Many traffic stops do not result in a ticket, but a conversation of safety. It’s not a ‘gotcha’ — it’s a ‘hello.’ ”Photo courtesy of Lane Controls
The "tattletale" light is designed to indicate the red phase of the signal. It is attached normally to the back of the traffic light itself so that officers can see the status of the light from a safe distance.
“I don’t want officers sitting at the five or six intersections where we’re going to have tattletale lights,” Ralston said. “I’m all for public safety and making our roads safer. But some people might consider this revenue generation.”
Leiken along with Councilors Christine Lundberg, John Woodrow and Dave Ralston voted against the combined projects, stating that the city needs to be "very prudent right now."
“To me, these are almost luxury lights, for lack of a better word,” he said. These lights will be a good thing in the future ... but as we’re going through these budget issues right now, I don’t think its a prudent time to delve into this.” said Leiken
once again the city a Springfield makes me proud. While I will agree that this can be considered "revenue enhancement", at the majority of intersections, I would think this would be unnecessary. At most four way intersections, the traffic light in the opposite direction is normally synced together.
Photo courtesy of Lane Controls
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ted "tax and gouge me" Kulongoski just does not get it… Were broke!
the Oregonian
Robins Commentary
Well, the great governor of Oregon is at it again! It is bad enough that Oregon is suffering from massive layoffs, and until recently the high cost of fuel [which we're still recovering from], and the housing crisis, just to name a few, that sleepy Ted would actually have the nerve to suggest a tax increase.
The "excuse" for the increases is the one billion dollar road, bridge and rail project. The governor indicated that this project would create 2100 jobs a year for the first five years. The governor feels that since it worked for President Roosevelt during the great depression, that it would work in the 21st century for Oregon.
Oh yes, and there that the little issue that the Oregon falls $1.3 billion short of maintaining state highways according to state estimates.
Now for the nitty gritty… How to pay for such a project. The governor has suggested the following…
a 2¢ per gallon gas tax hike, which would increase the 24¢ per gallon tax to 26¢. The gas tax itself has not been raised since 1993. (there's a reason for that)
More than doubling the annual fees for car title and registration from $27.00 to $81.00 a year. "Oregon has among the lowest registration fees in the nation, [and their is something wrong with that?] and the increased fees would be the plans largest source of money."
Title fees would double to $110 dollars a year.
Increase in the tobacco tax by 2 1/2¢, and take $16,000,000 in lottery money.
[why not… We're all wealthy]
And the one that we should fight big time, one of the governor's pet project is putting a GPS tracking system in your car solely for the purpose of collecting taxes, based on the time and the miles that you drive. The tax would be collected at the pump during fill up. And if you think taxes are hard to get rid of now… Just wait until this variable tax becomes a reality.
In my opinion, now's the time to start cutting taxes, not raising them.
Robins Commentary
Well, the great governor of Oregon is at it again! It is bad enough that Oregon is suffering from massive layoffs, and until recently the high cost of fuel [which we're still recovering from], and the housing crisis, just to name a few, that sleepy Ted would actually have the nerve to suggest a tax increase.
The "excuse" for the increases is the one billion dollar road, bridge and rail project. The governor indicated that this project would create 2100 jobs a year for the first five years. The governor feels that since it worked for President Roosevelt during the great depression, that it would work in the 21st century for Oregon.
Oh yes, and there that the little issue that the Oregon falls $1.3 billion short of maintaining state highways according to state estimates.
Now for the nitty gritty… How to pay for such a project. The governor has suggested the following…
a 2¢ per gallon gas tax hike, which would increase the 24¢ per gallon tax to 26¢. The gas tax itself has not been raised since 1993. (there's a reason for that)
More than doubling the annual fees for car title and registration from $27.00 to $81.00 a year. "Oregon has among the lowest registration fees in the nation, [and their is something wrong with that?] and the increased fees would be the plans largest source of money."
Title fees would double to $110 dollars a year.
Increase in the tobacco tax by 2 1/2¢, and take $16,000,000 in lottery money.
[why not… We're all wealthy]
And the one that we should fight big time, one of the governor's pet project is putting a GPS tracking system in your car solely for the purpose of collecting taxes, based on the time and the miles that you drive. The tax would be collected at the pump during fill up. And if you think taxes are hard to get rid of now… Just wait until this variable tax becomes a reality.
In my opinion, now's the time to start cutting taxes, not raising them.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Springfield uses a cam to track traffic in roundabout
KVAL
The city of Springfield a while back purchased a "handy-cam" to track traffic
for the city's new roundabout at the intersection of Harlow and Pioneer Parkway to record traffic patterns. [you'll notice a sign at the intersection stating such]
The camera according to Barnett, will save the city money by reducing the number of people required to count cars.
I hope that they will also count the number of finder benders, near misses and people like me that avoid that intersection at all costs because it feels like your taking your life in your hands just to get across the street.
And what about the EmX, is it going to add to the confusing at this intersection when the $40 million gateway project is completed?{funding}
Yes, I know that roundabouts work well in other countries, however when I talk to my friends that are from England where roundabouts are common, they tell me that they are much larger with much more room to maneuver and they even feel that this roundabout is dangerious.
The city of Springfield a while back purchased a "handy-cam" to track traffic
for the city's new roundabout at the intersection of Harlow and Pioneer Parkway to record traffic patterns. [you'll notice a sign at the intersection stating such]
"So what we will do is we'll use the video to record the traffic and then in the office we will count the traffic usually just one person forward and back forward and back," says Brian Barnett with the city."
The camera according to Barnett, will save the city money by reducing the number of people required to count cars.
I hope that they will also count the number of finder benders, near misses and people like me that avoid that intersection at all costs because it feels like your taking your life in your hands just to get across the street.
And what about the EmX, is it going to add to the confusing at this intersection when the $40 million gateway project is completed?{funding}
Yes, I know that roundabouts work well in other countries, however when I talk to my friends that are from England where roundabouts are common, they tell me that they are much larger with much more room to maneuver and they even feel that this roundabout is dangerious.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Barack Obama: illegal immigration hits home
Robin's commentary:
Admittedly I have not been following all of the presidential election items as closely as I would've liked to, however, one thing that I have noticed listening to CNBC and other news services, including talk shows is the "hands-off" approach regarding immigration.
As you will recall, McCain along with Senator Kennedy years back tried to put into place an "amnesty bill", otherwise known as the immigration Reform Act of 2007 ( S. 1033) [Library of Congress]
April 3, 2006, Obama presented a statement to the Senate floor on endorsing a bill that would increase strong enforcement of our immigration laws. Citing as an example of his personal experience on immigration, he stated that fact that his father was from Kenya. Barack included in his statement on the Senate floor...
The issue of immigration hits home for Barack Obama with the announcement last night that Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango is in the country illegally from Kenya, and was also denied a request for asylum four years ago after a judge ordered her deportation. [AP news]
Obama denies any knowledge of his aunt's immigration status. [ABC news] The interesting thing that if Barack Obama had been aware of his aunt's immigration status, Obama could be guilty of harboring an illegal alien. By definition,
In either case, Barack's belief in abiding by the laws of the United States regarding immigration will be challenged. e.g. it is easy to make a statement regarding enforcing a law when it involves a stranger. However, that could be a different matter when it's family or personal.
In the wake of the announcement days before the presidential election[which I agree with], an unusual nationwide directive within the immigrations and customs enforcement (ICE) stated that any deportations prior to Tuesday's elections would be approved at the regional directors level.[Fox news]
While I am not advocating for or against voting for Obama, I think that you'll have to agree that things are going to be very interesting as the story unfolds.
Admittedly I have not been following all of the presidential election items as closely as I would've liked to, however, one thing that I have noticed listening to CNBC and other news services, including talk shows is the "hands-off" approach regarding immigration.
As you will recall, McCain along with Senator Kennedy years back tried to put into place an "amnesty bill", otherwise known as the immigration Reform Act of 2007 ( S. 1033) [Library of Congress]
April 3, 2006, Obama presented a statement to the Senate floor on endorsing a bill that would increase strong enforcement of our immigration laws. Citing as an example of his personal experience on immigration, he stated that fact that his father was from Kenya. Barack included in his statement on the Senate floor...
The American people are a welcoming and generous people. But those who enter our country illegally, and those who employ them, disrespect the rule of law. And because we live in an age where terrorists are challenging our borders, we simply cannot allow people to pour into the United States undetected, undocumented, and unchecked. Americans are right to demand better border security and better enforcement of the immigration laws. [Barack Obama.senate.gov]
The issue of immigration hits home for Barack Obama with the announcement last night that Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango is in the country illegally from Kenya, and was also denied a request for asylum four years ago after a judge ordered her deportation. [AP news]
Obama denies any knowledge of his aunt's immigration status. [ABC news] The interesting thing that if Barack Obama had been aware of his aunt's immigration status, Obama could be guilty of harboring an illegal alien. By definition,
Harboring -- Subsection 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii) makes it an offense for any person who -- knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation. [ US Department of Justice]
In either case, Barack's belief in abiding by the laws of the United States regarding immigration will be challenged. e.g. it is easy to make a statement regarding enforcing a law when it involves a stranger. However, that could be a different matter when it's family or personal.
In the wake of the announcement days before the presidential election[which I agree with], an unusual nationwide directive within the immigrations and customs enforcement (ICE) stated that any deportations prior to Tuesday's elections would be approved at the regional directors level.[Fox news]
While I am not advocating for or against voting for Obama, I think that you'll have to agree that things are going to be very interesting as the story unfolds.
Friday, October 03, 2008
It's all in a day's work
KATU
It is 7:20 AM.
Oregon State police trooper Steve Thrapp finds himself in pursuit of a suspect who was weaving back and forth across the road and who failed to yield to his lights and siren on highway 58 east of Eugene.
In a attempt to stop the suspect, a roadblock was set up 11 miles east of Eugene.
As the suspect approaches the roadblock, he attempts to drive around a patrol car where he is tackled by trooper Casey Codding and arrested for disorderly conduct, failing to obey police officer and resisting arrest.
The suspect is tackled by a trooper while driving a car???
Not exactly!
The suspect was Robert James Frank, 39, of Eugene who led the state trooper on a 5 mph chase on a bicycle after a report of a bicyclist riding without lights and wearing dark clothing on highway 58.
It is 7:20 AM.
Oregon State police trooper Steve Thrapp finds himself in pursuit of a suspect who was weaving back and forth across the road and who failed to yield to his lights and siren on highway 58 east of Eugene.
In a attempt to stop the suspect, a roadblock was set up 11 miles east of Eugene.
As the suspect approaches the roadblock, he attempts to drive around a patrol car where he is tackled by trooper Casey Codding and arrested for disorderly conduct, failing to obey police officer and resisting arrest.
The suspect is tackled by a trooper while driving a car???
Not exactly!
The suspect was Robert James Frank, 39, of Eugene who led the state trooper on a 5 mph chase on a bicycle after a report of a bicyclist riding without lights and wearing dark clothing on highway 58.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Paul Newman has died from cancer, aged 83.
BBC News
Paul Leonard Newman born on 26 Jan 1925 in the Shaker Heights suburb of Cleveland, Ohio died Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 83.
He is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.
rest in peace Paul
Paul Leonard Newman born on 26 Jan 1925 in the Shaker Heights suburb of Cleveland, Ohio died Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 83.
He is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.
rest in peace Paul
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Remember Lane County Commissioner Bobby Green? We do!
Register Guard
Lane County Commissioner Bobby Green and challenger Rob Handy will be debating job growth and leadership for the first time Tuesday in the race for county commissioner.
All that I have to say is if you have any questions about Bobby Green, read the blue box on the left of this blog.
excerpt from Register Guard editorial dated April 6, 2007
Lane County Commissioner Bobby Green and challenger Rob Handy will be debating job growth and leadership for the first time Tuesday in the race for county commissioner.
All that I have to say is if you have any questions about Bobby Green, read the blue box on the left of this blog.
excerpt from Register Guard editorial dated April 6, 2007
"Ben Pooler is still upset. So upset he's leading an effort to recall Lane County Commissioner Bobby Green, one of three county board members who voted earlier this year to enact an income tax..."
[link to editorial]
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sirius satellite radio follows trend of AM radio by preempting regular programming for sports
Robin's Commentary
I am a subscriber to Sirius satellite radio because I was impressed with their channel lineup and programming variety… And for the sports enthusiasts, Sirius satellite radio offers about half a dozen channels for sports.
One of the major advantages about satellite radio is that you get the same programming and reception just about anywhere versus local radio, so you're pretty much guaranteed not to miss your favor show.
Last week Sirius started following a trend that is common in AM radio… When there's sports playing somewhere… AM suddenly becomes sports radio on all channels of the AM dial.
Now I realize that sports, especially football is a very popular game… However, not everybody wants to listen to sports all the time.
It is specially annoys me when I set aside time to tune into my favor talk show and it got preempted for some game. KUGN is especially famous for this.
So you can imagine how livid I was last Sunday when my radio classics program channel 118 was preempted for a football game. In fact, as I scanned the other channels, I discovered 11 other channels that were preempted for some football game.
I wrote satellite radio, and here's their response…
So my interpretation of this letter… Is that Sirius satellite radio is actually sports radio, and your shows don't matter.
I am not paying a monthly fee to listen to sports… But I like my talk radio (which was preempted) my Radio Classics show which includes old time mysteries such as Sherlock Holmes (which was preempted) and the comedy channels (which surprisingly was not preempted at this time)
Anyway, if you feel the same way that I do… Please e-mail customer service or call them at 1-888-539-SIRIUS (7474) and tell them that you do not appreciate them preempting channels that you are paying for because of sports.
If they feel that there are more games than channels, then they should either add more channels or prioritize the games that they wish to show on the available games channels.
SportsChannel line up
normal channel lineup
by the way, they just merged with their competitor, XM Radio, So the choices for satellite radio just became limited.
I am a subscriber to Sirius satellite radio because I was impressed with their channel lineup and programming variety… And for the sports enthusiasts, Sirius satellite radio offers about half a dozen channels for sports.
One of the major advantages about satellite radio is that you get the same programming and reception just about anywhere versus local radio, so you're pretty much guaranteed not to miss your favor show.
Last week Sirius started following a trend that is common in AM radio… When there's sports playing somewhere… AM suddenly becomes sports radio on all channels of the AM dial.
Now I realize that sports, especially football is a very popular game… However, not everybody wants to listen to sports all the time.
It is specially annoys me when I set aside time to tune into my favor talk show and it got preempted for some game. KUGN is especially famous for this.
So you can imagine how livid I was last Sunday when my radio classics program channel 118 was preempted for a football game. In fact, as I scanned the other channels, I discovered 11 other channels that were preempted for some football game.
I wrote satellite radio, and here's their response…
Dear Robin,
We appreciate the time you have taken to contact us regarding sports on RadioClassics Ch. 118. We are here to assist you.
Robin, we certainly understand your frustration as you do not enjoy listening to sports. SIRIUS remains dedicated to providing our subscribers with a wide variety of programming including music, news, entertainment, and sports.
By providing the entire NFL game schedule and over 1,000 NBA games per season, we offer the most comprehensive sports programming for fans to follow their hometown teams, from anywhere in the continental U.S. While most of these games are offered on our sports channels, it is necessary from time to time to share broadcast time with a few of our talk channels. We will re-air interrupted shows when possible
So my interpretation of this letter… Is that Sirius satellite radio is actually sports radio, and your shows don't matter.
I am not paying a monthly fee to listen to sports… But I like my talk radio (which was preempted) my Radio Classics show which includes old time mysteries such as Sherlock Holmes (which was preempted) and the comedy channels (which surprisingly was not preempted at this time)
Anyway, if you feel the same way that I do… Please e-mail customer service or call them at 1-888-539-SIRIUS (7474) and tell them that you do not appreciate them preempting channels that you are paying for because of sports.
If they feel that there are more games than channels, then they should either add more channels or prioritize the games that they wish to show on the available games channels.
SportsChannel line up
normal channel lineup
by the way, they just merged with their competitor, XM Radio, So the choices for satellite radio just became limited.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Update on fatal shooting in Springfield
Oregon live AP
Michael Wayne Wesley Jr., A suspect in the fatal shooting in Springfield is in critical condition after being shot by two police officers after he rammed his pickup into a patrol car, injuring one of the officers .
Wesley and 27 year old Ronald Joshua Smith, using a 45 caliber handgun and a shotgun fired at a man and woman on Wednesday morning, killing 35 year old Wendy Whitaker.
Smith was charged with murder and also faces theft, burglary and weapons charges.
Michael Wayne Wesley Jr., A suspect in the fatal shooting in Springfield is in critical condition after being shot by two police officers after he rammed his pickup into a patrol car, injuring one of the officers .
Wesley and 27 year old Ronald Joshua Smith, using a 45 caliber handgun and a shotgun fired at a man and woman on Wednesday morning, killing 35 year old Wendy Whitaker.
Smith was charged with murder and also faces theft, burglary and weapons charges.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Legendary country guitarist Jerry Reed dies
Grammy award winner Jerry Reed died on Monday (September 1) after he suffered complications arising from emphysema.
Reed appeared in 'Smokey and the Bandit' films as trucker Cledus 'Snowman' Snow along with Burt Reynolds and Sally field.
Reed was 71
Reed appeared in 'Smokey and the Bandit' films as trucker Cledus 'Snowman' Snow along with Burt Reynolds and Sally field.
Reed was 71
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Woman fatally shot in the Thurston area
Woman fatally shot in the Thurston area
KVAL
Wendy Jo Whitaker, 35 was fatally shot early this morning around 6:45 AM in the Springfield Thurston area around the 5100 block of E street.
Jerry hunter, who lives nearby, said he and his wife heard maybe five rapid shots just before 7:00 AM.
" Rick Harrison, Springfield police captain, said investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a drive by shooting."
(Photo courtesy of kval)
According to some of my sources, there's also some acts of vandalism in the immediate area that same morning resulting in multiple vehicles having their tires slashed.
The question that I have is how long is the public going to put up with the lack of protection.
Perhaps, if our public employees are unable to perform the job that they were hired to do, e.g. protect our citizens, then maybe it is time to start firing those employees.
For example, I'm not sure if Springfield has passed this ordinance yet, however both Eugene and lane county will not respond to a home alarm system. It is required that a security officer investigate the alarm before a police officer is dispatch.
So what is the point? The police claim that there are too many false alarms. I agree. That is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that an alarm system is reliable and the responsibility of the business or home owner to prevent false alarms.
However, it is like the little boy that cried wolf.
What really gets me about this is that it was published in the newspaper!
How does the above analogy relate?
The same way that it relates to the district attorney's office publicly announcing which crimes that they will not prosecute, that due to lack of jail space, when someone is arrested it is mostly a "catch and release" scenario similar to fishing. It invites criminals and criminal activity in the area because they know that there will be no consequences for their actions.
The solution…
Start enforcing the laws, open up more jails and also budget to staff them would be good for starters.
And on the issue funding… As I've always said, it is OUR tax money which is divvied up in to different budgets. However, it is still always "right pocket, left pocket, it is still the same pair of pants."
E.g. people need to decide which is more important. Protecting our citizens or more park's.
Forget the " exclusion zones" BS, as they are proposing in the city of Eugene. Get serious and start enforcing the damn laws.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
United States sending millions of dollars to Mexico to help fight crime. What about us?
BBC News
Rallies were held in all of Mexico's 32 states, including 150,000 people gathering in Mexico's capital city, Zocalo square. Protesters were wearing mainly white clothing and marched in silence while holding candles to indicate that they had enough of the murders and kidnappings that were plaguing their country.
So far this year, at least 2700 people have been killed and three other people kidnapped mostly from drug related violence.
Last week as a result of the protest, the country's political and security leaders drew up an emergency 74-point plan to combat the ways of violence. Measures include firing corrupt police officers, new prisons and methods to combat drug trafficking.
Washington is also helping out with hundreds of millions of dollars.
I think that it is really great that the Mexican people are banding together to help improve their country. If those that snuck into United States illegally would return home to help, the Mexican people could take back their country and make it a better place to live.
Also, while it is very noble of Washington to help Mexico at in this area, I have to ask what about the crime in the United States?
Why is it that when it comes to helping other countries, we're always there with our pocketbook open, however, when it comes to helping people in our own country, like protecting our citizens for example, suddenly we do not have enough money.
Is it just me or is there something wrong with this picture?
Rallies were held in all of Mexico's 32 states, including 150,000 people gathering in Mexico's capital city, Zocalo square. Protesters were wearing mainly white clothing and marched in silence while holding candles to indicate that they had enough of the murders and kidnappings that were plaguing their country.
So far this year, at least 2700 people have been killed and three other people kidnapped mostly from drug related violence.
Last week as a result of the protest, the country's political and security leaders drew up an emergency 74-point plan to combat the ways of violence. Measures include firing corrupt police officers, new prisons and methods to combat drug trafficking.
Washington is also helping out with hundreds of millions of dollars.
I think that it is really great that the Mexican people are banding together to help improve their country. If those that snuck into United States illegally would return home to help, the Mexican people could take back their country and make it a better place to live.
Also, while it is very noble of Washington to help Mexico at in this area, I have to ask what about the crime in the United States?
Why is it that when it comes to helping other countries, we're always there with our pocketbook open, however, when it comes to helping people in our own country, like protecting our citizens for example, suddenly we do not have enough money.
Is it just me or is there something wrong with this picture?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
"Don't come around here no more"- Tom petty
Register Guard
The Eugene City Council passed an ordinance Monday night which would take effect in September that would create a three month exclusion zone which covers 20 square blocks in downtown Eugene. To be excluded from the area, a person would have to be cited for a crime like a harassment, possession of drugs, or public urination. If convicted, a person could be banned for year.
The American Civil Liberties Union Of Oregon objects to the ordinance because the bans would be imposed through a civil procedure.
OK now… Last take a quick look at this.
Oh, here's a good example that the article cites,
It is no wonder why there are problems in downtown.
So even with this new "tool" for the police to work with… What are they going to do once charges are pressed?
The district Atty. for years has publicly announced which crimes that he will not prosecute. So with that being said, it is realistic to think that someone charged with violating the exclusion zone that anything is going to happen to them more than a fine? A fine that will likely not be paid anyways.
I don't think so.
While I applaud the efforts of the Eugene City Council for at least trying to make an effort, I do not think that they are really addressing the big picture.
The Eugene City Council passed an ordinance Monday night which would take effect in September that would create a three month exclusion zone which covers 20 square blocks in downtown Eugene. To be excluded from the area, a person would have to be cited for a crime like a harassment, possession of drugs, or public urination. If convicted, a person could be banned for year.
It will certainly be a tool that will help officers to control the crime problem that is right now just about out of control,” said Capt. Pete Kerns of the Eugene Police Department.A person who commits a crime that is on the exclusion list, will be given a form and must appear before judge within 3 to 5 days of the date of issue.
The American Civil Liberties Union Of Oregon objects to the ordinance because the bans would be imposed through a civil procedure.
" the advantage (of the ordnance) is the upfront enforcement ability to exclude people who are committing crimes," said City Prosecutor Dan Barkovic.
OK now… Last take a quick look at this.
Oh, here's a good example that the article cites,
Last year there were 2,413 reported crimes in the 32-square-block area that composes the heart of downtown, or about 10 percent of all crimes reported in the city.
It is no wonder why there are problems in downtown.
So even with this new "tool" for the police to work with… What are they going to do once charges are pressed?
The district Atty. for years has publicly announced which crimes that he will not prosecute. So with that being said, it is realistic to think that someone charged with violating the exclusion zone that anything is going to happen to them more than a fine? A fine that will likely not be paid anyways.
I don't think so.
While I applaud the efforts of the Eugene City Council for at least trying to make an effort, I do not think that they are really addressing the big picture.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
We're doing such a great job…
Statesman journal
If lawmakers approve additional money, Governor Ted "tax and gouge me" Kulongoski along with five other elected officials statewide could be in line for their first increase in more than seven years as a result of a new citizen review process.
Currently, Kulongoski receives $93,600 a year which ranks 45th in the nation. The pay increase would raise the governor's salary up to $130,000 dollars per year.
Well the governor should get a rise… He has done so much for the state that he should receive more money… And of course our state is thriving economically…
Oh wait… I'm sorry, I was thinking of someone else.
What has Kulongoski done for us?
… Give me a minute…
… I'm still thinking…
…Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
If lawmakers approve additional money, Governor Ted "tax and gouge me" Kulongoski along with five other elected officials statewide could be in line for their first increase in more than seven years as a result of a new citizen review process.
Currently, Kulongoski receives $93,600 a year which ranks 45th in the nation. The pay increase would raise the governor's salary up to $130,000 dollars per year.
"We are still going to get beat up on this one way or another," said Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli of John Day, who spoke to the commission last week. "We have gotten beat up recently on other matters."In a 2006 survey that the Council Of State Governments releasing 2007, only five other states payee governors less than Oregon. Those states include Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado and North Dakota. California pays the most at $206,500 which Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger refuses to accept.
Well the governor should get a rise… He has done so much for the state that he should receive more money… And of course our state is thriving economically…
Oh wait… I'm sorry, I was thinking of someone else.
What has Kulongoski done for us?
… Give me a minute…
… I'm still thinking…
…Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Monday, August 11, 2008
After new DMV law went into effect, the number of applicants for driver's licenses decrease
The Portland Tribune
After Ted (tax-and-gouge-me) Kulongoski had issued an executive order in November , which is due to take effect February 4, the number of people taking the test in Spanish fell over 80% versus that of English, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese or Japanese.
Kulongoski argued that Senate Bill 1080, which required applicants to present more documents to prove their identity and their legal presence in order to obtain a driver's license in Oregon was needed to help prevent identity theft and other public safety problems.
Before the law, Oregon had been one of a handful of states that did not require drivers license applicants to prove that they were here legally. Also, Oregon grants licenses for eight years which is longer than many other states.
Immigrant rights advocates said that the law will harm Oregon economy by making it more difficult for undocumented workers to get jobs.
I believe that was the whole point.
The "American Friends Service Committee Immigration Program"?!?
whatever... it is obviously just another group advocating that subwage labor should be allowed and tolerated, oh yes, there is also that little issued that these people are not supposed to be here in the first place and really do not have any right to work in the United States.
Yes I know, another technicality.
While it is more of a pain in the butt to have to show multiple pieces of identification to get a drivers license, I will have to applaud Kulongoski for waking up long enough to take a stand on this issue. While in my opinion, he claims that it is to help prevent identity theft, personally I think it has something more to do with the fact that Homeland security was not going to accept an Oregon drivers license as valid identification, however I digress.
After Ted (tax-and-gouge-me) Kulongoski had issued an executive order in November , which is due to take effect February 4, the number of people taking the test in Spanish fell over 80% versus that of English, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese or Japanese.
Kulongoski argued that Senate Bill 1080, which required applicants to present more documents to prove their identity and their legal presence in order to obtain a driver's license in Oregon was needed to help prevent identity theft and other public safety problems.
Before the law, Oregon had been one of a handful of states that did not require drivers license applicants to prove that they were here legally. Also, Oregon grants licenses for eight years which is longer than many other states.
Immigrant rights advocates said that the law will harm Oregon economy by making it more difficult for undocumented workers to get jobs.
I believe that was the whole point.
"That means that little by little, they're not going to do their work," said Marco Mejia, Portland area director of the American Friends Service Committee Immigration Program. That will have a dramatic impact on organ farms, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that rely on immigrant [illegal slave] labor.
Ultimately, the law will drive up the cost of food for Oregonians. The effect is going to be totally negative to the overall community."
The "American Friends Service Committee Immigration Program"?!?
whatever... it is obviously just another group advocating that subwage labor should be allowed and tolerated, oh yes, there is also that little issued that these people are not supposed to be here in the first place and really do not have any right to work in the United States.
Yes I know, another technicality.
While it is more of a pain in the butt to have to show multiple pieces of identification to get a drivers license, I will have to applaud Kulongoski for waking up long enough to take a stand on this issue. While in my opinion, he claims that it is to help prevent identity theft, personally I think it has something more to do with the fact that Homeland security was not going to accept an Oregon drivers license as valid identification, however I digress.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Make a lot of noise… And sooner or later somebody will pass a law
The Oregonian
This is what may be happening for bike riders in the Portland area. Senator Floyd Prozanski's has a plan for Portland to be the nation's first mandatory bicycle helmet law for all riders.
bike riders in both Eugene and Portland have been making such a stink for so long, and trying to "convince us" to get out of our cars, that the "overkill, we are not smart enough to think for ourselves and government should do it for us," idiots are jumping on this bandwagon. Of course, these are the same people that would like to wrap our kids in bubble wrap and have them live in a sterilized world.
And why stop at bike helmets? how many injuries have occurred in last year from people simply going down a staircase? Should we start requiring them to wear helmets or safety harnesses to prevent injury?
In my opinion, wearing a helmet either on a bicycle or a motorcycle should be of one's choice.
This is what may be happening for bike riders in the Portland area. Senator Floyd Prozanski's has a plan for Portland to be the nation's first mandatory bicycle helmet law for all riders.
"All I'm saying is that I think it's time for the state, when we want to promote more use of bicycles, to ensure better safety for everyone."Currently Oregon law only requires riders younger than 17 years of age to wear a helmet.
bike riders in both Eugene and Portland have been making such a stink for so long, and trying to "convince us" to get out of our cars, that the "overkill, we are not smart enough to think for ourselves and government should do it for us," idiots are jumping on this bandwagon. Of course, these are the same people that would like to wrap our kids in bubble wrap and have them live in a sterilized world.
And why stop at bike helmets? how many injuries have occurred in last year from people simply going down a staircase? Should we start requiring them to wear helmets or safety harnesses to prevent injury?
In my opinion, wearing a helmet either on a bicycle or a motorcycle should be of one's choice.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
LTD to add a new tax to our property taxes? (I don't think so)
The Register Guard
The lane transit district will consider putting the first property tax measure in its 30 a year history on the November ballot, citing increase costs and fuel prices. If the property tax measure is approved, it would eliminate plans for the second biggest cuts to service in LTD history.
The measure would raise five million dollars per year and would cost the average household anywhere from $25.00 to $40.00 per year.
Hey, here's an idea… How about delaying the EmX until we could really afford (justify) it. That alone, might save LTD enough to avoid cuts and layoffs.
The lane transit district will consider putting the first property tax measure in its 30 a year history on the November ballot, citing increase costs and fuel prices. If the property tax measure is approved, it would eliminate plans for the second biggest cuts to service in LTD history.
The measure would raise five million dollars per year and would cost the average household anywhere from $25.00 to $40.00 per year.
"...if the economy rebounds and payroll tax receipts improve, the board could choose not to collect the tax — or collect only a portion of it — in a given year," spokesman Andy Vobora said.
Hey, here's an idea… How about delaying the EmX until we could really afford (justify) it. That alone, might save LTD enough to avoid cuts and layoffs.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Gads... where does the time go???
Yes, despite the rumor, I am still here.
there are so many things to blog about and so little time however, that is going to change soon.
two things that will change soon are...
1. working nights and having no time for anything else.
2. slow internet connection! (makes looking up news items a very slow process, ah, what we take for granted)
these changes should take place in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for checking back.
Robin
there are so many things to blog about and so little time however, that is going to change soon.
two things that will change soon are...
1. working nights and having no time for anything else.
2. slow internet connection! (makes looking up news items a very slow process, ah, what we take for granted)
these changes should take place in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for checking back.
Robin
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Teddy does not like Bush's idea of off shore drilling. really? what a surprise!
KATU
In response to President Bush's call vote of Congress to lift the Federal ban on oil and Gas Drilling off American coast, Oregon governor Ted "tax and gauge me" Kulongoski [not surprisingly] was unmoved by the calls to open coastal waters to Oil Drilling.
Kulongoski commented on Wednesday that it would be a " short sighted response to a long-term issue of creating a sustainable and secure and domestic energy economy."
first of all, nobody said that drilling on coastal waters was the "cure all" to the energy issue, however, it is an option that is currently at hand.
While I do not think anybody disputes that the country must move towards new technologies and fuels, the problem is that is not something that is going to happen overnight.
And it is not just the fuel that we put in our cars that rely on oil. Plastics and other materials also rely on oil.
In response to President Bush's call vote of Congress to lift the Federal ban on oil and Gas Drilling off American coast, Oregon governor Ted "tax and gauge me" Kulongoski [not surprisingly] was unmoved by the calls to open coastal waters to Oil Drilling.
Kulongoski commented on Wednesday that it would be a " short sighted response to a long-term issue of creating a sustainable and secure and domestic energy economy."
first of all, nobody said that drilling on coastal waters was the "cure all" to the energy issue, however, it is an option that is currently at hand.
While I do not think anybody disputes that the country must move towards new technologies and fuels, the problem is that is not something that is going to happen overnight.
And it is not just the fuel that we put in our cars that rely on oil. Plastics and other materials also rely on oil.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Federal government taking steps to crack down on illegal immigration
Fox News--
An executive order signed on Friday by President Bush which would require all Federal departments and agency's that use contractors in an effort to crack down on illegal immigration would be required to verify that the workers are eligible to work within the United States.
The order came after a worker verification bill was stalled in Congress, which would have required employers to check the citizenship and legal status of ALL their employees. libertarians however said that the E-verify system is flawed and it would lead to discrimination and job loss by U.S. citizens that are wrongly identified as being illegal.
An executive order signed on Friday by President Bush which would require all Federal departments and agency's that use contractors in an effort to crack down on illegal immigration would be required to verify that the workers are eligible to work within the United States.
The order came after a worker verification bill was stalled in Congress, which would have required employers to check the citizenship and legal status of ALL their employees. libertarians however said that the E-verify system is flawed and it would lead to discrimination and job loss by U.S. citizens that are wrongly identified as being illegal.
The executive order states, "it is the policy of the executive branch to reinforce fully the immigration laws of the United States, including the detention and removal of illegal aliens and the imposition of legal sanctions against employers that hire illegal aliens."Individual states had already begun passing their own laws to keep employers from hiring illegal aliens after Congress had failed to pass a comprehensive immigration bill in 2006.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Fuel prices are at record highs and the city of Springfield is considering charging households a road maintenance fee
The Registerguard-
A committee of residents appointed earlier this year by mayor Sid Leiken with the help of the 11 member task force, has concluded that by charging everyone with a Springfield address fee for road maintenance dubbed " street preservation fee" of $1.75 per month could raise up to one million dollars annually.
According to assistant public works Director Len Goodwin, larger stores that generate a great deal of traffic could wind up paying several hundred dollars per year in road maintenance fees.
Other recommendations for raising money included raising the city gas tax (yeah right), a property tax levy and studded tire fees.
The main cause of the street funding dilemma was from the loss of funds from Federal timber county payments.
So far according to the league of Oregon cities, 19 cities in the state are collecting local fees to fund road repairs.
Gosh Batman, I think I know where we can get $49,000,000… Oh I'm sorry, that money is reserved for the EmX.
A committee of residents appointed earlier this year by mayor Sid Leiken with the help of the 11 member task force, has concluded that by charging everyone with a Springfield address fee for road maintenance dubbed " street preservation fee" of $1.75 per month could raise up to one million dollars annually.
According to assistant public works Director Len Goodwin, larger stores that generate a great deal of traffic could wind up paying several hundred dollars per year in road maintenance fees.
“If we do not address the issue here and now, we will address the issue in the future in a much more severe way,” committee member Neal Zoumboukos told councilors. “We must be proactive.”
Other recommendations for raising money included raising the city gas tax (yeah right), a property tax levy and studded tire fees.
“We would lose a tremendous amount of credibility if we put a gas tax (increase) out right now,” Leiken said. “The option presented by the task force is something I’m very interested in pursuing.”
The main cause of the street funding dilemma was from the loss of funds from Federal timber county payments.
So far according to the league of Oregon cities, 19 cities in the state are collecting local fees to fund road repairs.
Gosh Batman, I think I know where we can get $49,000,000… Oh I'm sorry, that money is reserved for the EmX.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Lane county job cuts -lack of income or mismanagement?
KMTR-
For lane county, Thursday was considered D-Day for some lane county employees as the county cuts 8% of its workforce as a result of Congress not renewing the $47,000,000 annual Federal timber payments.
A short term solution was for Eugene and Springfield to swap County road funds for general fund money, keeping some county services intact however, under the new budget constraints, more jail beds will go empty and more criminals will go back on the street.
I will have to agree with Gardner… However, let's also not forget that it is the D A's Office which continually advertises which crimes it refuses to prosecute.
So what about a long-term solution for the budget? Perhaps one place to start would be setting priorities for Eugene and where it is a community wants to go.
For example, which is more important? A multimillion dollar bus line or the protection of our citizens?
The old argument "it came out of a different budget" is flawed because no matter how you look at it, it is still " right pocket, left pocket, it is still all the same pair of pants".
With the cost of fuel skyrocketing, government and private sector budgeting is going to become much tighter and more businesses will close their doors, forcing more people will be out of work. That means that the crime rate will also increase, especially as the funds available for public safety decrease.
As the city of Eugene has already experienced with the old Sears building, if the area is not considered " safe", businesses will refuse to relocate to Eugene and banks as with the old Sears building, will refuse to give loans for construction.
And the list goes on…
For lane county, Thursday was considered D-Day for some lane county employees as the county cuts 8% of its workforce as a result of Congress not renewing the $47,000,000 annual Federal timber payments.
A short term solution was for Eugene and Springfield to swap County road funds for general fund money, keeping some county services intact however, under the new budget constraints, more jail beds will go empty and more criminals will go back on the street.
"That means that people assaulting other people, with knives for example, or have terrible criminal background -those people are going to be released. There is no way around that, says chief deputy district Atty. Alex Gardner. " that's bad. That doesn't happen in other places."Gardner continued by saying " the system is in collapse today and is only going to get much worse."
I will have to agree with Gardner… However, let's also not forget that it is the D A's Office which continually advertises which crimes it refuses to prosecute.
So what about a long-term solution for the budget? Perhaps one place to start would be setting priorities for Eugene and where it is a community wants to go.
For example, which is more important? A multimillion dollar bus line or the protection of our citizens?
The old argument "it came out of a different budget" is flawed because no matter how you look at it, it is still " right pocket, left pocket, it is still all the same pair of pants".
With the cost of fuel skyrocketing, government and private sector budgeting is going to become much tighter and more businesses will close their doors, forcing more people will be out of work. That means that the crime rate will also increase, especially as the funds available for public safety decrease.
As the city of Eugene has already experienced with the old Sears building, if the area is not considered " safe", businesses will refuse to relocate to Eugene and banks as with the old Sears building, will refuse to give loans for construction.
And the list goes on…
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Is it just me... or has the political race been focusing on the stupid?
Chicago Tribune--
It seems like Senator Brock Obama for example has spent more time during this race for the presidency defending or more accurately apologizing for who he associated with as a child, his ministers bigmouth, and being knit picked for every stupid little thing.
Most recently, it was the word "sweetie" in response to a female reporter's question to him.
Obama remarked, ""Hold on one second, sweetie. We'll do a press avail, thanks."
The media and all the PC crowd of course threw out the red flags and commented of just how offensive the word "sweetie" was to that young lady.
The reporter who asked the question commented that she was not offended at all being called sweetie, however, she was more offended by the fact that he did not answer her question.
Shortly after the incident, Obama left a message on the reporters home answering machine apologizing for the use of the word and commented that he meant no disrespect.
I guess my thinking is what should we be more concerned about... that somebody should have to walk on egg shells as they try to express their message to the people and the possibility that their message may be misconstrued and the focus of that message is more on the error then the content of the message itself?
I personally am old tired of the "he said, she said, finger-pointing politics" which distracts from the real issues at hand.
It seems like Senator Brock Obama for example has spent more time during this race for the presidency defending or more accurately apologizing for who he associated with as a child, his ministers bigmouth, and being knit picked for every stupid little thing.
Most recently, it was the word "sweetie" in response to a female reporter's question to him.
Obama remarked, ""Hold on one second, sweetie. We'll do a press avail, thanks."
The media and all the PC crowd of course threw out the red flags and commented of just how offensive the word "sweetie" was to that young lady.
The reporter who asked the question commented that she was not offended at all being called sweetie, however, she was more offended by the fact that he did not answer her question.
Shortly after the incident, Obama left a message on the reporters home answering machine apologizing for the use of the word and commented that he meant no disrespect.
I guess my thinking is what should we be more concerned about... that somebody should have to walk on egg shells as they try to express their message to the people and the possibility that their message may be misconstrued and the focus of that message is more on the error then the content of the message itself?
I personally am old tired of the "he said, she said, finger-pointing politics" which distracts from the real issues at hand.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
City of Portland donates $200,000 to day labor site
the Portland Tribune
A controversial day labor site in the city of Portland on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Everett street has been delayed from May 6 to June 16, 2008 in order to have time to organize the program, award contracts and work out a good neighbor agreement with nearby businesses.
The program led by Mayor Tom Potter and the Portland city Council awarded the nonprofit Voz: workers rights in education Project $200,000 in city funds to operate the site for two years.
Potter and other supporters believe that the workers needed shelter, protection from abuse and places to stand that doesn't disrupt nearby businesses and traffic.
Pablo Alvarado, executive director of the Los Angeles National Day Laborer Organizing Network, commented that the delay with was a wise idea after visiting the site.“I think there has to be more intensive outreach effort toward employers. The first challenge is to maintain same number of jobs you get at the corner, and have to have nicer infrastructure. If you have an empty lot, how do you expect workers to come in? What’s the difference between that and the streets?”
Not everybody is in favor of the idea of having a day labor site in their area. "Having that many people concentrated in one area, what's going to happen?", Said Richmond of Ed's Auto Lectric.
what about employment agencies? I was under the impression that is traditionally where employers would go to find workers and more importantly, why is the city funding a project like this?
Although it is easy to say that stereotypically day labor sites are used for illegals, the sign in front of the new site reinforces a certain segment of the population. The colorful hand-painted sign posted on the fence reads.... N “La Nueva Fecha Para abrirel centro es el 16 De Junio. The new opening date of the day labor center is June 16. — gracias.”
A controversial day labor site in the city of Portland on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Everett street has been delayed from May 6 to June 16, 2008 in order to have time to organize the program, award contracts and work out a good neighbor agreement with nearby businesses.
The program led by Mayor Tom Potter and the Portland city Council awarded the nonprofit Voz: workers rights in education Project $200,000 in city funds to operate the site for two years.
Potter and other supporters believe that the workers needed shelter, protection from abuse and places to stand that doesn't disrupt nearby businesses and traffic.
Pablo Alvarado, executive director of the Los Angeles National Day Laborer Organizing Network, commented that the delay with was a wise idea after visiting the site.“I think there has to be more intensive outreach effort toward employers. The first challenge is to maintain same number of jobs you get at the corner, and have to have nicer infrastructure. If you have an empty lot, how do you expect workers to come in? What’s the difference between that and the streets?”
Not everybody is in favor of the idea of having a day labor site in their area. "Having that many people concentrated in one area, what's going to happen?", Said Richmond of Ed's Auto Lectric.
what about employment agencies? I was under the impression that is traditionally where employers would go to find workers and more importantly, why is the city funding a project like this?
Although it is easy to say that stereotypically day labor sites are used for illegals, the sign in front of the new site reinforces a certain segment of the population. The colorful hand-painted sign posted on the fence reads.... N “La Nueva Fecha Para abrirel centro es el 16 De Junio. The new opening date of the day labor center is June 16. — gracias.”
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Study shows that mistakes may be predicted
BBC News
The national academy of sciences has found that they can predict mistakes up to 30 seconds in advance by predicting patterns in our brain activity.
The team is hoping to design an early Warning system that can be used for pilots and others in "critical situations".
OK, let's see if I have this straight… If we could predict a mistake within 30 seconds before the mistake happens and correct the mistake, then that would mean that there wasn't any mistakes made.
So if the event was not a mistake at all then that would mean that it was intentional, but how could it be intentional if it was really a mistake?
("Everything I say is a lie. I am lying" Am I a liar or not?)
"You lie, but if everything you say is a lie then you must be telling the truth, but you cannot be telling the truth because everything you say is a lie... you lie, you tell the truth, you–"
{Star Trek-I,Mudd (Memory Alpha)}
My head hurts!
The national academy of sciences has found that they can predict mistakes up to 30 seconds in advance by predicting patterns in our brain activity.
The team is hoping to design an early Warning system that can be used for pilots and others in "critical situations".
"We can measure the signaling give feedback to the user that your brain is in the state where decisions are not going to be the right one… We see a reduction in activity in the prefrontal cortex. At the same time, we see an increase in activity in an area which is more active in states of rest, known as the default mode network (DMN)."This event begins about 30 seconds prior to mistake being made therefore, it should be possible to design an early warning system that would alert people to be more focused or more careful.
OK, let's see if I have this straight… If we could predict a mistake within 30 seconds before the mistake happens and correct the mistake, then that would mean that there wasn't any mistakes made.
So if the event was not a mistake at all then that would mean that it was intentional, but how could it be intentional if it was really a mistake?
("Everything I say is a lie. I am lying" Am I a liar or not?)
"You lie, but if everything you say is a lie then you must be telling the truth, but you cannot be telling the truth because everything you say is a lie... you lie, you tell the truth, you–"
{Star Trek-I,Mudd (Memory Alpha)}
My head hurts!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Mass exodus do to new reporting law
Statesman journal
A recent adoption of An Oregon ethics law house bill 2595 which was signed into law a July 31 requiring a statement of economic interest to be filed with the Oregon government ethics commission by public officials has resulted in as many as 100 members of various commissions and governments statewide to resign their positions.
In Elgin, the entire planning commission walked out, Umatilla saw two planning commissioners and one city councilor leave, and Irrigon saw its mayor, a city councilor and three planning commission members depart. Enterprise and Maupin saw the majority of their planning commission members resign.
Items which are to be included in the report include the name of businesses in which a interest is held,
sources of income only, not the amount
Names of relatives only
... just to name a few.
I will admit that it does seem rather extreme… However, so is having a large number of people resign their positions in protest.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ted "tax-and-gouge-me" Kulongoski wants to add TOLLS that will VARY in price
the Oregonian
Despite the high cost of fuel, it may cost you more to drive depending on the time of day, location and/or congestion level on the freeway if Ted Kulongoski has his way.
Kulongoski, in his war on global warming says "this is the largest, most strategic, and GREENEST plan in Oregon history."
Kulongoski admits that a new source of funding must be found, that's where tollbooths or congestion pricing comes in or are charging drivers how many miles they drive e.g. installing a GPS system in your vehicle, and charging increased vehicle registration fees.
while Teddy hasn't noticed, with gasoline and diesel prices being as such, people are starting to drive a lot less which has at least according to CNBC, force the price of oil to come down a little bit.
Of course isn't it interesting that when they talk about global warming, green, etc. that it always winds up costing us, the general public, more money in the long run while at the same time putting more money in to the general fund.
Perhaps we have a different idea of a "GREEN".
Despite the high cost of fuel, it may cost you more to drive depending on the time of day, location and/or congestion level on the freeway if Ted Kulongoski has his way.
Kulongoski, in his war on global warming says "this is the largest, most strategic, and GREENEST plan in Oregon history."
"We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking transportation and climate change are conflicting policy priorities," says Kulongoski
Kulongoski admits that a new source of funding must be found, that's where tollbooths or congestion pricing comes in or are charging drivers how many miles they drive e.g. installing a GPS system in your vehicle, and charging increased vehicle registration fees.
while Teddy hasn't noticed, with gasoline and diesel prices being as such, people are starting to drive a lot less which has at least according to CNBC, force the price of oil to come down a little bit.
Of course isn't it interesting that when they talk about global warming, green, etc. that it always winds up costing us, the general public, more money in the long run while at the same time putting more money in to the general fund.
Perhaps we have a different idea of a "GREEN".
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Charlton Heston died at 84
BBC News
Heston died on Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills. His wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, was at his side.
2003, Heston stepped down from the National Rifle Association citing ill-health.
He had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease the year before.
Heston died on Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills. His wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, was at his side.
2003, Heston stepped down from the National Rifle Association citing ill-health.
He had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease the year before.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
No money for roads...
no money for police...
200 public employees may lose their jobs...
what are we going to do?
how about build a $2.5 million bike bridge!
KVAL--
The local biking community is all excited as ODOT and construction crews are bringing Eugene and Springfield together with a new one-of-a-kind structure that resembles the Golden gate Bridge.
The bridge, rising between Harlow Road and the I5 beltline flyover is part of the $72 million state package.
oh, isn't that sweet...
The bridge... is something that will be remembered by people going to Seattle or to San Francisco because it will be a one-of-a-kind bridge which also reinforces the local areas can an event to multi-modal transportation, according to Joe Harwood.
WOW! I wonder if we can get federal funding for... oh I don't know... services that will protect our streets like maybe police...
Oh wait, I almost forgot... they [the police] do get federal funding or grants...
... to make sure that you're wearing your seatbelt.
KVAL--
The local biking community is all excited as ODOT and construction crews are bringing Eugene and Springfield together with a new one-of-a-kind structure that resembles the Golden gate Bridge.
The bridge, rising between Harlow Road and the I5 beltline flyover is part of the $72 million state package.
ODOT Regional spokesman, Joe Harwood, says, "Not only is it going to be a beautiful bridge, but it's going to tie the bike path network of both cities together."
oh, isn't that sweet...
The bridge... is something that will be remembered by people going to Seattle or to San Francisco because it will be a one-of-a-kind bridge which also reinforces the local areas can an event to multi-modal transportation, according to Joe Harwood.
WOW! I wonder if we can get federal funding for... oh I don't know... services that will protect our streets like maybe police...
Oh wait, I almost forgot... they [the police] do get federal funding or grants...
... to make sure that you're wearing your seatbelt.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Talks about sales tax again?
Where do these people keep coming from?
Bend Bulletin
One of the changes that have been suggested to a state task force that is considering tax code changes, is to vastly reduce property taxes, and or eliminate them altogether for homes that are worth less than $1 million.
The catch?
You have to agree to pay 6% sales tax.
The task force won't release any recommendations until the end of the year, however, pollsters have told the panel that Oregonians are unlikely to support the creation of a sales tax unless other taxes are eliminated.
not to mention the fact that we have told them nine times that we DON'T want a sales tax at all."
Of course, if you don't like the idea of a 6% sales tax, how about a 5% sales tax in exchange for a $25,000 property tax exclusion?
let's see... the last time that a sales tax looked like it might become a reality, all of a sudden (yet not unexpectedly) the city of Eugene chimed in by stating that it would add a "city sales tax" to the mix.
The county of course, not wishing to be left out, wanted to also add a county tax.
So once we allow ANY sales tax to get started, it just opens up a Pandora's box and a feeding frenzy for new taxes.
One of the changes that have been suggested to a state task force that is considering tax code changes, is to vastly reduce property taxes, and or eliminate them altogether for homes that are worth less than $1 million.
The catch?
You have to agree to pay 6% sales tax.
The task force won't release any recommendations until the end of the year, however, pollsters have told the panel that Oregonians are unlikely to support the creation of a sales tax unless other taxes are eliminated.
not to mention the fact that we have told them nine times that we DON'T want a sales tax at all."
Of course, if you don't like the idea of a 6% sales tax, how about a 5% sales tax in exchange for a $25,000 property tax exclusion?
let's see... the last time that a sales tax looked like it might become a reality, all of a sudden (yet not unexpectedly) the city of Eugene chimed in by stating that it would add a "city sales tax" to the mix.
The county of course, not wishing to be left out, wanted to also add a county tax.
So once we allow ANY sales tax to get started, it just opens up a Pandora's box and a feeding frenzy for new taxes.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
OMG! It's been almost a month!
WOW! I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted anything.
My apologies to my readers.
I've been in training on new job for the past four weeks, working 12-13 hours a day and have been pretty much dead by the time I got home.
Things are starting to smooth out a little bit and I will pick up blogging again real soon.
There are a lot of things going on in Eugene right now, so much so, that there is enough time to touch on everything.
Stay tuned... I'll be back shortly.
Sincerely,
Robin
My apologies to my readers.
I've been in training on new job for the past four weeks, working 12-13 hours a day and have been pretty much dead by the time I got home.
Things are starting to smooth out a little bit and I will pick up blogging again real soon.
There are a lot of things going on in Eugene right now, so much so, that there is enough time to touch on everything.
Stay tuned... I'll be back shortly.
Sincerely,
Robin
Friday, February 22, 2008
Another reason why I like XP
Microsoft is warning Vista users about upcoming update
BBC News
Microsoft is warning Vista users that the next service upgrade (SP1) may actually cause some third-party programs to stop working, some will not run and others will lose some of their functions.
Programs such as Trend Micro Internet Security and Zone Alarm Security Suite, are just a few of the programs that will be hit by the upcoming release of SP1.
isn't it interesting that the programs listed above are designed to block viruses or keep an eye on places someone visits online?
One of the things that Microsoft boasts about its Vista operating system is its increased in the security of its operating system and also how it is used to combat piracy.
Personally, I will stick with XP Pro or switch to Linux if I have to.
BBC News
Microsoft is warning Vista users that the next service upgrade (SP1) may actually cause some third-party programs to stop working, some will not run and others will lose some of their functions.
Programs such as Trend Micro Internet Security and Zone Alarm Security Suite, are just a few of the programs that will be hit by the upcoming release of SP1.
some of the programs that are affected...
"BitDefender AV
Fujitsu Shock Sensor
Jiangmin KV Antivirus 10
Jiangmin KV Antivirus 2008
Trend Micro Internet Security
Zone Alarm Security Suite
Iron Speed Designer
Xheo Licensing
Free Allegiance
NYT Reader
Rising Personal Firewall
Novell ZCM Agent"
isn't it interesting that the programs listed above are designed to block viruses or keep an eye on places someone visits online?
One of the things that Microsoft boasts about its Vista operating system is its increased in the security of its operating system and also how it is used to combat piracy.
Personally, I will stick with XP Pro or switch to Linux if I have to.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Senator Clinton -- you will have health care or else
The New York Times--
Senator Hillary Clinton D-NY left open the possibility on an appearance this week with George Stephanopoulos that if elected, her government would garnish the wages of people who didn't comply with her health-care plan.
Stephanopoulos, who repeatedly asked Senator Clinton three times about garnishing wages of people who refuse to participate in the program, Mrs. Clinton replied...
Massachusetts, the only state with an insurance mandate, as thus far failed to enroll nearly half of its uninsured despite imposing a modest first-year tax penalty of $219 which increased significantly this year.
A point raised by Mr. Obama was that under Hillary's health care plan, forced everyone to buy insurance even if you cannot afford it or pay a penalty.
let me see if I have this straight...
Under Clinton's plan, health insurance will be mandatory.
The reason for mandatory insurance is because a large number of citizens are without insurance.
One of the major reasons I do not have insurance (speaking personally) is because I cannot afford coverage at this time.
So, if I cannot afford universal health care, where do I get the money to pay the penalties?
And if I pay the penalty for not having insurance, will that automatically enrolled me in the universal health care plan?
Both candidates, Clinton and Obama have the right idea that the US needs some type of universal health care and I think that they should take some examples of other systems around the world and use a system that will work.
In the meantime, let's put the Clintons on a strict $35,000 a year income and see which expenses that they choose to cut back.
I will bet you that health care would be one of them.
Senator Hillary Clinton D-NY left open the possibility on an appearance this week with George Stephanopoulos that if elected, her government would garnish the wages of people who didn't comply with her health-care plan.
Stephanopoulos, who repeatedly asked Senator Clinton three times about garnishing wages of people who refuse to participate in the program, Mrs. Clinton replied...
"we will have an enforcement mechanism, where the risk that or it's some other mechanism through the tax system or automatic enrollments."Clinton indicated that such mechanisms would not include penalties or fines.
they don't have to pay fines... we just want them to have insurance. We wanted to be affordable. And what I have said is that there are a number of ways of doing that. Now, there is not just one way of getting to that."Clinton commented that the focus on enforcement was clouding the issue of her proposal to cover the uninsured which would mandate coverage for all not just children.
Massachusetts, the only state with an insurance mandate, as thus far failed to enroll nearly half of its uninsured despite imposing a modest first-year tax penalty of $219 which increased significantly this year.
A point raised by Mr. Obama was that under Hillary's health care plan, forced everyone to buy insurance even if you cannot afford it or pay a penalty.
let me see if I have this straight...
Under Clinton's plan, health insurance will be mandatory.
The reason for mandatory insurance is because a large number of citizens are without insurance.
One of the major reasons I do not have insurance (speaking personally) is because I cannot afford coverage at this time.
So, if I cannot afford universal health care, where do I get the money to pay the penalties?
And if I pay the penalty for not having insurance, will that automatically enrolled me in the universal health care plan?
Both candidates, Clinton and Obama have the right idea that the US needs some type of universal health care and I think that they should take some examples of other systems around the world and use a system that will work.
In the meantime, let's put the Clintons on a strict $35,000 a year income and see which expenses that they choose to cut back.
I will bet you that health care would be one of them.
Friday, February 08, 2008
English-speaking Americans are being demoted for not speaking Spanish as Oregon begins to strictly enforce language rules.
As per conversation on Daniel's blog, the issue was brought up regarding Americans being required to learn Spanish in order to get or keep their jobs.
Some of the postings in response to that thread, indicated that no one has been required to learn Spanish and/or that it was okay for an employer to require employees to learn a new language as an amended job requirement.
Anyway, case in point ...
Hat tip to Lars Larson for pointing out the following article.
June 2006
Fire Crew Bosses Who Can't Speak Spanish Can Lose Jobs.
the Denver Channel, 7 news --
Officials are now having to lay off firefighting bosses who are not bilingual for safety as many new hires in Oregon only speak Spanish.
"What we do know is 85% of the crew makeup is of Hispanic dissent." Said Jim Walker of the Oregon Department of Forestry, "our main concern is that they are safe, and they are in a safe environment, and a law that deals with communication."The argument is for safety reasons, all bosses must speak the same language as their crews on the fire line. They want to make sure that the leader of the crews can quickly communicate during an emergency.
"If you have one Spanish guy on the crew, as an English crew boss, you can no longer be a crew boss. You have to step back to a squad boss, which is a demotion." Said Jamie Pickering.Pickering, can no longer work as a crew boss and supervise 20 firefighters. He can now only manage a squad of four firefighters.
The language requirement change in Oregon was made in 2003 after devastating wildfire season in 2002 which had contractors scrambling to find help.
"We're living here. We should speak the language." Said Manuel Franco, a contractor for fire crews."Why doesn't the state require these crew members to speak English?" The state does not have a clear answer.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The mortgage crisis...
CNN
The recent housing crisis has got me wondering about events in 2005 when banks decided that it was good practice to start giving mortgages to illegal aliens. E.g. Bank of America, etc.
The bank industry stated that it was a "win-win situation" and saw it as an "untapped" source for a growing revenue stream.
Not everybody agrees...
Dinerstein was also worry that this could lead to a form of "predatory lending."
Advocates on the other hand said the benefits outweigh the potential downside.
Peterson added that there is a common misconception that illegal immigrants will be more likely to default on their loans than a documented resident.
except for the little issue of risking deportation.
Grealish added that banks are careful to follow guidelines that the government has already have in place.
The risk for the bank is lowered because secondary markets such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have agreed to buy mortgages from banks that lend to illegal immigrants.
first of all, I think that it would be a higher risk for a bank if the person that they loan money to risk deportation at any time.
For example, once you've been deported, it is a felony to return to this country.
So looking at the housing issue at the moment and with all the loans that are being defaulted, I just am curious if this has anything to do with it.
The recent housing crisis has got me wondering about events in 2005 when banks decided that it was good practice to start giving mortgages to illegal aliens. E.g. Bank of America, etc.
The bank industry stated that it was a "win-win situation" and saw it as an "untapped" source for a growing revenue stream.
Not everybody agrees...
"It's institutionalizing illegality," said Marti Dinerstein, president of Immigration Matters, a New York-based think tank told CNN. "Now there's no distinction being made between the people that follow all the rules and those who break our laws by entering the country or overstaying their visas."
Dinerstein was also worry that this could lead to a form of "predatory lending."
Advocates on the other hand said the benefits outweigh the potential downside.
"This is a huge untapped market with people that live and work in this country and are capable of buying homes to realize the American dream," said Chan Peterson, executive vice president and head of community banking at Banco Popular, one of the earliest banks to enter this field.
Peterson added that there is a common misconception that illegal immigrants will be more likely to default on their loans than a documented resident.
except for the little issue of risking deportation.
"Illegal immigrants are here to stay and banks are recognizing that." Said Alenka Grealish, manager of the banking group at Celent, an independent research and consulting firm.
Grealish added that banks are careful to follow guidelines that the government has already have in place.
The risk for the bank is lowered because secondary markets such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have agreed to buy mortgages from banks that lend to illegal immigrants.
"Banks are counting on the fact that we do a lousy job with interior enforcement," said Celent's Grealish. "Once you're in the country and you haven't done anything wrong, the chances of being deported are very slim. Banks are banking on that."
first of all, I think that it would be a higher risk for a bank if the person that they loan money to risk deportation at any time.
For example, once you've been deported, it is a felony to return to this country.
So looking at the housing issue at the moment and with all the loans that are being defaulted, I just am curious if this has anything to do with it.
Friday, February 01, 2008
would you still use YAHOO if Microsoft owns it?
Microsoft Corp. has made an unsolicited $44.6 billion cash and stock bid $31 a share for YAHOO on Friday.
The combination of Yahoo and Microsoft would crave Harpold number two player in the online search business currently dominated by Google.
This could be good news for Yahoo has announced Tuesday that it would lay off 1000 employees by mid-February citing what it describes as "headwinds" facing the company.
Yahoo has made some changes over the recent year, such as adding more storage space for its Yahoo e-mail, however, has been unable to control its spam.
In either case, I am a Yahoo user, and the question I have for my readers are...
How do you feel about Microsoft and Yahoo merging?
"We don't need your money... we need to prioritize your money."
Robin's Commentary --
"We don't need your money... we need to prioritize your money." Was a quote from President George Bush today when he was giving a speech at the Hallmark company.
That one statement is a message that I would like to send the city of Eugene.
Just to make sure that they understand that... let's break that statement down.
1. "We don't need YOUR money"
it is OUR hard-earned money, not money that is just sitting there in a pile for the taking.
2. "We need to PRIORITIZE your money."
The city of Eugene needs to set his priorities straight in my opinion.
We need to make our city safe as a priority, then businesses will relocate to the city and banks will be willing to loan money for development.
Currently, one of the reasons why Eugene is having so much trouble renovating downtown, is because banks will not loan money for development because downtown is considered a "depressed area."
When I used to work downtown I always felt very uncomfortable walking by myself. In fact, three weeks after we relocated downtown, one of my coworkers had his old pickup stolen from the parking garage.
Demonstrating that you're able to prioritize the money would also make it a lot easier to raise more money because it would infer confidence in the citizens. Reference Springfield as an example.
In my opinion, the city of Eugene needs to take an example from the president.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
ODOT's Road Users the Task Force (RUFTF) final report for GPS gas tax collection system
ODOT --
2001, a task force was established through HB 3946 and passed by the 2001 Oregon Legislative Assembly in order to find new methods to "ensure a flow of revenue sufficient to annually maintain, preserve and improve Oregon State, County and city highways and roads system."
The "system" would require placing a GPS recording unit within your vehicle in order to collect a variable tax which would depend on the location, time of day, and the amount of congestion of the road being traveled.
The system would collect the tax by interfacing with the GPS system with the gas pumps.
In its 12 month feasibility study, 285 volunteers with 299 motorists and two service stations in Portland were outfitted with the GPS system and interfaces.
The task force findings were that the concept is viable and that 91% of the progress participants said that they would agree to continue paying the mileage fee in lieu of the gas tax if the program was extended statewide.
The study also showed that the mileage fee could be phased in gradually alongside the gas tax allowing non-equipped vehicles to continue paying the gas tax. Retrofitting the vehicles however at this point appears to be expensive and difficult.
The study also showed that different pricing zones could be established electronically and the assigned fees could be charged for driving in each zone.
ODOT developed the system with specific engineering requirements to maintain privacy.
The next step is for the Oregon Mileage Fee Concept will require additional development and testing in order to prepare for full implementation. This will require ODOT working with technology firms and automotive manufacturers for implementation within the next 10 years.
I particularly like the point of "22% decline in driving during peak periods" due to pricing strategy.
This is another example of how they are trying to get us out of our cars and into public transit.
Let's take a quick look at these two systems and how they compare for 1 gallon of gasoline.
The current system of pre-paying the tax at the pump means that you would pay for
$.24 plus federal and city fees {source:Oregon.gov} no matter where or when you drive.
Under the proposed GPS system, the amount of tax that would be paid for that 1 gallon of fuel would vary depending on the day, time, and location traveled and would be paid at the time of the next fill up. Total cost, unknown.
In short, under the current system, if I wish to buy $10 worth of fuel, I could calculate easily how much do I would get versus the proposed GPS system.
Those are just a few of the reasons why I personally feel the GPS system is a bad idea.
2001, a task force was established through HB 3946 and passed by the 2001 Oregon Legislative Assembly in order to find new methods to "ensure a flow of revenue sufficient to annually maintain, preserve and improve Oregon State, County and city highways and roads system."
The "system" would require placing a GPS recording unit within your vehicle in order to collect a variable tax which would depend on the location, time of day, and the amount of congestion of the road being traveled.
The system would collect the tax by interfacing with the GPS system with the gas pumps.
In its 12 month feasibility study, 285 volunteers with 299 motorists and two service stations in Portland were outfitted with the GPS system and interfaces.
The task force findings were that the concept is viable and that 91% of the progress participants said that they would agree to continue paying the mileage fee in lieu of the gas tax if the program was extended statewide.
The study also showed that the mileage fee could be phased in gradually alongside the gas tax allowing non-equipped vehicles to continue paying the gas tax. Retrofitting the vehicles however at this point appears to be expensive and difficult.
The study also showed that different pricing zones could be established electronically and the assigned fees could be charged for driving in each zone.
this proves the mileage fee concept could support not only congestion pricing but also assignment in the collection of local revenues and other "zone oriented" features. Furthermore, the area of pricing strategy applied in the pilot program produced a 22% decline in driving during peak periods."
ODOT developed the system with specific engineering requirements to maintain privacy.
The next step is for the Oregon Mileage Fee Concept will require additional development and testing in order to prepare for full implementation. This will require ODOT working with technology firms and automotive manufacturers for implementation within the next 10 years.
I particularly like the point of "22% decline in driving during peak periods" due to pricing strategy.
This is another example of how they are trying to get us out of our cars and into public transit.
Let's take a quick look at these two systems and how they compare for 1 gallon of gasoline.
The current system of pre-paying the tax at the pump means that you would pay for
$.24 plus federal and city fees {source:Oregon.gov} no matter where or when you drive.
Under the proposed GPS system, the amount of tax that would be paid for that 1 gallon of fuel would vary depending on the day, time, and location traveled and would be paid at the time of the next fill up. Total cost, unknown.
In short, under the current system, if I wish to buy $10 worth of fuel, I could calculate easily how much do I would get versus the proposed GPS system.
Those are just a few of the reasons why I personally feel the GPS system is a bad idea.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
"We said we would sunset it when we solve the problem. While we haven't solved the problem yet"
KVAL
By the end of this week, another two cents would have been dropped off the price of gas at the pump's as part of the Eugene's gas tax would have been phased out, however, officials say that the street repair fund can't afford that 40% hit as the city Council has decided to [not surprisingly] keep the local five cents per gallon fuel tax.
Mayor Piercy continued by saying that the best solution will come from the state.
Based on the history of the Eugene city Council, the fact that they decided to keep the five cents a gallon does not come to a surprise to some Lane County citizens.
Paperwork is expected to be filed this week to collect at least 5500 signatures to place an appeal on the ballot. If the measure fails, the tax will stay at five cents per gallon until at least 2011.
just like Sander, this move by the city Council does not surprise me at all. In fact, I would have been surprised if they didn't try something.
As mayor's Kitty Piercy commented, "... we haven't solved the problem yet."
I can agree with her on that statement however probably not in the same context.
The city has been desperately and obviously at any means possible looking for ways to raise money for quite some time now, ranging from increase in the gas tax to a proposal to charging an additional tax for your driveway
Reference the following links as an example
archives
Additionally, if the mayor really believes that the state is going to come to our rescue, in my opinion... she will have a long wait.
One question I do have however regarding the roads, is why now?
They [the city] has left the roads deteriorate for so long, why are they so desperately worried about it now?
Could it be because the city is worried about giving a bad first impression to potential businesses that will be visiting our fair city when they attend the 2008 Summer Olympics trials?
Naw... they care too much about our community to be concerned just about that...NOT!
By the end of this week, another two cents would have been dropped off the price of gas at the pump's as part of the Eugene's gas tax would have been phased out, however, officials say that the street repair fund can't afford that 40% hit as the city Council has decided to [not surprisingly] keep the local five cents per gallon fuel tax.
"We said we would sunset it when we solved the problem. Well we haven't solved the problem yet," says Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy.
Mayor Piercy continued by saying that the best solution will come from the state.
Based on the history of the Eugene city Council, the fact that they decided to keep the five cents a gallon does not come to a surprise to some Lane County citizens.
"The city is going to lose; we're going to vote it down and they're going to say, well, we're still going to do it and that's exactly what they did. I rest my case,"says service station employee Odis Sander.
Paperwork is expected to be filed this week to collect at least 5500 signatures to place an appeal on the ballot. If the measure fails, the tax will stay at five cents per gallon until at least 2011.
just like Sander, this move by the city Council does not surprise me at all. In fact, I would have been surprised if they didn't try something.
As mayor's Kitty Piercy commented, "... we haven't solved the problem yet."
I can agree with her on that statement however probably not in the same context.
The city has been desperately and obviously at any means possible looking for ways to raise money for quite some time now, ranging from increase in the gas tax to a proposal to charging an additional tax for your driveway
Reference the following links as an example
archives
Additionally, if the mayor really believes that the state is going to come to our rescue, in my opinion... she will have a long wait.
One question I do have however regarding the roads, is why now?
They [the city] has left the roads deteriorate for so long, why are they so desperately worried about it now?
Could it be because the city is worried about giving a bad first impression to potential businesses that will be visiting our fair city when they attend the 2008 Summer Olympics trials?
Naw... they care too much about our community to be concerned just about that...NOT!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Criminal Justice report card not much of an improvement over 2006
Lane Council of governments (LCOG), recently posted on their website from the public safety coordinating Council (PSCC), their 2008 report card on the criminal justice system in Lane County.
At a glance, the report includes crime and safety, resources and capacity, and patient and effective use resources, crime and safety, etc..
The report includes a comparison between 2006 and 2008.
It's an interesting read.
The report can be viewed at the following links.
LCOG
criminal justice system report card Databook
At a glance, the report includes crime and safety, resources and capacity, and patient and effective use resources, crime and safety, etc..
The report includes a comparison between 2006 and 2008.
It's an interesting read.
The report can be viewed at the following links.
LCOG
criminal justice system report card Databook
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Does the Fed's rate cut today signify that they are admitting that we are in a recession?
the Washington Times
The Federal Reserve this morning in a move to boost the economy cut the key interest rate by three quarters of a percentage point which caused a massive selloff in early trading.
The effort however failed to reassure the global stock markets which plunged on fears that trouble in the US economy could translate into a weaker economic activity worldwide.
Paulson did not mention in the prepared remarks the steep plunge in the global markets on Monday which included declines in many markets that were the largest since 9/11.
in my opinion, I think that we are in a recession already and that the raising of the interest rates to "try to stem off inflation" was a mistake.
In a global economy, the old-school rules that Greenspan relied on do not apply simply because thanks to technology, things change at a faster pace than they did 10 years ago.
The Federal Reserve this morning in a move to boost the economy cut the key interest rate by three quarters of a percentage point which caused a massive selloff in early trading.
The effort however failed to reassure the global stock markets which plunged on fears that trouble in the US economy could translate into a weaker economic activity worldwide.
"Time is of the essence and the president stands ready to work on a bipartisan basis to enact economic growth legislation as soon as possible," said Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in remarks to the US Chamber of Commerce... I continue to have confidence in the underlying strength of the global economy.
Paulson did not mention in the prepared remarks the steep plunge in the global markets on Monday which included declines in many markets that were the largest since 9/11.
in my opinion, I think that we are in a recession already and that the raising of the interest rates to "try to stem off inflation" was a mistake.
In a global economy, the old-school rules that Greenspan relied on do not apply simply because thanks to technology, things change at a faster pace than they did 10 years ago.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Oregon DMV will now electronically verify the Social Security number for drivers license
KMTR-
The Oregon transportation commission adopted new rules regulating the issuance of drivers license that will go into effect within the next couple months.
Applicants who apply for a driver's license will now have to show proof of residence in addition to a Social Security number.
Oregonians who do not have a Social Security number may still apply for driving privileges or an identification card however, they must sign a statement that they have never been issued a Social Security number and have at least one document listed in the DMV approved list of identification.
These new rules have raised concern within the this been a community.
I think that last line is very interesting. Every time we try to strengthen the laws or to more accurately put it, patch together the laws that are on the books which are not enforced, illegitimate citizens are usually among the first to to raise their voices in opposition.
In my opinion, this has the same effect as a burglar complaining that their victim just made it harder to break into their home.
Besides the fact that everybody is supposed to be under the same laws, illegal aliens would have nothing to complain about if they would have followed the rules in the first place by coming into this country through the front door and therefore none of these issues would actually be necessary.
The Oregon transportation commission adopted new rules regulating the issuance of drivers license that will go into effect within the next couple months.
Applicants who apply for a driver's license will now have to show proof of residence in addition to a Social Security number.
Oregonians who do not have a Social Security number may still apply for driving privileges or an identification card however, they must sign a statement that they have never been issued a Social Security number and have at least one document listed in the DMV approved list of identification.
These new rules have raised concern within the this been a community.
I think that last line is very interesting. Every time we try to strengthen the laws or to more accurately put it, patch together the laws that are on the books which are not enforced, illegitimate citizens are usually among the first to to raise their voices in opposition.
In my opinion, this has the same effect as a burglar complaining that their victim just made it harder to break into their home.
Besides the fact that everybody is supposed to be under the same laws, illegal aliens would have nothing to complain about if they would have followed the rules in the first place by coming into this country through the front door and therefore none of these issues would actually be necessary.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Carbon tax or "cap and trade"
Portland Tribune-
A new phrase which is starting to pop up more and more often, is the "carbon tax" in which you pay a tax for the carbon dioxide that you generate in order to stem off global warming.
Some states like California and Oregon have tried to convince the EPA to allow the states to create their own auto emissions requirements for car makers. This in my opinion would raise the price per car significantly. Fortunately for us and to Kulongoski's dismay, the EPA ruled that states are not allowed to have their own rules.
"Cap and trade" would be designed to keep emissions of certain pollutants below a set level by placing a mandate that would put a limit on industrial greenhouse gases by equating them with credits that can be traded on the open market.
The program will be presented to the Oregon Legislature in the 2009 session which starts next January. If the Legislature approves the program, the earliest it could be launched would be 2010.
here's one thing I could see coming out of all this... in addition to renewing your vehicle registration, they could add a carbon tax based on the output of carbons from your vehicle. E.g. the cleaner or more efficient that your vehicle is, the less your registration would be.
And like with all taxes, who would receive the money?
A new phrase which is starting to pop up more and more often, is the "carbon tax" in which you pay a tax for the carbon dioxide that you generate in order to stem off global warming.
Some states like California and Oregon have tried to convince the EPA to allow the states to create their own auto emissions requirements for car makers. This in my opinion would raise the price per car significantly. Fortunately for us and to Kulongoski's dismay, the EPA ruled that states are not allowed to have their own rules.
"Cap and trade" would be designed to keep emissions of certain pollutants below a set level by placing a mandate that would put a limit on industrial greenhouse gases by equating them with credits that can be traded on the open market.
"This thing has the potential to reach out and touch everyone in Oregon in one way or another,” said state Rep. Chuck Burley, R-Bend, who attended the stakeholder meeting."
The program will be presented to the Oregon Legislature in the 2009 session which starts next January. If the Legislature approves the program, the earliest it could be launched would be 2010.
here's one thing I could see coming out of all this... in addition to renewing your vehicle registration, they could add a carbon tax based on the output of carbons from your vehicle. E.g. the cleaner or more efficient that your vehicle is, the less your registration would be.
And like with all taxes, who would receive the money?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
we don't have enough officers to go around
Robin's Commentary-
How many times have we heard that from the city of Eugene and Springfield?
Too many times!
"We need to raise taxes because we do not have enough money for more officers."
Well what I saw today is one of my pet peeves about that argument... and I'm referring to River Road and Beltline approximately 2 p.m. where I saw at least 4 motorcycle officers patrolling that intersection.
Two of them had already had people pulled over on the eastbound ramps of the Beltline.
Another was sitting on the sidewalk at the intersection of River Road and Belt Line, and the fourth was just making the loop back to River Road from the freeway.
Yes I know the argument... They are part of the traffic team and except during an emergency they are not supposed to do the job of a patrol officer.
Who cares!
They are still uniformed police officers who I feel whose time could be better spent performing other police duties versus ganging up on motorists.
The district attorney himself has said on the radio how bad Eugene is as far as crime.
Well as I've said many times before, it's all about perception. If you want more taxes out of me, then it had at least better LOOK like you're using the money wisely.
Local and federal gas tax increase proposed
Yahoo -AP
As the battle continues locally over the gas tax {KVAL}in Eugene with the city Council "considering allowing" the gas tax to be rolled back by two cents in February as planned versus keeping the current level of five cents a gallon. The city Council will vote on the issue at the end of the month. It is estimated that the two cent increase will generate approximately $4.1 million for street maintenance.
Washington of course feeling the pain of the high cost of street maintenance believes that the federal gasoline tax should be raised by $.40 per gallon over the next five years in order to fix aging bridges and roads and reduce traffic deaths.
The proposed increase would raise gas taxes from the current 18.4 cents per gallon by five cents to eight cents annually for the next five years and then indexed to inflation afterwards.
The Bush administration commented that raising taxes won't cut congestion. no kidding
The recommendation was based on a two-year study by a 12 member commission with the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.
Other recommendations by the commission are...
... cut traffic fatalities in half over the next 17 years
... ease traffic congestion by expanding state and local public transit systems and highway capacity
... protect the environment by smoothing traffic flow, carpooling, public transit, etc.
one question I would have to ask, is why is the big push for better streets now in Eugene?
It would not be because of the 2008 Summer Olympics trials and the perception of our town to the world would it?
Hummmmm
As the battle continues locally over the gas tax {KVAL}in Eugene with the city Council "considering allowing" the gas tax to be rolled back by two cents in February as planned versus keeping the current level of five cents a gallon. The city Council will vote on the issue at the end of the month. It is estimated that the two cent increase will generate approximately $4.1 million for street maintenance.
Washington of course feeling the pain of the high cost of street maintenance believes that the federal gasoline tax should be raised by $.40 per gallon over the next five years in order to fix aging bridges and roads and reduce traffic deaths.
The proposed increase would raise gas taxes from the current 18.4 cents per gallon by five cents to eight cents annually for the next five years and then indexed to inflation afterwards.
The Bush administration commented that raising taxes won't cut congestion. no kidding
The recommendation was based on a two-year study by a 12 member commission with the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.
Other recommendations by the commission are...
... cut traffic fatalities in half over the next 17 years
... ease traffic congestion by expanding state and local public transit systems and highway capacity
... protect the environment by smoothing traffic flow, carpooling, public transit, etc.
one question I would have to ask, is why is the big push for better streets now in Eugene?
It would not be because of the 2008 Summer Olympics trials and the perception of our town to the world would it?
Hummmmm
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