Portland Business Journal --
The University of Oregon Index of Economic Indicators rose 0.5 percent in August to 84.4, based on a 1997 benchmark of 100.
Tim Duy, director of the Oregon Economic Forum and a UO adjunct assistant professor, said the increase “suggests the Oregon recession will end during the second half of 2009.”
Although initial jobless claims continue to drift down at a modest pace, indicating a slower rate of layoffs, claims remain well above levels consistent with sustained job growth, Duy said.
Employment services sector payrolls — dominated by temporary help agencies — declined, providing further evidence of the weak job market. A small job gain (500) in July was quickly reversed; overall nonfarm payroll (not included in the index) losses accelerated in August as Oregon firms shed a net 6,600 employees.
such a relief... and I always thought that businesses closing, people out of work and bankruptcies was a bad thing.
silly me...apparently, I have been wrong all this time.
I mean, who's to argue with the experts at University of Oregon regarding the economy?
with the improvement in the economy, I wonder if that also means that the U of O will be lowering their tuition rates?
Friday, October 09, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Portland: 300 more miles of bike paths planned
Downtown business owners concerned about losing business
KATU--
A planned increase in number bikeways throughout the city of Portland has downtown business owners worried that it will drive people away.
many of the business owners pointed out that they are concerned about the future of downtown and don't feel like they can survive.
City of Portland is accepting public input from now until November 8, 2009. The city is also planning on holding a hearing regarding the plan at 6 PM Tuesday, October 27.
The plan calls for an additional 300 miles of bikeways by the year 2030.
take a look at what happened to the Eugene downtown mall when they had the brilliant idea to closed the roads to vehicle traffic.
it practically killed downtown Eugene.
Years later, when they realize their mistake, they try to revitalize downtown by reopening the streets to vehicle traffic however, it was never the same. in fact, in 2006, when developers try to purchase the old Sears building, they were unable to achieve loans because it was considered "depressed urban area."
In the meantime, places like Valley River Center, florist when they close the downtown mall. Valley River offers ample parking and covered shopping.
Which is another point that these bicycles enthusiasts seem to kind of forget that this is Oregon...
IT RAINS A LOT HERE!
another important point is that regarding purchases such as groceries and larger items, etc. even with a bike trailer, how much are you actually going to get on a bike.
One final point, I agree with the shop owners concerns. I rarely go downtown Eugene for shopping and will actually go out of my way to a shop outside of the downtown area were several reasons. #1, parking and #2, time value.
So I have no problem if you want to ride your bike to work or shopping, be my guest... for me, if I can't park within a couple blocks of the shop at the very least, I'll go somewhere else.
Oh yes, did I mention mail-order?
A planned increase in number bikeways throughout the city of Portland has downtown business owners worried that it will drive people away.
“I like that it’s a bike-friendly city, but I also want it to be a city that’s friendly for businesses as well,” said Jane Adams, one of the shop owners.
The owners of Flowers by Dorcas said the plan reaffirms their decision to relocate to the Hollywood District.
“As a matter of fact one of the reasons we are moving is our customers complain with the lack of parking, the gridlock, and the construction. They don’t come downtown anymore,” said co-owner Gerhard Watzig.
Oregon Wines on Broadway owner, Kate Bolling, said she can also see how it could cause problems with the flow of traffic.
“If you’re not a bike commuter, affects your ability to come to work,” she said.
many of the business owners pointed out that they are concerned about the future of downtown and don't feel like they can survive.
City of Portland is accepting public input from now until November 8, 2009. The city is also planning on holding a hearing regarding the plan at 6 PM Tuesday, October 27.
The plan calls for an additional 300 miles of bikeways by the year 2030.
take a look at what happened to the Eugene downtown mall when they had the brilliant idea to closed the roads to vehicle traffic.
it practically killed downtown Eugene.
Years later, when they realize their mistake, they try to revitalize downtown by reopening the streets to vehicle traffic however, it was never the same. in fact, in 2006, when developers try to purchase the old Sears building, they were unable to achieve loans because it was considered "depressed urban area."
In the meantime, places like Valley River Center, florist when they close the downtown mall. Valley River offers ample parking and covered shopping.
Which is another point that these bicycles enthusiasts seem to kind of forget that this is Oregon...
IT RAINS A LOT HERE!
another important point is that regarding purchases such as groceries and larger items, etc. even with a bike trailer, how much are you actually going to get on a bike.
One final point, I agree with the shop owners concerns. I rarely go downtown Eugene for shopping and will actually go out of my way to a shop outside of the downtown area were several reasons. #1, parking and #2, time value.
So I have no problem if you want to ride your bike to work or shopping, be my guest... for me, if I can't park within a couple blocks of the shop at the very least, I'll go somewhere else.
Oh yes, did I mention mail-order?
Friday, October 02, 2009
in case of an emergency, put your bra on your face
CNet news--
The humble bra.
Most women hate them. However, Elena Bodnar, who got her start as a scientist in the Ukraine has come up with a new reason to like them.
In 1986, she witnessed the devastating effects of the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster, and among other things and she noticed, was that women were wearing bras that were more "Lacey" than they were lifesaving.
Her designs gave a new twist to the "convertible" bra, which not only looks fashionable, but also doubles as a gas mask.
Bodnar claims that her intervention could have prevented people from breathing the iodine-131 in the wake of Chernobyl.
A bra garment comprising: a plurality of detachable cup sections, each of the cup sections having: (a) a filter device; (b) a first portion positionable adjacent to a first central area of a user's chest; (c) a second portion positionable adjacent to a second outer area of the user's chest adjacent to an underarm; and (d) a valve device.
now here's a visual... you go to work for a new company such as a chemical company, and one of the first things that they do is they fit you for a gas mask.
I'll let you fill in the blanks on that conversation...
picture courtesy of CNet news.com
up up and away...
Oregon Department of Transportation --
October means the beginning of a lot of things. Fall, my favorite holiday... Halloween, and of course, new taxes and fees.
And unfortunately, some of those fees that are going up is the cost of driving a vehicle.
Some of the changes include some of the following...
A regular title will increase to $77 from $55
Registration for passenger vehicles including hybrids and electric cars, for the initial title, increases to $172 from $108 and a two-year registration fee will increase to $86 from $54.
Motorcycles and mopeds, the new fee will be $96 in increased from $60 for a new registration. $48 increased from $30 for a two-year registration.
Commercial vehicles, the new fee will range from $55-$1295 in increased from $27-$636. Almost double.
However, the Department of Motor Vehicles would like to remind you that these increases are going for a good cause.
Currently, fees for driver's license are not affected
although I currently do not have a link for it, I also recall that the gas tax is scheduled to go up $.06 gallon the first of October. a really smart move speaking sarcastically if you recall that the higher fuel prices is one of the things that was the catalyst for putting us in this economic recession.
keep it coming... I think they're still a few people in Oregon that are still doing well financially... can't let that happen.
However, in a companion piece...
The register guard October 1, 2009
a continuation of trying to convince voters to approve the $733 million tax increase...
The 27 page analysis from the first such independent study to come out since critics lost a campaign to refer the measure to the voters to defeat the tax.
supporters of the tax claim that the higher rate would primarily get big corporations and that by 2013, the report predicted that 118 businesses, all with Oregon sales above 75 million would also pay a higher rate.
several things that they are forgetting, it is the old saying of the "trickle down theory." When you increase the costs on the larger corporations, that costs is passed on to the consumer. Even larger corporations are forced to cut back on services and benefits. And companies that depend on these corporations for livelihoods are also affected.
The theory that just because a large corporation has "deep pockets" does not necessarily mean that they are a bottomless pit of money. Even Microsoft for example has threatened to move out of the country due to increased costs to operate within the United States.
Locally, Sony in Springfield, one of the primary reasons that they closed their eight-year plant was due to the expiration of their tax benefits. The trickle down effect from Sony closing, not to mention the 277 employees that were laid off at the time, affected several other local companies such as Sherwood packaging in which Sony was a primary customer.
In my opinion, especially if it means increased taxes, we should at least as taxpayers have a say on whether or not we want to pay more in taxes.
And I would like to point out also has some in Salem sometimes believe, that were just holding out and not wanting to pay more.
To that, I say get real.
A lot of us, including my household, have seriously cut are spending in order to try and make our monthly obligations. Even if we wanted to pay more in taxes, we just don't have the money to do it.
October means the beginning of a lot of things. Fall, my favorite holiday... Halloween, and of course, new taxes and fees.
And unfortunately, some of those fees that are going up is the cost of driving a vehicle.
Some of the changes include some of the following...
A regular title will increase to $77 from $55
Registration for passenger vehicles including hybrids and electric cars, for the initial title, increases to $172 from $108 and a two-year registration fee will increase to $86 from $54.
Motorcycles and mopeds, the new fee will be $96 in increased from $60 for a new registration. $48 increased from $30 for a two-year registration.
Commercial vehicles, the new fee will range from $55-$1295 in increased from $27-$636. Almost double.
However, the Department of Motor Vehicles would like to remind you that these increases are going for a good cause.
* A sustained $300 million per year for road repair and improvement (half goes to Oregon cities and counties).
* A series of 37 major state highway construction projects.
* Support for Amtrak Cascades train service, roadside rest areas, urban trails and bicycle paths, and public transportation for seniors and people with disabilities.
Currently, fees for driver's license are not affected
although I currently do not have a link for it, I also recall that the gas tax is scheduled to go up $.06 gallon the first of October. a really smart move speaking sarcastically if you recall that the higher fuel prices is one of the things that was the catalyst for putting us in this economic recession.
keep it coming... I think they're still a few people in Oregon that are still doing well financially... can't let that happen.
However, in a companion piece...
The register guard October 1, 2009
Tax Increases Would Help State Economy More Than Cuts, Reports Finds
a continuation of trying to convince voters to approve the $733 million tax increase...
If voters approve $733 million in higher taxes next year on corporations and high-income households, the state’s economy will probably be better off than if state government cuts spending by that amount to balance its budget, says a report issued Wednesday by the nonpartisan Legislative Revenue Office.
The 27 page analysis from the first such independent study to come out since critics lost a campaign to refer the measure to the voters to defeat the tax.
Legislative Revenue Officer Paul Warner said raising taxes and cutting state spending both have the effect of “pulling dollars out of the revenue stream” in Oregon’s economy.
supporters of the tax claim that the higher rate would primarily get big corporations and that by 2013, the report predicted that 118 businesses, all with Oregon sales above 75 million would also pay a higher rate.
several things that they are forgetting, it is the old saying of the "trickle down theory." When you increase the costs on the larger corporations, that costs is passed on to the consumer. Even larger corporations are forced to cut back on services and benefits. And companies that depend on these corporations for livelihoods are also affected.
The theory that just because a large corporation has "deep pockets" does not necessarily mean that they are a bottomless pit of money. Even Microsoft for example has threatened to move out of the country due to increased costs to operate within the United States.
Locally, Sony in Springfield, one of the primary reasons that they closed their eight-year plant was due to the expiration of their tax benefits. The trickle down effect from Sony closing, not to mention the 277 employees that were laid off at the time, affected several other local companies such as Sherwood packaging in which Sony was a primary customer.
In my opinion, especially if it means increased taxes, we should at least as taxpayers have a say on whether or not we want to pay more in taxes.
And I would like to point out also has some in Salem sometimes believe, that were just holding out and not wanting to pay more.
To that, I say get real.
A lot of us, including my household, have seriously cut are spending in order to try and make our monthly obligations. Even if we wanted to pay more in taxes, we just don't have the money to do it.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
in this corner -- the Oregon Legislature
Their opponent -- the Oregon taxpayer
Who will win the battle for $733 million tax increase?
The statesman Journal
Opponents of the Oregon Legislature's plan for a $733 million tax increase on corporations and higher income individuals collected more than twice the 55,000 valid signatures needed to place the initiative on the statewide ballot.
let's see, they have collected more than twice the number of signatures necessary... that means that they will probably disallow about three quarters of them... well, it could still make the ballot.
The anti-tax coalition signature drive gathered more than $1 million in contributions from business groups, timber companies and others, including a network of hundreds of volunteers working around the state.
On the list of referendums to be overturned is the Legislature's $300 million year-round improvement program which would be funded with a six cent a gallon gasoline tax increase as well as higher fees for licenses, registrations, etc.
The other was aimed at blocking a combination of tax increases on hospital and health insurance premiums in order to expand health coverage to an additional 80,000 uninsured children and 35,000 low income adults.
any economist worth their salt will tell you that you cannot tax your way out of a recession.
Especially, with Oregon holding its unemployment rate at 12.2% you would think that they would be doing more to stimulate the economy [and I don't mean adding more bike paths and bridges] instead of doing stupid stuff that actually harms the economy.
I can't believe that some idiot actually came up with the idea of adding a tax on hospitals and health insurance. I mean how stupid is that?
Let me spell it out... adding a tax on anything increases the price of that item. Now, with the increase in cost, even less people can now afford it. Adding a tax on hospitals, just meant that more people can not afford it. DUH!
So whoever the individual was they came up with that wonderful idea, would you please step to the back of the room.
Oregon for some dumb reason, just doesn't get it. However, fortunately, there are a few states in the union who do.
For example, Texas. With an unemployment rate of 7.5%, two points below the national average, large companies like Medtronic and Caterpillar are MOVING to Texas to take advantage of the state's "stable budget and low taxes."
Arizona -- Arizona Legislature is planning a vote on a referendum to reduce the state's corporate income tax from 6.97% to 4.86% in order to attract businesses to their state. Additionally, their proposal to cut all personal income tax rates by 6.6% and abolish a statewide tax on commercial and residential property. There is even a plan to reduce temporarily the states sales tax.
Maine -- Legislature and the governor enacted sweeping tax reform creating a law to remove the states graduated income tax structure with the top rate of 8.5% and replaces it with a simple flat 6.5% tax.
Now if you are a large corporation thinking about moving or relocating, where would you go?
If it was me, the first thing that I would be looking at is how the states are handling this economic crisis and unfortunately in my opinion Oregon would be scratched off my list.
However, we are one of the few states that actually have a state crab.
source for above -- Oregon business report
Opponents of the Oregon Legislature's plan for a $733 million tax increase on corporations and higher income individuals collected more than twice the 55,000 valid signatures needed to place the initiative on the statewide ballot.
let's see, they have collected more than twice the number of signatures necessary... that means that they will probably disallow about three quarters of them... well, it could still make the ballot.
Democratic legislative leaders said the two measures were crafted to target companies and individuals who can afford to pay the taxes. They said the personal income tax increase will affect the top 3% of earners.
The anti-tax coalition signature drive gathered more than $1 million in contributions from business groups, timber companies and others, including a network of hundreds of volunteers working around the state.
On the list of referendums to be overturned is the Legislature's $300 million year-round improvement program which would be funded with a six cent a gallon gasoline tax increase as well as higher fees for licenses, registrations, etc.
The other was aimed at blocking a combination of tax increases on hospital and health insurance premiums in order to expand health coverage to an additional 80,000 uninsured children and 35,000 low income adults.
any economist worth their salt will tell you that you cannot tax your way out of a recession.
Especially, with Oregon holding its unemployment rate at 12.2% you would think that they would be doing more to stimulate the economy [and I don't mean adding more bike paths and bridges] instead of doing stupid stuff that actually harms the economy.
I can't believe that some idiot actually came up with the idea of adding a tax on hospitals and health insurance. I mean how stupid is that?
Let me spell it out... adding a tax on anything increases the price of that item. Now, with the increase in cost, even less people can now afford it. Adding a tax on hospitals, just meant that more people can not afford it. DUH!
So whoever the individual was they came up with that wonderful idea, would you please step to the back of the room.
Oregon for some dumb reason, just doesn't get it. However, fortunately, there are a few states in the union who do.
For example, Texas. With an unemployment rate of 7.5%, two points below the national average, large companies like Medtronic and Caterpillar are MOVING to Texas to take advantage of the state's "stable budget and low taxes."
Arizona -- Arizona Legislature is planning a vote on a referendum to reduce the state's corporate income tax from 6.97% to 4.86% in order to attract businesses to their state. Additionally, their proposal to cut all personal income tax rates by 6.6% and abolish a statewide tax on commercial and residential property. There is even a plan to reduce temporarily the states sales tax.
Maine -- Legislature and the governor enacted sweeping tax reform creating a law to remove the states graduated income tax structure with the top rate of 8.5% and replaces it with a simple flat 6.5% tax.
Now if you are a large corporation thinking about moving or relocating, where would you go?
If it was me, the first thing that I would be looking at is how the states are handling this economic crisis and unfortunately in my opinion Oregon would be scratched off my list.
However, we are one of the few states that actually have a state crab.
source for above -- Oregon business report
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Obama Care - what's your opinion?
Robins Commentary --
It's really funny in a way when you think about it... nationwide healthcare, and why we do not have it.
I personally would like most people are in agreement that it is something that is needed or at least would be nice to have the option available, however, one of the biggest drawbacks is that it would be run by the government.
And we know that we can trust the government, right? Not!
we see examples of that every day regarding corruption, bureaucracy and lack of checks and balances in general. Oregon, in my opinion, is especially guilty on that latter one.
Take a look at some of the existing programs, such as Medicare, Oregon healthcare, the VA and of course everybody's favorite, the DMV. All fine examples of a government-run system.
Let's take a quick look at Medicare from first-hand experience. Our grandmother who is living with us who I shall call Granny, 71 years old and on Medicare. In order to receive some of the benefits that are offered by Medicare, sometimes they flexed her muscles and put on what I consider some ridiculous report armistice was she can obtain a few of her benefits.
For example, they force us a couple years ago to hiring housekeeper or lose a couple of her benefits. Now I could see hiring housekeeper that she looked totally to herself, but that was not the case. But we gave in and hired a housekeeper. I mean, what else are you going to do?
Obama care, just like Hillary Clinton when she tried to push nationwide healthcare is something at some point the United States should actually have. Whether they provide the program itself or its a subsidized program, something is better than nothing.
But it should be a choice. I mean, should not be something like for example if you decide for whatever reason not to have government health care, that your business. Like Michigan, and the Obama care proposal, those who declined government health care, will be penalized on their taxes at the end of the year.
I mean really, think of it logically. If you can afford the money for healthcare, how the world can you afford money to pay a penalty for not having health care.
DUH!
Look how many people have to struggle each year just to come up with their property taxes.
If we are going to go ahead with government health care, life totally reinvent the wheel. Take a look at the other countries that currently have government health care and take a look at what works and what does not work and design a system based on that information.
Little bit closer to home...
In this economy, especially in Oregon with unemployment still holding at about 12.2%, with the cost of living, taxes and fees constantly increasing, you have to cut corners wherever possible. In most cases, health care is not even on the priority list. You pray that you stay healthy and nothing happens.
Then something unforeseeable comes along.
Granny, was recently diagnosed with small cell cancer and it is rapidly spreading through her body. Last week, I had to be rushed to the hospital emergency room for really intense stomach pains.
I am scheduled to have my gallbladder removed. The cost of the emergency room visit was just under $5000. The operation for the gallbladder $19,000 and up, assuming no complications.
The cost for Granny's treatment including chemotherapy and radiation, well let's just say they were putting pillows on the floors for when we get the bills.
Obama care, if it was written as President Obama preaches would probably help out a lot.
However, it's like I said at the beginning of this post. You don't really think much about it until it happens to you and it really does become a life or death decision.
It's really funny in a way when you think about it... nationwide healthcare, and why we do not have it.
I personally would like most people are in agreement that it is something that is needed or at least would be nice to have the option available, however, one of the biggest drawbacks is that it would be run by the government.
And we know that we can trust the government, right? Not!
we see examples of that every day regarding corruption, bureaucracy and lack of checks and balances in general. Oregon, in my opinion, is especially guilty on that latter one.
Take a look at some of the existing programs, such as Medicare, Oregon healthcare, the VA and of course everybody's favorite, the DMV. All fine examples of a government-run system.
Let's take a quick look at Medicare from first-hand experience. Our grandmother who is living with us who I shall call Granny, 71 years old and on Medicare. In order to receive some of the benefits that are offered by Medicare, sometimes they flexed her muscles and put on what I consider some ridiculous report armistice was she can obtain a few of her benefits.
For example, they force us a couple years ago to hiring housekeeper or lose a couple of her benefits. Now I could see hiring housekeeper that she looked totally to herself, but that was not the case. But we gave in and hired a housekeeper. I mean, what else are you going to do?
Obama care, just like Hillary Clinton when she tried to push nationwide healthcare is something at some point the United States should actually have. Whether they provide the program itself or its a subsidized program, something is better than nothing.
But it should be a choice. I mean, should not be something like for example if you decide for whatever reason not to have government health care, that your business. Like Michigan, and the Obama care proposal, those who declined government health care, will be penalized on their taxes at the end of the year.
I mean really, think of it logically. If you can afford the money for healthcare, how the world can you afford money to pay a penalty for not having health care.
DUH!
Look how many people have to struggle each year just to come up with their property taxes.
If we are going to go ahead with government health care, life totally reinvent the wheel. Take a look at the other countries that currently have government health care and take a look at what works and what does not work and design a system based on that information.
Little bit closer to home...
In this economy, especially in Oregon with unemployment still holding at about 12.2%, with the cost of living, taxes and fees constantly increasing, you have to cut corners wherever possible. In most cases, health care is not even on the priority list. You pray that you stay healthy and nothing happens.
Then something unforeseeable comes along.
Granny, was recently diagnosed with small cell cancer and it is rapidly spreading through her body. Last week, I had to be rushed to the hospital emergency room for really intense stomach pains.
I am scheduled to have my gallbladder removed. The cost of the emergency room visit was just under $5000. The operation for the gallbladder $19,000 and up, assuming no complications.
The cost for Granny's treatment including chemotherapy and radiation, well let's just say they were putting pillows on the floors for when we get the bills.
Obama care, if it was written as President Obama preaches would probably help out a lot.
However, it's like I said at the beginning of this post. You don't really think much about it until it happens to you and it really does become a life or death decision.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze, dead at 57
The Washington Post--
Patrick Swayze, 57, an actor who enjoyed success in Hollywood as the snake-hipped charmer of "Dirty Dancing" and a romantic lead from beyond the grave in "Ghost," died Sept. 14, his publicist reported from Los Angeles. He had pancreatic cancer.
Patrick Swayze, 57, an actor who enjoyed success in Hollywood as the snake-hipped charmer of "Dirty Dancing" and a romantic lead from beyond the grave in "Ghost," died Sept. 14, his publicist reported from Los Angeles. He had pancreatic cancer.
Oregon governorship?
The race is on
KPTV--
Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio met last week with former Gov. John Kitzhaber discussed the 2010 governors race. DeFazio, is currently considering the idea of running for governor however, he has not yet made that decision.
Former Gov. John Kitzhaber, last week announced that he would seek a third term as Oregon's governor.
also announcing their candidacy for governor, is former Secretary of State, Bill Bradbury.
Currently, there are three announced GOP contenders -- state Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point; businessman Allen Alley and Gresham businessman John Lim, a former legislator.
DeFazio, I would be willing to give him a chance at governor.
although I don't agree with everything that he has done, at least he has proven that he is more in touch and available for the people of Oregon.
Kitzhaber, if I remember correctly, he wasn't too much better than Kulongoski.
Jason Atkinson, a candidate that I supported in the last race disappointed me on two counts.
1) when challenged by Lars Larson regarding illegal aliens, Atkinson refused to stand up for his beliefs whether popular or not. Atkinson refused to come back on the show and defend his beliefs. Instead, he had his campaign manager call-in and tell Lars, "what he actually meant to say was..."
2) as part of the Atkinson's blogger group, when we approached or tried to approach Adkinson about the show, the only response that I got was from his campaign manager via e-mail, "when I speak, it's as if it came from Jason's mouth."
Not exactly!
Atkinson is also a very involved bicycle advocate. Nothing wrong with that really, except I personally feel that we would be overwhelmed more than we already are with more bike lanes, bridges, and legislations to allow bicycles to run stop signs.
just think how life would be now if Al Gore had actually been elected president.
Don't get me wrong, I've had the opportunity to meet Atkinson several times in person, and I don't think he's a bad person. However, what I am worried about, based on the Lars Larson interview is that when times get tough that he'll run and hide again. All that I can hope is that he learned his lesson.
Bill Bradbury. That name just brings shivers up my spine just thinking about it.
The remaining three, -- know nothing about them. more than likely just people to take up space on the ballots and drop out as soon as the campaign gets started. Where else is new?
All I do know, as a lifelong Oregonian, is that our state is really going into the toilet, and it seems like people in Salem don't really care. I mean, look at our unemployment rate... holding steady at number two and number three in the nation. How often do we hear anything coming out of Salem that addresses this issue? Not often in my opinion. all I hear is tax increases, and more spending.
We REALLY need someone that REALLY has Oregon's best interest in mind and a checks and balance system that can better control or makes a representative more accountable for their actions.
Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio met last week with former Gov. John Kitzhaber discussed the 2010 governors race. DeFazio, is currently considering the idea of running for governor however, he has not yet made that decision.
Former Gov. John Kitzhaber, last week announced that he would seek a third term as Oregon's governor.
also announcing their candidacy for governor, is former Secretary of State, Bill Bradbury.
Currently, there are three announced GOP contenders -- state Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point; businessman Allen Alley and Gresham businessman John Lim, a former legislator.
DeFazio, I would be willing to give him a chance at governor.
although I don't agree with everything that he has done, at least he has proven that he is more in touch and available for the people of Oregon.
Kitzhaber, if I remember correctly, he wasn't too much better than Kulongoski.
Jason Atkinson, a candidate that I supported in the last race disappointed me on two counts.
1) when challenged by Lars Larson regarding illegal aliens, Atkinson refused to stand up for his beliefs whether popular or not. Atkinson refused to come back on the show and defend his beliefs. Instead, he had his campaign manager call-in and tell Lars, "what he actually meant to say was..."
2) as part of the Atkinson's blogger group, when we approached or tried to approach Adkinson about the show, the only response that I got was from his campaign manager via e-mail, "when I speak, it's as if it came from Jason's mouth."
Not exactly!
Atkinson is also a very involved bicycle advocate. Nothing wrong with that really, except I personally feel that we would be overwhelmed more than we already are with more bike lanes, bridges, and legislations to allow bicycles to run stop signs.
just think how life would be now if Al Gore had actually been elected president.
Don't get me wrong, I've had the opportunity to meet Atkinson several times in person, and I don't think he's a bad person. However, what I am worried about, based on the Lars Larson interview is that when times get tough that he'll run and hide again. All that I can hope is that he learned his lesson.
Bill Bradbury. That name just brings shivers up my spine just thinking about it.
The remaining three, -- know nothing about them. more than likely just people to take up space on the ballots and drop out as soon as the campaign gets started. Where else is new?
All I do know, as a lifelong Oregonian, is that our state is really going into the toilet, and it seems like people in Salem don't really care. I mean, look at our unemployment rate... holding steady at number two and number three in the nation. How often do we hear anything coming out of Salem that addresses this issue? Not often in my opinion. all I hear is tax increases, and more spending.
We REALLY need someone that REALLY has Oregon's best interest in mind and a checks and balance system that can better control or makes a representative more accountable for their actions.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
It's interesting how labor laws do not apply in some industries
Well I'm in my third week of my new job. And I can tell you, that it has been a real eye opening experience.
Of course, since I have an associates of science degree in computer networking from lane community college (LCC or (L)ousy (C)ollege (C)hoice) which of course, fully qualifies me for this new career… truck driving!
Any ways I digress.
Trucking is a very interesting industry. Your exempt from most labor laws. It is long hours with no overtime. You're lucky if you at least make half of minimum wage. it is a very highly regulated industry and the DOT has the right so stop you for any reason and search your vehicle. plus, it doesn't seem like it on the surface, but it literally wears you out.
Now don't get me wrong… I'm not complaining(much). I'm just happy to have a job. However, I guess my point is, that unless you actually are in this industry, you really don't realize how good you got it in other jobs.
So as I get used to the new hours, very very soon, I will resume blogging on the local events and other crazy stuff going on around Oregon.
Stay tuned, more fun to come.
Of course, since I have an associates of science degree in computer networking from lane community college (LCC or (L)ousy (C)ollege (C)hoice) which of course, fully qualifies me for this new career… truck driving!
Any ways I digress.
Trucking is a very interesting industry. Your exempt from most labor laws. It is long hours with no overtime. You're lucky if you at least make half of minimum wage. it is a very highly regulated industry and the DOT has the right so stop you for any reason and search your vehicle. plus, it doesn't seem like it on the surface, but it literally wears you out.
Now don't get me wrong… I'm not complaining(much). I'm just happy to have a job. However, I guess my point is, that unless you actually are in this industry, you really don't realize how good you got it in other jobs.
So as I get used to the new hours, very very soon, I will resume blogging on the local events and other crazy stuff going on around Oregon.
Stay tuned, more fun to come.
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