Illinois Valley News

(Editor?s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)

Typed, double-spaced letters are considered for publication. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. “Thank you” submissions are not accepted as letters.

Victory over hot air hoax
From Kathey Linn, Chapter leader,
Americans for Prosperity (AFP), S. Douglas County

On the evening of Jan. 14, the Douglas County Planning Commission met to consider an amendment to the county?s Land Use Comprehensive Plan. The proposed ?environmental overlay? was filled with references to climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases, etc., which were irrelevant to the purpose of the amendment.

Originally billed as an effort to force the federal government to manage affected national forest land in Douglas County in the aftermath of ?catastrophic events? such as large forest fires, the amendment also included privately held tracts of land exceeding 4,000 acres.

The planning commission meeting was a great statement on the position of people in Douglas County and the power of the grass roots. It was standing room only, and the speakers were great. Oregon Grass Roots Director Richard Burke represented AFP. He gave a great discourse on its position on ?global warming? and the dangers of implementing into county statute anything that references climate change, gives it a credibility it does not deserve, and allows the government control over private land anytime it believes it can claim climate change is happening.

Many AFP members followed, expressing their concerns. Only one person spoke in favor of the amendment, and her comments were in favor of any climate change ordinance or legislation.

Rich Raynor, planning commission chairman and East Douglas County AFP Chapter leader, did a great job during deliberation when he explained why he could not vote for the environmental overlay. Raynor explained that he has spoken out many times about his desire to use the state and federal government?s ?global warming? rules and regulations against them in such a way as to restore some semblance of reasonable forest management on federal lands, especially post-fire.

He noted he was too concerned about how the proposed wording of the measure would codify ?global warming/climate change? in the Douglas County Land Use and Development Ordinance, and that such codification would result in untold damage to the county in the future. Two commissioners had no comments, and two others spoke against the climate change implications. One commissioner abstained for conflict of interest, as he had worked on the final revision.

A motion was presented to scrap the current version and rewrite it to eliminate all references which could be associated with global warming, climate change, etc., and removal of any reference to private property. The motion passed unanimously. This is a great start, but just a small battle on the road to the return of our personal rights and control of private property.

This grass-roots victory is an example of what can be done when people stand together with a common voice. Be on the lookout for efforts in your community to write ?climate change? into law. We should enjoy this moment and utilize it to encourage and recruit others to join the cause as we continue on the road to returning our country to the people.

Audio of the meeting is available at http://www.co.douglas.or.us/audio/

County leadership lack
From Michael L. Schneyder
Grants Pass

During the Wednesday, Jan. 20 weekly business session, Commissioner Cassanelli again rejected any suggestion that the Josephine County Board of Commissioners bears the final responsibility for the level of public safety funding, or for leadership in developing solutions to our post-O&C funding crisis.

Cassanelli insisted that these responsibilities belong to an ill-defined ?partnership? between the county commissioners and their county employees. However, the truth is that the board has total control over the budgets of every department and office. Yet Cassanelli denies the executive power of the board. This situation leaves Josephine County in constant leadership turmoil.

During recent years there have been several versions of the Long Term Funding Task Force. Each has produced a similar list of funding alternatives. None enjoyed universal support from the public or commissioners. Hard work and leadership are required when there are no easy answers.

If we cannot expect leadership on these critical issues from our top elected officials, then why did they run for this office? The public rightfully expects the commissioners to guide all aspects of county finances. That specifically includes leadership for finding a solution to our broken financial model.

That task cannot wait two or three years. Every day that passes without addressing this goal is a failure to serve the needs of Josephine County. Protecting the quality of life in Josephine County requires more creativity than just reducing services to a bare minimum. It requires a vision for future progress and prosperity.

Golf course destruction
From Don Lorensen
Cave Junction

I usually don?t express my opinions to the editor, but today, Sunday, Jan. 31, I was outraged when I saw photos and first-hand up-close destruction of the Illinois Valley Golf Course and golf carts by a ?group,? which evidently took place on Thursday night, Jan. 28.

Everyone in the community should at least see the photos themselves because it is unbelievable. Why anyone would want to destroy such a valuable asset to the community is something I can?t understand. There are no word or words bad enough to describe this ?group? so I must leave it at losers.

They know who they are and deserve to be hanging from the end of a rope, on the first tee of the golf course. I would finance the building of the platform and demand being the one to yank open the trap door. Unfortunately this won?t happen, but I?m sure these losers will have a very rewarding and successful life.

We want to hear from you!
Add your thoughts with the link below.

Comments returning soon!

Back to top of story