Blog Archives

Measure 101 Passes Statewide by Large Margin ~ Fails by Narrow Margin in Coos

1/25/2018

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State and local Unofficial Tallies for Measure 101, the health care tax, but it should remain the same due to the large margin statewide. However, this ballot measure and the recent school bond vote shows that the voters of Coos County are divided on taxes. The ballot measure failed to pass countywide even though it won the state.

http://sos.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx

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Bandon Planning Department Informally Platting a Pool that the Voters Rejected

1/22/2018

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Hey Folks,

The Bandon Planning Commission is going to discuss the following agenda item about the voter-rejected swimming pool at the regular meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2017, at 7 pm in city hall. It is a notice on an official discussion on using city property for the site of the pool.

However, the majority of the voters in the city rejected the idea of a public pool back in November of 2012, so any further discussion by the city officials is an insult to the people's decision.

Most people would support a privately owned, privately funded pool located on private land. A good portion of our community does not believe public tax dollars should pay for these types of luxuries when there are so many other priorities the government should be funding, such as roads and law enforcement. Otherwise, the money should revert to the people paying the taxes, so they can choose what to do with it.

The new planning director lays out the background on the pool in the agenda without mentioning one word about the election.   The proponents of the pool are alleging this is an informal proposal, but anyone living in the Bandon Marsh expansion zone knows that once the government puts a project on a map, it becomes more of a certainty.

Also, the planning director receives a very handsome salary, so he should not be wasting OUR time on subjects where the voters made their decision. The cost of the director’s services drives up the cost of development for everyone.   Remember, the city was recommending raising development fees back in May of 2017, so he should not be working on this issue.  A pool project would only add to those expenses.

Anyone who voted against the Bandon Swimming Pool back in 2012 should contact the mayor and city councilors and tell them this is a very bad idea.

The Mayor ~ Mary Schamehorn ~ marys@coosnet.com
City Manager ~ Robert J Mawson ~ 541-347-2437 ~ citymanager@cityofbandon.org

The pool committee will eventually ask taxpayers to pay for the development of the property once the city has platted the area for this project inside the urban renewal zone. The UR agency skims money from the property taxes collected for ten other taxing districts. Those districts provide for schools and police.   The cities of North Bend and Coos Bay constantly have to redirect money from street maintenance due to the cost of overruns for operating their city’s pools.

It comes down to a very simple choice, build the pool, or fill the potholes…Rob T.

Here are the results from the election where the voters rejected the public pool:

https://ballotpedia.org/Bandon_Community_Swimming_Pool_Recreation_District_Formation_Measure_(November_2012)

Here is the background for the Agenda Item:

Bandon Aquatic Center - Potential Location in City Park
January 25, 2018
Background
The Bandon Community Swimming Pool committee has been working for several years to raisefunds for the construction and operation of an aquatic center. City staff (City Manager and Planning Department) have been looking at options for the location of the aquatic center in City Park.

This is not a formal proposal by the Pool Committee, but rather an effort by Staff to assist in finding a location with appropriate access and infrastructure to successfully support a future aquatic center.

An option has been created to potentially locate the pool near the library, allowing opportunities for access from several points, as well as the possibility of sharing parking with the Barn/Sprague Theater/Library complex. Further, the new pool structure could also serve as a windbreak for the amphitheater stage area.

We are in the very early stages of this discussion, and, in an effort to be very clear and transparent, the staff is sharing these ideas in an informal fashion with both the City Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission for comments prior to more formal discussions with the Pool Committee and the City Council.

The Parks and Recreation Commission viewed the sketches at their January 11 meeting, and found merit in the proposal, but reserved judgement regarding the entire project to a future time when a more fully prepared project would be considered. While the Commission generally found that there are positive attributes associated with a new building near other larger buildings in the City Park complex, concerns were also raised regarding the future financial responsibilities associated with having a pool in the City Park, conflicts between uses, and with the potential loss of passive/active outdoor park space.

These sketches are provided to the Planning Commission for initial discussion and informal comments. There are no binding decisions associated with this item, and the Staff is merely looking to see whether there is enough merit to continue working on design options for the location of an aquatic center in City Park.

Thank you.
John Mclaughlin
Planning Director
City of Bandon

6.2_bandon_community_pool_location.pdf
File Size:	1450 kb
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Board of Commissioners Postpones Vote on Coos County Urban Renewal Agency

1/22/2018

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The county has postponed the vote for extending the plan for the North Bay Urban Renewal Area. When the city council of North Bend and Coos Bay approve the changes made to the plan by the county commissioners it will go back to the county where their attorney will draft an ordinance. Then it will go to the board for a vote. Stay tuned.

For more info on The Campaign to Shut Down the CCURA go to www.cooscountywatchdog.com/shut-down-the-coos-county-urban-renewal-agency.html

In other news, John Sweet and Melissa Cribbins are up for reelection. Currently, only Commissioner Sweet is facing one serious contender for the primary election in May, former budget committee member, Steve Scheer.

For more info on the election go to www.facebook.com/DefeatJohnSweet

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Coos County Republican Party ~ Meet the Candidate ~ Bruce Cuff for Governor

1/21/2018

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The following notice is not an endorsement.

Meet the Candidate – Thursday, January 25 at 6pm – Pony Village Mall

This Thursday is the first opportunity for voters in Coos County to spend some time with one of the Republican candidates for governor.

Bruce Cuff is in the middle of his 33-day, 36-county tour of Oregon and will be coming to the Coos County Republican Central Committee Meeting (meeting announcement below) this week! To learn more about Bruce prior to this week’s meeting, check out his website at https://time4cuff.org/ and his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BruceCuff4GovernorOfOregonWashingtonCounty/

When: Thursday, January 25 at 6pm
Where: Pony Village Mall, North Bend (Room to be announced)

NOTE: The Coos County Republican Central Committee does not endorse Republican candidates in contested races prior to the outcome of the Primary Election in May. Our goal is to provide as much information and opportunities for our voters to read about or meet the candidates so that they make informed decisions when they vote.

Bring a pot luck dish and join us for an evening talking about the issues facing our county and state.

It is also time to register to run to be a Precinct Committee Person. We have until March 6th to turn in forms for each candidate. We have 133 positions to fill and need every Republican willing to make change happen to join our cause.

Attached is the form, fill it out and bring it with you on Thursday.

Coos County and House District 9 will be a primary battle ground in the 2018 election and we need every volunteer to help put a Republican in the Governor’s Office and change the makeup of the Legislature.

I also received some great news this week regarding my campaign that I’d love to share with you. See you there.

Teri Grier

Republican Precinct Committee Person Form
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Coquille River Water Trail Info Sessions in the Cities of Bandon & Coquille

1/18/2018

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Absolutely NO on 101, no more theft.

1/16/2018

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Submitted by Chris Brumbles

Absolutely NO on 101, no more theft.

This month we will be asked to vote on measure 101. Just another tax, in a long line of progressive taxes, that is slowly but surely fulfilling goal #2 of communist manifesto. The State has had two consecutive record breaking years for tax collecting, but as always under the current leadership (cough), they always want more. They weren’t happy with the vehicle tax, bicycle tax, etc.

I don’t know about you, but it is not my responsibility or that of the State to pay for medical for Illegal Invaders. Oregon is the most corrupt State in the Union and there seems to be no accountability for anything, including where money goes, so why give them more to get laundered and feed the machine that steals our money and attacks our RIGHTS every session.

If we do not repeal this tax the Governor is planning on spending the upcoming short session on MORE illegal gun control. She wants to put it on steroids, because as you know, the appetite for control only grows with success. They want to try and repeal the preemption statute that would seriously affect CHL’s and confuses gun laws in this state even more than they are. They want magazine bans; get rid of flash suppressors, and on and on. Send a message again, that we will no longer take these oppressive taxes laying down. I urge you to vote NO on measure 101.

In Liberty,
Chris Brumbles
Columbia County Coordinator
Oregon Firearms Federation
Founder, Irregulars 3%

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LTE ~ Elvis, The Bundy's, and the Bureau of Land Management

1/9/2018

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Submitted by Chris Brumbles
Only in America

Yesterday was a great day in America. January 8, 2018, marked a day when Elvis Presley would have been 93 years old and to Trump that great event (no pun intended), we Had a landmark decision come down from Nevada that made our Country a greater and returned some of the Liberty that has been stolen from us over the past 12 years. We have been shown that no matter how corrupt our Bureaucrats act, or how Tyrannical the Judges and Prosecutors are, we are still America Under God and can win against all odds. If Hitlery would have been President, I believe the cover ups and conspiracies would have been put on steroids and we would be sucking from the cup of sorrow.

The Bundy’s, that stood against the BLM in NV around four years ago, were illegally held captive for 2 long years without bail, have finally been released. The Bundy’s were held because they were said to pose a threat. That was found to be not true when the FBI was finally forced to release their threat assessment sheet that had been concealed for around 2 years stating in no uncertain terms that they “posed no threat”. Hmmm, ever heard of due process or cruel and unusual punishment.
Later a hero emerged by the name of Special Agent Larry C Wooten. He, a dedicated professional, was the Lead Investigator for the BLM in the Bundy case. This man was so appalled at the actions of his comrades that he wrote and disclosed a 17 page report on the unprofessional, illegal, childlike actions of fellow Federal Agents concerning the Bundy’s and others. Go online and read his report and you will see just how far Obozo’s administration was pushing us toward totalitarianism.

I won’t go into the merits of the case, been there, done that, but the assault on our Bill of Rights in this case should wake every one up and prove why we must be vigilante to keep our Liberty and pass it to our children as is our duty.

There are many uninformed talking heads that are spouting off against the Bundy’s and the verdict, but I assure you that they do not understand this case or have even a slight working knowledge of the Constitution and this was a victory for Patriots and all Americans. Go to the Bundy Ranch website for the whole truth.

Only in America could a people come back from such tyranny and oppression against such an overwhelming force. Make no mistake; this is not the end, but the beginning of returning our Country back to the people. Stay tuned, I smell lawsuits and prosecutions coming, as it should be. Rights are not privileges. Time to release the rest of the Cowboys. God Bless the Bundy’s for their sacrifice for us all.

In Liberty,
Chris Brumbles
Columbia County Coordinator
Oregon Firearms Federation
Founder Irregulars 3%

Related Posts:
LTE ~ School Tax Sacrifices Property Owners
LTE ~ Try Convincing Seniors to Vote for Public School Failure
LTE ~ Coos Bay Low Ranking Public Schools Vestiges of a Failed System
LTE ~ School Bond is NOT About Education
LTE ~ Study History, Robert E. Lee One Honorable Man
LTE ~ Not My Governor
LTE ~ Participation Trophies for All the Spoiled Brats
LTE ~ Election Reflections & the Legislative Session
LTE ~ Open Letter to Mayor and Councilors of Coos Bay on Wastewater Treatment
LTE ~ Colombia County Approves Second Amendment Preservation Petition
LTE ~ Occasionally the Righteous can Still Win
LTE ~ Rigging Elections Using Three Proven Mechanisms

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Update on The Campaign to Shut Down the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency

1/7/2018

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The campaign to shut down the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency begun about six months ago when the Port of Coos Bay announced that they planned to renew the North Bay urban renewal area for another twenty years with a maximum indebtedness of $37 million.

The county Board of Commissioners have made the final decision over the plan and they had three hearings to discuss it, one in August 31, another on October 30 with the final meeting on December 13, 2017, which ended with ALL THREE commissioners approving the plan.

Now the process moves from the public hearings where the board approved the plan and they will add it to an ordinance as exhibit A.   The commissioners will have to enact the ordinance that initiates the plan and at that point, the people should be able to file a referendum.   Commissioner Cribbins said they have tentatively scheduled the vote for Tuesday, January 23 at the boards regularly scheduled meeting. The county will post more info when the meeting becomes official.

People are encouraged to contact the BOC:
Robert "Bob" Main
(541) 396-7540
Email: bmain@co.coos.or.us

John Sweet
(541) 396-7541
Email: jsweet@co.coos.or.us

Melissa Cribbins
(541) 396-7539
Email: mcribbins@co.coos.or.us

Videos of the hearings:
December 13, 2017
https://coosmediacenter.viebit.com/player.php?hash=Makyr2P6cWn2

August 31, 2017
https://coosmediacenter.viebit.com/player.php?hash=COouDtEQJUqy

September 25, 2017
https://coosmediacenter.viebit.com/player.php?hash=H1rPhV2VF0Fd

Port of Coos Bay CCURA
http://www.portofcoosbay.com/ccura/

More info on the Campaign to Shut Down the CCURA
www.cooscountywatchdog.com/shut-down-the-coos-county-urban-renewal-agency.html

The Campaign on FB
https://www.facebook.com/ShutDowntheCoosCountyURA/

CATO Policy Analysis #676 ~ The Case Against Tax-Increment Financing

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Coos Bay Town Hall Meeting ~ Input on Urban Renewal Slush Fund January 9, 2018

1/5/2018

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TOWN HALL MEETING
Urban Renewal Agency Wants Your Input
The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (Agency) is in the process of reviewing the Empire Urban Renewal Plan (Plan). For the most part, the Plan was created more than twenty years ago. A number of Urban Renewal Projects listed in the Plan have been accomplished while others have yet to be undertaken. One of the largest projects, the South Empire Blvd Street project was recently completed. That project included a complete makeover of South Empire Blvd, which was aimed at increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety through the widening of the street and installation of bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and lighting.

The purpose of the Plan review is to ensure the project list reflects today’s needs of the District. It is more than possible that the Plan will need to be updated to reflect the current and anticipated future needs of the Empire Urban Renewal District. Over the next few years, the Agency will have additional resources to undertake projects listed in the Plan.The Agency would like to gather public input on not only the remaining projects already in the Plan, but also potential projects that would be added to the Plan. The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, January 9 at the Dolphin Theatre beginning at 5:30 pm. The Dolphin Theatre is located at 580 Newmark Avenue. A copy of the current Empire Urban Renewal Plan can be found online at Empire URA Plan.

http://coosbay.org/uploads/PDF/Plans/Coos_Bay_Empire_Plan_with_Amendments_073115.pdf

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Oregon Legislature Passed Nearly 750 New Laws ~ Here are just a few

1/2/2018

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New Oregon Laws for 2018 ~ Oregon lawmakers passed nearly 750 bills during their session this year.

PUBLIC RECORDS
Senate Bill 481 aims to increase government transparency. The bill, introduced at the request of Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, sets deadlines by which public officials must evaluate and respond to the public's requests for government documents.

GUN CONFISCATION
Senate Bill 719 will allow Oregon judges to issue so-called "extreme risk protection orders" to take firearms away from people determined to pose an immediate threat to themselves or family members. A judge would make the call whether to issue the order.

TRANSPORTATION
Oregon drivers will begin paying a slew of tax increases come January 1 as part of the Legislature's $5.3 billion transportation funding plan.

The statewide gas tax will increase 4 cents, to 34 cents.

Car registration fees will increase $13 to $43 and title fees go up $16 to $93 for a regular title. There will be higher fees for registration of trailers, motorcycles, mopeds and heavy trucks. The tax and fee revenue will fund highway and infrastructure upgrades statewide for at least a decade.

There is a new increase in the surcharge for Crater Lake license plates, from $10 to $15 per plate.

Beginning Jan. 1, Oregon drivers are allowed to black out addresses on their registration card and proof of insurance.

People will no longer need to take a driving test to get an endorsement on their license for driving three-wheeled motorcycles, known as “autocycles”.

Senate Bill 357, the Legislature reduced the punishment for people caught riding public transportation without paying a fare. The new law ratchets down fare evasion from a Class A to a Class C misdemeanor, but penalties are higher for anyone caught evading fares three times or more.

VICE LAWS
Oregon will join a handful of states that have increased the tobacco age to 21. The law requires anyone buying tobacco or vape products to be 21-years-old or older and creates stiff penalties for convenience store clerks who sell to the underage.

EMPLOYMENT
Starting July 2018, employers will be required to give their employees at least one week notice of their work schedule. The law applies to employers with more than 500 employees. In 2020, the law will increase the time frame to two weeks advanced notice. This law makes Oregon the first state in the country to mandate when employee schedules are released.

Employers in the mill, factory or manufacturing industries will be required to pay their employees daily or weekly overtime (whichever is greater) starting Jan. 1. The law also prohibits employees from working more than 55 hours unless they agree to more hours.

Employers will be banned from asking employees to falsifying documents in relation to hours worked or compensation received. Any employer that violates this law may face a penalty of up to $1,000. For employees forced to violate this law, they may receive up to $1,000 in damages.

Companies may adopt policies limiting the accrual of paid sick leave to 80 hours per year. Companies can also adopt a policy prohibiting employees from taking no more than 40 hours of paid sick leave a year. Employers with 10 or more employees are required to offer 40 hours of paid sick leave annually. Any companies with less than 10 employees must offer up to 40 hours of unpaid sick leave a year.

CONSERVATION & RECYCLING
Oregon's famous bottle bill, which allows people to turn in empty bottles to redeem a 10 cent deposit, will expand to apply to beverages beyond beer, water and soft drinks. Beginning in 2018, nearly all beverage bottles will require a deposit. That means bottles that contained coffee, tea, hard cider, fruit juice, coconut water, kombucha and other drinks can be redeemed for the deposit.

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/Pages/Oregon-Laws.aspx

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Measure 101 Passes Statewide by Large Margin ~ Fails by Narrow Margin in Coos

Bandon Planning Department Informally Platting a Pool that the Voters Rejected

Here are the results from the election where the voters rejected the public pool:

Here is the background for the Agenda Item:

Board of Commissioners Postpones Vote on Coos County Urban Renewal Agency

Coos County Republican Party ~ Meet the Candidate ~ Bruce Cuff for Governor

The following notice is not an endorsement.

Coquille River Water Trail Info Sessions in the Cities of Bandon & Coquille

Absolutely NO on 101, no more theft.

LTE ~ Elvis, The Bundy's, and the Bureau of Land Management

Update on The Campaign to Shut Down the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency

CATO Policy Analysis #676 ~ The Case Against Tax-Increment Financing

Coos Bay Town Hall Meeting ~ Input on Urban Renewal Slush Fund January 9, 2018

Oregon Legislature Passed Nearly 750 New Laws ~ Here are just a few

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Here are the results from the election where the voters rejected the public pool:

Here is the background for the Agenda Item:

The following notice is not an endorsement.

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