Category: General Interest

Submitted By: Dougmall@iCloud.com – Click to email about this post

In times of stress, like the current political climate, people get emotionally tied up and frequently make statements that are not well thought out.

As a general rule, I practice reserve in entering into social media discussions, particularly regarding elections. However, when inaccuracies naming me as a public servant, I am compelled to address these to provide clarity to the voting public.

I urge all of you to seek facts to guide your decisions. I am always open to chat with citizens and my phone number is listed below. I welcome your input. Data can also be found on the city website.

Here are a few clarifications regarding Mr. Anderson’s account of my role in his private “Meet the Candidates” event at NCRD.

• The meeting date was set by Mr. Anderson for this event prior to consultation of all the candidates.
• Only the candidates that Mr. Anderson is supporting had confirmed prior to establishing the meeting criteria.
• Some of the candidates were unable to attend on the prearranged date as they were notified after the meeting was established. One candidate asked for reschedule or Zoom options. Both were denied.
• Three city employees were named as attendees; only Mr. Grossnickle had been contacted prior to the meeting notice distribution.
Regarding the Mayor agreeing to support Mr. Anderson’s NCRD event with a city notice; he is correct that I originally agreed as I was told all candidates (but one) were notified for participation. After conducting further research in election laws for municipalities I reversed that decision based on the following.

• Under ORS 260.432 it is not permitted for a municipality to support a private event or candidate with public time or resources (letters, emails, texts, staff time etc).
I appreciate citizens taking initiative to educate the public, however, I do not support the process used to organize the meeting, as it was not a balanced opportunity to engage with all candidates.
In closing, in the future, I would expect Mr. Anderson to have a better concept of how to arrange an impartial meeting, with the understanding of the difference between a private event and city business and not be willing to encourage public officials to conduct violations in state elections laws. My job as the mayor as well as every councilor and employee is to uphold the laws.

I feel that it is extremely important for citizens to EDUCATE THEMSELVES on which candidates will lead Wheeler to a better future. As your Mayor, I am always available by phone should you have questions. Many citizens call me and encourage you to call. I operate with transparency and public decorum.

Doug Honeycutt
Mayor, Wheeler Oregon
504-348-4008

Submitted By: dixiegainer@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Oregon Democratic senator Ron Wyden warned early in the pandemic that wealthy business owners could abuse the Paycheck Protection Program. Financial disclosures suggest his wife did just that.
Nancy Bass Wyden, the multimillionaire owner of New York’s Strand bookstore, received $2.7 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans between 2020 and 2021 and nonetheless went on to lay off 180 employees. Small businesses were eligible for the federally forgiven loans on the condition that they used a majority of the funds to keep employees on the payroll. In October 2020, Bass Wyden told CBS News that the Strand would not rehire many of those employees and that the store would “have to give back part of the loan due to the forgiveness rules
But as of September of last year, the federal government had forgiven both loans, ProPublica reported. The Small Business Administration declined to comment and the Strand did not respond to the Washington Free Beacon’s requests for comments on the loans.
freebeacon.com/democrats/ron-wydens-wife-raked-in-ppp-loans-while-laying-off-hundreds/

Sen. Ron wyden does not live in Oregon anymore and hasn’t for a long time – please don’t vote for someone who doesn’tt live here and cannot possibly represent Oegonians

Submitted By: clif@home-sellers.com – Click to email about this post

Response to Wheeler Candidate: Leverette, and Anderson Letters:

Some straight answers on Wheeler Politics and answers to specific points in publications like “Elephant in the Room”, “Being Aware Will Make for Wise Decisions” and “Notice of the Wheelers Candidate”. Forum.

My name is Clif Kemp, I am a current City Councilor, and up for re-election in the 2 year slot. I choose to recommend Deanne Ragnell and Karen Mathews for two of the 4 year council seats because I have watched them both work for the city benefit for several years.

The candidates I will be voting for have dedicated countless hours for the betterment of the City of Wheeler through public park and city hall landscape improvements, guiding our city maintenance staff in landscape techniques, organization of documents, volunteer coordination, downtown lighting and planter boxes, train station remodel, grant writing, project management, and more.

Both have volunteered many hours to improve our City. While on Council (2008-2015) Karen helped write many of the Ordinances we use today, Deanne wrote and received the grants (2019 & 2020) for money for our new Train Depot, and is currently working on a grant project to redesign and build new restrooms on the waterfront.

The other candidates have single event, and some longer-term city service, which I applaud them for. I was on Planning Commission prior to City Council and saw how that was managed under the leadership of Mike Anderson. Ask yourselves why he, as a private citizen, not running for office or serving the City in any official capacity is so desperately working to get “his people into office?” Going so far as to spend his own money and time on the effort. In August 2022, he held an “invitation only” townhall meeting at his house to “Guide the Future of Wheeler”. When excluded citizens asked if they could attend his meeting he stated it was by invitation only.

Several members of this group should take ownership of this quagmire the city finds itself in now. The Planning Commission made a sound data based decision weighing a poorly and incomplete land use proposal which they denied. It was appealed to City Council and Burden, Bell, King, and Stacks all took part in the Council’s overturning of a perfectly good Planning Commission decision, without any regard as to what the consequences might be. They simply did not follow the law. So along comes the 2020 election, and Bell and Stacks loose their bids for re-election. Now, after 2 years of the current council moving forward on multiple tasks to create new revenue for the city, bring excitement to the waterfront and downtown, work with Botts Marsh LLC on a solution to serve his and the city needs, improving the water district, improving the storm water safety, and fighting to save Wheeler from several litigations burdening staff, Council, Commission, and city funds they want to pull the brake on work and reverse the legally held (LUBA supported) decision.

We don’t need Levertte, a self proclaimed emissary for the developer; a person who has lived in Wheeler for two years and does not understand the laws. Lets move forward for the city, not individual egos. Leverette meets Ulbricht before public meetings. Ms. Leverette has publically stated she is Botts Marsh LLC representative. So a vote for those candidates will be a vote for suing the City of Wheeler it seems. Or would they just rubber stamp the incomplete application again?
Please Ask Yourself
Do you support The Citizens of Wheeler through the Vision Plan: a document enforced by ordinance and Comprehensive Plan?
Or
Do you support the out of town developer who refuses to provide the technical data needed for safe building and who refuses to follow the rules?

I’m asking for your vote, and for your vote for Karen and Deanne, this will put some new life on the council with people who will work on real issues and do the research needed to move us forward. It will provide new prospective, and a sense to get the correct job done for the city following the laws. We are too good a community and individuals not to get this done.

Submitted By: ben.killen.rosenberg@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Opening this Thursday October 27, from 6-8pm. Pizza and beer at the opening! located at Clatsop Community College in the Art Department’s Royal Nebeker Gallery.
The Clatsop Community College Royal Nebeker Art Gallery will open its 2022/2023 exhibition season with a show celebrating our beautiful environs as well as the bustle and business of a seafaring community in The SHIP SHOW, curated by Ben Killen Rosenberg.
This exhibit will run from October 13, 2022 through January 26, 2023. Please join the art department for a reception with the artists on Thursday, October 27th at 6:00 p.m. The gallery reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.
This exhibit features artwork by the following artists: Lindsey Aarts, Mark Andres, the late James Weldon Brown, Sally Cleveland, Roger Dorband, Annie Eskelin, Kevin Farrell, Anna Fidler, Drea Frost, Friderike Heuer, Nick Knapton, Randy McClelland, the late Royal Nebeker, Henk Pander, Paul Polson, Ben Rosenberg, John Taylor, Kristin Shauck, Lucien Swerdloff, and Noel Thomas.
Ben Killen Rosenberg, Clatsop Community College’s Printmaking Instructor, who conceived of and curated the exhibit, explains his concept for this show:
“When visiting Astoria, I always stop to watch the ships traveling up the Columbia River. Large vessels bringing goods or carrying vacationers from places near and far away pass by– a visual delight for all who see them. Ships are mysterious and romantic; they speak to an earlier time and a slower pace of travel, as they pass through vast bodies of waters.
“Ships can also be ominous harbingers of cruelty and environmental damage. From news reports I’ve followed, I’ve learned of ships carrying illegal cargo or using slave labor changing the GPS locations to avoid being caught by the few authorities on the “look out. Out at sea, in stateless open waters, the environmental impacts and horrendous labor conditions are monitored by almost no one.
“This is a show about ships as we know them–cruise ships, tanker ships, container ships, offshore vessels and fishing ships–it’s a Ship Show, which sounds a lot like something we’ve all been saying the past couple of years. Enjoy!”
The CCC Royal Nebeker Gallery is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the campus, the local community, and the North Coast region. Please join CCC in its mission to sustain and promote contemporary art and visual culture through professional exhibitions and programming. The CCC Royal Nebeker Gallery, located at 1799 Lexington Avenue in Astoria, is ADA accessible. The gallery hours are from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and on weekends and holidays by appointment only. For more information, please contact Kristin Shauck by phone (503-338-2472) or e-mail kshauck@clatsopcc.edu. 
www.clatsopcc.edu/ccc-royal-nebeker-art-gallery-presents-the-ship-show/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ccc-royal-nebeker-art-gallery-presents-the-ship-show

Submitted By: proactivewheeler@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Walt Porter is a retired dairy farmer from the Nehalem Valley, who moved to Wheeler seven years ago. He dived into community involvement on the Neahkahnie School District board, the Tillamook County Soil and Water Conservation District and Wheeler’s FY 2022-2023 budget committee.

Learning about Wheeler’s budget and financial challenges illustrated to Walt the work facing city council. He considers having been through the “school of hard knocks” as a farmer, running every aspect of the business, thorough preparation for being a councilor. But, ultimately, he points out, it’s relationships and collaboration that get any job done.

From working with the soil and water conservation district, he learned the basics of state and federal funding for water infrastructure. He emphasizes the efficiencies of maintaining systems versus the expense of rebuilding them. If elected to council, he would focus on optimizing funds, rather than postponing infrastructure investments.

Submitted By: deanne.ragnell@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM……
Or the big issue concerning Wheeler
_________________________________________
The recent notice that was distributed regarding a meeting for Wheeler candidates stipulated: “that there could be no discussion of projects that had been applied for on the Wheeler waterfront.” ……..

The question is …..Why Not?
The fact is that the Wheeler waterfront and a proposed development there, has been the primary topic of meetings, agendas, hearings and legal appeals and a law suit for the past several years. Any attempts to dismiss this issue as un-important to this community completely ignores THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!

This waterfront project was originally denied by the Planning Commission in 2020 because there was insufficient evidence to show that it was in compliance with the Wheeler laws and the applicable environmental, geo-technical and certified architectural studies on the site had not been done. The city council (on which candidate Bell served ) overturned the Planning Commission’s decision and gave the developer a green light to go ahead, thereby ignoring all the studies required to support approval of the project. LUBA has confirmed twice that the original denial by the Planning Commission was justified and that the vote of Mr. Bell and his council members to discount the provisions of the Vision Plan was in error.

For the past two years Mayor Honeycutt and the current council have worked to try to find resolution and compromise with the developer. Unfortunately his response has been to litigate.

Mr. Bell has attempted to label me and others as being anti-development. Not so! Being “pro” or “anti” development isn’t the issue. The question is, does the development follow the law? Adherence by city government to the laws of the town is the only assurance that citizens have, that development in their town will happen within the mandated guidelines. City representatives not complying with our laws – or as one candidate has been overheard to say “bend them” is a dangerous proposition for the town.

The “candidate forum” organized and paid for by Mike Anderson, (former planning commissioner) was scheduled with the two candidates he has been working with, who support the large scale development. Mr. Anderson failed to verify the availability of any of the others prior to announcing the meeting on the candidate’s doorsteps, and he denied a request to re-schedule. He also stipulated what could not be discussed, thereby controlling the meeting by design.

I committed to supporting the voice of citizens and the laws which were put into place to preserve many of the aspects of our small town livability; this includes many important items not just development. I will not betray the community’s priorities. I will support change and development that is in keeping with those laws.

Please vote with care for Wheeler city council……

Deanne Ragnell
Candidate for Wheeler City Council

Submitted By: taylorgordon003@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

There has been misinformation spread that the present City Council took actions concerning waterfront development proposals that were illegitimate and unethical. This is not true. I was one of the councilors about whom the developer had complained and attempted to have a $20,000 ethics fine placed against me. The Oregon Ethics Commission ruled that my fellow councilor and I had done nothing wrong and had a perfectly legitimate right to vote on the waterfront development. Nevertheless, we both recused ourselves out of an abundance of caution, so there would be no bias at all or even any perception of bias. To repeat I DID NOT VOTE on the hotel project. I recused myself. Rumors to the contrary are false. The Land Use Board of Appeals never chastised me or any Council member for bias; it only remanded the decision back to the city to make sure some legal rules for complete recusal had been followed. Council held another hearing, following the requirements LUBA addressed for complete recusal, and came to the same decision about the waterfront project as before: this development could not be approved.

City Councilor GORDON TAYLOR

Submitted By: maryfaithbell@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Dear Neighbors,

I enthusiastically endorse Linda Kozlowski for reelection to the Manzanita City Council. In my capacity as county commissioner, it has been my privilege to work with Linda on emergency preparedness issues, for which she is recognized statewide. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for Linda’s leadership, her heart for service to the community and her ability to develop, nourish and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of people. Moreover, Linda is a dynamo, she accomplishes amazing things, and leads and inspires others to great works as well. Truly, it is accurate to say that Linda brings out the best in people, often more than they knew they were capable of. Linda’s continued leadership on the Manzanita City Council is in everyone’s best interest. Please vote for Linda Kozlowski.

Mary Faith Bell
Nehalem, OR

Submitted By: proactivewheeler@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

We are recommending that — for the two-year position on Wheeler City Council — Heidi Stacks be written in. She has been extensively involved in our city and better understands how our city council should function than the current candidate.
Citizens for a Proactive City Council

Submitted By: jampaulson@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

A couple of years ago when Suzanne Weber was running for the Oregon House of Representatives, I contacted her campaign twice to find out where the candidate stood on protecting a woman’s right to choose. No response to either inquiry. Before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade earlier this year, the writing was on the wall where things were headed in this country with regard to reproductive freedom.
This year, I didn’t bother asking Weber’s campaign, assuming I would not get a response, which of course, speaks for itself.
Fortunately the Democratic Party of Oregon did the leg work this year, sending a mailer reflecting where candidates stand on protecting women’s rights to make decisions about what is best for their bodies. You can see the candidates and their positions on the attached photo.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping away national protection for abortion rights, our state leaders are the last line of defense protecting these rights. I urge you to elect candidates who protect the rights of women to make their own decisions about what is best for their bodies and lives.
Janet Paulson

Submitted By: Ingsland@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Math tutor available in Manzanita area grades 4-7.

Teacher with 25 years experience offering tutoring in math for grades 4-7. Located in the Manzanita area. Email for more information Ingsland@gmail.com

Submitted By: proactivewheeler@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

I am responsible for the Meet the Candidates for Wheeler City Council forum: I rented the space, created the agenda/meeting guidelines and paid to have them printed. I personally contacted all the candidates weeks in advance and stated that — if they could not attend — they were welcome to have someone present to read their statements. Karen Matthews and Clif Kemp could not attend and had someone there to read their statements. Garry Gitzen and Deanne Ragnell did not attend or have a representative there.
I requested notice of the meeting in the Wheeler water bill newsletter and was assured by our mayor that it would be included. He then changed his mind and cancelled the newsletter entirely.
I next paid $289 to the Headlight Herald for the notice on page 18 of the Voter Guide, which was supposed to be mailed 10-10-22. However, it was mailed a week late. When I knew it would be late, I contacted Joe Warren at the Headlight Herald, who assured me they would do all they could to notify the public of the meeting through their websites. This was all I could do.
I am voting for Dave Bell and Mary Leverette. After attending the 10-16-22 meeting, my third vote will go to Walt Porter.
I do not hide behind any secret society. I am a 52-year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters local 290 and a 30-year member of the American Legion.
Mike Anderson, affiliated with proactivewheeler

Submitted By: soansr1@yahoo.com – Click to email about this post

To Whom It May Concern,

We have known Karen Matthews for over 20 years and have been continuously impressed by her breadth of experience and her tireless can-do attitude.
She has always exhibited strong problem solving skills and found ways to address the needs of the community.
Her willingness to help in many projects and programs has created value for our three villages, as well as Tillamook county.
We support Karen as a person who has the community’s best interests in mind. She listens to input and defends democratic decisions made by her constituents.
We encourage our fellow citizens to vote for Karen for Wheeler City Council.

Rob & Angelle Soans

Submitted By: kstarr@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

We are in need of a few things at the Nehalem Bay Methodist Church Food Pantry, clothing bank. If you happen to have a small tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, boots for men and women, rain coats and back packs, especially if there is a metal frame on the back of it, we would be most appreciative. Warm winter socks are also in short supply. Any camping gear that can be used for cooking on is also something we can use this time of the year.
You can drop off at the church during pantry open hours: Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10-2 or Wednesday from 2-6 or you can call me for pick up, Kathleen at 503-801-1073.
Church is located by Nehalem Post Office at
36050 Tenth St.
Nehalem
We remain ever grateful for your kindness.

Submitted By: Gardencoachkaren@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

WHAT Karen Matthews BRINGs TO THE TABLE

Let me reiterate from our previous meetings……
(dare I use ALL CAPS to restate my points once again?)

The management of municipalities takes discipline and commitment, understanding the systems, and following the laws set forth. I look forward to helping steer the City in the direction provided by you, our citizens, as documented in the Vision Plan to assure our beloved town retains it’s charm while increasing FINANCIAL VITALITY to take advantage of growth and solid management of our assets. My PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE of 6+ years on City Council gives me a solid foundation to apply my skills.

I will strongly support the Vision Plan, which was adopted by Comprehensive Plan and Ordinance. It deals with all sorts of issues; not just development. It is the “Voice of the Citizen”. The Vision calls for supporting a Vital Economy and we need to focus attention on that element for success as well as retaining the character of our village, assuring a HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT and more. These are not mutually exclusive.

I will work to research issues, manage projects that are supported by the council body, and introduce ordinance and resolutions that will allow the city to move forward with goals and objectives.

City Staff should be given the time and tools to find INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING. We, as councilors, can do some of the leg-work if asked to assist with these important projects, working as a team.

We need to assure Businesses have the support of our laws and rules and include them in the process through open communication. Lets ask them for input on the sign ordinance that is currently being rewritten without their representation. I will encourage reinvigoration of a BUSINESS ASSOCIATION to facilitate open dialogue.

WORKFORCE HOUSING needs solutions applied. Until we have housing for workers we cannot support our businesses needs for staffing. I will study accessory dwelling unit options for long term rentals.

Our ordinance for NUSIANCE ABATEMENT needs to be upgraded to give the city leverage to encourage adherence to welcoming and safe buildings, which will attract new business.

I will continue to invite volunteers to participate hands-on in beautification of our town and other projects.

These areas are all outlined in the Vision that is all-encompassing.

NO SHORT TERM RENTALS (Ask my competitors what they support). Other potential financial sources such as short term rentals have been suggested. I do NOT support this as a revenue source, after talking to several experienced administrators including Marnie, Wheelers Finance Manager, who has multi city experience, there are too many issues and the costs out weigh the financial gain.

My competitors in this Council race have stated that the Vision Plan is old and we don’t have to use it anymore, others have said it no longer represents what our citizens want. While I agree it is time to re-measure public input, we should not disregard what citizens documented in the interim. This is a long process by design and must be done without bias.

We were all drawn to Wheeler for what it is, a beautiful coastal town with a nostalgic feel, neighborhoods where people know and help each other, and the million-dollar view. We have such a unique village that many people crave. I support development in all commercial districts with small to midsize boutique hotels, shops, and eateries. What an exciting time to prepare for the influx of visitors along the Salmonberry trail.

We will one day be the place so many outdoor enthusiasts first land on the Oregon Coast from their journey over the coast range via the Salmonberry Trail. We will be here, ready to serve them with small shops to explore, food to eat, places to stay, outdoor recreation (think kayaking/birding) and likely a bicycle repair shop to meet their needs. Who know, we may even have a small shop offering massage and foot care?

In summary, I envision a small town welcoming visitors and citizens alike who are looking for a variety of recreation, services, and support needs. Lets work together to build that into a reality.
Lets work together to boost the energy, economy and ecosystem of Wheeler. I will continue to listen to the people of Wheeler and I ask for your vote ballots are here. Please vote now.

Submitted By: gardencoachkaren@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

I have filled out my ballot and it is on its way to the Elections office.

Enough political retiring, I am ready to begin constructive consensus building.

Please Vote

Submitted By: kyrasin1@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Hello all,

Getting ready to start snuggling in for the winter? I am here to help you!

I do Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or whenever you need cleanings for friends & family visits, your home or Vacation Rental cleanings. Years of experience.
Please give us a call. 503-717-2585

Thank you so much for all your support everyone!!!!

Submitted By: carolynnkutz@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

www.npr.org/2021/07/22/1019130205/why-nprs-joy-generator-draws-on-nostalgia

Trailside Vintage
Nehalem, Oregon
maps.app.goo.gl/sAmzyAg7NecKcRhW9
Hours, images, updates.

All kinds of things channeling the strong indoor outdoor art wearing living spaces eco system flowing along the Coast, Portland, USA and beyond. Hike on over to the vintage shop.

Timeline cleanser * … Election time, vote.

Submitted By: dixiegainer@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Representative Marty Wllde is a Democrat representing House District 11. He has this to say about money in politics: “In effect, the content and direction of legislation for all of Oregon was decided by a group of 10 or fewer people. All Democrats. These people were picked by their ability to raise money, in secret.” (secret!) He also says that Campaign finance reform enjoyed a broad support in the electorate, but the Democrats in the legislature refused to support it!!

I am not concerned about a Republican PAC giving money to Republicans running for office. I am hoping to get a more balanced government for Oregon and so I am not voting for Democrats this year. We really need a balance to stop the one party control over Oregon. That is not a representative government. Make no mistake! I think that Republicans would do the same thing if they got majority power and held it for so long. A Democracy requires many voices to be heard. And ten people with the ability to raise money cannot be called a Democracy and should not control our legislature.

I put Marty Wildes entire letter in the BBQ some months ago. If you want a copy send me an e-mail and I will send one to you. In the box -saying Subject: put in ” Wilde’s Letter.”

Submitted By: dmccalltillamook@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

When I look at the names in the upcoming election, a tune keeps going through my head. Just over fifty years ago a new band took to the stage and TV with some songs that quickly rose on the Billboard charts. Between taking the Last Train to Clarksville and opining about Pleasant Valley on a Sunday, in their theme song they announce their arrival, and declare “We’re the young generation, and we’ve got something to say!” (Feel free to hum along!) This year we have the opportunity to listen to new voices, and send a new generation to represent us in Salem. Rather than relying on the way things have been done for decades, this new generation of dedicated, committed public servants is adept at using technology, social media, and they can use their smartphones better than we could ever use dictionaries and encyclopedias. When I fill out my ballot, I’m going to choose the future, and support this young generation, by voting for Logan Laity (HD32) and Melissa Busch (SD16). I urge you to think of the future, and vote for them as well.

Submitted By: kenchill1@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

If you think business and industry will solve the financial and social problems of Wheeler, you never grew up in Ohio. Ohio courted industry.

Ohio has a 9% sales tax. Ohio’s property tax is 3 times higher than Wheeler. Ohio’s transportation costs are nearly the highest in the country. Ohio has serious environmental “brown field” pollution. Ohio has air you don’t want to breath. Industry will divorce you like a worn-out spouse. Industry will play a confidence game for tax abatement with you by holding out a carrot of revenue and then hitting you with the stick of infrastructure and social costs, and then leave when it is there time to pay.

Wheeler’s vision plan is for the well being of residents. If you shop at Costco, then you know cheapest is not best. Cost and value are two different attributes. Investing in our home is for our children and their future.
I moved to Oregon in 1981 and moved to Wheeler in 1986.
Ken Hill

Submitted By: babbles@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

this is actually “political” rather than “general interest.”

or perhaps, hopefully, it’s of general interest to nehalem voters.

i was disappointed in our Meet & Greet for two reasons. I was delighted for one reason, as follows.

REASONS FOR DISAPPOINTMENT

1) only two candidates out of six showed up for our well-advertised Meet & Greet the Candidates on tuesday 10/18.

two of the four who didn’t show up never responded to repeated invitations from the Tillamook County Pioneer. the other two of those four had responded that they would come, but then didn’t. i would like to ask them why they didn’t come to talk to the voters, since i assume they want to be elected.

Phil Chick (candidate for mayor) and Dave Cram (candidate for the council) were the two who came to the Meet & Greet.

these two candidates, Phil Chick and Dave Cram, get my vote, not just because they showed up, but also because they were open and willing to answer our questions. phil chick showed deep knowledge of city issues. dave cram is pretty knew on the city council, and showed concern for the city and willingness to learn.

2) out of the twenty-one people who attended, 15 were in the nehalem UGB and can’t vote in nehalem city elections. only six registered nehalem voters showed up. dang, don’t you care?

REASON FOR DELIGHT

we got to know the two candidates, and we had excellent discussion about some relevant nehalem issues. the meeting was educational for many who attended.

thanks to the Tillamook County Pioneer for organizing this meeting.

om peace namaste

lucy brook
nehalem resident
nehalem voter

Submitted By: jenna.edginton@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

It becomes more apparent to me every time I meet with Linda Kozlowski that her presence is needed on Manzanita City Council.

Before I applied for the open position on City Council in August I agreed to assist Linda with her re-election campaign. I have since attended several meetings with Linda and I continue to be impressed by her subject knowledge, professionalism, and her ability to work together as a team and compromise. With a virtually new city council and mayor I believe it is imperative that Linda Kozlowski have a seat at the table. She will enable the new Council to hit the ground running by being able to provide insight on past Council decisions and also her thorough understanding on how the City functions and the role of City Council. Linda has already been a tremendous help to me as I learn the ropes in my new role on Council.

I will be voting for Linda Kozlowski.

Jenna Edginton

Submitted By: brentanctil@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

I’m sure I haven’t read every post on here but enough to get a general sense of how people are feeling in Wheeler. I can see that people are frustrated and divided all because of a property owner wanting to build on Wheeler’s waterfront. My wife and I are raising three children in this town and want Wheeler to survive and thrive!

I served on the Wheeler Planning Commission in the past and feel that I am somewhat knowledgeable about our zoning and ordinances. Here are a couple of thoughts I would ask you to please consider. A huge part of the Mayor, City Council, and Planning Commissions’ job is to limit our town’s “litigation risk.” The reason for that should be obvious, but to state the obvious, our small town doesn’t have a lot of extra money to spend on lawyers (like thousand of small towns across this Country). How do you limit litigation risk? You simply follow the laws. Every city has rules, zoning, ordinances, etc. These are important so that one person doesn’t get to do something that someone else can’t. It’s simply about fairness and should help to prevent discrimination. The best local government is able to work “magic” by negotiating and tweaking development to best fit their town and the property owner’s “vision.” It is all about working toward that “win-win” scenario. You don’t have to view someone’s desire to build on their property as an attack on your town, or that they must be some kind of monster for wanting something different from you.

Wheeler is being sued because the developer feels that the City Council didn’t follow the law. Please think of the situation this way, What if the developer was a racial minority? African American, Latino/Latina, Arab, you pick… And people in town said, “we don’t think what you are wanting to do fits with our ‘vision’ for this town… and, it messes up the view for some of us and we don’t want more traffic (even though our town has a major Hwy running through it).” That is called discrimination and Wheeler could, and is, being sued for it. Or lets say two members on the City Council have a vested interest in protecting the two lodging businesses in town. They should recuse themselves from voting on a new proposed lodging business right? Well they didn’t. It “appears” that their sole purpose of getting on the City Council was to stop this potential motel from being built. It was a threat to their (or their partners) business interests. How can someone who owns a motel on the waterfront vote to deny someone else from building a motel on the waterfront? How was this allowed to happen? Honestly, it is baffling to me. What can happen if City Councilors are allowed to vote when they should have been told to recuse themselves? You get sued. Some would call this behavior corruption hidden under a veil of protecting “our vision.”

That’s why cities have laws that govern development. To prevent discrimination and corruption. It also helps you from getting sued and going bankrupt. That is why it is crucial to have educated and unbiased people serve as Mayor or on the City Council. You should not run for city government because you have a personal agenda, or because you want to stop your neighbor from developing their property because of their race, political affiliation, gender, etc. or because it might compete with your business or would interfere with your view. That’s the law, sorry if you don’t like it. You can talk Wheeler’s Vision document all day long but what matters are the zoning laws and ordinances. By-the-way that vision document was created by taking input from an unscientific survey of Wheeler residents. “What do you like and don’t like about Wheeler?” It was a simple barometer of how people were feeling a very long time ago (20 years ago?). It was/is imperfect. When I was on the Planning Commission I pointed out that not a single question related to children or their families living in Wheeler. The survey questions were clearly formed by a group of people in an older demographic. Yes, Wheeler has a lot of retirees. There is nothing wrong with that, but please realize that the survey had significant limitations and was intended to simply help form the Wheeler “Vision Statement.” The Vision Statement is intended to be one, of many things that help when writing the town’s Comprehensive Plan, Ordinances, and Zoning. The Vision Statement is not a legal document that you can cherry pick to discriminate against someone wanting to develop. A town has to follow land use laws or run the risk of getting sued. Yes, sometimes you will follow the rules and still get sued, but that is not the case here, unfortunately. We have a couple of biased City Councilors who voted, multiple times, who should have recused themselves. And, we have a City Council that didn’t follow the law. I believe that some of these people had good intentions, but at the end of the day, what matters is your ability to be knowledgeable and follow the law. Those are the facts, if you like them or not. LUBA has said as much and keeps sending the issue back to the town to fix it, but that hasn’t happened. If you don’t want anyone to use the Wheeler Waterfront, you have to change the zoning, you can’t just wave your finger and say “no, no, no.” You should be happy that we have laws to prevent anyone from picking and choosing who gets to live here or have a business here. It protects us from racism, corruption, nepotism, graft, etc.

All of this is why I am voting for Dave Bell and Mary Leverette. Lets please get back to responsible governing. On a side note, I know Dave Bell and he is simply an amazing person. You won’t find anyone more thoughtful, honorable, etc. An absolutely top notch person.

For those that are upset about Wheeler changing or their view being disturbed, be careful what you wish for. If Wheeler is bankrupted by this lawsuit we will become an unincorporated community in Tillamook County. We will thus fall under their development rules. They will follow the law, as they should, and approve appropriate development of the Wheeler waterfront (if you like it or not). They will also allow short-term rentals, as is allowed in all other unincorporated parts of Tillamook County. Are you or the City Council willing to pay the judgement if we lose? Very doubtful…
Lets please return to responsible governance and focus on what is important. Top of the list, saving The Roost!
Regards,
Brent Anctil (yes, I am proud to give my name and stand by what I say, no hiding here)
Wheeler, Oregon

Submitted By: Constance@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

This is a bit eye-opening…tap on and look up

www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/ive-been-thinking-money-politics-orestar-reveals-candidates-fund-sources/

Submitted By: wheelertattletales@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Some people in Wheeler have no choice but to not share their name on the internet for fear of repercussion. It is sad that it is like this, but a small town can be more than ya bargained for, I guess.
Seems the same argument has been going on for a few years, with Court Case after Court Case, and 3 Mayor changes. One was an interim, but still 3 Mayors have held office since the great debacle over the land by the water has begun.
Seems if our Planning Commission, years ago, had done the right thing we wouldn’t be in this mess at all. The right thing would have been to ask the Developer to provide a true set of documents with the proper approval, like maybe….. an Architect or Civil Engineer!!!
But that wasn’t done and here we are.
Now the Old Regime wants to blame the current Council for all the lawsuits and the loss, scratch that, the bleeding of cash, for the problems that started prior to new members stepping into office a little less than 2 years ago.
Let’s look back and remember who was “running the show” when the first set of inaccurate and misleading drawings settled on the City Hall’s Desk.
Let’s ask also, why did some of those same people NOT invite everyone to the Great Meeting at NCRD last week? What secret society did you have to be a part of to be invited to that? So many of us were not invited, therefore did not show up (but certainly should have). So how is that even right? AND KNOW THIS – that was NOT the only “Secret Society” developmental meeting that happened (many people wanted to CRASH that show also-but we were kind and did not).
Final Comment
We have had the SAME water issues for over 15 years, a few of the people running that are bringing this “Water Issue” to the surface have been on Council before and did NOT think it was an issue then, or they would have addressed it! That my friend is called a SCARE TACTIC, don’t drink the Kool-Aid it’s full of chemicals!
wheelertattletales

Submitted By: klgsmall@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Water and City Council Candidate

Anybody who listens to the Manzanita City Council meetings knows that I took, and continue to take a deep dive into the state of water in our world and in our city.

To be a responsible citizen I want to know everything about our water system and how it is connected to other water systems in the area. There’s a lot to know..

Friend Mary Ruhl teamed up with me. We read the water plan and we generated a list of questions. We then interviewed several people we thought would have answers. We found there are a many issues and questions that need to be addressed by the new city council.

We were surprised when two candidates, Deb Simmons and Brad Mayerle, separately requested to meet with us. In those discussions we found we knew a lot.

Brad continued on. He talked with the people we had talked with and others, he attended local watershed meetings, and he took field trips to the origin of water sources which we have water rights to.

I feel confident with Brad on the city council our water issues will be addressed.

Brad has looked into many other issues in a similar systematic and thorough way. It’s the way he approaches challenges.

The council positions are volunteer. We are fortunate to have a person of his caliber interested in being on an important team to lead our city.

The ballots will be in our mail boxes soon. The first thing I’m going to do is to vote for Brad Mayerle for city council. I hope you do too.

Karen LaGrave Small
Mother, Grandmother
Full time resident of Manzanita