Category: Reply To

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

Confusion. Fear. Half truths. In today’s world, we have seen these tactics used more and more. We have experienced the lies and half-truths said over and over until they become ‘fact’.

Recently, Randy Kugler threw out a bunch of numbers with little or no references. He mixes the Water Operating Funds and the General Funds which are operated separately with revenue received and cost outlays. He raises the fear of a water rate increase but fails to say that the last rate hike was in 2014. Nor did Mr. Kugler say that Cannon Beach is currently reviewing their water rate increases again with increases in 2018, 2021 and 2022. Nehalem just raised their water rates.

Cannon Beach Public Works Director Karen La Bonte said Tuesday: “As you know, our last rate increase for water and wastewater was March 20, 2018 which was three years ago. In order to keep up with the cost of maintenance on our infrastructure it is important that the utility rates stay on par to support those costs. Without doing periodic rate increases we can’t accomplish that.”
Kathleen Stinson, The Gazette June 4, 2021

He fails to tell you that the Manzanita water spending project is over a 10 plus year planning cycle. Nor did he mention that Cannon Beach has the same challenges with their water system infrastructure. (You can read more about Cannon Beach’s struggle with the cost of their water system infrastructure and the costly delays in decision making.)

Mr. Kugler goes on to say, ‘Total expenses to date to acquire the property and years of consultants and other professional services is now in excess of $2.1 Million.’ But he confuses it with throwing all the numbers together of land purchase with consultants and professional services. The land is a valuable asset, one of the last large parcels of land in the city limits. And we all know that prices for real estate have continued to increase since the City purchased the property in 2017.

Mr. Kugler goes on to say that Cannon Beach is getting a City Hall and Police Station for $1.2 million. Really?

“The City Council, during a meeting Tuesday night, authorized the city to borrow $4.6 million for the project, which is expected to cost $5.5 million. Lodging taxes will be used to pay off the loan.”
Nicole Bales, The Astorian February 2, 2022

As Mr. Kugler states, ‘It has been pointed out that the remodel of the CB Elementary School is not currently being planned for critical emergency services that need a class 3 or 4 seismic structural rating.’ This is because the old Cannon Beach school sits in the tsunami zone on Ecola Creek which feeds into the ocean. Their emergency and operating services will be washed away when the multimillion dollar building collapses.

Cannon Beach, like most towns, needs funding. They just put in play a 5% food and drink tax. This is in addition to the Transient Lodging Tax they make off of all those hotels. Mr. Kugler states without any facts that Manzanita will not receive any grants for the water system work. Based on what Mr. Kugler?

Large public capital outlay projects are always a challenge and the Manzanita project is no exception. Manzanita is looking at a similar self-funding strategy for the city facilities which in large part is funding driven by the Transient Lodging Tax, putting the tax burden on tourists. For us old timers, how many ballots cast before we built our fire station, water treatment plant or, even approving city budget funds for sidewalks on Laneda. More recently, we saw Seaside schools and Gearhart needing facilities but experiencing similar challenges at the ballot box.

It is time for Manzanita to tear down that old dilapidated eyesore of a structure, sitting at Underhill Plaza. Utilize the land for a smaller but more usable footprint city hall that reflects the beauty of our town. Put together a plan for land use for the community that offers worker housing (Manzanita Council just approved a tax abatement program with Tillamook County to help with taxes.) and a park for our Farmers Market and other community gatherings. Be a part of the conversation on August 29. (Go to the Manzanita website to sign up.)
Deb Tinnin
Manzanita

Submitted By: daslunas@icloud.com – Click to email about this post

Reply to Mr and / or Ms. Anonymous – Citizens for common sense…

Have to say though ….”common sense and anonymous – feels like an oxymoron!

As the only Mayoral candidate, so far, for Manzanita City, I have to assume this post was intended for me. Please, come out, come out where ever you are and listen to your fiction hit the fact.

The corporation I think you listed (the cloudy copy was impossible to decipher) was formed by a holding company prior to acquiring an Oregon company in bankruptcy. The corporation was designed to merge the ailing firm with another like entity. The proposed merger was presented to the holding company by my husband and his business associate. The holding company had the funds and corporation established, so they hired my husband and associate to execute the turn around. During the initial months of the newly-formed corporation, as it migrated towards positive cash flows, the holding company faulted on its pledge for financing. At that juncture, my husband and now business partner, put up the necessary funds and completed the first task of establishing a profit.

The new entity represented hundreds of employees, made the repayment of several million dollars in vendor debt and today, represents a thriving business operating in two northwest states.

My husband and partner inherited the corporation when selling the company operations (brand assets) into another existing operating entity.

My entry on the records of the corporation as Secretary occurred in 2013 when my husband’s business partner and friend died at the age of 65.

The structuring of a corporation, including where established, is between the individuals starting the corporation, an attorney and accountants. Many corporations favor states such as Delaware, Nevada or Wyoming for a variety of reasons. Management usually prefers states such as Nevada for reporting purpose where it is far easier. Stockholders prefer Delaware in many cases. All these reasons can be found on Google.

Our accountant for over 35 years, said the following:
“The company in question operated a business in Oregon and reported all activity on the Oregon business return as required.

As required, this company registered with the Oregon Secretary of State. Using the Nevada Corporation for the initial corporate documents, it does not change or reduce Oregon taxes.”

As business owners, we not only paid Oregon personal taxes, but Oregon business taxes as well (payroll and other business taxes).

As Oregon residents, we are taxed in Oregon on our income. We have a CPA that files our taxes according to the tax laws, and we have always paid our taxes as required.

My husband and I are proud to have been business owners who contributed to the Oregon economy for many years. Our endeavors helped hundreds of employees, and related vendors.

Starting a company is incredibly difficult, time-consuming and financially draining – ask any business owner. Their road is neither easy nor consistent. Many challenges ahead.
They need our support.

It is time, though, to raise the communication bar in our community. Hopefully, Manzanita’s culture will not allow itself to be defined by anonymous accusations bearing mere portions of the truth.

Eleanor Roosevelt said on defining a culture:

Great minds discuss ideas,
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.

What I hear Eleanor saying… is raise the bar.

All of us can go from the small mind to the great mind and to participate with objectivity. We need to move up the community bar so our exchanges deal in fact and not fiction.

My name is Deb Simmons, and I am a candidate for mayor.

Submitted By: gerald@wineinger.com – Click to email about this post

In response to “Voters with several homes”

If you are a multiple home owner please be careful with your decision of primary residence for voter registration pursuant to ORS 247.035. Due to a flurry of emotional posts misadvising about this recently, I contacted our state representatives and state elections officials as to clarification on this issue.

The following two emails are an answer to the question of voter registration in Oregon for anyone who owns multiple houses.

Email #1

” From: Rep Gomberg <Rep.DavidGomberg@oregonlegislature.gov>
Date: August 15, 2022 at 10:02:51 AM PDT
To: Gerald Wineinger <gerald@wineinger.com>, Sen Armitage <Sen.RachelArmitage@oregonlegislature.gov>, Rep Weber <Rep.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov>, mfbell@co.tillamook.or.us, dyamamoto@co.tillamook.or.us, Erin Skaar <eskaar@co.tillamook.or.us>
Cc: ROBERTS Bob * SOS <Bob.ROBERTS@oregon.gov>, elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov
Subject: RE: Voter Law Problem and Understanding in Manzanita

Thank you for your note, Gerald,
In simple, layman’s terms, the answer is “no”. Just because you are fortunate enough to own more than one property, you cannot change your voting “residence” without good reason. There is a principal place where you live. And that is where you vote.
ORS 247.035 states in part, “A person shall not be considered to have gained a residence (for voting purposes) in any location in this state into which the person comes for temporary purposes only, without the intention of making it the person’s home.” In determining voting residency, the statute states an election official may consider:
Where the person receives personal mail;
Where the person is licensed to drive;
Where the person registers motor vehicles for personal use;
Where any immediate family members of the person reside;
 
During a recent election in Lincoln County, the Clerk contacted people who had recently registered in Lincoln County but who asked to have ballots mailed outside the county. He asked for proof of local residency. Most subsequently asked to withdraw their registration change.

See www.newportnewstimes.com/news/clerk-to-verify-residency-for-recent-voter-registrations/article_cb41fce6-2d2b-11ec-a1e2-0b1417dc3e12.html

Ultimately, the County Clerk decides the validity of local electors.
I hope you find this helpful.
Warm Regards,
David “

Email #2

“From: ROBERTS Bob * SOS <Bob.ROBERTS@sos.oregon.gov>
Subject: RE: Voter Law Problem and Understanding in Manzanita
Date: August 15, 2022 at 9:34:42 AM PDT
To: Gerald Wineinger <gerald@wineinger.com>

Good morning Gerald,
Thank you for your emails regarding residency and voting. A person may register to vote using an address at which they have established residency. You correctly identify ORS 247.035 as the source for factors that an elections official may use to determine whether a person has established residency. Under ORS 247.035(1)(c) a person is not considered to have gained residency at a location where the person comes for temporary purposes only. Elections officials have the discretion to investigate such matters when the legitimacy of a voter’s residency is called into question.

Best regards,

Bob Roberts
Investigations and Legal Specialist
Oregon Secretary of State | Elections Division
255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 126 | Salem, OR 97310-1327
503.986.1518 Office | 503.373.7414 Facsimile”

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

Here’s a link to the NYT Magazine article referenced in Conklin’s post:
www.nytimes.com/2022/06/29/magazine/moderate-democrat.html

I’m not entirely sure what Mr. Conklin is advocating. Perhaps that Democrats have left the middle ground and become immoderate?

An example of moderation given in the article is that Democrats can win if they use Bill Clinton’s formula of implementing “Tough on [fill in the blank]” programs. Let’s take a look back at three of Clinton’s most significant initiatives.

Tough on Crime: largely responsible for the massive spike in incarceration in the last three decades. It made the U.S. an outlier among Western democracies.
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/1994-crime-bill-and-beyond-how-federal-funding-shapes-criminal-justice

Tough on Welfare: created the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program which today barely reaches the poorest families and was subsequently used by Republicans as a template in attempts to kill Medicaid & Obamacare.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/welfare-reform-tanf-medicaid-food-stamps/552299/

Tough on Mental Health Reimbursements: the driving force behind deinstitutionalization. It pushed patients onto the street and swapped institutions for prisons. It contributes to today’s homelessness crisis.
ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.51.11.1397

None of these programs were ultimately moderate. So perhaps it’s understandable if Dems might not be excited about 21st Century versions.

Frankly, the Democratic Party is a mess in general but remains well within the range of what one might expect in a broad, reasonably healthy, multi-ethnic party struggling with modernity. The same can’t be said of our Republican friends who are cruising at flank speed toward a vision of governance that is anything but moderate.

Gene Dieken

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

This “Concern Citizens of Manzanita” growing group gives me hope for our community after listening , to the Planning commission meeting.
. The “outside investors,” who do not live here but want to invest here because we are quaint, village-like, charming and beautiful, destroy and remove what precisely attracted them by imposing their HUGE structures upon us.
People have moved here to find, a simpler, quieter, & healthier life. . Families ride their bikes along Dorcas, kids on skates board swing onto 5 th to play Basket ball because none of this is allowed on Laneda. Dorcas’ safeness is now threatened by drivers who do not look right and left. Recently this young investor who wants to built 30 + unit says he wants to be a good neighbor. But I ask our community, “who wants to have a neighbor with 30 + guests everyday?”
Be aware that what tried to happen on Classic, is now trying to happen in your neighborhood!
Thank you, Deb Simons, for your post. I barely know you but people have a lot of respect for you.
Corinna

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

referring to last night’s bbq posting, if someone is going to write a scathing critique of manzanita city government, they should have the integrity and the courage to sign their letter. in my mind, an anonymous critique carries very little weight.

om peace namaste
lucy brook
nehalem resident

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

I would like to respond to Ted Weissbach’s recently posted comments on the BBQ concerning “new brooms.” I’m one of the “brooms” he refers to, running for one of the two open seats on the Manzanita City Council. His post makes many assumptions about the candidates seeking office. I have never spoken to Ted, nor has he reached out to me. However, I do appreciate that he has opened up an opportunity for me to share some of my thoughts with the community. As I stated in my candidacy announcement, “change can be difficult, even scary. But It can also be refreshing and fruitful.”   
 
I would like to address each of Ted’s assertions as they relate to my point of view. 
 
1) He says the new candidates speak of being long-term residents and it’s too late to bring back the good old days. My family has owned a house in Manzanita for 20+ years. However, Manzanita has been my primary residence for the past five years. I’m not a long-term resident, though I’m not sure why that would be an undesirable thing—and I have never mentioned bringing back the good old days. However, I have advocated for the importance of having a plan for growth, which does not currently exist, congruent with the desires of citizens.
 
2) He says the new candidates talk about listening to you. Yes I think that’s important! I believe that listening to citizens, building consensus, and making fact-based decisions demonstrates strong leadership. He says we didn’t get our way.  While I have never approached city hall, I do hear from citizens who feel like they are not listened to. An example is the plan for the new city hall, for which the bond was soundly defeated. I believe there is a middle ground.
 
3) He says I’ve accused current leadership of being beholden to special interests. Never said that.
 
4) He says there are too many short term rentals.  On that point, we agree. But I believe there are additional ways to fund city government beyond  the current STR structure. For example, development fees, capturing revenue from day trippers, and  many other options our neighbors to the North have used are possibilities. There are ways to decrease our reliance on our current STR’s system and still fund city services. To suggest that the sky will fall if we look at other options is just a scare tactic.
 
5) He says we want more diversity.  Excited to meet the challenge.
 
6) He says we want to  bring back the 4th of July events. I believe the community likes to celebrate the nation and those who have served to protect it. The parade is organized by volunteers, and as we know there are many in our community. Someone just needs to ask and organize.  If elected, I would be happy to advocate. I agree that a fireworks show is expensive, but it doesn’t hurt to look for funding from outside resources.
 
7) He says the comprehensive plan hasn’t been updated in 20 years, and leaders are working on it.  I know it doesn’t take 20 years to update this plan, and the consequences of not doing so has affected all aspects of our city. With our unprecedented growth, an update of the comprehensive plan can be used as a tool for both zoning and planning. Yes, I am willing to spend the time working on it. That is why I am running. As the author stated, “We can only hope to manage the growth as intelligently as possible.” I guess we differ on what that looks like. The status quo, or someone with new eyes and new ideas. I believe that city hall has failed to explore and capture unrealized revenue, failed to plan for and manage future growth, and compromised the integrity of our neighborhoods. 

I welcome the opportunity to have coffee with Ted, or any other Manzanita residents, to hear all thoughts and concerns for our city. Please feel free to reach out.
 
Brad Mayerle
mayerleformanzanita@gmail.com

Submitted By: mjsommers7@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

I read a post here supporting Mary Faith Bell for County Commissioner. Much of the post was devoted to how unfit her opponent is. I think we should vote FOR someone and not against their opponent.
I know Mary Faith out of the pubic eye as we are neighbors. I know the kind of person she is on a daily basis. She is warm, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, and trustworthy. No matter the demands of this office, those qualities will stand her in good stead.
I support Mary Faith Bell because of the person she is and the integrity she brings to this office.
michael sommers

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

I take issue with these points made in a bbq post “Back the Badge is BS” on April 26 by kilchis@protonmail.com

From the post: Back the Badge is BS by kilchis@protonmail.com
“The Secondary Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance on the May ballot is a symbolic measure that gives you an opportunity to support the 2nd Amendment, and gun rights, or to oppose them, if you choose.”

From the Tillamook County Clerk’s website: www.co.tillamook.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/clerk039s_office/page/69486/29-161tillco2ndamendnoticeofballottitlecircled.pdf
“Violators of this ordinance would be subject to civil penalties such as fines up to $2000 Dollars for individuals and $4000 for a corporation.”

My opinion:
If a violator can be fined, it seems to me that this is NOT a symbolic measure.

From the post: Back the Badge is BS bykilchis@protonmail.com
“There would be no practical impact. Local law enforcement would continue to enforce all laws as they see fit, as they do now. But it would be a public statement that the community supports the right to own firearms.”

From the Tillamook County Clerk’s website: www.co.tillamook.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/clerk039s_office/page/69486/29-161tillco2ndamendnoticeofballottitlecircled.pdf
(CAPS are mine)
Although this ordinance would GENERALLY PROHIBIT county officials from following firearms regulations, exceptions would be allowed in certain LIMITED situations. County officials could still comply with firearms laws that relate to convicted felons, could still participate in enforcement of firearm crimes, and could still take any actions necessary to comply with court orders.

My opinion:
This ordinance as stated above, if passed, WOULD prohibit county officials from following firearms regulations so it DOES have practical impact.

From the post: Back the Badge is BS by kilchis@protonmail.com
“Unfortunately, the Tillamook County Democratic Party and local Democrat officials are running a “fake” campaign funded by outside progressive money.”

From a bbq post “Following the money in local politics”
by dmccalltillamook@gmail.com April 29
“When my ballot arrived, I remembered a piece from a few days ago warning of “a “fake” campaign funded by outside progressive money.” With a few minutes to spare, I took the author’s advice and researched the PAC’s campaign finances on Orestar.
Orestar is the state’s campaign finance transparency system, individually identifying each contributor giving over $100 to a campaign. Right there, laid out in black and white, was the cold proof of who was financing this group. Dozens of people had donated less than $100 each, and only a handful over that. I recognized all but one of the names — people who live in Netarts, Tillamook, Bay City, Nehalem, Manzanita, etc. All locals. The largest contribution was $1000. I didn’t see any red flags here.”

From the post: Back the Badge is BS by kilchis@protonmail.com
“If you support gun ownership make your opinion known and vote yes. If you don’t, then also make your opinion known and vote no.”

My opinion:
I support the 2nd Amendment and I am voting NO.

From the post: Back the Badge is BS by kilchis@protonmail.com
“Everything about this organization is fake, all of their information is false, and they know it is false.”….But efforts to lie, confuse, distort and mislead — anything to get their way — are what damages democracy, and our communities. It’s a sad thing, but there it is.”

My opinion:
Who is being misleading?? From my perspective it is kilchis@protonmail.com

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

Did you know that all Pure bred dogs have a < RESCUE Site> for example: English Bulldogs Rescue has a couple of sites in OR. where one will meet foster families who helps in finding them a forever home . It is heart braking to read that , yes, people move and do not take their best friend with them .
Couples separate..and dog is relinquished at a shelter, sometimes people die, get very sick and have to give up their dogs…
In this time of life , people are losing jobs, their homes…and animals again are the victim of such situation. Please check those rescue websites, and see how helping a dog ,a cat, a horse, ..looking at them saying < you are going to be ok now...>. is the greatest joy…

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

after reading this post, “how to lose our country’s democracy in one easy step,” i googled what the WHO (World Health Organization) is up to. here’s what i found (capitalization is mine): “On 3 March 2022, the Council adopted a decision to authorize the OPENING OF NEGOTIATIONS for an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The intergovernmental negotiating body, tasked with drafting and negotiating this international instrument, will hold its next meeting by August 1, 2022, to DISCUSS PROGRESS ON A WORKING DRAFT. It will then DELIVER A PROGRESS REPORT to the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023, with the aim to adopt the instrument by 2024.”

It looks to me like we have plenty of time to observe and read what the WHO might decide to do.

Why the fear-mongering? “with only a few hours left…..” this possible international agreement is being DISCUSSED, not DECIDED.

lucy brook
nehalem resident

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

Thank you for your post. I agree 100% that STRs have gotten out of hand. We had our own experience with them:
A new house was built behind us. When it was sold, we met the neighbor, a nice woman who said she would be living their full time. A couple of weeks later, a hot tub was installed. After that, the STR sign went in the window. Then, the parties started because you can’t rent a house with a hot tub and not have a party, right? Loud music, doors slamming, people yelling at all hours of the night. It got so bad that the owners of the house next door quickly moved out and made their house an STR as well. We called the management company multiple times. We entered complaints with the county. We called the Sheriff regularly. We had a meeting with the county and the management company showed up but not the owner. Seems she didn’t want to get involved. Nothing helped. Every two days or so, a new group would show up and the process would start again. We were miserable.
I relate our experience not for pity, we ended up building another house in an area with better rules about STRs, but to relate what can happen. From our experience, the county’s authority is limited, the management company doesn’t care as long as they get paid and the owner doesn’t care because she making money and doesn’t have to live next to it. Since we were outside Manzanita, they didn’t care either. It’s all about a few people making money at the expense of the community.
I would like the city to explain:
• Why is commercial activity allowed in residential areas?
• Why is it not supportive of the motels in the area that are zoned for rentals? Seems like allowing STRs is taking business away from them.
• Why doesn’t the city create STR zones like Lincoln City, Newport, etc. where they are allowed and make the rest of the community STR free? If bigger cities can do it, why can’t we?
I look forward to hearing what the city has to say at the meeting tomorrow. People with opinions one way or the other are encouraged to attend.
Paul.

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

A few observations about the Freedom Convoy truckers:
When is a minority of a minority enfranchised to demand the resignation of a sitting head of state in return for ending a siege? This feels somewhat like Ammon Bundy and the Three Percenters in the U.S.
Didn''t the Timber Unity truckers demand Kate Brown''s resignation a couple of years ago in Salem?
Ottawa person-on-the-street interviewees had a hard time expanding on the rights/freedoms that had been so egregiously abridged. Perhaps that''s because the comfortable seldom have cause to think about them?
The Canadian military (unlike its U.S. counterpart) is mustering out active-duty service members who participated in this uprising. Also unlike the U.S., law enforcement was savvy enough not to turn protestors into examples of police abuse.
Not surprisingly, the link attached to this post takes you to a website that also features the fringy video [Nuremberg 2, Covid-19 as a crime against humanity] that D. Gainer posted on BBQ a few days ago. I''m also not surprised that the truckers'' cause has been embraced by Fox News and a dozen of the most unctuous and craven U.S. Senators.
Careful what you wish for.