Enact The Will Of The People - Ervin Siverson, Portland

Dear Senator Carter:
[Sent to all State Senators]

I am writing to express my utter dismay at the outcome of the supposed public hearings concerning Senate Bill 30 limiting development of destination resorts in the Metolius River Basin. C. S. Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity wrote "that a complacent acceptance of the status quo reflects more than a failure of nerve." This statement expresses exactly what happened; a failure to act in a manner that reflect what the people wanted; an acceptance of the status quo. The developers, with their lobbyists and high price attorneys dominated the first public hearing not allowing the public to speak. And at the second public hearing, it was clear that the decision to amend Senate Bill 30 was done before the public had a chance to speak, thus making a mockery of the whole legislative process. Why invite the public to speak when you don't listen to them? Both Senators Ben Westlund and Vickie Walker produced a several inches thick folder showing the letters in support of SB 30, and a slim folder against (Senator Westlund said five letters) yet the bill was amended effectively gutting the original intent of Senate Bill 30, thus ignoring the will of the people. Is this not the the true nature of why you are elected, to enact the will of the people? So the developers, with the ability to hire lobbyists full-time to work deals out of the public eye are given the priority over the will of the people? And government wonders why the citizens are frustrated with the legislative process and its elected officials? And the best they can do (the legislators) is accuse us of "NIMBYism?" I write to express my full support of Senate Bill 30 IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM and welcome any response to my letter.

Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR