Forethought - Kathy Krause, Portland

[Sent to all State Senators with a similar copy going to all State Reps:]

I have written to you recently URGING you to support Senate Bill 30. Now that Senate Bill 30 has reached the Senate Floor, I IMPLORE you to use your position to speak for tax paying Oregonians and vote in favor of protection for the Metolius River Basin. The State of Oregon has plenty of wonderful and appropriate landing pads for upscale resorts and golf courses. Central Oregon has seen its fair share of them land already. However, three miles within Metolius River Basin and the rivers headwaters is not a spot which can handle this type of development. I have lived in Oregon for the last thirty-three years. I pay taxes, I vote and I live my life responsibly and accountably. I have chosen to live in Oregon because the legislators of the past have protected and preserved countless sacred and beautiful scenic areas this State possesses for all Oregonians to enjoy. I have always admired the fact our elected officials took great pride in a delicate balance of a protected and watched environment with successful managed growth and expansion. Legislators in the past were in a position similar to yours today when they decided the Columbia River Gorge deserved protection. The same forethought was used when deciding to protect our beaches and Crater Lake. Northwest treasures such as these have been protected and cared for because our legislators know this State is unique and unlike any other in our country. Our legislators of the past also knew that Oregonians are Oregonians because issues such as the protection of natural treasures, sacred waterways, fish and wildlife are vital concerns the taxpayers want executed and they trust in their legislators to do just that. Oregon has always been a leader in this area. Let's please keep our wonderful and valuable reputation. I don't believe anyone has ever said to past legislators, "I sure wish there was more traffic and congestion in the Columbia River Gorge." "Too bad no one has destroyed these wild flowers". "I wish there was more pollution in this stream, it's really too clear", or, "I wish there were 10,000 more people with massive homes and golf courses around this watershed, its pretty desolate around here". No, I don't think anyone regrets the choices made by our earlier decision makers in regard to protection of natural treasures. Instead, we look at those decision makers are our strongest leaders. These leaders are forever remembered as having the forethought and ability to know that one must research and understand the ramifications of a decision before making it. This same forethought needs to be used in regard to protecting the Metolius River Basin. Please use your valued and trusted position to make the right decision in executing the desires of the tax paying and voting Oregonians who know that allowing destination resorts within three miles of the Metolius River Basin will be a serious step in the wrong direction.

Thank you for taking time to execute due diligence in regard to this vital concern.

Sincerely,

Kathy Krause
Multnomah County
Portland, Oregon