Pay Attention to Oregonians, Not Special Interests - Kathy Krause, Portland

Respectfully Representatives:

I have just received a copy of a flyer the Ponderosa Land & Cattle Company is passing out at the State Capital to try and suggest a "compromise" for Senate Bill 30 - Metolius. I am just a private citizen who cares deeply about the State I live in. I do, however, work in the advertising world and I know a good marketing campaign when I see one! The brightly colored and soothing font, the cheerful positive message, the illusion this will be a positive improvement for everyone. The "look what we are giving up" message is all just a just a brilliant, well thought out design to sell you a cheap bag of goods! Please, don't fall for it! Just like the late night television infomercials, someone has been paid a great deal of money to mislead, or convince the consumer, or in this case, the "voter" into believing he or she needs this "answer to everything" solution. Again, don't fall for it!

The Colson land has value in its original purchased condition - as a timber harvesting agreement. Senate Bill 30 is about protecting a treasured river, a landmark for the State of Oregon! We should be proud to have it! If the Colson Cattle Company had purchased land which was meant for resort development, this issue may deserve different attention - but they didn't. This is a rezone, and a poorly made decision (in my opinion) by a county which probably had good intentions, but didn't have the manpower, forethought or funds to investigate the long term ramifications of their decision.

The voting, tax paying Oregonians would like their voices heard and expressed by our elected officials. We do not have the money to hire marketing experts to hand out flyers at the State Capital. We do not stand to make millions of dollars off of resort development real estate sales.

What we do have, is faith that our voices will be heard and expressed through you, our elected Representatives! If our voices are heard, we stand to gain a protected piece of Oregon that we, hard working, tax paying Oregonians can escape to. A place to walk the banks of an unspoiled, unpolluted federally wild and scenic river. A place to recover from illness with the peace and solitude of nature. A place to show our children what nature is on its own. A place to replenish our souls from the madness of trying to "make it". A place that we can afford, because the only price of admission is the promise to keep it as it is.

What do you stand to gain by listening to the voters which helped put you into office? The promise we will forever cherish, remember and honor you for making the right decision by not amending a bill which will protect a piece of our valued State. The promise that when there is an important piece of legislation that is close to your heart, we will listen, support you and be your voice. Please DO NOT amend or support any amendments to Senate Bill 30!

Thank you,

Kathy Krause
Portland Oregon