Don't Destroy The "Destination" - Stan Shively, Philomath

[Sent to all members of the Senate Rules Committee and Sen. Gary George:]

I understand that you will be taking up Senate Bill 30 (protecting the Metolius Basin) in your committee Friday afternoon.

I am writing to ask that you pass the original bill presented by Sen. Westlund protecting the Metolius Basin from destination resorts. I am appalled by the plan to establish two massive resorts in the Basin. These resorts would destroy the beauty of the region and, perversely the very reason for the "destination." The long-term loss to the State would be unimaginable.

My family and I have camped at and fished the Metolius River since 1970. Politicians often talk about 'family values' yet I can think of nothing that contributes more to a family than the ability to enjoy time together in the natural beauty of this great State - and one of the most pristine areas is the Metolius Basin.

I am asking that you protect the Metolius, now and for future generations.

Thank you,

Stan Shively
Philomath, OR

Concerned About Fire - Thomas H. Anderson, McMinnville

[Sent to Senator Gary George and All State Senators]

Dear Senator George:

You may recall the devastating “B&B” fire that blackened much of the Santiam Pass area in 2003 and threatened to devastate Camp Sherman which was evacuated. I just read in the news that there is a 167 square mile wild fire burning in Georgia along with 220 active fires in Florida which have so far charred 125 square miles. There are is a wildfire burning in Los Angeles, California, and a fire burning out of control in Minnesota that so far has destroyed 45 buildings, including multimillion dollar homes.

All citizens of Oregon should be concerned that if protective legislation, such as SB 30 in its original form, is not enacted, the entire Metolius Basin will be vulnerable to an increased risk of wildfire and potentially billions of dollars in economic loss. You can’t bring thousands of homes and tens of thousands of people into a fire sensitive area without dramatically increasing the risk of loss.
This is another cost that should be considered before voting to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin. I hope to hear from you soon that you are supporting SB 30 in its original form.

Sincerely,
Thomas H. Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon

Energetic Support For Metolius Basin Protection Bill - Thomas H. Anderson, McMinnville

[Sent to Sen. Gary, and to All State Senators]

Dear Senator George:

I am writing to ask that you give energetic support to a Metolius Basin protection bill.

If protective legislation, such as SB 30 in its original form, is not enacted, the special character of the Metolius Basin will be degraded forever. And there will be specific economic costs generated by the proposed destination resort that will end up being paid and assumed by parties other than the developer. Here is one example: The Jefferson County Planning department uses the Institute of Transportation Trip Generation Manual to assign 9.6 trips per day to each house. If 3500 houses are built in the resort, that will generate 33,600 vehicle trips per day on the Camp Sherman road. What will that cost in road maintenance and expansion, traffic, pollution, and carbon emissions? Are we not at a critical time when our public officials are directed to enact legislation reducing carbon emissions to address threatening global warming trends (rather than approving plans which will dramatically increase emissions)?

Before voting to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin, I think you need to assess the actual short and long term costs to your constituents and their descendants. Informed decision making, by legislators and by voters, requires such cost analysis.
I look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,
Thomas H. Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon