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Just curious, how is this tied to important local or statewide Oregon issues?

(Yes, besides the obvious fact it's a national election). I'm concerned you are missusing my OPB membership money to cover the national conventions (which NPR and PBS are already doing a fine job). PLEASE use Think Out Loud to discuss the thousands of LOCAL and STATE issues that don't get covered anywhere else. Sorry, but in my opinion your hosts and producers are being very lazy. Plus you are spending a lot of money to send your online host to Denver. What a waste :(

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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Unfortunately, the destruction of Philomath began as soon as it sprang-up as a timber town many, many decades ago. It was and is essentially dependent upon one industry, the timber industry, for it's existence and tax base.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of timber barons clear-cut and sawed as fast as they could get make money. Now, towns like Philomath are reeling in the aftermath of unsustainable business practices and forestry policies. Just look over at the Siuslaw National Forest that decided some time ago to focus on a sustainable, conservation-based timber harvest. The timber gets cut where and how it should, people have jobs, and timber sales don't get challenged in court by enviros. Sure there are less jobs, but they will probably last for generations.

Face it, except for a handful of timber barons like Rex Clemns, rural towns like Philomath got screwed by the timber industry. Philomath needs to look at other industries to focus its economic development around. Look at the hundreds of millions of dollars that outdoor recreation brings to Oregon.

posted 5 years ago
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Upon first read I think this is a real dissappointment. It's unfortunate that the foundation directors don't see the value of a college education, regardless of the studies or school attended.

However, I think the bigger issue that it touches on is the outrageous amount of money it costs to attend college in Oregon and most other states. Even vocational training is extremely expensive.

Additionally, this "personal whim" is what happens when a town, organization or other group relies on a private foundation to fund a program.

posted 5 years ago
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