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I come from a long line of homesteaders, ranchers and farmers in eastern Montana, though my father bucked the tradition by following his journalism dreams in the big cities of the east coast, where I was raised. I returned in the mid 70s to attend the U. of Montana, where I took a Creative Writing class from Mr. Kittredge.  What I remember most was that I got an A on my story, as mailed to me over the summer, but there were no markings at all on the paper.  I never knew what to make of that. 

posted 2 years, 5 months ago
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Regarding the failure of the TriMet bond measure, it seems to me that enough isn't being said about the fact that in a deep recession, after cuts to service and increases in fares, the proposed measure was focused on the narrow aspect of new buses and enhancements, not on service.  That was the disconnect I saw.  And yes, there's all that money going to expanding max on the other hand.

Regarding ridership, I use max regularly and it works great for me. But I wouldn't use it much if my employer didn't pay for it.

Whether it's local money or fed money, greater emphasis should be made to increase bus service.  It seems to me we could have much better bus service if we put a fraction of the max money into expanded bus service.

posted 2 years, 5 months ago
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I have great healthcare benefits through my employer.  And I have a union to help maintain them intact as possible.  So far, I pay no premium for my elected insurer.  But every contract negotiation is a struggle.  

One thing is certain: If I was responsible for even just half of the premium, I would not be able to afford it and would probably go without.

I support a single payer system.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Mr. Shaff, could you please answer the question I asked previously - what does the Water Bureau and City Council mean by their reference to pursuing "administrative" options in response to the LT2 Rule, as last Wednesday's resolution states?

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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Please ask Mr. Shaff what the Bureau means by the "administrative" option that is on the table as a means of compliance.  They use the term frequently these days to describe one of the avenues they are pursuing.  Many people think it means EPA administrative relief from the rule, which is considered an excellent possibility by many citizens, given the new administration.  Is this what it means or something else?

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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Please, let's frame this issue properly and define the terms and options.

1) The "variance" only refers to the water testing that might get Portland out of further treamtent of our water, and it is not the only option on the table - this issue is controversial because people who are following it closely want the city to more vigorously pursue legislative relief or some sort of relief directly from the EPA administration that would exempt Portland from the Rule. 

2) The variance testing would do nothing to save our open reservoirs.  Only legislative relief or comparable EPA administrative action can relieve Portland from burying or decommissioning our open reservoirs. 

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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My biggest concern about sex offender laws is related to "rape" cases where the "offender" and "victim" are both within a few years of age of each other and both are under 20 or 21, and where violence is not a factor.

For example, 2 people in highschool involving a 17 or 18 year old and a 15 or 16 year old.   Many of these cases involve "offenders" who do not deserve at least half a lifetime of the stigma of having to register wherever they go, no privacy, etc.

And then there's the variable ages from state to state which dictate whether you can be called an offender or not.

[Please withhold my name on the air]

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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I would like to hear some specific examples of the water system projects that were mentioned.  It sounded a little vague.  And which, if any projects, are in Portland?

Thank you.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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I'm wondering how much of our drop in fund values can actually be attributed to the problem fund, since the Oregon funds only had a percentage, 10% to 35%, mixed into any given fund?? And within the problem fund, how much was really "toxic"??

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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Questions:
How were they determing the risk level of the Fund? Was it like like buying lottery tickets and having a winning streak, thus making them a low risk?

It reminds me of PERS, which did not, and I think still does not in its current reincarnation, offer a non stock market option.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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This police rep is exactly why Sam could not win either way - because if he had told the truth he would have been taken to the cleaner by guys like him who say he "pursued" Breedlove or because Breedlove was young and attach their personal judgement.

As for Nigel, it's ridulous to suggest that ANY lie translates into such a blemish that one should resign. He's a reporter just looking for his bread and butter story.

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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I think the only viable form of patriotism is one that recognizes our mutual universality. Patriotism to planet earth, first and foremost.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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Just as I will always prefer a printed book or magazine, I will always prefer a printed newspaper. I don't need to stare into a bright light any more than is necessary. I lament the loss of any information from newspapers. I'm sorry to see the Tribune lose a day and move more to the web. They are losing a huge audience. I simply won't sit down to read any paper online. One article I'm seeking, maybe, but not to actually read. As for comics, I don't read them typically, but I used to read stock results, which have disappeared on a daily basis. Even as pages and pages remain for wedding announcements, obituaries, etc...

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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Obviously recyling success is due primarily to both environmental motivations and deposits. Let's get past that discussion. In either case, convenience is also clearly a key component. Redemption centers can't completely replace grocery stores unless they are similarly numberable and accessible. That will fall flat otherwise. I would like to know if anyone has considered using weight rather then numbers of bottles or cans to determine the refund. It would be so much quicker and less messy if we could weigh our bags of cans and bottles. Let's come up with a formula.

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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