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Public Comments - Speeches

Monmouth Mayor's Report
April 6, 1999

As we sit here tonight, I can't help but recognize what an interesting time we live in.

To begin with, since we last met, the United States and our NATO allies have begun a military campaign against Yugoslavia.

The images we have seen, of refugees fleeing for safety, represent just how far we have to go and how much work needs to be done.

I say this, because the events in the Balkans have a direct impact upon our own community.

Many of our friends and neighbors have loved ones that serve in the armed forces or are themselves members of the guard or reserves that could be deployed should events continue to escalate.

I ask only that we keep these neighbors, their loved ones, and our nation, in our thoughts and prayers until this crisis is over - community means family and some of our family need a little extra support.

For some of us this is a very personal thing; for all of us it is a relevant thing.

Closer to home, here in our own state, life has been interesting as well.

We have recently seen two bills emerge in the 1999 Legislature that directly effect Monmouth and our future.

HB 3257 proposes the outright closure of Western Oregon University.

And while we believe that we were able to stop the bill for this session, we may not have killed the idea - for it has evolved into a tool for leverage among the members.

Therefore, we must remain engaged and vigilant.

HB 3389 has also been proposed. Simply put, it would take away local jurisdictional control over annexation guidelines.

If enacted, it would negate almost every citywide voter approval requirement for municipal annexations in Oregon; only those in place before 1996 would remain.

For Monmouth, this bill would undo the annexation initiative passed last November and take away the citizen's ability to decide for themselves what is best for their own community.

On the back table I have placed copies of the bills and points of contact for action, if you are interested in playing a larger part.

Not all news is bad news; we have had some good things happening as well.

Neighborhood meetings have been held, people have invested themselves and associations have become stronger.

A new chapter for Neighborhood Watch is in the works for the Marr/Jackson area.

And Western has dedicated a newly remodeled Werner University Center for its students and our community.

Tonight, as indicated on the agenda, I want to continue those good things by filling at least one Parks and Recreation Board position and three one-year Budget Committee assignments.

I have asked some of the nominees to be here tonight to answer any questions you might have so that we can hopefully expedite these specific appointments.

I think these nominees represent a diverse and balanced background - each will serve us well.

Also on the agenda this evening, is a discussion about a community forum regarding the Y2K issue.

This is a suggestion that was brought to me by citizens, some of whom are here tonight, during the weekly Coffee & Community hour.

Since that time, the Statesman has run a story on what Salem and Keizer are doing and I have placed that article on the back table as well.

While I sincerely believe that most of the significant problems have been solved, I think it is in our best interest to provide a time and place for interested folks to ask the questions they may be otherwise afraid to ask - and share information.

In my experience, it is far better to maturely discuss perceptions surrounding a problem - and to lessen the 'fear factor' by exposing the facts.

We should work to separate the myth from the reality and embrace the kind of security that only topical knowledge can provide.

In closing, I want to share just a couple of calendar items:

April 10th, 1 p.m., this coming Saturday, here in the Monmouth Council Chambers, Senator Ron Wyden will hold a town hall meeting - its an opportunity to share what we think and why.

Also, please remember April 20th, 7:30 p.m. here, for Council Goals Session.

That's all I have to report. Thank you.