Highlights of Board of Clatsop County Commissioners Meeting Wednesday February 27

Veterans program examined

During a work session the board heard a presentation from Veterans’ Services Officer Phil Simmons, who asked the commissioners to consider increasing his level of compensation under the veterans services contract.

Simmons, who took over the contract in 2011, said the position has required more work – an average of 35 hours a week – than he originally envisioned. Without an increase in the contract, he and his wife Buffy Simmons, who shares the program duties with him, would likely have to cut back on their hours, he said.

The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs provides $43,100 a year for the program. Clatsop County provides an additional $6,200.

The veterans’ services officer assists local military vets in applying for benefits through the federal Veterans Administration. Simmons said since he took over the contract, the total monthly payments coming to Clatsop County vets has increased from about $57,000 to $80,000. There are currently 4,518 veterans in the county, he said.

County Manager Scott Somers said staff would develop three funding options for the program contract and present them to the board at its March 27 meeting.

Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici Takes Constituents Questions in Live Web Chat Wednesday February 27

Oregon Congressional Representative Suzanne Bonamici participated in a live web chat earlier today sponsored by the Hillsboro Argus and Forest Grove Leader newspapers.  The congresswoman addressed topics ranging from the Violence Against Women Act to small port dredging.

In response to participant’s questions, Bonamici affirmed her support for renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, and said stronger provisions to protect victims would be added to the Senate version of the bill, including programs to prevent human trafficking, sexual assault on college campuses, and additional resources to address rape kit backlogs.  In response to questions about weapons availability and gun violence, she said discussions are underway about prevention, and reiterated her support for the second amendment, “as interpreted by the US Supreme Court”.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park tourism creates more than $10 million in local economic benefit

Part of $30 billion impact that supports 252,000 jobs nationwide

A new National Park Service report shows that the more than 191,000 visitors to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in 2011 spent $10,157,000 in communities surrounding the park.  This spending supported 151 jobs in the local area.
“Lewis and Clark National Historical Park attracts visitors from around the world who come here to experience the park and then spend time and money enjoying the services provided by our neighboring communities,” said Acting Park Superintendent Andrew Rasmussen. “The National Park Service is delighted that the visitors we welcome generate significant contributions to the local, state, and national economy.”

Share Your Vision for the Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center

The public is invited to participate in a facilitated community conversation regarding the future operation of the Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center (PAC) and Partners for the PAC. This visioning session is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the CCC Performing Arts Center, 16^th and Franklin. Light refreshments will be provided. A goal of the project is to develop a sustainable structure and business plan that will ensure the future of the PAC as a community-wide asset.

City of Ilwaco seeks Black Lake Fishing Derby sponsors/logo contest entries

 The 21st Annual Black Lake Fishing Derby will be held on April 27, 2013, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This event is entirely funded by generous sponsorships and donations from community members and local businesses. In order to create a memorable experience for the children who attend this event, the Ilwaco Parks and Recreation Commission is offering several sponsorship levels that include logos or names included on t-shirts given to every child who participates and on signage at the event. In addition, raffle prize donations are also needed. To ensure sponsors receive all the benefits of their sponsorship package, the commission is requesting contributions by March 30, 2013.

JOHNSON, BOONE AND WITT TOWN HALL MEETING ON YOUTUBE

OR ST. SENATOR BETSY JOHNSON

State Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose), State Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), and State Representative Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie)  held a virtual town hall on Wednesday, February 20. The physical location for the town hall was the State Capitol in Salem, but constituents from their districts were able to listen live on the radio, view the event live on the internet and ask questions of the three legislators on Twitter and via email.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtVeee9_2iI

5 DRUG ARRESTS IN SEASIDE FRIDAY, TWO RELEASED

The Clatsop County Drug Task Force, with the assistance of the Seaside Police Department, executed 3 search warrants in Seaside, resulting in the arrest of 5 subjects, Friday afternoon.  Detectives received information regarding a high volume of drug traffic, in a residential neighborhood, involving the residence located at 811 10th Street in Seaside.  Further information included a pregnant female currently using methamphetamine and the residence to have hazardous living conditions.