Several people who have been following this blog have mentioned to me that many of the opinions expressed here are too negative or harsh. If you followed the last post, you saw over ninety posts on a wide range of issues. Many of these were critical of the city, the council in general or specific policies or council members. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the discussion.
Here's my challenge for the next two weeks: Can we take that same energy that has been so critical and apply it to something more positive? Can we have a discussion about the good things happening in our town? Specifically, what do you like about Cascade Locks? What do you like about the services the city provides? What do you like about our city government? What do you like about living here? What are your favorite things to do here?
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Councilman for Cascade Locks
- Lance Masters
- This blog is intended as a way for people interested in Cascade Locks to share ideas and opinions. Posts that are interpreted as hindering the free flow of ideas and opinions may be removed. Please be encouraged to discuss ideas and opinions rather than individuals and names.
37 comments:
Many of us have noticed that the censorship of the comments have become overbearing. This new tack of steering the conversations away is my last straw. May I suggest that we move the conversations to a new blog? If you are tired of the forgotten councilman, try posting at http://theforgottencitizen.blogspot.com/. No
Kiplings poem may hold a positive message for both sides...
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!
RUTAwKIN2ME?
I am tired of providing you a second classroom. I came here to have adult conversations about the real issues facing the town. I am torn as to which ill-thought action provided the final straw. When you had the audacity to motion to go back into session during the UN-TELEVISED workshop. What happened to process? transparency? rule of law? your common sense?
Let's have the OEO patrol? Have you no idea of the implications? What about training, certification, physical requirements, background test, pysch evaluation, liability? You can't just use anybody as an officer of the court, as much as you want to curry favor with Kerry Jo. You don't just say someone can patrol, even a security guard must be licensed, and must have permission from property owners to enter their property. If he sees anything, calls in the Deputies his time will be spent testifying in court, not patrolling.
I'm heading over to the other blog - where the adults can talk.
What a great surprise to find Kipling's poem on this blog, it seems such a turn around, and a pleasant one also. I'm sorrowed by what I'm reading, it seems to me that people are still questioning each others motives and have trouble accepting that there are other opinions out there whether correct or not.
As to your request Lance, that's difficult for me, I don't see things as either black nor as white. But I will list some oportunities I see coming for our town if we'll seize them. The federal government will be financing a touring route following the Missoula Floods, actually there were 40 to 100 of them at the end of the ice age, they came down the Columbia Gorge and carved some of it's features. There is an opportunity to develop tourism around that. We also have hiking trails that are little known. Sailing continues to grow and mountain biking and road racing along with a velodrome would be a natural out here. We have the possibility of Nestle's and the resort/casino coming here. A year from now the economy should be bottomed out and hopefully on the upturn. We are close to a major metropolitan area with all that implies, near an international airport, in a beautiful place where the pace is slower than in large cities. Our property taxes are far cheaper than Multnomah county. Our power is less expensive than Portland, and our sewer and water rates are at least comparable if not a little less. Most people in our community are caring which is why I suspect they get upset with potential changes to the status quo.
Of course we have our negatives, they've been pointed out, the school, loss of population and businesses, etc. Personally I see Cascade Locks as having a pleasant future once we get through these trying times.
Robb
Everybody loves Stevenson, nobody wants to live in Cascade Locks....
Boy, I can tell you're running for office, again....
Positives
1. It's beautiful.
2. It's quaint.
3. It's small.
4. It's unique.
5. It's beautiful.
"Everybody loves Stevenson, nobody wants to live in Cascade Locks...." I agree.. just go to the grocery store and look around... ton's of drunk hillbillies and a City Admin who just writes about the "beauty" of this town... priceless.
I go to the store and see my neighbors, not a bunch of drunk hillbillies. That is not to say people don't drink in this town, they do in Carson, Stevenson, Portland, and (gasp) even Hood River, too.
I wanted to contribute, so I did. Not to criticize, which I did not.
BTW - Andy is NOT the City Administrator and Andy STILL finds the town beautiful.
What do I like? I like my neighbors, the scenery, the option of going to a larger town that isn't too far away if I need to. I like that citizens are trying to be involved in running this small berg but feel many times over like they are trying too hard to model it after larger cities as well as letting their personal agendas get in the way. Don't get me wrong, the laws were created to keep people honest and like any other law on the books (check the Senate stats sometime) they get bent, broken and misrepresented. That doesn't always mean that someone is on the take or out for their own gratification but it should be able to be settled in a civilized manner which has not happened in a long time. Anyway, other things I like: knowing people by their first names when I walk into the grocery store, Post Office and other areas. The passion that our Fire Chief has to give everything in his power to this community to keep it safe, the staff at City Hall that are usually the front line to everything and what I liked most of all was when it was much simpler to live here and people weren't spouting off about protecting my rights - now that's a real bucket of worms I won't get into right now because its also my right to choose who I want to represent me. I think I'll stay on this blog. I've checked out the other one and I for one am going to be really glad that all the negativity went "over to the other side" so to speak. I've read the minutes, read the blog, listened to comments and Lance, I think you have very good intentions. The problem arises when people try to interpret what you're explaining to fit their agenda. Can't put a square peg in a round hole.
Susan
What I love is, the scenery,easy access to the freeway, to trails, the water, history, fresh air, dramatic skies, changing seasons, a safe place for kids to grow-up, and the amenities from the city that I need. If some of those dark hearten people who think they need a new format to pick apart this town, paid more attention to the good stuff here, maybe they wouldn't need to spew such anger and hatred on line. Lance I don't think any of these people will go away, they just have 2 blogs to complain on now. As with the last blogger I will stay on this one, I would rather converse than bitch!
What a change from the comments to Lance's last question, what a breathe of fresh air, reminds me of another thing I love about our place, the occasional early morning east wind blowing down the gorge with the scent of Juniper and Sage. Cascade Locks will grow and flourish, and it will be sooner than later......
Robb
How poetic and how sweet the smell of juniper and sage blowing in the wind WAIT A MINUTE! are we in la la land or are we in Cascade Locks? These smells don't exist in the Columbia River Gorge except in somebody's mind. Aren't there treatment programs for such conditions?
Last time I checked the "Gorge" includes to the east, The Dalles, Rufus, etc. and yes, Juniper and Sage do grow there as well as Lyle.
Brush up on your geography dude and botany.
Andy
P.S. Another reason I like the Gorge - plant diversity! I know, most people go for recreation or scenic vista but I like plants!
I like the small town ideals:
Knowing that my neighbor is looking out for me, whether by letting me know if my kids are doing something that could get them hurt, or feeling that protecting my property is the same as protecting his own.
Knowing my neighbor will tell me the full truth about something, because he expects the same from me.
Knowing that my neighbor isn't just the people next door, but the people on the other side of town as well.
I guess I like living in a community, instead of a town or city. What little you might give up in privacy is more than made up for in concern. The fact that this community has some fight in its spirit, just shows people really care.
The truth is this city would have folded long ago without the neighbors fighting for each other, so I guess I like that too.
I like that most here live by Mark Twain's quote
"Always tell the truth. That way, you don't have to remember what you said."
Sage, yes. Junipers, No.
Although the Lewis & Clark expedition found Juniperus species, it was in North Dakota, and on the banks of the Columbia River, it was east of the Gorge. And how far do you think smell of a non-flowering specie can travel?
I had no idea that pointing out something unusual and beautiful in our area would raise such a stink! Personally I can find plenty to correct here in C/L, I also enjoy looking at the other side to. You're correct that Juniper does not grow where there is much water, but I associate the two from my travels in the eastern part of the state, particularly when cooking over both.
Here's another unusual benefit you can derive from living here. You can get a library card through the Multnomah County library system which allows you not only access to their books, but everything they have online which is considerable. You would also have access to their DVD collection both audio and video.
Robb
Anonymous One? Anonymous Two? Anonymous Three?
I can't tell the difference.
On the Juniper, OKAY I GET IT. You are the superior botanist and I might add just plain old superior. Myself, I don't feel like I have to identify something as valid by tying it to the Lewis and Clark White Boys Club of 1859.
Plus which, I think Robb's point was poetic not literal. So I guess you win. But, I'm tempted now to see if I can get some Juniper to grow here - even if it's not NATIVE which none of us are unless you are one of the original tribes from around here to begin with.
If WE are talking about ACCURACY and all.
Andy
I like the Indians, too.
I like the non stop train horns. I like supporting the Port budget by driving across the BofTG to Stevenson for auto parts, prescriptions, doctor, vet and hardware. Choi does a nice job with our little market, and I even buy stuff there when we are snowed in. Mark does a great job running the Chevron station almost singlehanded. What a hardworking guy! No movie theatre but we have City Council meetings for melodrama and light comedy.
not too many people will stand up and say they think something is wrong even fewer will do something about it thanx for football lance you made it possible for our town to come alive again that is just the support we need to grow think of the fire station we needed that protection for our comunity who is gonna come get you when you need it i want the best no matter the cost i count on it thanx again
dagg
I would imagine a nice break is in order for you.
These are some very good issues to bring up in the lull.
Let me say as a child whom basically traveled the land due to my father’s career I used to always look forward to coming here to visit my grandparents, aunt and uncle and yes even my little cousins whom I would not play with in later years because they were too little. I am sorry guys.
Anyway Christmas was always special here as it made more sense to me than it did for instance in the Mojave Desert one year. Death Valley and Christmas just do not go together.
I guess I preferred green Doug firs, mistletoe and icicles hanging from the homes with their Christmas lights twinkling off of them to Cactus wrapped in lights, Tumbleweeds and Roadrunners.
It was so nice to get here and out of that place that year or anywhere else my family ended up, that I guess that I learned at a young age just what was so special about this city I chose to call home myself and have learned why my family came here in the first place.
I remember the snow here one Christmas was almost a high as I was tall and how all the lights and the jubilee of the citizens here made it a time which is etched in my memory forever.
I remember hiking just to get away from what I referred to as the old folks and my pesky little cousins back then. Sorry guys.
The beauty just outside the door was amazing and all the wildlife I would encounter mesmerized me.
The first Elk I saw was right out the front door and I got a glimpse of my first Bear here as well.
I remember going to Herman Creek and watching the Salmon migrate upstream and how there were so many as I was being told about the wonders of nature.
I am curious as to how many of you have hiked through the rugged ravines we have and laid on the carpet moss which is so thick it wraps around you like the finest down pillow or explored caves so big that they are the size of homes with their own distinct beauty?
Now I have also been to other places with beauty like we have been blessed to have out our front door and the only place that beats this in that department is Alaska and the Yukon Territory but for that you must also deal with Mother Nature at her extreme.
As you see I chose Cascade Locks. I guess my family had already figured that out long before me or they would have settled elsewhere.
I must say that our town has changed along with the people but the beauty will always be here if you just open your eyes.
In closing to all readers with children or whom knows a child who may need a friend. Take them into the woods we have surrounding us and let them explore the beauty nature has to offer those whom live here. It will change their lives.
Just do not get too depressed when you come back down off the foothills to realize just how ugly we the adults have made it for the children today.
Cody
Cody, nice to hear from your positive side, you are a poet. Andy, love the Indians too! Dagg, Football is great and so is an efficient EMS Department, should be a towns priority. Robb I know the smell you speak of its pine cones and sap warming in the sun, sweet!
Lance good topic.
Thanks to all who posted positive comments here, it's good to see the other side of Cody as I can't always understand legal jargon, but his perception of what makes the area great is right on! And thanks to Andy for his positive posts, and Anonymous, I know that beautiful summer smell when walking up the trails in the summer time, just thinking about it makes me remember the Herman Creek lower drainage, a beautiful park like spot. You're correct, the subject seems to have drawn out positive comments and criticism, none of the attacks against individuals that so often have appeared in the past. I just attended a lecture called If newspapers die can democracy survive? Remember, the first amendment and constitution speak to and protect only one class of business, the press. Lance definitely hit a double, headed maybe for third....
Robb
I'm curious as to whether anyone would like to see public transportation here in the gorge, specifically serving Cascade Locks to the Portland metro area. We started it last year through another agency paid for by ODOT money but the hours were poor, it only ran once a week and you had to catch it around 7-8AM. It's also possible to develop daily service through tri-met, according to them it's paid for mostly by payroll taxes, so the bulk would be picked up by metro area merchants. It would require citizens to speak to the CA or the city council, then the CA could talk to tri-met and get the particulars and bring it back to the council for a vote. I have no idea what the fare box charge would be, that's another matter. I'm just curious to see if anyone out there sees a need for commuting to work, shopping, health care matters or just a day in town. Please let me know what you think.
Robb
lance
you see one possative voice does make a difference
great job * *
\-/
i would hate to see where we would be without your involvement in these issues i thank you for all your interest
wish we could reward you for your efforts
great as they are i feel they at least deserve proper recognition
thanx again
dagg
robb
i have thought in debth about a regional bus service serving the needs of the city but without recreational support it could not servive
meaning trips to the mountain package deal with lodging meals and transportation
once the casino arrives it will need a service of sorts and would embrace the local service rather than to start its own
and support from the city could include those workshop items and further training of our elected officials that we need to run our government body efficiently
it cannot be ran on public dollars
but privately for proffit.
dagg
Hello Dagg...
Ideally you would develop bus service to all communities serving various needs, but one step at a time. Hood River could make use of such service and even The Dalles could use it. Washington State sponsors it with their rural transportation initiative. One dollar a ride from Stevenson into Vanco. It certainly would serve multiple needs. My recollection of the Tribes interest was to start their own bus service much like Chinook Winds, whether it would be in house or contracted out I have no idea. They were also interested in passenger rail service. Don't know what the possibilities of that are. The old timers I've met tell me it existed here at one time.
Robb
I think the freight on the current RR tracks would prohibit passenger rail. What about sternwheeler or ferry service from Portland?
I like the bus idea myself but you can't force people to take it, and until it's been in place on a fixed route for some time it would take a long time to get people to change over.
The sternwheeler for excursions from Portland to here and back is a great idea, it would be more for sight seeing than transit. You're also correct about the RR, very difficult, but we have a president who's putting rail traffic to the fore front. It would still be difficult for the reasons mentioned. Bus's for transit are a hard sell until gas becomes more dear. Remember last year when it hit $4.00 plus, it needs to be around $3.00 or more for people to consider changing their habits in terms of going to work. But we still have seniors who haven't car access, or people who can't drive for one reason or another. When it was started last time it wasn't set up for commuting and gas was inexpensive so it was a failure. I would hope that at some time the small towns in Eastern Oregon would be tied together by bus and/or rail, just dreaming.....
Enjoy the day,
Robb
Lance - you will need a new photo of the East Wind as the sign has been cleaned up and re-painted :) I like the fact someone invested money in our town and re-opened this business!
Lance, just received a copy of Monday's aganda. I do't see anything regarding re-discussion of untelevised workshops. When are you going to address that as you promised Cody?
Citizens of Cascade Locks.
Why stop posting to this blog.
There has been some good discussion on the subjects Lance brought up.
Now I have been getting phone calls, emails and instant messaging asking me to address this issue in the blogs so here it is.
I am sure Lance will give his answer to the citizens at the meeting.
I am sure each Councilmember will address it as there is much more going on in regards to the televised workshops and committee meetings than any one realizes between council and I on this issue.
I myself would like an answer myself but it is all back to the council as a whole at this point.
Until we all know if it will be addressed at the next council meeting or made an agenda item at the following Council meeting let’s just share the positives of Cascade Locks.
As for me I am not only going to give Lance the respect for realizing the issues but for coming out in a public forum like he did about it and commend him for doing so on this blog.
I know how hard that must have been.
So what are the positives of Cascade Locks?
Cody
Lately there has been discussion about whether to fund a second position in the fire department or county sheriff patrol time. This is a false choice, it doesn't serve the community to cut either.
The primary responsibility of government is protection of citizens. Everything else is secondary. To be cutting either just starts heated discussion over a non issue. What needs to happen is for some of our councilors to quite finding reasons not to do things and develop strategies for making them happen. Anyone can come up with reasons not to do something, developing constructive ways to implement the things that should be done takes creative thinking, something that seems to be missing. At least one if not more of our council throws road blocks in the way of businesses trying to get started here, what's that all about, is having jobs and a vibrant economy a bad thing, to look at what's being done in the name of process you would think so. Find a legitimate way to make things happen rather than get in the way.
Robb
Nice try, Cody and yet, the very next post, Robb has to slam a council member or two for not coming up with what he thinks are answers. He apparently still running for yet another elected position. Come up with the positives yourself.
gadfly
congradulations
town is lookin good
lot of people fixin up
cleanin out and paintin
actually looks like we care about
how our town appears to others
town is really busy today
city sale is a wonderful inspiration for others to come see all the hard work we have done
lets see if we can do this more than once a year
can we embrace mountain bikeing
seems like that is an untapped resource that could be easy to promote
dagg
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