Health Options Digest
January 2, 2005
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
In This Issue
From the Editor
Last Three Weeks In Review
Despite the holidays, a lot has happened in the last three weeks.
The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled in favor of CHOICES, overturning a Eugene ordinance that would have allowed a hospital in residential or industrial zones. In general, a hospital is a kind of commercial use and needs go where commercial uses are allowed.
Representatives of PeaceHealth opined that the RiverBend site is the best (and only) site for a new hospital. But several readers disagreed.
Jack Roberts of the Lane Metro Partnership opined that EWEB isn't likely to get a better offer for their site than the one from Triad/McKenzie-Willamette. But several readers questioned whether the EWEB site is the best site for a new hospital or in the best interests of EWEB rate payers.
Glenwood now has a sewer line along Franklin Boulevard, which will facilitate development in this part of the community.
The Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC), which some term a "shadow government" because it consists of officials appointed to this little-known committee, approved an update to the regional transportation plan, commonly known as TransPlan. The plan anticipates that the price tags of the I-5/Beltline interchange and the West Eugene Parkway will each be almost twice what had been anticipated in the prior 2002 version of the plan. The actions were taken despite overwhelming testimony in opposition.
Subsequently, Mayor Torrey called for an unscheduled meeting of the MPC on December 30. The MPC approved funding for the I-5/Beltline interchange, the West Eugene Parkway, and numerous other roadway projects, despite numerous concerns raised by residents.
Also on December 30, Friends of Eugene filed notice that they were appealing the regional transportation plan to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
LTD employees are weighing whether to strike if contract talks break down.
There are safety concerns with some streets in Springfield and points east.
Funding for fixing potholes continues to be a problem, prompting Veneta to adopt a local gas tax.
The Oregon Department of Transportation decided to appeal the City of Phoenix's approval of a Home Depot near an Interstate-5 interchange. Some issues in the case are similar to those in the recent appeal of the proposed PeaceHealth hospital near the Interstate-5/Beltline interchange.
Dave Barry reviews the news of the year -- perhaps his last column for a while until he returns from his sabbatical.
Lastly, we collect news and views about Measure 37 from around the state and the nation. A book reviewer for The New Yorker draws parallels between Measure 37 in Oregon and the collapse of Norse settlements in Greenland as chronicled by Pulitzer-prize-winning author Jared Diamond.
Looking Ahead
This is the week of the state of the city and state of the county addresses.
On Monday, outgoing chair Bobby Green will review the state of Lane County.
Also on Monday, incoming mayor Kitty Piercy will review the state of Eugene.
On Wednesday, mayor Sid Leiken will review the state of Springfield.
A week from Monday, local citizens will offer an alternative to Mayor Piercy's address.
Also a week from Monday, we expect that the Springfield City Council will -- again -- approve plan amendments to allow PeaceHealth to build a new hospital, a decision which is almost certain to be appealed once again.
Where Things Stand
Stepping back a little, the last year has resulted in little definite movement for either hospital.
PeaceHealth's plans to construct a new hospital were overturned by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals and the Oregon Court of Appeals. There revised plans may also fail in court.
Moreover, PeaceHealth's decision to dig dirt during the fall of 2003 was struck down by LUBA, even though the dirt had already been dug.
Lastly, the Court of Appeals just struck down Eugene's hospital zoning ordinance -- a decision which may have little effect on Triad's plans.
But the Springfield and Eugene City Councils are each committed to facilitating the moves of their respective hospitals -- or perhaps one should say each other's hospitals. We are still seeing the game of "Musical Hospitals" lean towards a swap of the region's two hospitals.
But the people of Springfield and Eugene may not be quite so committed. It appears that people in Springfield have become numb to the game of "Musical Hospitals," assuming that what will be, will be. At any rate, few average citizens bother any more to express their views to their elected officials. In Eugene, many citizens have expressed concerns over the EWEB site for a new McKenzie-Willamette hospital.
So will the game of "Musical Hospitals" end with a swap, RiverBend for EWEB? Will it continue as a stalemate? Or will something new and unexpected happen?
All we know is that the game of "Musical Hospitals" is no way to plan where to site two critical facilities. Perhaps 2005 will result in a more sensible approach to what most agree is a critical need for new facilities.
For now, we at CHOICES wish you a happy new year!
Rob Zako, Editor
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
Calendar
New Year, New Politics
By Ted Taylor
Eugene Weekly | December 30, 2004 |
The first weeks of the new year bring several events looking ahead for local government. Eugene will get a new mayor and councilors, the county will get a new commissioner and citizens will speak out on what they see as high priority for 2005.
Kitty Piercy will be sworn in as Eugene's new mayor Jan. 3 and will give her first State of the City address. The event will begin at 5:30 pm Tuesday in the lobby of the Hult Center and is open to the public. Piercy says she chose the late afternoon time so that more people will be able to attend. Music and refreshments are planned.
"I want to hear your ideas and critical feedback over the next four years," she wrote in a message to her mailing list. "We live in a great community and I promise to do my best to listen hard to diverse voices as we move forward together."
A swearing-in ceremony and State of the County address for the Board of County Commissioners is slated for earlier the same day. Commission Chair Bobby Green will outline a five-point plan for the county's success in 2005 as part of the events that begin at 10 am Monday, Jan. 3 at Harris Hall, 125 E. 8th Ave.
New Commissioner Faye H. Stewart will be sworn in, along with re-elected Commissioner Peter Sorenson, Sheriff Russel Berger and District Attorney Doug Harcleroad. A reception and music will follow.
The fourth annual Citizens State of the City address is scheduled for noon Monday, Jan. 10 at the Tykeson Room, Eugene Public Library. Citizen advocacy groups will once again identify areas of city policy and city practice that are in need of additional attention and improvement.
Five topics will be covered: sustainability initiatives, land use, labor, democracy and civil rights, and neighborhoods, according to Lisa Arkin of Oregon Toxics Alliance. Other groups involved include Friends of Eugene, Citizens for Public Accountability, ESSN, Lane County Bill of Rights Committee, River Road Neighbors and the Sustainable Eugene Advisory Panel.
Monday, January 3 -- Green to talk about state of county
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | December 31, 2004 |
If you want to hear outgoing board of commissioners Chairman Bobby Green's five-point plan for a successful county in the coming year, head on down to Harris Hall on Monday for his State of the County address -- and stick around afterward to rub elbows with elected officials, county staff members and fellow citizens.
The annual event features live music, the swearing in of newly elected and re-elected county officials, more live music, introductions and speeches, election of board officers, still more live music and a reception.
Those taking oaths of office this time around include commissioners Green and Peter Sorenson, who won re-election to the board from the North Eugene and South Eugene districts, respectively; Faye Stewart, elected to serve the East Lane District; incoming county Sheriff Russel Burger; and Doug Harcleroad, re-elected as district attorney.
It all happens at 10 a.m. at 125 E. Eighth Ave. in downtown Eugene.
Monday, January 3 -- Stewart to be sworn in as commissioner Monday
By Jonni Gratton
Cottage Grove Sentinel | December 30, 2004 |
It's been a busy few months for Faye Stewart as he's prepared to take over as East Lane County commissioner.
Stewart, of Cottage Grove, defeated Don Hampton of Oakridge in the general election. Hampton, the former Oakridge mayor, had been appointed to the seat in the fall of 2003.
Stewart will participate with other Lane County elected officials in a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Harris Hall at the Public Service Building, 125 E. Eighth Ave. in Eugene. (more...)
Monday, January 3 -- Eugene inauguration ceremony offers outlook, music
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | January 2, 2005 |
Catherine "Kitty" Piercy becomes Eugene's 33rd mayor Monday in an event likely to draw a crowd.
Previous mayors have taken office in early-afternoon ceremonies, but Piercy figured that a 5:30 p.m. time would allow more residents to attend after work. The public is invited to the 2005 "State of the City" event in the Hult Center lobby.
Piercy will give a speech outlining her vision and goals as mayor. Also taking the oath of office will be new city councilors Andrea Ortiz and Chris Pryor, and returning councilors Bonny Bettman and Betty Taylor.
Departing Mayor Jim Torrey and departing councilors Nancy Nathanson and Scott Meisner will be recognized for their contributions.
Violinists James and Joshua Harmen, guitarist Jim Garcia and vocalist Bonnie Duran-Leaming, and the chorus Soromundi will perform. All were selected by Piercy.
It's estimated that the event will take about 1 1/2 hours.
Metro Television will record the proceedings and replay them throughout the week on Comcast channel 21. On Tuesday, for example, the State of the City will be shown at 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. See http://www.metrotv.org/schedule.html for additional days and times.
Wednesday, January 5 -- Springfield Mayor to give fifth 'state of city' speech
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | January 1, 2005 |
Will he cry again?
Mayor Sid Leiken has been known to get weepy in past years during his annual State of the City addresses -- particularly when he thanks his wife, Debbie, for putting up with having a politician around the house.
Leiken will deliver his fifth State of the City speech at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Broadbase Regional Sports Center, 200 S. 32nd St., Springfield. His theme will be "Rooms With a View."
The unabashedly pro-growth mayor has little to cry about this year, what with the Royal Caribbean call center coming to town, voters approving a Glenwood redevelopment district and a new police station with city jail, and PeaceHealth's regional medical center appearing to move full speed ahead with the blessing of most of the City Council.
Monday, January 10 -- Citizens State of the City address
| Eugene Weekly | December 30, 2004 |
One of our favorite January events of recent years is the Citizens State of the City address that usually follows the traditionally less inspired mayor's State of the City address (see dates in our News Briefs section). This year, the dynamics are likely to be very different, but perhaps even more interesting. Will new Mayor Kitty lay out the progressive agenda item by item, or will she be more moderate as a representative of "all Eugene?" We got a preview of Piercy's inclination to moderation and compromise when she stood by Mayor Torrey campaigning for November's ballot measure to build a new police station -- a project supported by city staff, but few others. She tells us she wants "to be respectful of those who came before, even if I often did not agree with them." We predict she will pick her battles carefully. Meanwhile, will the Citizen's State of the City call for more radical changes now that we have a more progressive mayor? Eugene is facing challenges on many fronts and Kitty can only do so much. The energy, the will for positive change -- the power -- still lies with the people.
Monday, January 10 -- Springfield City Council
City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield
Contact: Amy Sowa, City Manager's Office, 726-3700
Regular Meeting
A. PeaceHealth Plan Amendments
Opportunities
Glenwood renewal committee to form
| The Springfield News | December 17, 2004 |
Applications are being accepted for eight vacancies on the city's Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan Advisory Committee.
These vacancies arise because this is a new advisory committee formed to provide advice to the Board of the Springfield Economic Development Agency. SEDA will operate the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan over the next 21 years to develop and redevelop the infrastructure to support the Glenwood Refinement Plan and other development activity outlined in the recently adopted Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan.
The positions are specific to the Glenwood area residents, businesses, and property owners for the following positions:
Position 1 -- Resident of a mobile home in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 2 -- Homeowner in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 3 -- Retail business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 4 -- Industrial business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 5 -- Glenwood Water District Board member
Position 6 -- Resident of a mobile home in the incorporated area of Glenwood.
Position 7 -- Homeowner in the incorporated are of Glenwood or for the area at-large.
Position 8 -- Retail businesses in the incorporated are of Glenwood.
Position 9 -- Industrial business owner/operator in the incorporated area of Glenwood.
The new terms for Positions 1 and 2 will begin upon appointment by the Lane County Board of Commissioners, and application for these positions requires a Lane County Citizen Advisory Committee Application.
The new terms for Positions 3 and 4 will begin upon appointment by the Springfield City Council. Positions 5-9 will begin upon appointment by the Springfield Economic Development Agency. All of these positions require a City of Springfield application.
Lane County, the City of Springfield, and the Springfield Economic Development Agency have not yet set the terms of appointments.
Applications are encouraged from lower-income earners, residents of lower-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and female heads of households.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 31.
For more information about positions 1 and 2, or to get an application, call 682-4203.
For more information about positions 3-9, or to get an application, 726-3700 or stop by City Hall at 225 Fifth St.
None apply for Glenwood advisory committee seats: But applications are expected to roll in after New Year's
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 29, 2004 |
With just over a month left to apply, the city has yet to receive any applications from community members interested in serving on the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan Advisory Committee.
"I'm fully anticipating all of those positions to be full, but with the holidays, it's a tough time," said Tammy Fitch, city council president.
The city sent out application notices in mid-December, and community members interested in filling a position on the advisory committee have until Jan. 31 to apply.
City Recorder Amy Sowa said application forms have been placed at several Glenwood businesses in the last week to help spur interest. Interested residents can find applications at Roaring Rapids Pizza, 4006 Franklin Boulevard; Brooks Cut Rate Auto Parts, 3331 Franklin Boulevard; Tom's Tapper Tavern, 4095 Franklin Boulevard; Dari Mart, 4215 Franklin Boulevard; and Duck Stop Market, 4791 Franklin Boulevard.
Glenwood resident Dave Carvo said he would be applying and has been helping pass out applications for the committee to the Glenwood community.
The council decided to appoint an advisory committee after Glenwood residents attended a council meeting in November to express concern with the urban renewal process and lack of community representation.
Many Glenwood community members said they wanted a representative on the Springfield Economic Development Agency board, which will guide development and redevelopment in the urban renewal district for the next two decades.
Speaking before the council in November, Glenwood resident Joan Armstead said, "There are a lot of people who want to make sure this is done right."
The council voted against appointing a Glenwood representative to the SEDA board, and instead followed recommendations from Lane County Commissioners to create a separate advisory council made up of Glenwood residents who represent various stakeholders.
"I think the more we can involve them, the better off we'll be," Fitch said Monday. "The fact that they don't have a seat on the board, I think, will be a minor issue."
The new advisory committee's role will be to advise the Springfield Economic Development Agency throughout the duration of the 20-year urban renewal district. The terms of appointment and how frequently the committee would meet have not been determined.
Positions to the advisory committee are specific. Position 1 is for a resident of a mobile home in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 2 is for a homeowner in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 3 is for a retail business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 4 is for an industrial business owner/operator in the unincorporated area of Glenwood; Position 5 is for a Glenwood Water District Board member; Position 6 is for a resident of a mobile home in the incorporated area of Glenwood; Position 7 is for a homeowner in the incorporated area of Glenwood or for the area at large; Position 8 is for a retail businesses owner/operator in the incorporated area of Glenwood; and Position 9 is for an industrial business owner/operator in the incorporated area of Glenwood.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners will appoint positions 1 and 2; the city council will appoint positions 3 and 4; and positions 5-9 will be appointed by the Springfield Economic Development Agency.
In addition to locations throughout Glenwood, application forms for positions 3-9 are available at the Springfield city manager's office, 225 Fifth St. Application forms for positions 1 and 2 are available at Lane County administration, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene, or by calling 682-4203. Forms are also available on the Lane County's Web site at www.co.lane.or.us/BCC/documents/applicationadvisorycommittee.pdf.
Application reviews will likely occur in February or March, according to city officials.
Help renew Glenwood
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | January 1, 2005 |
The city's new Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan Advisory Committee needs nine citizens with very specific qualifications to help chart the course of redevelopment in the largely unincorporated area between Eugene and Springfield.
Terms of the appointments have not yet been decided.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners will appoint the first two committee members. They are to be a mobile home resident and a homeowner, both from the unincorporated county area of Glenwood.
Application forms for those two positions are available at the Lane County Public Service Building, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene, and at http://www.co.lane.or.us/BCC/documents/applicationadvisorycommittee.pdf.
The other seven positions, which will be appointed by the Springfield City Council or the Springfield Economic Development Agency, are to be: a retail business owner/operator in unincorporated Glenwood; an industrial business owner/operator in unincorporated Glenwood; a Glenwood Water District board member; a mobile home resident from an incorporated area of Glenwood; and a homeowner, a retail business owner/operator, and an industrial business owner/operator from the incorporated part of Glenwood.
Application forms for those seven positions are available at the Springfield City Manager's Office, City Hall, 225 Fifth St. No date has been set for review of applications.
PeaceHealth
City planners OK land-use rule changes
| The Springfield News | December 17, 2004 |
The Springfield Planning Commission voted 5-1 last week to approve land-use rule changes that would allow PeaceHealth to build a regional medical center known as RiverBend in the Gateway area.
The commission's endorsement came after deliberating for more than two hours and included a unanimous recommendation that the Springfield City Council allow public testimony on the project at its Jan. 10 meeting.
City Attorney Meg Kieran said the public cannot add to the record, but will be able to make comments on what has already been presented. (more...)
Letter -- Eugene never lacks for intrigue
By Lynn Salmon, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 15, 2004 |
I've lived in the valley more than 50 years and I must say it's been a blast.
Thanks to urban renewal for the dismantling of downtown Eugene, which gave the impetus to create Valley River Center and all that free parking.
Then, PeaceHealth acquired Sacred Heart, which led to a virtual monopoly of health care in Eugene after dismantling the Eugene Hospital & Clinic. The Seventh-Day Adventists didn't get the chance to build a hospital after Sacred Heart convinced the city fathers there wasn't enough business for another hospital in Eugene.
PeaceHealth wanted to build a new hospital off Coburg Road where it had enough space. The neighbors didn't want it, so Gateway got it all.
But Eugene isn't licked. It has the Eugene Water & Electric Board land in the center of town and Triad is licking its chops over it. Only thing is, Triad wants it for peanuts.
My gosh, look what Williams' Bakery will bring United Bakery for a concrete building the university will have to tear down and haul away before it can build a basketball court there.
I wish the city had access to rich alumni to help out. We'll be forever paying off the four-story library with that pitiful inventory of books. I asked a librarian if there was a history of North Dakota politics available. She replied that if they had a book for all the odd-ball requests, they wouldn't have any room left on the shelves!
Welcome to Royal Caribbean -- the company couldn't have picked a more interesting spot in the whole United States.
Letter -- Mixed Message
By Paul Roth, Glenwood
Eugene Weekly | December 16, 2004 |
Thanks for your feature touting the Glenwood Option (11/11). As your article correctly states, the two options, Glenwood and Riverbend, have now moved much closer together, largely due to the recent passage of the Glenwood Urban Renewal District (URD), which you also correctly point out, will help with infrastructure improvements and property acquisition.
It is interesting and ironic to note, however, that the editors of Eugene Weekly inexplicably recommended that the people of Springfield reject the creation of the Glenwood URD in its election issue (10/14). Those who support compact core-area urban growth and decry development in pristine areas on the urban fringe can be thankful EW's influence does not extend across the river into Springfield. The Glenwood URD passed with 72 percent of the vote!
Chambers/LeClair -- RiverBend hospital is right use, right site
By Carolyn Chambers and Gary LeClair, M.D.
The Register-Guard | December 16, 2004 |
For the past three years, the community has been engaged in separate and distinct conversations about the location of a new Sacred Heart Medical Center -- one on health care, and another on land use. One group sees the urgent need for more hospital space and worries about costly delays. Another group wants above all to protect land from development.
Rarely do the two conversations intersect, which is a shame, because this is an artificial choice.
We can have a beautiful new regional medical center and set a new standard for protection of our important natural resource -- the McKenzie River. We need a new hospital with adequate space for advances in medicine, able to handle aging baby boomers and a growing population. At the same time, we can develop the site for this new hospital in an environmentally sensitive way, preserving approximately 30 acres of open space on the site, including a wide swath of riverfront land and a large stand of old growth Douglas fir.
And we can actually provide better health care precisely because the new hospital site is situated in a beautiful natural setting that research shows will help patients heal faster and better. (more...)
Letter -- Hospital paid premium price
By Rob Zako, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 24, 2004 |
PeaceHealth's Dec. 16 guest viewpoint is full of fallacies.
Everyone appreciates the critical services PeaceHealth provides and its need for improved facilities. The issue is where it makes sense to develop those facilities.
Contrary to the assertions, there is ample evidence that a hospital at RiverBend would increase traffic, spoil the view of the Coburg Hills with a nine-story building, risk catastrophic flooding, reduce land available for housing and drain life out of downtown Springfield and Eugene.
The courts agree. PeaceHealth has lost every time someone has challenged its plans to develop at RiverBend -- or to monopolize the local health care market.
Over two years ago, PeaceHealth rejected CHOICES's proposal for satisfying both PeaceHealth's and the community's legitimate needs. Recently, PeaceHealth rejected the alternative from Glenwood Options Inc. PeaceHealth's only real objection is that it bought land at Gateway, not Glenwood.
And that's the rub. Three years ago, PeaceHealth paid a premium to a speculator to acquire land intended for housing. If it wanted to build just housing, there wouldn't have been a problem. But PeaceHealth thought it could change the rules to allow a $400 million regional medical complex on 100 acres where at most three acres of neighborhood commercial development had been envisioned.
If PeaceHealth truly wants both a new hospital and community protections, it should begin by respecting the valid concerns of the community.
Letter -- Wrong use, wrong site
By Tom Bowerman, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 26, 2004 |
PeaceHealth's Dec. 16 guest viewpoint advocating for relocating to an urban fringe riverbank deserves rebuttal for fallacies.
It states: "... the new hospital will not harm the river at all. Not one shred of evidence has been introduced to support this claim." Wrong. Substantial testimony has been presented, from flood impacts, endangered species issues and adverse visual impacts resulting from putting a development of this mass and height in this sensitive location.
Further, PeaceHealth claims a hospital will have less visual, environmental and traffic impact than the two- or three-story residences they purport to replace. Wrong on two counts! It is absurd that a 190-foot, million-square foot building with dozens of parking lots and commercial buildings will have less impact than housing on this fragile site. Second, PeaceHealth actually proposes to "add back" those "lost" residences by locating them in the floodplain, an area previously not included in the housing allocation count. Rather than their lesser of two evils assertion, their proposal calls for both the hospital and "lost" housing. Talk about congestion, impact and misrepresentation!
Much more could be said than can be stated in a 250-word letter. But PeaceHealth's propaganda machine continues to crank out false information that should be illuminated by a thorough public process with all stakeholders, not the scripted propaganda process they try to call citizen participation. This community deserves better.
Letter -- Hospital design isn't up to date
By James Lavagnino, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 28, 2004 |
Having read the guest viewpoint in favor of the RiverBend hospital (Register-Guard, Dec. 16), I have to comment on the land use and design of the site.
While I do not have a problem with the location, I feel people are being misled by descriptions of how wonderful the final result will be. A quick look at the site plan reveals a hospital building surrounded by acres of surface parking and various smaller buildings in an office park-style setting with only a few wide collector streets. To see what this looks like, again, as the guest viewpoint suggests, look just north of Valley River Center.
Regarding the design of the building, I have to wonder why we're being stuck with a naively nostalgic version of a 1920s hospital when a visit to the hospital architect's Web site shows every other community getting cutting-edge design. Is this what hospital administrators and planners far away in another state think will assure us that state-of-the-art technology lies within?
I'm quite certain that hospital board members do not arrive at board meetings in Model-Ts with state-of-the-art technology under the hood.
Local Year in Review: Crimes darkened spirits alongside spirited election races
By Jeff Wright
The Register-Guard | December 26, 2004 |
...
Money -- or the lack of it -- played a role in several other big stories in 2004. Most notable: the ongoing tug-of-war between the PeaceHealth and McKenzie-Willamette hospital systems. This is the fourth straight year that the seemingly intractable "hospital wars" have made the list of top local stories.
The two hospitals announced in November that they settled part of their long-running antitrust battle after a federal jury found that PeaceHealth tried to monopolize the local health care market.
But neither hospital was able to complete the move it most wants to make. Triad, McKenzie-Willamette's commercial partner, upped the ante in hopes of buying the Eugene Water & Electric Board headquarters property along the Willamette River in Eugene. The utility remains skittish, however, and some citizens continue to question the suitability of the site.
PeaceHealth, meanwhile, is seeking speedy Springfield city approval for the RiverBend complex it longs to build along the McKenzie River in Gateway. Undeterred by an Oregon Court of Appeals ruling that the hospital's plan violates state land use planning laws, PeaceHealth in August bought the vacated Sony disc plant near RiverBend for future office and lab space. (more...)
Year in review: '04 ends with a roar
By Sherri Buri McDonald
The Register-Guard | December 26, 2004 |
If Lane County were to send out a Christmas card highlighting its economic progress in 2004, it might read something like this:
Dear friends: We are pleased to announce that we're expecting again. Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd. plans to open a call center in Springfield next fall. We also mourn the passing of the Stream call center -- and 376 jobs -- in downtown Eugene.
Our two hospitals, PeaceHealth and Triad Hospitals Inc., continue to struggle with a bad case of sibling rivalry. Both are growing fast and looking for roomier quarters.
But otherwise, our family has been healthier than in 2003, when, as you probably remember, we were all suffering from severe economic depression. (more...)
Business Beat: People -- Jill Hoggard Green
| The Register-Guard | December 16, 2004 |
Jill Hoggard Green has been named chief operating officer for PeaceHealth Oregon Region. She served previously as Sacred Heart Medical Center administrator and regional vice president of hospital operations for PeaceHealth Oregon Region. She will continue to serve as administrator of Sacred Heart.
McKenzie-Willamette/Triad
State appeals court blocks ordinance to alter land use in Eugene for hospitals
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | December 30, 2004 |
The Oregon Court of Appeals on Wednesday struck down a controversial year-old Eugene ordinance that allowed hospitals to locate nearly anywhere in the city, including on all lands zoned for homes or industrial uses.
The ordinance, enacted by the City Council in late 2003, sought to make it easier for hospitals and other medical facilities to obtain land use approval. The council adopted language to permit hospitals in 12 of Eugene's 13 residential, commercial and industrial zones.
The ordinance was part of Eugene's anxious bid to have a major hospital somewhere in the city. (more...)
Jack Roberts -- EWEB not likely to get better offer for property
By Jack Roberts
The Register-Guard | December 14, 2004 |
By a narrow 3-2 margin, the Eugene Water & Electric Board voted to continue negotiations with Triad Hospitals for the possible sale of its Willamette River site for the construction of a new McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. The close vote appears to be one more example of a polarized community struggling to agree on its future.
For once, the apparent disagreement may mask more fundamental agreement. The EWEB commissioners seem to agree that their current site is not the optimal location for their operation into the future.
They also seem to agree on their desire to relocate to a site at Roosevelt Boulevard and Bertlesen Road in West Eugene. Their only disagreement appears to be on whether the price of $24.8 million offered by Triad for the 22.5 acres is fair and reasonable. (more...)
Letter -- EWEB sale hurts ratepayers
By Paul Cauthorn, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 16, 2004 |
Patrick Lanning, president of the Eugene Water & Electric Board of commissioners, along with board members Ron Farmer and Melvin Menegat, are mismanaging our community utility.
As a real estate investor, I analyze real estate transactions for profit potential. By my calculations, the proposed sale of the EWEB property to Triad Hospitals property investors would result in a $100 million net loss to Eugene ratepayers and taxpayers through tax subsidies, rate increases and unrealized profit.
This transaction is not a done deal, and we as owners of EWEB must act now to stop this boondoggle. I urge you take action now: call Lanning, write the commissioners, attend the next EWEB board meeting, contact the Eugene City Council and, most importantly, voice your views any way you can.
The time to act is now.
Letter -- Doesn't Add Up
By Marcy Cauthorn, Eugene
Eugene Weekly | December 16, 2004 |
EWEB is being mismanaged. Three lone board members without factual data or public input are railroading through the sale of all the EWEB riverfront property to Triad. A decision of this magnitude cannot be made without public involvement and hard data.
What is happening is that EWEB ratepayers, who paid $25 million 15 years ago for an administrative building to last 50 years (but would now cost $50 million to build), will throw in the building and all the riverfront land to Triad for a mere $24 million! Triad's offer doesn't come close to covering the cost of relocation. There is neither proven need nor cost-savings data available for a move. It doesn't add up for ratepayers.
The board intends to spend $1 million for feasibility studies regarding this offer. If the board truly has cost-saving and efficiency in mind, then the first priority is sponsoring energy conservation. The biggest expense for the utility is purchasing energy; if we raise rates 1 percent, the utility raises $1 million, but if we save 1 percent, the savings is $5 million! Let's put our money where it counts.
Write to the Board of Commissioners at P.O. Box 10148, Eugene 97440 or call EWEB at 484-2411. Simply let them know that you will not subsidize a new building or increased rates. There is no financial gain to sell at this time.
Giving away our public asset is irresponsible.
Letter -- Triad's first priority is profits
By Guy Justice, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 17, 2004 |
Eugene's willingness to spend millions in taxpayer dollars to place a large, for-profit hospital corporation on the current Eugene Water & Electric Board site is disturbing at best.
One only needs to look at Roseburg's experience with a Triad hospital to have a feel for what motivates Triad: It is profit above all else -- above patients' needs and our community's needs. Any tax dollars provided to help Triad implement its business plan go to Triad's bottom line and to its stockholders.
Triad says McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center has to leave its current location in central Springfield because it cannot survive under the shadow of Sacred Heart at RiverBend. Yet, the EWEB site is almost the same distance from RiverBend as Triad-McKenzie's current location, and it is only 10 blocks from Sacred Heart's downtown campus. Talk about being under the shadow of Sacred Heart. Clearly, Triad's motive for moving from Springfield is not to be farther away from Sacred Heart.
On EWEB's side of the page, can anyone honestly say that EWEB has communicated and demonstrated a compelling case for moving to a new location at this time? Unless Triad increases its offer to EWEB from approximately $24 million to approximately $36 million, any EWEB move will end up costing EWEB ratepayers.
The Register-Guard would do our community a service by spending less time cheerleading the Triad move and more time reporting on Triad's underlying motives and history in other communities.
Letter -- Hospital won't save downtown
By Tony Mazzie, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 19, 2004 |
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center's effort to relocate to the Eugene Water & Electric Board's riverfront is appropriately the third major attempt to revitalize Eugene's downtown.
The first came in 1969 -- banning automobiles from downtown streets and constructing the pedestrian mall. Proponents' vision of delighted citizens strolling the sunny streets would convince retail stores like J.C. Penney's to remain downtown. The project cost millions and failed miserably. Now the streets are open to cars, and retailers are gone.
The second came in early 1970 -- the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. Supporters promised it would be absolutely self-supporting. Since then, the city has had to subsidize the Hult a million dollars or more each year, totaling over $30 million since the center was opened. Built in conjunction with the Hult Center was the architectural masterpiece, the Hilton Eugene, with its lovely adjacent parking structure.
Now comes the third -- the sale of EWEB's relatively new headquarters to Triad Hospitals. The EWEB board has guaranteed the transaction will cost ratepayers nothing. I wonder who'll be responsible for paying off bonds floated in connection with this whole con game.
Eugene's City Council -- strong partners with Triad -- has agreed to a scheme to allow Triad to prepay some future property taxes and use them to help pay for its new building. The council's inept history in this whole downtown hospital episode bodes ill for any likelihood that a Triad hospital by the river will mean a downtown renaissance.
Third try the charm?
Letter -- A new hospital nightmare
By Ned Peabody, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 31, 2004 |
I had a dream last night that the new McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center was open at the former Eugene Water & Electric Board site, and I was being rushed there by ambulance down Coburg Road. The ride was fast as we approached the Ferry Street Bridge, when suddenly we came to a screeching stop.
I overheard one of the paramedics exclaim in a frustrated tone, "Geez, another traffic jam. We probably should have taken the freeway through Glenwood and come in the back way."
We were so close, I could clearly see the hospital's main entrance sign, but it took us another 20 minutes to finally reach the front door. By then, the pain in my throbbing big toe was intense.
Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised by my surroundings. My toe was starting to feel much better and I began to drift off to sleep, when all of a sudden an echoing whistle pierced my ears and the room began to shake violently. "What was that?" I shouted at my roommate. "It was just the 4:45," he replied nonchalantly. "We get 'em coming by the hospital every couple hours."
After a bumpy, sleepless night, I was released. My wife helped me out to the car and we loaded up. After we got home, I went out and got the mail and opened our monthly EWEB bill. I grabbed my chest and yelled to my wife, "Another rate increase! Call 911 and tell them to take me to Springfield!"
Modern medicine
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 27, 2004 |
There's a new addition at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center that could add years to the lives of local residents who have -- or might develop -- a heart condition.
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center's new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is now ready to meet the community's demands. The new lab, scheduled to open Jan. 5, is already being put to use, and hospital staff members are optimistic about what the future holds for quality cardiovascular health care.
Dr. Jay Chappell, a cardiologist with Oregon Cardiologist Group, said the new lab has broad ramifications for cardiovascular care. (more...)
Health Care
Letter -- Oregon needs damage caps
By Gary Young, M.D., Director, Emergency medical department, Sacred Heart Medical Center, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 13, 2004 |
Another editorial (Register-Guard, Dec. 6) justifying the editors' recommendation against Measure 35, which would have reinstated caps on noneconomic damage awards in medical malpractice lawsuits. Without caps, Oregon can no longer recruit or retain enough doctors for its growing and aging population.
Prior to the lifting of Oregon's cap on noneconomic damages, this state benefited from stable malpractice insurance premiums from the mid-1980s until 1999. Since 2000, lack of access to health care in Oregon has been directly related to the crisis in malpractice insurance costs. Oregon remains among the minority of states without a cap on noneconomic damages.
Since 1999, numerous lawyers in Oregon have switched from defending to suing doctors because it is much more lucrative without the cap in place. The Portland area's larger number of voters outvoted the rest of Oregon, leading to the narrow defeat of Measure 35.
The majority of Oregon voters outside the Portland metropolitan area voted in favor of caps because ob-gyn and family doctors cannot afford malpractice insurance, so women in labor have to travel long distances to deliver their babies, and because Eugene's own hospital has to transfer ever more patients to Portland.
As an emergency physician, I see that lack of access to doctors hurts patients and families. The editors should stop searching for evidence outside of Oregon to justify their stand against caps on noneconomic damages that could have helped Oregonians.
Letter -- There are few dedicated doctors
By Gene Thompson, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 28, 2004 |
In the last 20 years, the Eugene medical community has never gotten better. It has gotten worse.
There are a few dedicated doctors, and even fewer who are natural healers who really have ability and training to help patients and "do no harm." The majority are an arrogant lot, in it for the ego, and they really have no business in the practice of medicine. But they are, and we rely on them to treat our problems, most of which are psychological (in fact, about 70 percent of the time).
The treatment is administered by a doctor who spent about three months in one class of psychology out of 12 years of upper-level schooling. Thank you for the antidepressants, hyped by the pharmaceutical companies to the tune of $5,000 per doctor per year, encouraging them to prescribe their pill over the competitors'.
Any doctor can now prescribe a pill that will deaden the pain of mental illness. The ugly child of the medical community, mental illness now has a pill for the doctor who has few natural healing abilities but decided to become a doctor to impress his peers and himself.
Antidepressants also save the insurance companies money that would otherwise be required for long-term mental therapy. We have abundant mediocrity in politics, banking, science, business and, unfortunately, medicine, by a generation of career yuppies of the baby boom era.
We do not need a bigger hospital with expensive equipment and treatment that divides the patient's body parts into dollars and cents.
Hospital brass losing sleep over unions
| The Springfield News | December 27, 2004 |
Oregon and Washington healthcare executives are most concerned about union organizing, but recognize the best way to prevent unions from taking hold in their companies is to educate their employees, according to a survey by one of the nation's leading labor-relations firms.
Adams, Nash, Haskell & Sheridan last month conducted the survey of 26 top-level healthcare executives from throughout Washington State and northern Oregon who participated in the labor relations firm's "Union Free Privilege Academy" in Yakima. Close to 71 percent of the executives said their CEOs are most concerned about union organizing, while 96 percent -- almost unanimous -- agreed that educating employees is the best method to prevent union organizing. (more...)
Medicare's Troubles May Be Sleeping Giant
The program could run out of funds two decades before Social Security is forecast to, experts say.
By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar
The Los Angeles Times | December 20, 2004 |
WASHINGTON -- As restructuring Social Security moves to the top of his agenda, President Bush is sidestepping a troublesome problem: Medicare, which provides health insurance for 41 million elderly and disabled people, is fast going broke.
Medicare is projected to exhaust its hospital-care trust fund by 2019, more than 20 years before Social Security is forecast to slide into the red. The day of reckoning could come even sooner, because Medicare's condition has been going from bad to worse.
The government's unfunded promises to future retirees under Medicare amount to a staggering $27.7 trillion over the next 75 years, according to Congress' Government Accountability Office. That dwarfs the $3.7-trillion liability over the same period for Social Security. (more...)
Disparities in health care cost nearly 900,000 lives, study finds
By January Payne
The Washington Post | December 22, 2004 |
WASHINGTON -- More than 886,000 deaths could have been prevented from 1991 to 2000 if African-Americans had received the same care as whites, according to an analysis in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The study estimates that technological improvements in medicine -- including better drugs, devices and procedures -- averted only 176,633 deaths during the same period.
That means "five times as many lives can be saved by correcting the disparities (in care between whites and blacks) than in developing new treatments,'' Steven Woolf, lead author and director of research at Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Family Medicine, said in a telephone interview.
Woolf and four co-authors compiled and examined the data, which they drew from the National Center for Health Statistics. (more...)
Hospitals responding to performance ratings
By Gina Kolata
The New York Times | December 25, 2004 |
The federal government is now telling patients whether their local hospitals are doing what they should.
For now, the effort involves three common and deadly diseases of the elderly -- heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia -- and asks about lifesaving treatments that everyone agrees should be given but that hospitals and doctors often forget to give.
The expectation, though, is that this is just the beginning -- other diseases, other treatments and surgery are next. Within a few years, individual doctors will be rated as well.
Using incentives like bonus pay and deterrents like public humiliation, it is an aggressive new attempt by the federal government, along with organizations of hospitals, doctors, nurses and health researchers, to push providers to use proven remedies for common ailments.
And it is a response to a sobering reality -- lifesaving treatments often are forgotten while doctors and hospitals lavish patients with an abundance of care that can involve very expensive procedures of questionable value. The result is high costs, unnecessary medicine and wasted opportunities to save lives and improve health. (more...)
Medical Markup: California Hospitals Open Books, Showing Huge Price Differences
State Law Requires Disclosing Charges for Goods, Services; Big Bills for Uninsured; Why a Leech Retails for $81
By Lucette Lagnado
The Wall Street Journal | December 27, 2004; Page A1 |
How much does a Tylenol cost? In California, that depends on what hospital you're in.
At some California hospitals, a tablet of Tylenol, or its generic version, acetaminophen, is billed at $5.50. Others charge $7, or even $9, for a single pill. One Los Angeles hospital charges just 12 cents a tablet, while at a few facilities it's free. The retail price of brand-name Tylenol is about eight or nine cents each. The generic goes for a nickel or less.
Nathan Tabor -- Doctors kill more people every year than guns do
By Nathan Tabor
The Springfield News | December 30, 2004 |
Back before the November election, many mainstream media pundits -- trying desperately to get John Kerry elected -- began to harp on President Bush's unwillingness to stop certain federal gun control laws from expiring as scheduled. But their propaganda efforts came to naught because this issue was a non-starter with the American people.
The fact is, in this day of post-911 increased security consciousness, most average Americans simply don't want more gun control. They want more guns on hand to defend themselves and their loved ones in the face of possible life-threatening danger. Soccer moms are now taking handgun proficiency courses down at the local firing range.
Liberals are always complaining about getting to the root of the problem -- unless it deals with gun rights. Then they abandon all logical analysis and resort to hysteria, distortion and downright lies.
Today I want to set the record straight and dispel a few of the more common myths with some hard facts. (more...)
Nearby Developments
Sewer line installed along Franklin
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 30, 2004 |
Construction crews have finished installing a new sewer line along Franklin Boulevard, and touch-up surface work is scheduled for completion this week.
Surface restoration is under way, and some landscaping remains. A lateral line will also be installed along McVey Highway by the end of next week. (more...)
Assisted living site plan revived
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | December 28, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- A trio of developers is thinking about dusting off long-held plans for an assisted living facility on Laura Street north of Highway 126 on the west side of town.
Doing business as Bayberry Commons LLC, developers Denny Allison, Mike McClory and Tom Kidder first floated the proposal almost three years ago.
Bayberry went through the city's site review process and won approval to build a $3.6 million, 60-unit assisted living center on 3.6 acres at 2323 and 2255 Laura.
For unknown reasons, the principals in mid-2002 put construction plans on hold. None of the principals could be reached for comment last week. But in 2001, the state imposed a two-year moratorium on new assisted-living facilities because of their financial drain on health care costs. Bayberry, however, filed its application with the state prior to the moratorium. (more...)
Rolling on the River: Rapid riverfront growth on the McKenzie encourages area entrepreneurs
By Joe Mosley
The Register-Guard | December 20, 2004 |
VIDA -- Joyce Fry's tiny Double JJ Motel can be described by all the adjectives usually associated with such McKenzie River establishments. Quaint. Vintage. Funky, in a pleasant way.
In 30 years as an innkeeper and antique store owner, Fry has developed an insider's perspective on the dated motels and woodsy lodges scattered along the verdant McKenzie Valley. And a good handle on changes in riverside commerce. (more...)
New park may be coming soon: City, park department work on a deal to buy 215 acres
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 27, 2004 |
The City of Springfield and the Willamalane Park and Recreation District continue to negotiate a land deal that could add more homes and bring more recreation to the area.
Discussions on acquiring 215 acres of property located south of Highway 126 between 72nd and 79th streets continue, and city officials said if there is going to be an agreement, it will likely be reached sometime in January. (more...)
Downtown Development
EUGENE -- Some downtown Eugene land that has sat empty for years will soon be booming with development... but the city still has some kinks to work out.
Abe Nielsen with W.O.W. Hall wants to make sure whatever the city decides for development along Eighth Avenue... that the community music venue will be able to use the back parking lot. (more...)
Home Depot picks west Eugene
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | December 23, 2004 |
A new Home Depot Inc. outlet may be open in west Eugene in time for Christmas -- Christmas 2005.
The world's largest home improvement chain on Tuesday completed the purchase of an 11.5-acre parcel at Seneca Road and West Seventh Ave. Home Depot paid just over $4 million for the land, according to a deed on file with Lane County.
The purchase suggests Home Depot is finally in a position to move ahead with building a west Eugene store.
The Atlanta-based hardware chain first announced its intention to build a 102,000-square-foot store with a 27,400-square-foot garden center late last December. That initiative marked Home Depot's third attempt to build another store in the Eugene-Spring- field area to complement its 100,000-square-foot Green Acres Road-Delta Highway outlet. (more...)
Kate Perle -- We ought to rethink Santa Clara park plan
By Kate Perle
The Register-Guard | January 2, 2005 |
Santa Clara is a place where the urban and rural meet, creating a challenging dynamic that plays itself out in the politics of land use. This dynamic begs the question: How do we best meet the needs of a burgeoning urban population and simultaneously provide for our future?
We need growth that values balanced communities. Growth that enables people to live near their workplaces, schools, recreation and commerce. Growth that minimizes urban sprawl and maximizes the quality of our neighborhoods.
The city of Eugene and the McDougal brothers propose to convert 197 acres of farmland outside the city limits into 1,000 houses, 77,000 square feet of commercial development and a 77-acre regional park.
The proposal is labeled a "land swap'' and is promoted by the city as a community park and smart-growth development for Santa Clara. (more...)
Transportation
Shadow Government
MPC ignores unanimous hearing testimony against wetland parkway.
By Alan Pittman
Eugene Weekly | December 16, 2004 |
Citizens packed a hearing before the regional Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) last week. Not a single person testified in favor of the West Eugene Parkway (WEP) on Dec. 9. Forty-eight people testified against the $169 million highway through wetlands.
But MPC ignored the overwhelming public outcry against the WEP. After voting 8-2 for a motion by a testy Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey to limit testimony to two minutes per person, the committee voted 8-1 for including the wetland highway in the Regional Transportation Plan.
During the hearing several committee members read, talked among each other and left the table and came back. The vote came immediately after the hearing, with almost no discussion of the testimony and before reading any of the written material submitted that day by those testifying. One committee member, Coburg Mayor Judy Volta, even suggested refusing to allow people to testify.
Several citizens expressed anger at the "lack of respect" and civility the committee showed for public input in imposing the time limit and the snap decision. "It's a slap in the face," said local planning advocate Eben Fodor. (more...)
Slant -- Torrey's Parting Gift
| Eugene Weekly | December 23, 2004 |
We hear of some last-minute politicking by Mayor Torrey as the calendar runs out on his tenure. He's pushing a Dec. 30 emergency meeting of the Metropolitan Policy Committee, the secretive "shadow government" we wrote about last week. It appears Torrey has in mind pushing some of his pet projects, such as improvements to Chad Drive, through the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program. The MTIP has an adoption deadline six months out, so it seems the only emergency is Torrey's time running out. The lame duck mayor's request contradicts an earlier MPC decision not to hold a special meeting before the end of the year, and it has a lot of people scrambling to organize a meeting and hearing during a time when many people are out of town or are otherwise occupied. Meanwhile, the MPC's vote Dec. 9 to include the West Eugene Parkway in the Regional Transportation Plan has thrown a wrench in local transportation planning. The Eugene City Council needs time to rehash priorities and give direction to its two members on the MPC. Sound complicated? You bet. Is this an open and public process? Not very. The "emergency" hearing, if it happens, will be at 11:30 am Dec. 30 at the Springfield Library.
Torrey seeks action on road work
By Diane Dietz
The Register-Guard | December 30, 2004 |
With four days left in office, Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey has called an emergency meeting for today to gain regional approval for a long list of road-building projects.
He admits he wants to take action on the projects -- including the controversial West Eugene Parkway -- before mayor-elect Kitty Piercy and a new, more liberal City Council are seated on Monday. (more...)
Road Projects Green Light
SPRINGFIELD -- They've paved the way for road-building projects throughout Lane County. A regional committee gave the approval Thursday, after Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey pushed for the vote on one of his last days in office.
It's the one thing Mayor Torrey wanted to get done before he leaves office. And now a whole list of projects have the green light.
"What about your responsibility to the public and your partnerships with them? This process stinks," said Rob Handy, a Eugene resident.
There are plenty of people opposed and plenty in support of the approval of the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program. (more...)
Road Funding Meeting Gets Personal
"I would love for someone who understands this to explain in plain english what this is all about," Rob Zako, of 1000 Friends of Oregon, asked members of Metropolitan Policy Committee Thursday afternoon. Meetings about road funding rarely draw crowds, but this one did.
Rob Handy asked the group, "Where is your moral responsibility to stop bad things from happening now on our watch?"
The "thing" Handy's referring to is the West Eugene Parkway. It's one small part of a list of priority road projects for Lane County, but it always creates big discussion. Parkway Supporter Jim Hanks say, "There's been two votes, it's been through every public process, every environmental process, and it's a needed project because the city of Eugene decided its growth would not go north, but go west." But, Dean Bishop, who opposes the parkway said, "The WEP is a disaster, and I think most people know it." (more...)
Letter -- Belt Line needs funding priority
By Ruth Duemler, Eugene
The Register-Guard | January 1, 2005 |
As if holiday traffic wasn't enough on Coburg Road! I recently witnessed the stop-and-go traffic and a huge exodus of cars onto Coburg Road because of another accident on Belt Line Road. I understand there are accidents on Belt Line almost daily, especially during the holidays. Belt Line has proven to be an unsafe highway that should be first for highway funding in Lane County.
Sections of Interstate 105 will be partially closed in 2005 for repairs. This will add additional traffic on Belt Line and demands slower speed limits until we can invest in the needed improvements. If you've experienced accidents or stalled traffic on Belt Line and you want safer travel, please call your city and county elected officials.
Meanwhile, I plan to avoid Belt Line. I also plan to speak up and urge safety as first priority for road building funds -- not more money spent on the $180 million boondoggle of the West Eugene Parkway.
LTD Employees Vote on Strike
EUGENE -- It was an emotional night in Downtown Eugene on Sunday as hundreds of Lane Transit District employees get ready to walk if they don't resolve some heated contract issues with the company.
The LTD employees gathered behind closed doors at the Eugene Hilton to vote on whether to accept LTD's final contract offer or to authorize the union to strike.
A union spokesperson says 93% of them agreed to strike if the union doesn't reach an agreement with the company.
First, they're going to enter a cooling off period and then see if LTD agrees to return to the table for more negotiations.
The employee's main concern is the company's health care plan. "We've sent out a strong message...on our members backs," Union Vice President Jonathan Hunt said.
188 LTD employees voted Sunday night.
The union represents transit and light rail employees in Oregon and Washington.
LTD, union talks collapse; strike vote could follow
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | December 21, 2004 |
Attempts to mediate a bargaining agreement between the Lane Transit District and workers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 have broken down, and union members have authorized negotiators to call for a strike vote if outstanding issues can't be settled by mid-January.
LTD spokesman Andy Vobora said Monday that the two sides remain "fairly far apart on the whole (employment) package," including health care, cost-of-living increases and changes in work rules.
Carol Allred, spokeswoman for the ATU local that represents more than 200 LTD workers, could not be reached Monday for comment. (more...)
LTD, union take breather from negotiations
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 27, 2004 |
Negotiations between the Lane Transit District and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 have hit an impasse.
Local 757 members and the district are now in a 30-day cooling-off period after failing to see eye-to-eye on health care, wage increases and work rules.
Bargaining began last May and a mediator was requested by both parties in October to help reach an agreement. So far, no deal has been struck, and if the union and the district fail to come to an understanding by Jan. 16, the union has the right to strike following a 10-day notice.
This could mean the thousands of commuters that have come to rely on the district will have to find other means of transportation. (more...)
Letter -- LTD strike would leave void
By Hugh Massengill, Eugene
The Register-Guard | December 31, 2004 |
I was a little stunned to hear that there might be a strike at Lane Transit District. As I rode the bus the next day, aware that it was a resource that might be absent for days or weeks, I looked around at the other riders.
It was a crowded route, and both wheelchair bays were full. There were also on board several frail folks of significant age. Lots of young folks too young to have a driver's license filled the back of the bus. Several others were like me, nondrivers who either took LTD or didn't go anywhere.
I want to commend both management and labor for the work they put in every day to make sure we riders get around town. Lots of us take LTD for granted, expecting the bus to be there day after day, dependably on time. We go to our doctor's appointments or shopping without a second thought to the treasure we have in Eugene.
Whatever happens in the labor negotiations, everyone at LTD plays a vital part in the lives of many. So thanks again to LTD staff, and to the employers who pay the taxes that help pay for a lot of LTD services, for it is an everyday treasure.
Whenever I see letters on this page complaining of LTD's existence or "low ridership," I just shake my head in wonder and dismay. I am one of the biggest gripers in town, but I am nothing but thankful for LTD.
Springfield man dead after walking into traffic
| The Springfield News | December 17, 2004 |
A 48-year-old Springfield man is dead after stepping into traffic near 46th and Main streets Tuesday evening.
Rodney Arnold Kramer died Wednesday at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Springfield police said. (more...)
Editorial -- East Main Street has killed too many pedestrians
| The Springfield News | December 17, 2004 |
In Springfield, anyone who's lived here a while knows there are two things that regularly kill people: the McKenzie River and Main Street.
Other than harping about life jackets, there's not a lot we can do about the McKenzie River. It's simply a tricky piece of water, and the Willamette is much the same.
Main Street, however, has been allowed to kill people for far too long, with the latest pedestrian fatality coming earlier this week. (more...)
One Dangerous Springfield Street For Pedestrians
"I know the dangers around here," one Springfield woman, on a bike, said.
To people who live and work around Springfield's East Main Street, they know that walking or biking across the street, can be a killer.
"I worry about everyone that does that. And it is dangerous," the woman on the bike, said.
"I almost got hit the other night. It was raining, and bad conditions, and I had to cross," Kelly Zylstra, an area pedestrian said. "It was pretty scarry," she added.
Zylstra is lucky. Seven people have died crossing East Main Street in the past seven years. An eighth person was critically injured. (more...)
Deerhorn intersection to get help: Small steps will be taken to improve safety at the deadly section of highway east of town
By Stacy D. Stumbo
The Springfield News | December 22, 2004 |
WALTERVILLE -- Relief is in sight for residents near a dangerous intersection that has taken the lives of two people within 10 months.
The Oregon Department of Transportation and Lane County Board of Commissioners are completing negotiations that will bring roughly $50,000 in improvements to the Deerhorn Road-Highway 126 intersection.
Signs showing speed limits of 45 mph have been installed. ODOT plans to add flashing lights on warning signs on the approach to the intersection, and a new beacon sign on the westbound side of the highway. Rumble strips and the words "STOP AHEAD" will be affixed to the pavement on Deerhorn Road.
Some of the improvements may be made as early as January. (more...)
County: There's not enough cash to fix the roads
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 22, 2004 |
While funding won't sunset until the last day of September 2006, county officials are already focusing attention on the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000.
Even with reauthorization, the county's role in regional road financing will likely diminish from what it has been in the past, according to county officials. If it's not reauthorized, though, the results will be far worse. (more...)
Veneta approaches crossroad for imposing 3-cent gas tax
By Greg Bolt
The Register-Guard | December 23, 2004 |
With its streets falling into disrepair and state tax revenue flat, Veneta could join the growing list of Oregon communities with a local gas tax when city councilors meet Monday.
If approved, Veneta's 3-cent-per-gallon tax would raise about $45,000 a year to help the city chip away at road repair and preservation needs estimated at $3.6 million. It would be applied on gasoline and diesel fuel at the city's two commercial gas stations and two card-lock stations. (more...)
Veneta Considers Local Gas Tax
VENETA -- Its streets are decaying and there is no help in site from the state, so this rural town west of Eugene is considering doing what several Oregon towns and cities have done: passing a local gasoline tax.
The city council will decide on Monday. They figure the 3-cent-a-gallon tax would raise $45,000 a year, not much toward an estimated $3.6 million backlog, but a start.
Eugene is the largest of almost a dozen Oregon cities to add a local tax since Measure 5 passed in 1990, limiting revenue from property taxes.
Veneta City Administrator Ric Ingham said few objections were raised when it was discussed at two recent meetings.
With Veneta's share of revenue from the state gas tax largely flat and traffic and road repair needs increasing, Ingham said the city has few options.
If the problems get worse, he said, repair costs will go out of control.
Oakridge, with just one gas station, and Florence, on the coast, approved local taxes this month. (more...)
Veneta Approves Gas Tax; Money Set To Improve Roads
The City of Veneta will start hitting drivers for money... at the pump.
Last night the city council approved a gas tax hike.
It's a three cent per gallon gas tax.
The money collected from it... will go to help improve road maintenance.
Veneta says the three cent per gallon gas-tax would make for better driving on the road.
City leaders say veneta needs an estimated 3.5 million dollars in road repairs.
That's where the tax comes in. It's expected to raise somewhere between 15 and 45 thousand dollars a year. (more...)
State to appeal zone change
ODOT says Home Depot store at Phoenix interchange would gridlock traffic
By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune
The (Medford) Mail Tribune | December 15, 2004 |
PHOENIX -- State transportation officials said Tuesday they will appeal a zoning change that would allow a Home Depot store at the Fern Valley interchange.
The Oregon Transportation Commission will appeal the City Council's decision to rezone a 19-acre parcel along North Phoenix Road to the state Land Use Board of Appeals.
Transportation officials said they had yet to be shown how allowing the 103,000-square-foot project to move forward could cause anything less than constant gridlock at an already failing interchange.
Terry Harbour, Oregon Department of Transportation Region 3 planning manager, said the commission, which sets policy for ODOT, had sided with staff on appealing the Dec. 6 rezoning.
Under state law, land-use decisions must be appealed with 21 days. The appeal could then take six to eight months to get through LUBA. (more...)
Second look shows some bridge repairs can wait
| The Associated Press | December 18, 2004 |
SALEM -- State highway engineers who took another look at Oregon bridges slated for repair under a $1.3 billion maintenance program say roughly half the spans may be in better shape than they expected.
Inspectors say they now believe they can delay posting weight limits on some of the 355 bridges that are being fixed or are scheduled for repair and make more money available for future bridge projects.
The reassessment came after researchers at Oregon State University learned that despite cracks in concrete bridge beams, the concrete will still hold up.
Engineers estimate that nearly half the deteriorated bridges could move from the replace list to the repair list and should last at least another 20 years, said Paul Mather, interim deputy director for highways at the Oregon Department of Transportation.
But Mather said it isn't clear how much will be saved, because the state is just six months into the 10-year bridge maintenance program approved last year by the Legislature. (more...)
State to detour truck traffic
By James Sinks
WesCom News Service | December 27, 2004 |
SALEM -- The state is plowing ahead with plans to detour much of the state's heavy-truck traffic through Central Oregon starting next summer so that major work can commence on deteriorating bridges on the state's two interstates.
And that is in spite of new research that suggests some bridges are in better shape than previously believed.
The $1.3 billion bridge-reconstruction campaign launched by the 2003 Legislature was spurred by photos of cracking concrete and reports that showed more than 300 aging spans needed major repairs, if not replacement. Vehicle title and registration fees were raised to pay for the work.
Planners will re-evaluate the bridges in light of data from Oregon State University that shows more strength remains in the cracking concrete than previously believed, said Lissa Willis, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Transportation. (more...)
Elections
Kitty's City: A liberal Piercy sets off to be a 'mayor for all Eugene'
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | December 19, 2004 |
After months of preparation, Kitty Piercy is ready for what appears to be the most challenging role of her long career.
Piercy, Eugene's next mayor, takes office Jan. 3. She will step into the role as the city's most prominent politician, one with the potential to shape public opinion on key local issues.
A mother of three, Piercy, 62, has been an elementary school teacher, state representative and community volunteer. On Dec. 31 she will leave her full-time position as a vice president of Planned Parenthood Health Services of Southwestern Oregon for the $18,839-a-year mayor's job.
A Piercy mayorship will be a dramatic change for Eugene, where Jim Torrey has held the bully pulpit the last eight years. Piercy is a liberal Democrat and social and labor advocate; Torrey is a Republican and a business champion. (more...)
Council turnover may shake up City Hall
| The Register-Guard | December 19, 2004 |
As mayor, Kitty Piercy will be one of three new faces at the City Council table next year.
Andrea Ortiz and Chris Pryor will become city councilors on Jan. 3. All three are expected to change the dynamic of the group, where Mayor Jim Torrey and a majority of like-minded, conservative-leaning councilors have often prevailed since 2003.
The departure of councilors Nancy Nathanson and Scott Meisner will leave the City Council with two distinct and evenly divided voting blocks. (more...)
Farewell roast teases, toasts mayor
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | December 21, 2004 |
Few things about Jim Torrey and Eugene were off limits Monday as friends and family sent heartfelt tributes and personal zings in the departing mayor's direction.
Everything from his battles to lose weight to how he ran City Council meetings provided fodder for Torrey's "roast" at the Hult Center, put on by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and the city. After eight years at the city's helm, Torrey will hand over the mayor's gavel Jan. 3 to former state legislator Kitty Piercy. (more...)
Departing councilors take long look back
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | December 26, 2004 |
Nancy Nathanson and Scott Meisner weren't ready to leave public office.
But Nathanson, a three-term southwest Eugene city councilor, last spring lost a bid to become mayor. In the same election, Meisner, a Whiteaker resident, failed in a bid for a third term to represent Ward 7.
On Jan. 3, Chris Pryor will take Nathanson's former seat on the council, with Andrea Ortiz moving into Meisner's old chair.
Soon to be freed from having to attend many public meetings, Nathanson and Meisner will regain a large chunk of time for themselves. (more...)
Mayor Leaves Legacy in Schools, Business
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | December 29, 2004 |
Jim Torrey, ready to step aside as Eugene's mayor, is leaving office with plenty of memories and no regrets.
On Monday, Torrey will turn over the mayor's chair to Kitty Piercy, ending the run as Eugene's first two-term mayor since 1985. (more...)
New commissioner may tip balance of power
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | January 1, 2005 |
Although it's not on any official list of goals for 2005, some might hope that "getting along with each other better" appears on the Lane County commissioners' mental list of New Year's resolutions.
They're well known for their sniping, a bit like a brood of brothers and sisters confined to the house by a spell of nasty weather. They get along smoothly some days but go for the jugular on others.
Their voting record doesn't necessarily reflect their occasional squabbles, however. The board cast about 450 votes during 2004 -- many of them on "housekeeping" items such as setting matters for hearings and approving minutes -- with unanimous decisions 87 percent of the time.
Faye Stewart
The voting pattern -- sometimes contentious but most of the time coming together for the common good -- is also rather familylike, Commissioner Bill Dwyer said. (more...)
Other News
Springfield News has changed greatly in 2004
By Finn John
The Springfield News | December 30, 2004 |
Remember that shopworn Chinese curse -- "May you live in interesting times"? Well, at The Springfield News, 2004 has been interesting times.
At the beginning of the year, The News was running 10 to 12 news pages per issue, including 10 to 12 by-lined local stories. Now, as we get ready to welcome 2005, we're averaging 14 to 17 news pages, with 15 or 16 local stories in each one.
Our overarching goal is nothing less than to become the indispensable "owner's manual" for a citizen of Springfield. We want to be the single source that everyone knows to turn to in order to find out everything that's going on in town.
Here are a few of the changes that have happened at The Springfield News this year: (more...)
Sign fees have businessman fuming: Kevin Levesque says city's not as 'business friendly' as it claims
By Ben Raymond Lode
The Springfield News | December 15, 2004 |
A retailer just hit with a $198 fee for putting up two temporary Direct TV advertising banners says he disagrees with the City of Springfield's claims to be "business friendly."
For years, Kevin Levesque happily operated his business, Direct Tel Wireless Services, at 105 S. 14 Street in Springfield.
But recent events have left more than a little foul taste in his mouth. (more...)
Petition would send tax plan to voters
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 17, 2004 |
One Springfield resident isn't about to let a utility tax pass uncontested.
Fred Simmons has filed and received permission from the city to circulate a petition that, if successful, would put the recently approved utility tax to a vote in May 2005. The measure would ask voters to repeal the ordinance that authorizes the city to impose a privilege tax on utilities.
Simmons knows his crusade will be difficult to carry out during the holiday season -- and he has only until Jan. 5 to submit at least 720 valid signatures. (more...)
Tax repeal likely to be on ballot: The effort to ask voters about city telecom tax appears to have enough signatures
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | December 30, 2004 |
Despite the hectic pace of the holidays, a circulated petition seeking to repeal an ordinance to impose a privilege tax on utilities has earned enough signatures.
But the validity of each signature must be confirmed before the repeal will be able to head to a vote in May.
Springfield resident Fred Simmons, who initiated the petition drive, said roughly 1,230 signatures were gathered -- and only 720 valid signatures are needed to refer the ordinance to Springfield voters. (more...)
Tax Repeal
SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield voters may see a tax repeal on the ballot this May.
Fred Simmons and about 20 other concerned Springfield