OPB - Think Our Loud Up or Out?

Yes....yet another meeting of the minds on Urban and Rural Reserves...what to do with our (sacred), I mean precious, I mean existing farmlands. Do we preserve them? Leave them and their inhabitants as they are for years to come...and instead grow from within city centers and GO UP. OR do we make use of the farmlands and expand our city centers and label the land as 'future' Urban Reserves and see future homes for Jobs/Homes. OPB and the Forest Grove NewsTimes host Washington County Commisioner/Chairman Tom Brian (PROPONENT of OUT) and Portland Mayor Sam Adams (PROPONENT of UP) tonight at 7:00 @ the Civic Center in Hillsboro for an hour long discussion. Here's some references...

1. http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/or-out/
2. http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=126047866584907700
3. http://www.co.washington.or.us/News/reserves-hearings-and-radio-discussion.cfm
4. http://blogs.wweek.com/news/2009/12/11/sam-adams-vs-tom-brian-two-visions-of-the-future-face-off-in-hillsboro/
5. http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/adams_brian_will_debate_urbani.html

Predatory Lenders from California Out Once Again

Talk about some convincing SPAM/Junk-Mail. Beware of letters like the one I just received last night. "Form 1008-S Payment Reduction Notification" the well packaging envelope reads. This company pulls up the stops to try and fool the recipient into a too good to be true offer. Perferated edges, advesive...very much like a checks from the Treasury.
Inside...you'll find print/verbage that speaks of a "Govermental Economic Stimulus Act of 2008" or "HR 5140 Economic Stimulus Act of 2008" or just plain "STIMULUS ACT". All BS to look, feel, and read like something approved by a Federal Government action.

Then at the bottom is the real deal...fine print stating "WE ARE NOT SPONSORED OR AFFILIATED WITH YOUR CURRENT LENDER AND THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS NOT AUTHORIZED BY YOUR CURRENT LENDER AND YOUR LOAN INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED BY YOUR CURRENT LENDER."

I think its very sad...and very predatory for a lender to go to these lengths to try and SnAG! some business disguising themselves to try and lure people in REAL need with their mortgages and finances. Big banks increasing their Interest Rates on good customers is one thing...this is blatant abuse of peoples emotions by SHARKS! Shame on them...may they all get Coals for Christmas. =)

Take care everyone. God Bless. And Buyer BEWARE on this one.

TriMet Bus Changes

Summary of Bus Service Changes
Route 57 Changes - Forest Grove<->Beaverton TC

Last of 3...Abandoned Buildings b/w Fred Meyer and Cornelius Stadium is Burned Down

It took all of 4 monthes or so...now all 3 abandoned buildings on TMT Development's land have been burned down by the Cornelius Fire Department. Down with the old...in with the new...Well at least...we look forward to better & brighter Cornelius future. Cheers!

http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=125858555794171400

Hot Off the Griddle - Copy-n-Paste 11-8-2009

Director Richard Meyer announced that they are seeking written quotes for water main replacement on N. 14th Street as the first phase of the “Main Street Connectors” project. The work is expected to cost below the $50,000 threshold for bidding and there is a need to start work before December 1st. The remainder of the project for the street improvements on 11-12-13-14 streets will follow normal bidding procedures. Most of the work is paid from a “stimulus” injection for the Community Development Block Grant program.

Commentary: Back in February I mentioned the 'stimulus' funds Cornelius had acquired - http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story_2nd.php?story_id=123498699405998800 Here's a link to a FG Newstimes article, at the time.

Radio Talk Show Host Editorial on Cornelius/Walmart Aspirations & Beyond

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/jayne_carroll/index.ssf?/base/columnist/125727605482850.xml&coll=6
Time for a Gulp of Wal-Mart Love Potion by Jayne Carroll

Jayne does a great job asking open-ended questions for a political discussion in her editorial today. I'm flattered with her take on it to be honest.

Excerpts/condensed version...

"What a difference a bad economy makes."... "the good folks [of Cornelius] are downright euphoric over [Wal-Mart]." "Not only will Wal-Mart deliver 300 needed new local jobs and millions for street improvements, many Cornelius residents believe the retail giant is the precise economic shot in the arm they desperately need. " "[Most] in Cornelius can't wait until the new megastore opens its door for business." "Cornelius is anticipating..[Walmart to be]...a magnet for consumers throughout the region."

Great open-ended questions: Q4 is my favorite...because it may imply/pay a compliment to us citizens of Cornelius.

Q1: Is Cornelius a barometer for a changing attitude in Oregon toward the controversial, often reviled Wal-Mart? Or is Cornelius, a city facing even more economic carnage than the rest of Oregon, an anomaly?

Q2: As companies and talent leave our beautiful state in abundance for better economic opportunities elsewhere, are communities starting to reject the utopian policies of left-wing ideologues?

Q3: Will we soon see other job-hungry cities putting out the welcome mat to businesses considered odious to the politically correct?

Q4: Or are the no-nonsense, practical people of Cornelius reflective of a new Oregon - where we recognize that our state's magnificence, livability and families cannot be maintained without adequate jobs and economic opportunity?

Q5: Is Oregon's "smart growth" finally being recognized as great for big government but utterly stupid for a hopeful, prosperous Oregon future?

Jayne Carroll hosts The Jayne Carroll RadioTalk Show Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. on KUIK AM1360.
Her e-mail address is radiojayne@aol.com.
For comments or questions, call her at 503-648-0101 or at 503-640-1360 during show hours.

OH MY Oregonian

What's next? Oprah? =)

Thanks to Casey Parks for how article on the Cornelius Walmart and its future debut in Washington County. Work is certainly underway and I'm part of a growing number of people looking forward to another place to save a little more. Thanks ~ Jose

Cornelius bucks NIMBY trend, embraces Wal-Mart by Casey Parks, the Oregonian
http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2009/10/cornelius_bucks_nimby_trend_em.html

NIMBY = "Not In My BackYard"