Oregon Election Season Officially Under Way…
It was timely.
The Oregon Legislature wrapped up work in their annual session Monday night, and yesterday was the filing deadline for candidates seeking their party’s nomination for various state races in the May 15th primary. On the Central Coast, North Bend Oral Surgeon Scott Roberts will square off against veteran legislator and former high school principal Arnie Roblan. But not until the fall, and for a different post than what they contested two years ago.
Both are running unopposed in their party primaries for the District Five Senate seat currently held by Joanne Verger.
Meanwhile, in the seat that has been held by Roblan for the past six years, there are two uncontested primaries as well… Nancy Brouhard (BREW-erd), a registered nurse has filed for the Republican primary and Port of Coos Bay commissioner Caddy McKeown (muh-KEE-un) is seeking the Democratic nomination. Both of the coastal positions will be hotly contested come the fall, drawing the attention… and no doubt cash support… of statewide party organizations.
All 60 House seats, and half of the 30 Senate seats are on the ballot this year. Both chambers have seen an even split between the two major parties since the 2010 election.
Residents Warned of Possible Scam
Homeowner beware… several recent mailings have been reported by area residents offering insurance coverage to pay for repairs to water lines. The mailings, received by both Florence water customers and those who draw their drinking water from the Heceta Water District, come from a Connecticut based company that operates under more than one name and has been the target of several consumer complaints in the past year.
In Oregon there have been more than 40 complaints to the Attorney General’s Office. The company, known locally as “HomeServe”, has also been the target of numerous Better Business Bureau complaints. A-G spokesman Tony Green said “it appears this company is offering a service that people don’t really need”. The coverage costs about $60 per year and once you sign up, it automatically renews each year. It purports to pay for repairs to water lines between municipal meters and homes. Green says to check out any unsolicited offers very carefully.
Officials say it’s also a good idea to check with your existing homeowners insurance carrier to clarify what is and is not already covered by that policy.
Gas Prices Steady in Florence
Speculation and uncertainty have been combining to continue to drive retail prices of unleaded gasoline higher. Although the average in Florence held steady this past week at $3.92 a gallon, the statewide and national averages each went up by about a nickel in the past week. As measured by Triple-A the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now at $3.76; the statewide average is $3.96. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says West Coast price increases have been fueled in part by the closure of the Cherry Point refinery in Washington State. That facility is expected to be down through April. Another factor, she says, is that California has already switched to cleaner burning, but more expensive summer blends of fuels.
Work Delayed by Weather to Delay Traffic Tomorrow
Traffic over the Siuslaw River Bridge is likely to be a little slow tomorrow between nine and two. Routine bridge deck maintenance, originally scheduled for last month was delayed because of bad weather. Oregon Department of Transportation crews will be sealing expansion joints on the bridge tomorrow… traffic will be restricted to one lane while the work progresses.
Our Town
This afternoon’s Our Town will feature a broad array of conversations. Beginning at four this afternoon on KCST the two-hour program will feature US Congressman Peter DeFazio, OSU soils engineer Scott Ashford, Oregon Park Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore, LCC Florence Dean Mary Jeanne Kuhar, and Siuslaw High School Principal Matt Henry.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
The Pac-12 Basketball tournament gets underway today in Los Angeles… for the women, Oregon will take on Washington at noon; Oregon State is facing Washington State at 7:15.
For the men, Oregon has a number-3 seed and today off. They’ll take on the winner of tonight’s Colorado-Utah matchup tomorrow at 8:30. The Oregon State men will face Washington State this afternoon. That game will air on Coast Radio Sports with an 11:30 pregame show… tipoff is set for 12:10. The winner will face number-one seed Washington tomorrow at noon.