State Senator Commitment Leads to Key Role
The State Senator serving the Central Oregon Coast, Dick Anderson, played a key role in this year’s legislative session. Early on, he said, lawmakers could see that this year was going to be a challenge because there were new people heading up both parties in both the house and the senate.
“And now a leadership change so there’s bound to be some settling in, and there was… it didn’t go smoothly.”
Anderson, only two years into his first term, was selected to play a key role.
“My caucus, the republican senators, voted me early in the session as a deputy leader. I like to think that as a plus because my district is a mixed bag.”
Because of that “mixed bag”, Anderson was seen as someone who could work well with officials from both major parties. So he gladly remained in Salem in order to keep conversations going. In the end, despite the lengthy walkout, things eventually did get done. Including action on bills related to the two major sticking points that both parties said there was no room for compromise.
Chamber Asks City Council to Consider Economic Impact Study
At 8:30 am Thursday the Florence city Council will meet in a work session to discuss the possible location of a permanent shelter that would be constructed to serve the homeless. An idea that comes with a lot of compassion for the homeless population but doesn’t necessarily have the best interest of the residents and businesses in the community according to a letter sent from the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. The letter is asking the city council to consider the economic impact of such a shelter to a community that thrives on tourism. It also asks that the city do a comprehensive economic impact study before considering the shelter. It outlines four specific areas of concern, Safety, as a year round shelter could potentially invite individuals with challenging circumstances. The impact on tourism as it could potentially be a safety and image concern, infrastructure and resources and the cost of building and maintaining a 24 hour/365 day shelter, and community engagement, involving the community in the process. The letter was sent to the council yesterday. There are other cities in Oregon that are working on similar projects, Beaverton is in the building process and expects to open in 2024 and Hillsboro is in the planning stages looking for community input.
Canoer Death – Triangle Lake
A canoer on Triangle Lake lost his life last Thursday evening. The Lane County Sheriff’s office responded to the lake at 7:45 PM to a report of a possible drowning. Bystanders said a boat had tipped into the lake and one person in it had not resurfaced. They told deputies they immediately began searching the area approximately 50-feet from the main boat ramp. Divers were able to locate and retrieve the victim’s body about three hours later. The name of the 17-year-old male was not released pending notification of family. Deputies said he was not wearing a life jacket.
Lane County Public Health Commited to Rural Health
The dedication of the new Miller Park playground this evening at 5:30 is the culmination of hard work and community support including Lane County Public Health. LCPH awarded the City of Florence an $80,000 grant towards the building of the new structure. Eve Gray, director of Lane County Public Health and Human Services says the contribution continues the commitment to investing in the health and well-being of residents in rural communities like Florence. The structure also includes a Story Walk that is interactive and physical that invites people of all ages to participate. After the 5:30 ribbon cutting the playground will be open to the public.
