Signatures Sought for Gas Tax Referendum
R&R King Logging founder and owner Bobby King has issued a statement to KCST regarding a proposed increase to Oregon’s gas tax. King says decisions about raising the tax “should be decided by the voters, not ramrodded through the legislature by a super majority that is out of touch with everyday people.” He says his company is helping gather petition signatures to require the tax measure to go before voters. According to King, R&R King Logging is strongly opposed to an increased gas tax, saying additional costs would further strain both Oregon families and local businesses. He points to CNBC’s 2025 ranking of Oregon as 39th in the nation for tax competitiveness. King says essential services such as schools, roads and public safety depend on a strong business economy, adding that Oregon should focus on core priorities and address what he describes as unaccounted-for tax dollars identified in recent state audits. He also notes that logging companies are facing difficult conditions, and warns that a higher gas tax would be “devastating,” particularly as some mills move operations to other states. King concludes the proposed tax increase is not the answer for Oregon’s struggling timber industry. Media outlets are reporting that enough signatures have been gathered, over 150,000, but they are planning to continue to collect signatures. Governor Kotek says the increase is needed to prevent major Oregon Department of transportation layoffs and fund critical road, bridge and infrastructure maintenance.
Light up a LIfe
Peace Harbor Hospice will hold its 30th annual Light Up a Life ceremony on Saturday, December 13th, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Florence Events Center on Quince Street. For nearly three decades, this tradition has invited the community to remember loved ones with gifts of light on a dedicated Christmas tree. The event includes reflective readings, the recitation of names, and the lighting of the tree. Community members who would like a loved one’s name read during the ceremony are asked to submit it by December 1st by emailing charkness1@peacehealth.org or calling 541-997-3418. Organizers say this gathering is open to anyone grieving the loss of someone special during the holiday season.
Soroptimist Need
It is crunch time for Soroptimists of Florence. The non-profit is needing support from the community to get all of the Christmas meal baskets for the community. Carol Bennett with Soroptimist International of Florence says a lot of community members count on that annual meal.
“Last year we spent almost $40,000 getting food for about 450 baskets, that’s about 22-2400 people.”
Bennett says they are about $7,000 dollars shy of their goal and need to have all the money by the 10th of December to get all of the food ordered. She says that anyone who want to donate can send a check to po box 1209 made out so SI Florence.