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notes from Clean Slate PAC meeting 2/13/07
by scott reuter
Clean Slate PAC Meeting Notes
(Note: not my personal views – these are some of the highlights heard at the meeting)
2/13/07
Cannery Pier Hotel
Astoria, OR
Ted Thomas, speaker
Clean Slate: – a political action committee – they have registered as a PAC with the state, and set up a bank account. – goal: to clean up port malfeasance
NOTE: for info on group goals, also see text from Clean Slate flyer at the burning corn blog
- – Clean Slate not sponsored by or affiliated with any party, Republican, Democratic or otherwise. Funds from a nonpartisan group who want public accountability and transparency
- – pushing for a public audit of Port of Astoria, want to support candidates that will do this
- – need to replace three commissioners in order to have the votes to be able to initiate reform of the Port
- – they considered a recall, but logistically recall of three commissioners is infeasible
- -only solution is to run 3 reform candidates
- – asking concerned citizens to approach/nominate people to run against current commissioners
- – clean slate candidate nomination period open thru Feb. 28th
discussion of some port problems
3 current investigations:
1) epa
2) federal
3) attorney general
– Port of Astoria counsel assisted port in circumventing public meeting obligations by suggesting they hold meetings concerning Calpine/Leucadia in groups of 2
– believe they can win w/ swing vote of 5,000 votes (?)
– thanked everyone for coming
– meeting over
34 comments on this article (post your own)
3 On Feb 15, 08:30 am, scott wrote:
You are most welcome.
They made no mention of a website or blog, but they were collecting names and email addresses, so I suppose it’s at least a possibility.
I looked in over at the KAST forum and bad grammar festival, and the crumudgeons are already trying to paint Clean Slate as a left-leaning org. Didn’t take long.
4 On Feb 15, 11:31 am, Patrick McGee wrote:
Paint Clean Slate as “Left Leaning”?
Absolutely when you have Larry Taylor, Democratic Party Central Committee Head, is it, pleading with all to attend that meeting at Cannery Hotel if we want a Port Commission that bends to the will of whomever “Clean Slate” plans to have serve its “Special Interests”
“The Port” has clearly shown us what an agenda of not so much “Special Interest” but, a unified agenda off “Public Radar” and in the obvious interests of a few only, can do.
Like I say, look at the names on something like this and you can fairly quickly determine where and in what direction it will head and I mean what I say with absolutely no ill will towards anybody but, this kind of crap cannot be allowed to prevail.
To me, trading one regime/agenda for another and niether in the interest of the community, overall, is something we should no longer tolerate.
5 On Feb 15, 11:44 am, THartill wrote:
Patrick
It seems to me that you and “Clean Slate”...AKA “The Left” by you and others, have the same agenda in regards to the Port. Just look at the notes above, you have said everyone of the same things in the past. Audit, 3 reform candidates, possible recall…etc….etc….
Why should we vote for you when “Clean Slates” candidate, along with John Dunzer will have basically the same agenda as you?
6 On Feb 15, 02:23 pm, scott wrote:
Patrick,
I don’t know who is funding Clean Slate yet, but I hope to. If you know, please say. Likewise, if you are guessing – which respectfully, you seem to be – please refrain form doing so until you can state with certainty.
What I heard at the meeting was that it was a bipartisan group. I look forward to learning more, and will post more as I learn more, as I hope you will too.
I can say that the agenda that I heard put forth at the meeting was that they want transparency in government, a full audit of the Port books, and no more back room deals. That all sounds really good to me so far.
7 On Feb 15, 03:21 pm, Patrick McGee wrote:
“Patrick
It seems to me that you and “Clean Slate”...AKA “The Left” by you and others, have the same agenda in regards to the Port. Just look at the notes above, you have said everyone of the same things in the past. Audit, 3 reform candidates, possible recall…etc….etc….
Why should we vote for you when “Clean Slates” candidate, along with John Dunzer will have basically the same agenda as you?”
Spin it any way you want Tryan and I’m not asking for your or anybody elses vote on this.
You’ve known me long enough to pretty well know where I stand on many issues around here, “The Port” included.
Somewhere, I will make my statement on why I’m, if I finally decide to, running for Port Commission and if you don’t like what I say then vote for whom you think is better. In other words vote your conscience as is your prerogative.
8 On Feb 15, 03:41 pm, Patrick McGee wrote:
Sorry Scott but, I don’t see any place on this Forum that requires me to refrain from saying pretty damned much what I please and you really have no authority to suggest I do otherwise.
All I know is, if it has Larry Taylor’s odor on it, it’s Local Democratic Party and who’s email was it announcing and pimping this meeting on Freel’s site?
Why, Democratic Party, Central Committee head, Larry Taylor of course.
It really doesn’t matter though, I just hope the voters make a choice they can live with as important as “The Ports” future is to all of us from this point forward.
9 On Feb 15, 03:47 pm, Patrick McGee wrote:
From: Lawrence Taylor
To: Precinct committeepersons ; Clatsop Democrats
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 6:25 PM
Subject: The next election is coming up – help change the makeup of the Port of Astoria Commissioners
Wouldn’t it be great to have elected officials whose values reflected our own?
There will be a meeting hosted by “Clean Slate” next Tuesday at 6:30 PM at the Cannery Pier Hotel in the Union Fish Conference Room. The goal of the group is to replace the three port commissioners who are up for election next May. If you would like more information, you can call 325-1556.
10 On Feb 15, 04:00 pm, THartill wrote:
I will make my statement on why I’m, if I finally decide to, running for Port Commission and if you don’t like what I say then vote for whom you think is better.
You posted yesterday that you already decided, did someone threaten your life last night if you didn’t drop all this “Running for Port” talk?
11 On Feb 15, 04:20 pm, Patrick McGee wrote:
I’ve got till March 15, 2007 to cross the “T” and dot the “I” before it’s all final and you know that Tryan.
I’m still debating whether I will truly have the time to commit to the position.
This what you’re going to do up till election night…”nitpick”?
If I’m not your candidate there’s about 20 others, at least, who’ve done the same as me.
12 On Feb 15, 04:28 pm, THartill wrote:
Just trying to see if you are really following through with this or not. I’d like to see you run, but obviously we won’t know if you will until the 15th.
As to “NitPick” where do we draw the line between being a informed voter who wants to use as much information as possible before voting and “NitPicking”?
13 On Feb 16, 09:37 am, scott wrote:
Patrick,
I apologize if I offended you, I meant no disrespect, and I wish you luck on your possible political endeavors.
I didn’t mean to suggest that you shouldn’t say as you put it “as you damned well please…” The question for me really is whether I can believe or trust what you appear to be saying, and when you use such muddy phrasing it’s unclear to me what you are saying.
What I was suggesting was that you strive for clarity above allusion and inference with your language, such as when you said in post 2: “when you have Larry Taylor, Democratic Party Central Committee Head, is it,. . .’
If you believed this to be a fact, which it now appears that you did, perhaps you could have said ”. . .when you have Larry Taylor, Democratic Party Central Committee etc….”, omitting the “is it,” and then it would have been clear that you were making a statement that you believed to be a fact.
I would suggest that you consider reading George Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language.” It’s a truly delightful read, and it’s available at:
http://orwell.ru/library/essays/politics/english/e_polit
I would recommend this as a must-read for everyone, and especially anyone wishing to seek or continue in public office. It’s important for us to undertand what you’re trying to say.
For example, Orwell discusses some of his language pet peeves, such as when people say “it is not unlike…” when what they mean is “it is like…”
Written in 1946, and still very much needed today.
And please, Patrick, don’t try to tell me that we are picking nits, unless you consider your own words to be nits. If that’s the case, it’s you that is being disrespectful to your own words, not us. Words are all we have here, and we should use them carefully – especially those seeking to communicate their beliefs while seeking a public office.
17 On Feb 16, 08:01 pm, Patrick McGee wrote:
I’d have to watch you like a hawk Carrie but, I know damned well you could write what needed to be said.
Call me.
18 On Feb 17, 07:16 am, Barney Oldfield wrote:
Obviously McGee has absolutely NO knowledge of the partisan political history of Clatsop County. He’s seem shocked, yes I said shocked! Imagine! Democrats being involved in local politics in a traditonally democrat town!
Good job, McGee. Root out those dirty red commie bastards masquerading as George Bushites in Uniontown.
19 On Feb 17, 08:37 am, Patrick McGee wrote:
I don’t necessarily feel all Democrats should be labeled “Red Commie Bastards” as I feel all Republicans Should be labeled “Neo-Cons” or Libertarians labeled as “Pot Heads”.
Every political party has its extreme element but, this is not about Party Politics, it’s about running for a non-partisan seat on the Astoria Port Commission and an organized attempt by a local political party to insert their own to prosper that political agenda is not productive in my view and in the interests of the citizens of Clatsop County.
It would be the sames as the likes of a Richard Lee, Sam Patrick and other local Republican Party Leadrs? putting together their own little PAC to make sure they keep what they got.
That is not productive or beneficial to the citizens of Clatsop County either, in my view.
You ever notice the same people keep serving this County over and over and over and over and over?
You think it time for a fresh approach?
20 On Feb 17, 09:52 pm, scott wrote:
Hey Patrick,
I just talked to Larry Taylor. Sorry to burst your conspiracy theory bubble, but here’s what happened:
Larry saw the Clean Slate meeting article in the Daily A, thought it sounded like an interesting public meeting, and passed it on to the Democrats.
Hardly a plan for world domination.
21 On Feb 18, 08:25 am, Patrick McGee wrote:
Hey Patrick,
“I just talked to Larry Taylor. Sorry to burst your conspiracy theory bubble, but here’s what happened:
Larry saw the Clean Slate meeting article in the Daily A, thought it sounded like an interesting public meeting, and passed it on to the Democrats.
Hardly a plan for world domination.”
Good sleuthing Scott, congratulations on your scoop.
Could it be, though, that being discovered in his little plot, he’s just blowing smoke up your butt in his denial.
You must be a…....Democrat.
Doesn’t matter though a PAC is a PAC is a PAC and do you, yourself, believe this is the way to get the kind of Port Leadership so desperately needed here?
Not in my view.
22 On Feb 18, 10:11 am, scott wrote:
Patrick,
Thank you for making my personal level of paranoia seem miniscule by comparison.
First of all, this is all very premature, because I am not in any way ready to personally commit to vote for anyone until I’ve heard what their platform is, which is why I decided to go hear what they had to say, and why I suggested that everyone else should go hear what they have to say. I reported what I heard at the meeting as a public service, as I know that people have busy lives and it isn’t possible to attend every meeting.
As I reported, the Clean Slate people haven’t picked candidates to support, and all I know is that the info on their flyer sounded good, and when they choose candidates I’ll hear them out.
If I like those candidates based on their merits, I’ll vote for them. And even if they aren’t my ideal candidate, but they have integrity and will support a full audit of the Port books, tranparency, and public meetings where everyone feels respected and that their voice is being heard, I’ll make an informed decision based on the best available data, meaning that I’ll hear them out before judging.
Next topic.
You may have noticed that I’m fascinated by language and word choice.
With respect, your tone in this series of posts has been somewhat ugly and disrespectful of Larry Taylor. Here are some highlights:
Post 8: ”...All I know is, if it has Larry Taylor’s odor on it…”
Post 21: “Could it be, though, that being discovered in his little plot, he’s just blowing smoke up your butt in his denial.”
The word “odor” in regards to another person seems to me a very disrespectful choice, and in post 21 it sounds if you are accusing Larry of both plotting and lying. Are you accusing him?
I have no reason to doubt that what Larry said is true. I’ve known him for six years, and I’ve worked on various arts projects with Larry for five years. I’ve known him to be honest and plain-dealing, always says what he means, and does what he says. He’s put together a lot of great cultural events that have brought a lot of positive attention (and money) to Astoria and this all contributes positively to Astoria’s image and economy.
If you question his integrity, I’d suggest that you ask any of the many nonprofit organizations he has worked for and/or created.
As one of those who has worked with him, I would offer that his tireless dedication to making Astoria a better place to live by donating his time, talent and efforts WHILE holding a full-time job at Intel is astonishing, and his ethics and integrity, if you ask around, will be shown to be above most.
On another topic in your last post, since you asked, I’ll tell you what kind of candidate I’d like to support.
The kind of person I’d like to see in office is someone who doesn’t jump to conclusions based on little or no information.
The kind of person I’d like to see elected is one who is open to hearing new ideas, and does not rely on pre-formed opinions or hearsay.
I would suggest that if you still think Larry Taylor is part of Clean Slate, you’d better call and ask him yourself, as I did. (I’m not sure why you asked me to call in the first place if you were going to doubt my answer when I gave it.)
If you do decide to run, and if you are elected, as a possible future constituent, I hope you won’t treat me then the way you are treating me right now.
23 On Feb 18, 02:53 pm, Patrick McGee wrote:
Scott, I know exactly who Larry Taylor is and have so, since he started coming down here on weekends of which he still does I believe.
I remember him trying to insert R.O.P.( Rural Organizing Project) down here. As a matter of fact that was his first effort.
As far as your other rhetoric and musings, you just go ahead and use your better judgement and vote your conscience, you have every right to do so and I would expect you to do nothing else.
Like you, I am excited that we have a rare opportunity to start the rebuilding process of another key asset in Clatsop County, The Port of Astoria and another opportunity to replace 60% of the sitting Port Commission in one swoop with what I would hope to be citizens well versed in how the Quasi-Judicial System works and believe as I do that “The Port” should be completely open and transparent in its service to and representation of every Citizens of Clatsop County.
If I were to be elected to a seat, the firt measure I would lobby for is a complete Financial and Performance Audit of all Port operations to lay everything out on the table, deal with the results accordingly and move forward with the lesson learned.
Number two, I will present a resolution if that is what it is called to change the election of Commission Members from at-large candidacy to specific representation of each of the 5 Port Positions aligned with the 5 County Commission Districts so that Clatsop County will have blanket representation.
Number three, I will lobby immediately to seperate Port Director from Financial Officer as well.
Number four, unless somebody can convince me differently, I will lobby for no more “Design Build” on anything at “The Port”. All projects will be advertised for bid.
Number Five, I will call for a joint meeting of Port with all agencies controlling Dredging issues to see where the Port stands and what we need to do to move forward, legally, with getting this done immediately.
And so forth and so on.
The plus side?
When one is naive he can’t be told something can’t be done.
Anyway, I say, “Vote your conscience” and you will not have gone wrong.
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1 On Feb 14, 09:44 am, scott wrote:
Ughh, I apologize for the hideous grammatical errors at the top of my post – this was a note added far too hastily. I meant to say – ”(Note: These are not my personal views – these are simply some of the highlights from my notes concerning what was said at the meeting.)”
Scott