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(Editor’s note: The story on Chilcote will be in the Saturday, Jan. 30, issue.)
The Oregonian had a very informative article about Dan Phegley and Ask Damascus on Jan. 19.
All along I have been thinking that Phegley has been advocating local control of this city, and now I find out something very different. It turns out Ask Damascus is funded by, and given political guidance by, the state arm of a national right-wing anti-tax organization called Americans For Prosperity and state anti-tax guru Don McIntire. Also, according to the article, Phegley was prompted to get into local politics because he wanted to develop his property and wasn’t allowed to do so.
And all along I have been thinking Phegley was trying to help Damascans who want this place to stay rural. Later, I find out that his proposed “new method” of government would require citizens to vote on every new issue the city proposes – and that each of these elections will cost local taxpayers about $10,000. And I thought he wanted to rein in government spending.
Finally, I learn that, if his new measures pass, the future of the city government is in doubt. How would this maintain the local control he has said we need to hold back the forces of Metro? All this makes me wonder if Phegley cares more about Damascus or about his own agenda – whatever that might be.
Keith Marshall
Damascus
The American middle class is working its way up the list of endangered species as the liberal environmental extremists expand their effort to save the planet and the endangered species. Jobs for the middle-class worker continue to disappear, replaced by a small number of government payroll jobs that produce no goods that the rest of the world is interested in purchasing. In fact, they produce no goods that anyone could use.
While the exodus of manufacturing has been blamed largely on organized labor, there are other factors in these decisions to leave the United States. Excessive and over-regulated environmental control, a runaway legal system that promotes everyone suing anyone for anything, a general public that has been brainwashed by the liberals into believing that a corporation operating in the red should still be taxed. A more far-reaching reason to leave could be the foresight of their future customers being where the jobs are located.
Step back in time 40 to 50 years and see the thriving industrial Portland-metropolitan area building everything you can imagine and growing food for its population and much more.
Today, we see little more than consumers with their clean air and water trying to find jobs. The price we are paying for this clean air and water may be more than our society can bear.
Richard H. Crampton
Gresham
I had the opportunity to go to our new skatepark and observe all the children who were there having so much fun, (as a reader a few weeks ago mentioned).
What I saw was a few bikers using it amongst the skaters. A police officer came to advise the bikers that the skate park was for skaters and until further notice scooters only. He shared an e-mail that said they were going to be targeting the bikers at the skate park over the next few days, so not to be riding in it. When asked about consequences, he said the fine was around $360 if caught more than once, and they would be issuing tickets.
Later, I observed skaters using the pedestrian sidewalk, inappropriate language, underage smokers skating and sitting on the side of the bowl and then disposing of the butts in the landscaping materials. I am so glad that someone has seen some good in this because I sure haven’t.
During the week I drove by and saw at least a dozen skaters (school age) using it and called the school and asked if it was a no-school day and was told it was a school day! Why are there children there during school hours? Last Tuesday afternoon, there were at least six skateboarders in the arts plaza, why were they not at the skate park? When is something going to be done to let them know that this was a privilege for them? Perhaps it should be closed for a few days to teach them that everyone has consequences for not following the established rules.
Jan Ruppert
Gresham
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Whether on-line or hard copy, it's always unfortunate when a newspaper publishes a letter to the editor that includes inaccurate information. It makes the newspaper look bad.
Mr. Marshall alleges that Ask Damascus is "funded by" Americans for Prosperity. This is false. Americans for Prosperity has never given a nickle to Ask Damascus or Mr. Phegley.
The rest of Mr. Marshall's "arguments" regarding citizen control of government in Damascus are sheer nonsense and/or deliberate lies. He obviously doesn't have any idea how government works.
On second thought, it's not only the Outlook that looks bad.
Matt Evans, Communications Director
Americans for Prosperity - Oregon
Portland
(email verified)
Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 06:19 PM
Mr. Phegley and AFP,
Let's see who is lying. A visit to Orestar will reveal that AFP has donated significant money to Ask Damascus - - or does that source lie. Regarding Mr. Phegley's desire to develop his property, I am only referring to the comments The Oregonian attributes to him. Who is lying about that? Special elections cost tax payers - - that is indisputable. And I can spell, too, Mr. Phegley. Can you spell "prevaricator"? That's what you are.
(email verified)
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 09:37 AM
I am responding to Mr. Evans assertion that "Americans for Prosperity has never given a nickle to Ask Damascus or Mr. Phegley". This is a blatant lie.
I direct your attention to the ORESTAR filings for Ask Damascus. This report CLEARLY shows the significant contributions by AFP:
01/21/2009 $1,105.82
02/21/2008 $3,000.00
03/03/2008 $3,368.31
03/08/2008 $750.55
10/22/2008 $1,000.00
12/19/2007 $1,500.00
This amounts to over $10,000 in contributions to Ask Damascus!
Stop The Lies.
Tim Giorgi
Damascus Citizen
(email verified)
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 10:27 AM
"Matt Evans for Americans for Prosperity is just flat out LYING.
Americans for Prosperity gave AskDamascus 1,105.82 with a transaction date reported to Oregon Elections Division on January 21, 2009. Go to the finance report at https://secure.sos.state.or.us/eim/cneSearch.do?cneSearchButtonName=search&cneSearchFilerCommitteeId=12634 if you want to verify it yourself.
I believe Phagley's lying too. Reread the Oregonionian article about why Dan became an activist... It was because a PRELIMINARY map showed his property in a conservation area. If this did happen (and the process is still ongoing and I don't know the current proposal). It would really only affect Dan Phagley's DEVELOPMENT options. 2+2=4.
Mr Phagley seems to thinks that he can confuse the people with "anti light rail retoric" when one of his measures will make the existing police services provided by Damascus "NULL AND VOID".
Lets get some objective, verifiable TRUTH into the arguments on these measures. And about AskDamascus! STOP THE LIES!
(email verified)
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 12:14 PM
In response to Mr. Phegley of AskDamascus and Mr. Evans of AFP:
According to the Oregonian, Mr Phegley "....organized a tax revolt after learning that his 2.5 acre property fell into a proposed 'green' area that was part of preliminary planning maps drafted for the proposed city."
Pray tell, Mr. Phegley, what about such designation would offend you unless it would lead to a restriction on future development?
Did the Oregonian not describe your converstaion accurately?
That same Oregonian article would also seem to give the lie to the claim by Mr Edwards that "...Americans for Prosperity has never given a nickel to AskDamascus or Mr Phegley".
To wit: "Logistical and financial support came from (Mr)Kropf's Americans for Prosperity Oregon".
And: "They had already gathered the signatures they needed," Kropf said. "But there's a big difference between gathering names on petitions and running a political campaign. That's where we came in."
Really.
Perhaps the Oregonian got this wrong as well?
My understanding is that contributions from AFP to AskDamascus are in the public record. Is this incorrect?
Contributions aside, voters of Damascus should ask themselves why an outside organization would be so interested in our election?
Another question to ponder is do you really want to be used as enablers for an outside group and their hidden agenda?
(email verified)
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 02:39 PM
How can those who wish to help Catherine Nicewood do so?? Can you post contact information? I would be interested in helping her in her efforts to keep the methadone clinic out of the proposed location in Rockwood.
Does the landlord not realize that his property will decrease in value with this tennant? That others who rent a space from him will likely move on when their leases are up if this new venture comes in? Are there codes in place that protect children from potentially harmful businesses?
I do realize treatment is better than no treatment, but must it be in such a conspicuous location? Aren't the three drug rehab centers along 182 and the one at 162 and Burnside enough? In real estate, the old axiom is Location, Location, Location. This is the WRONG LOCATION for this business. It will only attract undesirables.
(email verified)
Sun, Jan 31, 2010 at 04:52 PM
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Re: Letters to the editor for Jan. 27
In Response to Keith Marshall.
Keith has been in opposition to every measure by Ask Damascus including the restoration of citizen's initiative rights that were usurped by the city council.
First he pretends to have an open mind not mentioning prior opposition.
Second it is the knee jerk “anti Tax” group. Is wanting to vote on any light rail plan anti tax? How about wanting to vote on intergovernmental agreements, especially with Metro? What about wanting to vote on the overly abused emergency clause that routinely is employed to circumvent a vote?
All lumped into “Anti Tax” probably because it is easy to spell and requires no facts.
Third I wanted to develop my property and wasn't allowed to do so. This is total fiction. I have a home on 2.5 acres and am quite happy. Keith usually backs up his allegations with unsourced comments.
Fourth, “require citizens to vote on every new issue the city proposes.” While this statement is patently false he does show his colors. His idea being democracy is just too much effort and citizens should not worry their pretty little heads about such things.
Fifth, The tired argument that is always trotted out by big government folks “each of these elections will cost taxpayers about $10,000. Their point, democracy is just too expensive.
And finally he learns if citizens are allowed to vote on light rail “the future of the city government is in doubt.” Again no source for this information.
The first paragraph of the Oregon Constitution states:
“all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.–“
For Keith those darn constitutions are so bothersome.
I do have some help for Keith, a new cliche as his are very old. How about Ask Damascus is causing a voting pandemic.
Dan Phegley (AskDamascus.org)
"Dan Phegley"
(email verified)
Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 02:24 PM