This little doe and her family wander past my window outside of Albany on most days, and seeing them reminds me of one legislator’s attempt to solve a couple of problems: Too many deer in some cities, and deer killed in traffic being left on the roads.
Sections of six downtown Albany streets will be torn up and rebuilt this summer, and businesses are worried. But the contractor will be required to avoid or minimize any disruptions of traffic or special events.
Returning to Albany Thursday afternoon from Southern Oregon, I could see no need for Senate Bill 532, the “don’t-hog-the-left-lane bill.” All of us on the freeway did just fine without it.
Albany has no more downtown hotels, as it did long ago when there were several, but now it does have a restored hotel canopy that brings back memories of that bygone era.
So I’m tooling around on my bicycle in Southern Oregon. The sun is shining and it’s 88 degrees according to my phone, 92 on an actual thermometer — in May! The sudden sight of a classic car makes me lean the bike against a pole and take a closer look.
Despite misgivings about over-regulating the way we live, the Oregon House has approved Rep. Andy Olson’s bill to get tough on people using cell phones while driving.
Albany may vote on 5-cent gas tax
Albany seems to be headed for an election on a local fuel tax of 5 cents a gallon this November, judging by the city council’s discussion Monday. The tax might raise about $1.25 million a year for street repairs.
Tags: 5 cent fuel tax, Albany gas tax, local fuel tax