Commentary

How to run like Coolidge and win

Written June 20th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: no responses.

Calvin Coolidge may not be best remembered for how to win elections. But he should be, as I explain in the video.

Posted in: Commentary, Videos
Tags: Amity Shlaes, Calvin Coolidge, Jeff Merkley, Monica Wehby

Millersburg power vote looks likely

Written June 19th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 5 responses.

If public sentiment expressed at a hearing Thursday carries any weight, voters in Millersburg are likely to get an election on the question of whether the town should expel Pacific Power and take over the electric system within the city limits. Speakers demanding an election (I counted seven of them, including the lead spokesman for […]

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: ATI Wah Chang, Millersburg city council, Pacific Power, public power

A treat every four years

Written June 19th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: no responses.

The trouble with the start of summer every four years is that it’s hard to get any work done, or much of anything else. It’s World Cup time for soccer, and cable TV customers can spend all day every day watching games that are exciting even if you don’t pull for any of the teams.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Futbol, soccer, World Cup

Pacific pushing back harder

Written June 19th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 2 responses.

The fight over electric power in Millersburg is about to enter another round. The Millersburg City Council will hold a second public hearing tonight (June 19) on its proposal to kick Pacific Power out, take over the town’s electric system, by condemnation if necessary, and run it as a municipal utility. Pacific Power is expected to use the hearing […]

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: ATI Wah Chang, Millersburg, Pacific Power

CARA: Progress, and a tough call

Written June 17th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 11 responses.

CARA, Albany’s downtown urban renewal program, this week is beginning to see tangible results from two of the biggest projects it has supported with financial aid. It also faces the tough call of whether to extend and perhaps even forgive a $200,000 loan whose terms call for it to be repaid now.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany urban renewal, CARA, Edgewater Village, Penney Building, Woodland Square

Albany rail project near completion

Written June 17th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: no responses.

Whether it’s a right turn or a left turn depends on which direction the trains are going. But it will be a few more weeks before they use a new Albany track to turn either right or left. That’s the word from Kevin R. Haugh, the general manager of the Portland & Western Railroad.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany wye, ODOT-Rail, Portland & Western Railroad

Rail car on fire in P&W yard

Written June 16th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: no responses.

One of my bike routes takes me past Albany’s Talking Water Gardens, and usually nothing much happens. Today, about mid-day, I could not help but notice, in the distance on the other side of the ponds, smoke and the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. I wheeled the bike around to take a closer look, and the video […]

Posted in: Commentary, News, Videos
Tags: Albany Fire Department, Jefferson Fire Department, Lebanon Fire Department, Portland & Western