Commentary

Dodging craters on our streets

Written March 3rd, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: no responses.

The poor shape of some of Albany’s oldest streets is an old subject. A reader, Hazel Siebrecht, brought it up again on Feb. 28 in response to my story on the spending proposals before the CARA urban renewal advisory board when it meets at 5:15 p.m. today (March 4) at City Hall.

Posted in: Commentary, Videos
Tags: Albany street fund, Albany streets, street maintenance

A question of notice: Too little, too much?

Written March 3rd, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 7 responses.

No one testified in opposition before the Albany Planning Commission on Jan. 6 when the panel unanimously endorsed a code change to allow a Bottle Bill redemption center. A month later, when the issue came before the city council, five people testified against the idea and two others wrote letters, also opposed. What made the difference? […]

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Albany City Council, CARA, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, redemption center, Tom Cordier

Why no tax revolution?

Written March 2nd, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 3 responses.

This time of year it’s always a little surprising that we haven’t had a revolution lately. It is, after all, the season when people are obliged to spend time with the federal and state income tax codes and the numerous forms and work sheets they entail.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: income tax season, tax reform, tax returns

March starts with (what else?) rain …

Written March 1st, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 2 responses.

Just a quick look at a routine little downpour on Pacific Boulevard in Albany this Saturday afternoon.

Posted in: Commentary, Videos
Tags: Oregon weather, Weather Service

Putin and the Thief of Kiev

Written February 28th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 3 responses.

A few weeks ago, I got an unexpected glimpse of the Ukraine crisis when two young men came to our house and installed a new window, replacing one that had worn out. I could not understand what they were saying to each other while they worked. Later I asked one of them what language they were speaking. “Sounds like […]

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Obama, Putin, Russia, Ukraine

House votes to fool voters

Written February 27th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 5 responses.

Democrats in the Oregon House must think that voters are basically stupid. Or rather, they are counting on enough of them to be dumb enough to be fooled by the trick they pulled Thursday.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: ballot title, driving permits, illegal immigrants, Oregon legislature, referendum

Council resolves to fight ‘violation’

Written February 26th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 4 responses.

It’s not the money, it’s the principle of the thing, and the principle is worth fighting for, the Albany City Council decided Wednesday. On Monday, the council had agreed that each of its seven members would send the Oregon secretary of state a $10.72 check to cover a $75 civil penalty imposed on City Manager […]

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany City Council, electioneering, Floyd Collins, Jim Delapoer, Oregon election law, secretary of state, Wes Hare