With all this talk about drones, the Oregon legislature may set some ground rules. And it’s about time. Judging by what you read about the increasing popularity of using unmanned aircraft, those things are going to be buzzing overhead any time now. The state Senate Judiciary Committee has a bill that deals with the issue. […]
Now it’s the lawyers’ turn in Albany’s latest romp into the wilds of direct democracy. Voters approved two initiatives written by North Albany resident Tom Cordier. One says the city council will need voter approval of any future urban renewal districts. No question about that one. But the other says the city cannot incur “new […]
I don’t know why we are always urging people to vote no matter what. If an election is in the offing, it is customary for civic-minded voices in public to say things like: “Regardless of which way you decide, be sure to vote.” And yes, there’s great value attached to the act of voting itself, […]
Daylight saving time is here. If we could keep it, I would quit my complaining about it. I’m not against gaining an hour of daylight at the end of the day. What I’m against is the time change twice a year. Judging from the online chatter, lots of you resent the change as well. And […]
Senate Bill 127 in the Oregon legislature is rekindling an old debate that had all but died out: Self-service gas, yes or no? Oregon and New Jersey remain the only states in the country where motorists are not allowed to pump their own fuel at gas stations open to the public. It’s a silly law, […]
Oregon’s Senate president, Peter Courtney, filed a bill that threatened to fine cell-phoning drivers up to $1,000. This would be accomplished by upgrading the offense — using a hand-held cell phone while driving — from a Class D to a Class B traffic violation. I’m glad to report that the Senate Judiciary Committee has improved […]
When the big one hits
Once again we have been warned about the devastating effects of a really big earthquake off the Oregon coast. The question is not what we should do about it, but whether we will or can. The Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission has just delivered its latest assessment and plan to the legislature. It says […]
Tags: earthquake, Oregon quakes, tsunami