Hasso Hering

CRC tolling: The answers

Written January 17th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: one response.

Two state representatives, Andy Olson of Albany and Sara Gelser of Corvallis, have found answers to my questions about tolling on the proposed new interstate bridge in Portland, the $2.8 billion Columbia River Crossing. No, there will be no toll booths if the bridge is built. Instead, here is how it would work:

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Andy Olson, bridge tolls, Columbia River Crossing, Sara Gelser

Albany panel includes critics

Written January 17th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: one response.

That’s one huge committee that’s been recruited to review the plans for Albany’s proposed new police headquarters and downtown fire station, and it includes both supporters and critics of past city council policies and spending decisions. Former state Sen. Frank Morse and retired Sheriff Dave Burright announced the members’ names this morning (Jan. 17). There are […]

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: Albany police and fire buildings, Dave Burright, Frank Morse, review committee

Health care and pay: High and higher

Written January 15th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 2 responses.

If you’re worried by the price of medical care and the cost of insurance to get it, you will be interested in four Oregon citizen initiatives filed this month. The petitioners include at least a couple of leaders in the Service Employees International Union, Meg Niemi of Portland and Lawrence Arnbrister of Beaverton. Their proposals […]

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: health care costs, hospital salaries, hospitals, Oregon initiatives, SEIU

I-5 bridge toll: How would it work?

Written January 14th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 4 responses.

Oregon legislators are wondering if and how Oregon could collect the toll on the proposed Columbia River Crossing from Washington state drivers. Never mind Washington. How about Oregon and California drivers? How would the toll be collected from us and our southern neighbors? Or from others from around this continent using Interstate 5 to cross […]

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: bridge tolls, Columbia River Crossing

Liquor initiatives: What price?

Written January 14th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 2 responses.

Would liquor cost more or less in Oregon if the state gave up its monopoly on selling the stuff? Experience in Washington state says that with privatization, the price goes up. But there seems to be some confusion on that point, stirred up by a story in the Salem newspaper a few days ago.

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: liquor initiatives, OLCC, Oregon state liquor

Better rail when? Nobody knows

Written January 13th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 2 responses.

As for catching a ride on a high-speed or even moderately fast passenger train up the Willamette Valley any time soon, don’t get your hopes up. There is no estimate for when such a service might start, says Jim Cox of the Oregon Department of Transportation. He and Benton County Commissioner Linda Modrell spoke about […]

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Corvallis City Club, Jim Cox, Linda Modrell, ODOT, Oregon passenger rail

Guns on legislative agenda — already!

Written January 12th, 2014 by Hasso Hering

Comments: no responses.

The 2014 legislative session has not even begun, and already there’s talk once again of guns, as though that was one of the most pressing issues of the day. Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, wants to revive a proposal that died last session. It would require criminal background checks before “the private sale of firearms.” The legislation would […]

Posted in: Commentary
Tags: criminal background checks, firearm sales, Floyd Prozanski, private firearm sales