They “had to do something to stop her.”

A very nice citizen who recently had a long discussion with Sally as she sat in front of the local Post Office, said he wasn't sure the recall was such a good idea and had decided to stay neutral. He later ran into Doug Morten and asked him why he and Barlow had filed suit against a citizen who is just speaking her mind. Morten’s response was that they “had to do something to stop her.” That answer and other answers he received from Morten prompted him to change his mind about the recall.

They “had to do something to stop her.”

You know, I'm not worried about how people will vote if this recall makes it to the ballot. People will make the decision that serves them best, whether or not it's the one I advocate. I'm more concerned about making sure Doug and Phil don't get away with bullying Sally and others by filing this senseless law suit.

I think it's time for a recall blitz and I'm going to find 19 other people to join me in gathering just 20 signatures each, over a three-day period later this month. 20 people X 20 signatures as proof that another 400 people believe that St. Helens voters have the right to reconsider the election of these two councilors and are willing to make sure they get the chance to do just that.

It's a good time to make a stand here. Let's show Doug and Phil that whatever they do it will not be enough to stop Sally Gump and the rest of us from challenging their arrogant, self-declared authority.

Strategic lawsuit against public participation

According to New York Supreme Court Judge J. Nicholas Colabella, "Short of a gun to the head, a greater threat to First Amendment expression can scarcely be imagined."

Judge Colabella was referring to a SLAPP suit (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) such as that filed by our two recall councilors against Chief Petitioner Sally Gump.

Strategic lawsuit against public participation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation ("SLAPP") is a lawsuit or a threat of lawsuit that is intended to intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition. Winning the lawsuit is not necessarily the intent of the person filing the SLAPP. The plaintiff's goals are accomplished if the defendant succumbs to fear, intimidation, mounting legal costs or simple exhaustion and abandons the criticism may also intimidate others from participating in the debate.

Oregon's Anti-SLAPP law
http://lebanonsfortruthandreconciliation.blogspot.com/2007/11/oregons-anti-slapp-law.html

Sunday, November 11, 2007
Not only are we protected by the United States Constitution, we are protected by the free speech clause of the Oregon Constitution. So what, you say. The free speech clause of the Oregon Constitution is considered the broadest of all free speech clauses in the country.

Moreover, since 2002, Oregon has had an anti-SLAPP law. SLAPPs are Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, lawsuits that are designed to keep people from speaking about public issues simply because they can't afford the costs of defending such suits. Gardner v. Martino (a defamation suit concerning a customer who complained about service from a local business on a consumer radio show) was dismissed under the anti-SLAPP law. That suit was brought in the United States District Court in Oregon and dismissed in December 2005.

Not only does an anti-SLAPP law motion stop all action in the case until the motion is resolved (so much for all the pesky, expensive discovery), it also allows successful defendants to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs. In the Gardner case, the defendants received an award of $41,612.10, of which $40,000 was attorney fees.

Special Council Meeting

I just returned from the special council meeting where there was discussion about hiring a new library director. Apparently choice #1 said no and they are talking about going to choice #2 and then considering choices #3 and #4, should #2 say no.

Keith Locke said he didn't want to pay moving costs for the person they hire (#2 is in Virginia). He cited "budget issues" and "budget concerns" as his reasoning. He suggested instead of choices #2 and #3 they should consider offering it to someone in house because it would cost them less (their top in-house candidate is #4 on their list).

Doug made it clear that he wanted the discussion carried over to their next week's work session because he didn't know it would be discussed at today's meeting and wasn't prepared (with his notes, etc.).

Odd. It appears he got notice of the meeting the same as I did in the following message sent by Kathy Payne:

Special Council Meeting Notice‏
From: Kathy Payne (Kathy@ci.st-helens.or.us)
Sent: Thu 8/21/08 4:00 PM
To: Chad Olsen (chad@ci.st-helens.or.us); Charles Grant (charlesg@ci.st-helens.or.us); charlesrgrant@comcast.net; Doug Morten (dougm@ci.st-helens.or.us); dougmorten@comcast.net; Keith Locke (keithl@ci.st-helens.or.us); keithlocke@comcast.net; Phillip Barlow (phillipb@ci.st-helens.or.us); Randy Peterson (randyp@ci.st-helens.or.us); telkarpete@yahoo.com

The St. Helens City Council will meet in a special meeting on Monday, August 25, 2008, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Communications/Tourism contract and the Library Director position.

Notice of Special Council Meeting

The meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. The facility is handicapped accessible. If you need special accommodation, please contact City Hall at (503)397-6272.

At any rate, I believe they decided to offer it to choice two and proceed from there.

When I walked in (about 10 minutes late), they were still on the record and were discussing Keith's concerns about the library director costs. They decided to wait until Charles could get there (he was late, had to be called and arrived saying he had to take his daughter to swimming lessons--does the guy ever make a meeting on time??).

Keith then went on to express his concerns about the recall, saying he thought the council should get involved and that maybe RSVP could mediate. He'd be happy to facilitate that. Paul Pulliam said he thought it was inappropriate for them to be discussing this topic at a Council meeting. Randy said if the councilors, individually, wanted to get involved in trying to resolve it, that was fine, but it was not something the City could or would get involved with.

By the way, I overheard Keith Locke say (last week) that one of the purposes of the meeting was to discuss "the elections" but that he didn't want that included on the agenda.

I think these guys would do better if they just kept their mouths shut. Tight.

Affidavit regarding fiscal concerns of the City

August 24, 2008

I, Kimberley Bauer, hereby declare as follows:

1. I have reviewed the tape recordings of the May 27, 2008, City of St. Helens Budget Review Committee meeting when that Committee reviewed the proposed FY2009 City budget.

2. In listening to those tapes, I heard one or more members of the Committee argue against adoption of the proposed budget as presented, on the grounds that it could cause the City serious financial difficulties.

3. In a City Administrative Staff Meeting on May 28, 2008, City Finance Director Marilyn Peterson stated that the City faces serious financial difficulties, depletion of the City's contingency funds, and the possibility of bankruptcy by June 2010.

I hereby declare that the statements made above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that they are made for use as evidence in court and are subject to the penalty for perjury.

Kimberley Bauer

Malice

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
mal·ice [mal-is]
–noun
1. desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness: the malice and spite of a lifelong enemy.
2. Law. evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

American Heritage Dictionary
mal·ice
n.
1. A desire to harm others or to see others suffer; extreme ill will or spite.
2. Law The intent, without just cause or reason, to commit a wrongful act that will result in harm to another.

Online Etymology Dictionary
malice
1297, "desire to hurt another," from O.Fr. malice "ill will, spite," from L. malitia "badness, ill will, spite," from malus "bad" (see mal-). In legal use, "wrongful intent generally" (1547). Malicious (c.1225) is O.Fr. malicius "showing ill will," from L. maliciosus "full of malice," from malitia.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper

WordNet
malice
noun
1. feeling a need to see others suffer
2. the quality of threatening evil [syn: malevolence]
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary
malice [ˈmӕlis]
noun
the wish to harm other people etc
Example: There was no malice intended in what she said.

"How to Get Rich by Recall" by two city councilors

I hear one of the recall councilors is out and about talking about he expects to be a rich man. I suppose this is via his lawsuit against Sally (for which she has yet to be served).

The suit asks for "non-economic damages of $50,000, and for an additional sum of $10,000 for each republication of the false statements" meaning $50,000 for his pain and suffering I assume (poor fellow) and an additional $10,000 for each copy of the recall statement published.

Let's see, I personally made about 100 copies of the petition and I think the City Recorder made about 60 (as part of the packet the City provided). I also made another 100 or so copies of just the statements, not the petitions, so, wow! He IS going to be a rich man. Kind of like old man Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life," rich in every way except the one that really counts.

And, let's not leave out the other councilor. I can't imagine (or let's say I can but won't share the gory details here) just exactly how excited he must be, sitting around counting his soon-to-be-hatched little chickens.

It's no wonder they filed these suits. Wonder if Sally has that kind of money? Think they'll fight over who gets what she does have? Or, will Huffman file next against the City because they brazenly and "with actual malice" made 60 copies of the petitions?

I'm glad, frankly, that they are this busy planning their wealth. At least they won't be so focused on spending the City's money for the few weeks it takes them to get their Sally-loot spent!

Maybe after they've won all their money and settled down, they can write a book, make that books, about how to get rich quick, and then sell the movie rights to Hollywood. Wonder who will play the councilors? Any suggestions?

I need a 12-step program to keep me out of Bill Eagle's nasty website!

(St. Helens Update barb from Smooth Operator 8/19/08)
In response to Jay Henry's letter of 8.7, which really cracked me up, let me respond by saying that maybe Jay should take a little of his own advise, and research. Last time i checked the city charter says you only have to LIVE in St. Helens city limits for a year prior to holding office. So Hey Jay... You're wrong.. sorry to burst your bubble. Have you been listening to Paul Pulliam again, i hear he wants to run for one of the two positions up for recall. Course, Since it appears that he thinks he is a legend in his own mind, he probably wants to hold them both. at the same time... IN my opinion of course.

I would offer a suggestion, that before you hitch your wagon to that tired horse, YOU do some research!. But then again, you probably already know the dirt, that has been swept under the rug for that past few years, as i hear it may have been you holding the Broom. Nice!.

Hey, while your at it, i dont think we have enough billboards up next to the highway, could you get to work on that? We need more low class urban blight to attract more business our way. Make sure you get the okey dokey from randy and the boys at the boathouse first.. you sure wouldn't like to be on the wrong side of that gravy train now would you?

Smooth Operator


I need to be banned from reading this rag because it does bad things to my blood pressure. But I can't help myself! These are the people who give St. Helens a bad name, not Sally Gump, not Jay Henry, and not Paul Pulliam. And, heaven help me, I always want to take a red pen to these things..........it's the English major in me. I can't decide what grieves me more--the spew or the grammar and spelling errors!

Still, my response is screaming to get out, so:

Dear Smooth: When WAS the last time you "checked" the charter anyway? Let me help you out. Copied directly from the city's charter (which you can find at www.ci.st-helens.or.us):

CHAPTER III
Form of Government
Section 12. Qualification of Officers.
No person shall be eligible for an elective office of the city unless at the time of his election he is a qualified elector within the meaning of the state constitution, is the owner of real property within the corporate limits of the city, and has resided in the city during the 12 months immediately preced­ing the election. The council shall be final judge of the qualifications and election of its own members.

Ok. I feel better now. Breathe. Breathe. By the way, can anyone tell me where the boathouse is? I want to see if Jay gets the poor tired horse to the gravy train before he finds the billboards and whoever is holding that nice broom. Huh? What did I miss here? Is this one of those St. Helens inside jokes?

Threats are so..............unseemly

The tactics playing out in this recall effort are amusing. Attorney Huffman and his clients think they will be recipients of $10,000 per signature on the recall petitions when and if they finally they face Sally Gump in court.

Word is that Huffman, who thinks Sally is "on the dark side" and shouldn't be "disrupting the election" with a recall, is ranting and raving about suing every "Jane and John Doe" associated with the recall and all the people who sign the petitions. He wants Sally in his office for a deposition.

I suppose this heavy-handedness is in direct response to Sally's lack of interest "negotiating" with Doug's when he approached her at 13 Nights, but maybe it's really about Tom Henderson's article in the Spotlight about how the councilors don't stand much of a chance of winning a suit against Sally for exercising her first amendment rights.

I thought I was embarrassed for the political naivete of the councilors, but it's a toss up now as to whether I'm more embarrassed for them or their out of control attorney, or maybe just for them because they chose him.

Like Sally says, this is a real education. And, a great example of why people often think poorly of attorneys. If you can't win justly, huff and puff and threat a lot. Ok, maybe just for today, I'm more embarrassed for Huffman.

Who is afraid? And, why?

If I had a recall petition circulating against me, I'd be afraid, or at least upset. And, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Doug and Phil actually have some moments of anxiety over these recall efforts.

What surprises me is the number of people in this town who speak encouraging words to us about the recall and in the same breath tell us they are afraid to sign a petition. Afraid. Afraid that their signatures will cause a backlash against other efforts they support that must go before Council for approval. Afraid of losing their jobs. Afraid of adverse affects on their businesses if Doug and Phil find out they signed. Afraid.

I don't deny people's feelings and fears, and I'm not pointing fingers. Except maybe at Doug and Phil. Are they even aware that people fear retaliation from them? Call me a sap, but in their shoes I'd probably be out assuring people that it is their constitutional right to express their opinion and while I'd be sorry if they chose to support a recall against me, I would never consider retaliation for what is clearly freedom of speech.

If you believe in this recall and the reasons behind it, how can you not believe it is in our best interest to put it to a vote of the people of St. Helens? Signing a recall petition says you support the right of the people to determine whether or not these two councilors should be recalled. It says you believe in taking an issue to the people it affects. It says you trust that people will make informed decisions and believe in their right to do that. To deny citizens a right to even vote on the issue because people are afraid to sign a petition that simply requests a vote--that's just sad.

This whole issue disturbs me most because it says scary things about how much power these councilors have, and more importantly, how much power we grant them. It makes me angry and I wonder why it doesn't make everyone else just as angry.

I believe that stuff about freedom of speech. No one infringes upon my rights without a fight. I'd be the first one filing suit if I thought Doug and Phil, or anyone else, was retaliating against me for signing a petition. And, you know what? I'd win.

"I am a trustworthy person...."

The motion to rescind the $75 meeting stipend passed last night. And, guess who voted nay: the two councilors who have been collecting the stipend funds: Barlow and Locke!

Even Morten was smart enough to see the way the wind blows on this one. Of course, he IS running for mayor and does have to worry about the perception that he's not spending funds wisely. I guess Locke isn't concerned about his election. And, Barlow thinks we're all just idiots anyway and will never be able to recall him. Still, he was worried enough to file that suit against Sally Gump, and that encouraged several people to sign for his recall.

I came across a great quote in campaign blather from the last election; guess who said it:

"I am a trustworthy person who will be respectful of your money and treat it with the care it deserves."

Hint: he just voted to keep his meeting stipends!

Source: http://www.votephilbarlow.com/about.html

Hmmm, good timing!

I hear the Council will vote tonight to rescind their controversial $75 stipend for attending outside meetings. Interesting timing. Let's see, the election is how many weeks away?

People do the nicest things!

While collecting signatures on the recall petitions yesterday outside the St. Helens Post Office, a woman approached Chief Petitioner Sally Gump and handed her an envelope with $20 inside, marked "for your legal fund."

Amid the pettiness and lawsuits and insults, comes someone who makes you remember that people can be really wonderful. And, there are lots of them out there--people afraid to sign the petitions who still stop by to chat, bringing gifts and words of encouragement. St. Helens is filled with nice people.

Thank you!

Follow the money

Excerpted from The South County Spotlight, May 13, 2008

Of note is the fact that Barlow had, at least up to this date, earned almost twice as much in meeting stipends as the next closest councilor. Even more telling might be the fact that citizens paid two councilors to attend some meetings ($150 worth of good will?) and that the two councilors in question frequently submitted identical reports regarding those meetings. Marked in red are just a couple of the duplications, including one for the City Council meeting in Columbia City mentioned in the previous post.

"Following the money:St. Helens council says new stipend schedule paying off
By Rick Swart

Where the stipends went

The following is a detail of requests (as written) for reimbursement that members of the St. Helens City Council have turned in since the beginning of the year under the new $75 per meeting stipend schedule.

Mayor Randy Peterson $0

Councilor Doug Morton $0

Councilor Charles Grant $0

Council President Keith Locke $675

Councilor Phillip Barlow $1200

Keith Locke's detail

01/16/08 — County Commissioners, County Chambers, 10-11:50 a.m., Talked about cluster concept meeting with the port on 02/1/08 at city chambers at 9 a.m. I invited Commissioner Hyde to the meeting. Talked about Urban Renewal Report coming in February. I invited Commissioner Hyde to speak at the public forum meeting on 01/16/08 at 6 p.m. Commissioner Hyde showed up and talked at the meeting concerning ways to meet area residents concerning the flood.

01/17/08 — Columbia City, Columbia City Chambers, 7:30-8:20 p.m., talked about the flood and the impact it had on St. Helens Residents, and that we had displaced citizens. I would like to see in the near future a way to work together during emergency times. I also talked about are relationship concerning the water issue, I know it has been very contentious in the past, I hope we can work together and not against each other in the future. Talked about the cluster meeting we are having with the port on Feb 1st I said I believe both city’s should communicate concerning economic development since The City of Columbia City is so close to The City of St. Helens and the impact, ei: negative, are positive.

01/23/08 — Columbia County Commission, 10-11 a.m., Thanked Commissioner Hyde for showing up and speaking at the city’s flood meeting/public forum. County Commissioners appointed me to Mets and needs Committee. Skip Baker Alternate. Invited Commissioner Hyde to the Feb 1st Cluster Economic Development Meeting at City Chambers. Talked about the rail line and the safety issues concerning the mile and a half trains going thru the city at high speed. Commissioner Hyde said town hall meetings will be in every city concerning the rail line, not sure about the time of St. Helens Town Hall meeting will be. I will ask Chad to look in on that.

01/25/08 — Senior Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Talked about State Revenue Sharing and their request, also what requests that have an impact on them, Transportation, Golden Years Program. Talked about working on Block Grant and rebuild and thanked Cheryl Young for her help and dedication. Also talked about improving communication between not only the seniors but all of the community, and clarified how to talk to councilors how important follow through is. Had discussions with seniors on projects and hospital.

01/30/08 — Port of St. Helens, 3-5 p.m., Main topic of meeting was Scappoose Airport and the development for new business, meeting was well attended by concerned citizens and businesses and agencies. Talked about work that was in progress and needed to be completed, discussion about wetland delineations.

02/7/08 — City/County Dinner, Ixtapa, Scappoose, 6-8:30 p.m., State ethics law presented by Andrew Jordan, Columbia County Flood overview presented by Vicki Harguth, city/county updates, I talked about governance rules and sub committees.

02/11/08 — Fair Board, 4-H Building, 6-8:30 p.m., Meeting was mostly a citizen input session. Citizens thought that they had better ideas and were concerned about funds not being spent in appropriate means. Lots of interesting ideas but most involved volunteers and the fees charge non-profit agencies. Monte from Parks talked to Fair Board about Tee Ball Field.

04/1/08 — CEPA, Boise, 10 a.m.-noon, Reported on Urban Renewal — Historic Overlay — 13 Nights.

04/10/08 — ROCN (Regional Narcotics Task Force), 9-11 a.m., Budget approval and yearly report.

04/22/08 — City Chambers, 12-2 p.m., Tourism commission working on County Brochure and Branding this is for Travel Oregon.

04/24/08 — Economic Opportunities Summit, Warren Baptist Church, 1-4 p.m., Cluster meeting with businesses of Columbia County area. Assigned to head communication between businesses and school board.

04/25/08 — Tourism, City Chambers, Tourism commission working on County Brochure and Branding for this is for Travel Oregon.

Phil Barlow's detail

01/16/08 — County Commissioners, County Chambers, 10-11:50 a.m., Talked about cluster concept meeting with the port on 02/1/08 at city chambers at 9 a.m. I invited Commissioner Hyde to the meeting. Talked about urban renewal district report coming in February 08. I invited Commissioner Hyde to speak at the public forum meeting on 01/16/08 at 6 p.m. Commissioner Hyde showed up and talked at the meeting concerning ways to meet area citizens concerning the flood. [Ok, who asked Commissioner Hyde to attend which meeting? Clearly these guys are earning their $75 because they both seem to have invited Hyde to the meeting and then both, again, invited him to speak at the public forum later in the day.]

01/17/08 — The City of Columbia City, Columbia City Chambers, 7:30-8:20 p.m., talked about the flood and the impact it had on St. Helens Residents and that we had displaced citizens I would like to see in the near future a ay to work together during emergency times. I also talked about are relationship concerning the water issue. I know it has been very contentious in the past, I hope we can work together and not against each other in the future. Talked about the cluster meeting we are having with the port on Feb 1. I said I believe both city’s should communicate concerning economic development since The City is Columbia City is so close to the City of St. Helens, and the impact, ei: negative, are positive. [So, who is plagiarizing whom? Meeting minutes don't indicate that Locke attended or spoke, yet both Locke and Barlow reported that they spoke, even said the same things, and submitted for this stipend.]

01/23/08 — Columbia County Commission, Commissioner Chambers, 10-11 a.m., Thanked Commissioner Hyde for showing up and speaking at the city’s flood meeting/public forum. County Commissioners appointed me, to Mets and needs Committee. Skip Baker Alternate. Invited Commissioner Hyde to the Feb 1 Cluster Economic Development Meeting at City Chambers. Talked about the rail line and the safety issues concerning the mile and a half trains going thru the city at a high speed. Commissioner Hyde said town hall meetings will be in every city concerning the rail line, not sure about the time of St. Helens Town Hall Meeting will be, I will ask Chad to look in on that.

01/26/08 — Unmet-Needs Committee, Vernonia Learning Center, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Advocate for City, and appointed by the County commission. Talked about a Emergency Mitigation Preparation Plan. Community Development Director, Skip Baker and Chief Steve Showed up at that meeting in the county court house.

02/01/08 — Cluster Concept, Port, city and col-pac, St. Helens City Chambers, 9-11 a.m., St. Helens stepping to the plate to bring in livable wage jobs, clean jobs, business that will work together and increase the quality of life.

02/05/08 — CEPA, Boise, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m., I spoke about the Urban Renewal District that will affect special district. I told them as soon as we receive the report from the consultant, that we will be talking to each one of the special district. Spoke about the big read. Discussed the flooding in St. Helens.

02/07/08 — City County Dinner, Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant, 6-8:30 p.m., Reported on the Cluster concept, and invited all of the cities to set down and talk to us about economic development in Columbia County. Andrew Jordan spoke about the new Ethics Legislation.

02/12/08 — People Initiative Concerning Critical Access Hospital, Columbia Learning Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hospital District had there attorney at the meeting, people were concern about city sewage going out to Millard Road, and the definition of critical access, they felt like they had been lied to.

02/15/08 — City of St. Helens Emergency Recovery In Review, Upstairs conference Room, Long term recovery, and emergency response. How to make are recovery transparent so that all could see. Set up a recovery committee. Meet needs of local citizens.

02/19/08 — Rep. Brad Witt, CRFR Admin Conference Room, 7-8 a.m., Legislator Report. I asked about e-government talked about funding the senior food program, and timber money. The fed will fund two hundred and fifty million to Oregon counties.

02/20/08 — Board of Columbia County Commissioner, County Commissioners Chambers, 10-11 a.m., Talked about Needs and issue list. That was a total waste of staff time and councilors time. Talked about the BLM Tree Farm Money the County needs. It will adversely affect the City of St. Helens if the Feds don’t Fund.

03/19/08 — Columbia County Commissioners, 10-11:50 a.m., Spoke about the Economic future of Columbia County, and working together in a few different ways. #1: Joint emergency operation center. 2: Working together on bringing livable wage jobs, and a Green Company Concept. #3: Cluster Concept.

03/21/08 — State Congressional Report by Senator Johnson, Warren Country Inn, 8-10 a.m., Senator Johnson spoke about the bills that would benefit Columbia County and the City of St. Helens. Funding for Senior Programs, funding for economic development, more push toward Green Businesses. Keith Lock spoke about Urban Renewal Plan. Phil spoke about the Economic future of St. Helens.

03/21/08 — St. Helens Senior Center, 12-2 p.m. Report is attached

04/16/08 — Columbia County Commissioners, 10-11:50 a.m., Heard about the Economic future of Columbia County and The City of St. Helens.

04/24/08 — Economic Opportunities Summit, Warren Baptist Church, 1-4 p.m., Senator Johnson spoke, Commissioner Hyde Spoke about sustainability, the group spoke about what would be best in this community, how we can work together to be even stronger. Overall very dynamic, lots of good info, we will beet for another Summit in 3 months."

Phil Barlow earns $75 introducing himself to the City of Columbia City and asking a question!

from Columbia City's website:

"City Council Meeting Minutes

THURSDAY, JANAURY (sic) 17, 2008

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS

CITY OF COLUMBIA CITY, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

Philip Barlow: Philip Barlow, City Council Member for the City of St. Helens, introduced himself to the Mayor and Council and said he looks forward to improving intergovernmental relations with the City of Columbia City. He asked who maintains the trail system between St. Helens and Columbia City."

My neighbors [Heaton, Harrison] and husband [Villoni] were present at that meeting and verify that Phil did introduce himself and say he looked forward to improving intergovernmental relations with the City of Columbia City. He also asked who maintains the trail system between St. Helens and Columbia City. They estimate his participation at 5 minutes. Estimating in his favor, assuming he engaged with the Columbia City Council for 10 minutes, that figures out to $7.50 per minute, a meager fee for the rapport established between our two cities.

$75 per meeting attendance stipend

This issue seems to be a sticking point for many of the people I talk with. To clarify, the list at the end of this entry includes meetings the councilors can be compensated $75 for attending. The list appears in its entirety from Resolution No. 1464, amending compensation for the city council, approved and adopted on December 19, 2007, with Morten, Locke, Barlow and Grant voting aye, and Mayor Randy Peterson voting nay.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that the councilors receive the meeting stipend for city council work sessions and regular meetings, special sessions and executive sessions, and for the city committee and commissions they attend as part of their assigned council duties. This is not true.

[Except in the case of Councilor Keith Locke who is listed on the Tourism Committee's membership list as a member of the committee not as the Councilor assigned to the committee yet is eligible for the meeting stipend these meetings. In the case of other city committees and commissions Councilors are the assigned councilor representative for the group and not eligible for a special meeting stipend. Councilor Locke is eligible for $75 for each monthly meeting of the Tourism Committee as well as for each special meeting they call. There have been at least 10 of these special meetings over the past four months as the committee worked on branding for the county-wide tourism effort, and currently, as they work to build a website.]

"Eligible Meetings
Communication/Newsletter
Media Newspapers/KOHI
Town Hall Meetings
City/County Quarterly Meetings
Economic Development Plan
Strategic Plan
Urban Renewal District
City Waterfront Master Plan
Labor Negotiations
County Commissioners
State Senator
State Representative
Other Cities in the County
CRF&R
SMART
CEPA
Cable TV
ROCN
Parks and Recreation
County Fair Board
St. Helens School Board/Administration
Port of St. Helens
South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
Community Action Team
Columbia County Mental Health
Women's Resource Center
Amani Center
St. Helens Senior Center
Food Bank
Power Squadron/Yacht Club
Toastmasters/Rotary/Kiwanis/Lions/Elks/Moose
St. Helens Downtown Association
Columbia County Master Gardeners Association
Columbia Foundation
Public Health/Legacy Health Clinic/Sacagawea Health Center
NW Oregon Economic Alliance
Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District
Northwest Oregon Regional Partnership
Northwest Oregon Area Commission on Transportation
Oregon State Marine Board/Scappoose Bay Watershed
Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
Oregon Economic & Community Development Department
Oregon Travel/Oregon Main Street Program
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Oregon Department of State Lands
Oregon Downtown Development Association
Mayors/Councilors/Conventions
Training Seminars/Conferences
Sustainable Tourism
Neighborhood Associations
Bicycle Friendly Town Committee
Heritage Committee
Safe Passage Committee

Other Meetings As Assigned By The Council"

Sources for recall statements

Statement: Phil Barlow not eligible for elected office in St. Helens
The St. Helens City Charter, Section 12, Qualification of Officers says "No person shall be eligible for an elective office of the city unless at the time of his election he ... is the owner of real property within the corporate limits of the city." The Columbia County Tax Assessor says the only Barlow who owns property in St. Helens city limits is Phil's brother.

Statement: Councilors approved the FY2009 budget which could deplete the contingency fund and lead the city into bankruptcy by June 2010
Budget Review Committee meeting minutes 5/27/08

Statement: Councilors approved an 800% pay increase that could cost taxpayers more than $75,000 annually
City Council meeting minutes (Work Session, November 21, 2007, and Regular Session, December 19, 2007), and the City of St. Helens Budget FY2008-09 (page 3). The actual 2007-2008 city budget expense for Councilor compensation was $16,400. The City Council-approved compensation in the 2008-09 city budget is $82,000, including* $75 per meeting attendance stipends and other financial perks. The Council Compensation Committee, convened to advise council on the issue, was comprised of two councilors and three citizens, needing only a simply majority to make decisions and recommendations to Council.

Statement: "If you want a good product, you've got to pay us."
Doug Morten quoted in The South County Spotlight, March 5, 2008, in "A changing tide: paradigm shifts on the St. Helens City Council" by Darryl Swan.

Statement: Councilors voted to expand their own powers, changing the City Charter, and without a vote of the people.
Ordinance 3030 redefines the position of city administrator and gives authority for all departments and daily operations of the city to councilors. ("The city administrator shall exercise all authority and power herein delegated, or hereinafter delegated, to him/her by the city council and shall have the same responsibility with respect to the central business office and financial department as do other municipal officers with respect to the departments of which the are the department head.") Councilors with little or no experience now supervise department heads hired for experience and education in their respective fields. Despite council discussion of intent to seek voter approval for charter changes (City Council meeting minutes, Special Session, September 12, 2007) it has not been sought.

Statement: Barlow lobbied for a city-owned BMX track that could benefit his family bicycle business.
St. Helens Parks Commission Meeting Minutes, September 17, 2007

Statement: Morten ignores recommendations of the Parks Commission and City staff in favor of his own agenda
City of St. Helens Parks Commission minutes. Regarding membership issues, 1/14/08 & 04/21/08; Sand Island shuttle, 4/21//08 & 05/19/08; McCormick Park ball field improvements, 5/19/08; and more.

Where to find it:

ST HELENS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, WORK SESSION MINUTES, PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES, AND THE CITY CHARTER are available at the city's website: www.ci.st-helens.or.us. Minutes not available online can be obtained by Public Information Request and payment of $12-24 per session, except for minutes of the Councilor Compensation Committee meetings for which no minutes were taken.

CITY OF ST. HELENS BUDGET FY 2008-09 is available for $5 per copy and copies of city ordinances are available for $.25 per page, through Public Information Request at the City of St. Helens.

THE SOUTH COUNTY SPOTLIGHT is available online at www.spotlightnews.net/.

THE COUNTY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE is located at the Columbia County Courthouse on Strand Street in St. Helens.

*this has been listed, in error, in some of our flyers as "$82,000, in addition to" but should be $82,000, including $75 per meeting attendance stipends and other perks.

Statement of Reasons to Recall Doug Morten

from the petition:

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DEMANDING THE RECALL OF ST. HELENS CITY COUNCILOR DOUGLAS MORTEN

The citizens of St. Helens petition to recall Councilor DOUGLAS MORTEN who, for reasons of FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY and ABUSE OF POWER, does not represent the best interests of the City and his constituents.

Specifically, DOUGLAS MORTEN

1. approved the City's FY2009 budget which could deplete the $1.6 million contingency fund and lead the City to bankruptcy by June 2010, against recommendations of the Budget Review Committee and City Finance Director;
2. approved a Councilor pay increase of 800% as an incentive to do a good job (because, "If you want a good product, you've got to pay us."), potentially costing taxpayers more than $75,000 annually in Councilor compensation;
3. voted to give Councilors expanded powers, changing the City Charter, against the recommendation of the City's Charter Review Committee and without a vote of the people; and
4. repeatedly ignores recommendations of the Parks Commission and City staff, in pursuit of his own agenda.

THE CITY OF ST. HELENS AND HER CITIZENS EXPECT MORE AND DESERVE BETTER.

Statement of Reasons to Recall Phil Barlow

from the petition:

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DEMANDING THE RECALL OF ST. HELENS CITY COUNCILOR PHILLIP BARLOW

The undersigned voters of the City of St. Helens petition to recall Councilor PHILLIP BARLOW because he is NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OFFICE and for reasons of FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY, ETHICAL VIOLATIONS and ABUSE OF POWER.

Specifically, PHILLIP BARLOW

1. is not eligible for office; he does not own real property within City limits as required by City Charter;
2. approved the City’s FY2009 budget which could deplete the $1.6 million contingency fund and lead the City to bankruptcy by June 2010, against recommendations of the Budget Review Committee and City Finance Director;
3. approved a Councilor pay increase of 800% as an incentive to do a good job, potentially costing taxpayers more than $75,000 annually in Councilor compensation;
4. voted to give Councilors expanded powers, changing the City Charter, against the recommendation of the City’s Charter Review Committee and without a vote of the people; and
5. lobbied the Parks Commission and City Council for City-owned BMX track improvements and a concession contract that could benefit his family bicycle business.

THE CITY OF ST. HELENS AND HER CITIZENS EXPECT MORE AND DESERVE BETTER.