Basin Business for August 2018

August 2018

KLAMATH BASIN

Basin Business

Business

Employment slows in South Central Oregon — Page 4

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

Rural Economic Workshop for the Basin on Sept. 13 Macke

— Page 3

Reames

Renaissance

Financial Focus: Financial tips offered for Alzheimer’s caregivers— Page 5

Reams Golf Pro Greg McFee — a pro golfer since 1984 from North Carolina, manages the course as well as teaches classes for those wanting to learn the game or improve their skills.

Chamber opens registration for Leadership Program — Page 5

A publication of the Herald & News

See story Page 2.

Chamber: www.klamath.org

1

2

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

Basin Business

n Business profile

Renaissance at Reames

Country club spruces up its offerings to grow membership

BY CAROLINE CABRAL

H&N Staff Reporter

Member benefits

I

really do think Reames is a great place to be. I think that the atmosphere out here is just a really special place,” said Matt Isaacson. “I think it holds a special place in a lot people’s hearts.”

Isaacson is the food and beverage manager at Reames Country Club and Golf Course and has been for the last six years.

In that time he has watched the club evolve and grow stylistically.

“I think that probably the biggest change has just been the amount of different faces we’ve had out here, the different food and beverages that we’ve been doing, constantly going forward and doing different types of events.”

The growth he is referring to includes the different menus being planned. including farm-to-table nights, cocktail pairings and more.

“We’re trying to do a lot more community-involvement stuff out here,” he said.

“One thing I’m passionate about is getting involved more with the community and getting involved with other food and beverage aspects because I like that camaraderie of working with them, and I think that it gives our members kind of a different take on things.”

According to Isaacson, Reames members can vary from “the local gentleman that just wants to come out and play golf and have a good time with his wife and kids” to “businessmen who need to use this area for a meeting space.”

With their restaurant and bar area, he said, “people who want a nice meal and a quiet location to be able to have a conversation” can be found at the private course with a view.

Located on Highway 97 just outside the Klamath Falls city limits, the private course, which opened in 1925, is the only one of its kind in the Klamath basin.

Thanks to the $2.6 million expansion in 2001, members have access to the pro shop, bar and restaurant, banquet facility, exercise area and locker room,

which all sit in the same vicinity of the 18-hole course.

On the course or in the pro shop, members can also find Greg McFee — a pro golfer since 1984 from North Carolina.

McFee, who has been with Reames since April, manages the course as the golf professional, meaning that he takes care of the course and holds clinics for students.

His goals for the club include building membership and improving the golf program by prioritizing customer service and “trying to improve and have the best product.

“My favorite part is seeing improvement in the club,” McFee said. “It is making it so members can look forward to coming here every day.”

For membership or general questions, contact the Golf Shop at 541-884-7205, ext. 71.

n Walk-on tee times and easy bookings; n Use of multiple practice facilities; n Unlimited golf; n Fully stocked pro shop; n Enjoyable and challenging course layout; n Reciprocal golf clubs and private club network access; n Onsite bar and grill; n Equity member discounts

Reames Country Club and Golf Course sits just off Highway 97, south of Klamath Falls. the club offers challenging golf, fine dining, meeting rooms and a true country club experience.

Submitted photos

Basin Business

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

Speaker asks: Where have all the young adults gone?

BY GERRY O’BRIEN

About Don Macke

H&N Editor

Trying to find that silver-bullet business that will land in Klamath Falls and solve all its economic woes is just not reality.

Rather, seeking out those local, young entrepreneurs who need a helping hand to get their dream off the ground is the way to go, according to Don Macke of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, based in Lincoln, Neb. His talk — “Where have all the young people gone?

Keys to Attracting and Retraining Younger Adults” — is part of the upcoming 2018 Rural Business and Innovation Summit, a gathering of business people from throughout the Basin organized by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce.

This third-annual event will be Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Klamath Community College campus.

Macke has been involved in economic development for the last 40 or so years, working primarily in more rural areas of the country.

The focus of his talk will be on two key areas: How does one build stronger economies through entrepreneurship and how does one create the kind of community that is more attractive to younger people who want to put down roots here.

“There are two key cohorts we focus on: younger adults and active, retired baby boomers,” Macke said.

“Both have really special opportunity sets.”

Macke’s group has already been working with Klamath IDEA, (Inspire, Develop, Energize and Acceleration) and

Don Macke is senior vice president of LOCUS Impact Investing, a nationwide social enterprise launched by Virginia Community Capital and the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship to empower place-focused foundations nationwide to invest their capital locally to build prosperous, vibrant communities. Macke continues to co-direct the work of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, with Deb Markley, supporting the Center’s entrepreneurial communities and community development philanthropy work. The Center also partners with the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group to advance the practice of rural development philanthropy. Macke brings more than 40 years of experience in community economic development.

Macke is co-founder and director of the Entrepreneurial Communities solution area. Through this work, he helps communities and regions throughout North America grow entrepreneur-focused economic development strategies. He works with a group of partners across the country to deliver customized economic development solutions. Macke is also active in the Community Development Philanthropy solution area, and conducted the first statewide Transfer of Wealth™ study in Nebraska in 2002.

with Kat Rutledge, director, on how the Klamath Falls can support entrepreneurs.

3

“We have been working with Kat’s group, helping them think through how to strengthen the economy by supporting entrepreneurism. That’s how it creates a community and economy that is much more attractive to young people who will put down roots,” he said.

The company has consulted in central Appalachia, the Black Hills of South Dakota, southern Minnesota and particularly the Rocky Mountain West, where young people are congregating because of the recreational opportunities.

How do you find these innovators?

“You’ve got to really connect, network, to find out who is doing innovative work,” said Macke.

He suggests that people who already have deep roots and business connections in the community work as a group and map out what is needed and where those innovators may be found.

“Klamath Falls already has a pretty good list,” said Macke.

Then the group should look at statistical data: How many businesses are there with 2 to 9 employees, or 10 to 99 employees, but need to expand.

“The data can give you an idea what’s out there. You can create a pretty good picture,” he said. “Then start visiting and surveying these folks. The community can bring them together with bankers, loan officers, etc.

Because if you have a really good idea, you may not want to be the bookkeeper or HR person or may know how to market,” Macke said.

Creating career opportunities for not only the innovator, but support jobs is what it’s all about, he said.

More speakers, topics at Rural Business and Innovation Summit ...

■ How to Build a Multi-MillionDollar Business No Matter Where You Live — Aaron Orendorff.

Editor-in-chief of Shopify Plus: From a freezing attic to talking Mark Cuban out of $100,000 on Shark Tank, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse built R. Rivet into a multi-million-dollar company by answering a single question: Could they create a business that provides military spouses with portable employment opportunities and allows them to earn an income regardless of where they live or how often they move? Follow their journey and learn three lessons to success.

■ Retail Businesses — How to Grow and Thrive — Leslie Hildula, Portland Community College SBDC:

This interactive session will focus on

these three areas: attracting new customers, competing with online and big box companies, and key strategies for profitability.

■ Klamath IDEA Talks featuring

Brant Boersma, chief culture officer at Dutch Bros. Coffee

Brant Boersma is the chief culture officer for Dutch Bros Coffee. His role entails traveling with colleagues through the Dutch Nation — encompassing seven states in the western U.S. — not only spreading the Dutch Luv, but strengthening the roots and foundation upon which the coffee company was built. The eldest son of the late Dutch Bros co-founder Dane Boersma, Brant began working the window and making shaved ice as a youth. Since then, he has been involved

in nearly every aspect of the company, from waste and water disposal to roasting coffee beans to coaching the future faces of the Dutch Bros brand.

The Dutch Bros blood flows deeply in Brant. From franchisee coach to

Mark Fay, M.D. Scott Stevens, M.D. Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye Physician/ Surgeon of the Eye

director of culture to his current role as chief culture officer, he continues carrying on the tradition of sharing the wisdom that his dad gave so freely.

See SUMMIT, Page 5

Edwin Tuhy, O.D. Optometrist

Jennifer Sparks, O.D. Optometrist

New Patients Welcome

2640 Biehn St. • 541.884.3148 • www.klamatheyecenter.com

4

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

Basin Business

Klamath and Lake counties

Construction spending declines, but shows continued strength From a News Release

Employment slows in South Central Oregon for July

The unemployment rate continues to decline in both Klamath and Lake Counties, however the pace of job growth is also slowing. Klamath County’s total nonfarm employment rose by a modest 1.4 percent from July 2017, while Lake County’s employment situation is largely unchanged from last year.

Klamath County The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued to trend down in July.

The rate was 5.7 percent in July, which was slightly lower than 5.9 percent in June. The unemployment rate is largely unchanged from this time last year when it was 5.8 percent.

Klamath County shed 560 jobs in July, fewer losses than typically expected this time of year. The monthly losses were largely concentrated in local education as payrolls dropped for summer break. Leisure and hospitality continued to add jobs in July (+70) as we approach the peak of the tourism season.

Total nonfarm employment is up by a modest 1.4 percent (+310 jobs) over the past year. Leisure and hospitality and health care continue to account for the majority of jobs gains. There continue to be slow, but steady declines in manufacturing. Local government, in particular, local schools posted notable job growth from last July.

Lake County The seasonally adjusted unemployment

rate was 5.0 percent in July, down slightly from 5.2 percent in June.

The rate is down from this time last year when it was 5.8 percent.

The employment situation was little changed in July, typically Lake County posts modest job growth in July. There has been little change to the employment situation over the past year with the total nonfarm employment total identical to this time last year.

There was notable job growth in leisure and hospitality (+30 jobs) and mining, logging, and construction (+20 jobs) from July 2017.

Those gains were largely negated by job losses in trade, transportation, and utilities, as well as, public sector agencies.

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce 205 Riverside Drive, Ste. A Klamath Falls, OR 97603 Office: 541-884-5193 Fax: 541-884-5195

Construction spending declined 1.1 percent in June from an upwardly revised record level in May, but there were widespread gains in both public and private investment for the first half of the year, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the relatively strong construction spending figures show how recent tax and regulatory reforms are helping boost demand for construction.

“There appears to be plenty of demand for construction despite the drop in spending reported for June,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The estimate for May, which was already a record high, was revised sharply upward, as were numbers for April. These revisions show that the June total may be higher than initially reported and that it is wiser to focus on longer-term trends, such as the year-to-date totals for the first half of 2018 compared with the same period in 2017. Those numbers show a healthy increase in spending.”

Despite the decline from May, construction spending in the first six months of 2018 combined was 5.1 percent higher than in January through June 2017, the economist pointed out. For the month, public construction spending slumped 3.5 percent, private residential spending decreased 0.5 percent, and private nonresidential construction spending slipped 0.3 percent. On a year-to-date basis, in contrast, public construction spending climbed 4.7 percent, private residential spending grew 8.3 percent, and private nonresidential construction spending

Executive director:

Heather Tramp

Email: heathert@klamath.org www.klamath.org www.facebook.com/Klamath Chamber twitter.com/AccessKlamath

Executive Board

President: Rachael Spoon

edged up 1.8 percent Among public infrastructure spending categories, the largest segment—highway and street construction--increased 4.2 percent year-to-date. Educational construction inched up 0.1 percent in the first half of the year, while transportation construction (airports, transit, public rail and ports) jumped 11.7 percent.

The largest private category, singlefamily homebuilding, increased 9.0 percent year-to-date, while multifamily construction spending dipped 0.7 percent, Simonson noted. The largest private nonresidential category—power construction spending (including oil and gas field and pipeline structures)—declined 0.8 percent year-todate, but the next largest segment—commercial construction (comprising retail, warehouse and farm buildings) had a gain of 4.8 percent. Private office construction spending grew by 5.6 percent year-to-date, while manufacturing construction spending jumped shrank 8.5 percent.

Association officials said recent steps to reform the federal tax code and reduce regulatory barriers to economic growth appear to be helping boost demand for construction. But they cautioned that growing construction labor shortages and new trade tariffs affecting the price of key construction materials could hamper future sector growth.

“Tax and regulatory reform are helping stimulate new demand for construction projects.” Sandherr said. “But if contractors are forced to raise prices significantly to cope with rising labor and materials costs, many public and private sector clients may scale back investments in new construction projects.”

First Vice President: George Ormsbee Second Vice President: Janet Buckalew Treasurer/Secretary: Jennifer Scanlan Members: Jenine Stuedli, Rich Schuster, Pam Greene Immediate Past President: Wes French

Basin Business — FINANCIAL FOCUS —

Financial tips offered for Alzheimer’s caregivers

I

f you are, or will be, a caregiver for elderly parents or another close family member living with Alzheimer’s disease, you may experience some emotional stress — but you also need to be aware of the financial issues involved and what actions you can take to help address them.

You will find few “off the rack” solutions for dealing with the financial challenges associated with Alzheimer’s. For one thing, family situations can vary greatly, both in terms of the financial resources available and in the availability and capabilities of potential caregivers.

Furthermore, depending on the stage of the disease, people living with Alzheimer’s may have a range of cognitive abilities, which will affect the level of care needed.

Here are some general suggestions that may be useful to you in your role as caregiver: n Consult with family members and close friends. It’s extremely hard to be a solo caregiver. By consulting with other family members or close friends, you may find that some of them have the time and ability to help. n Consider obtaining durable power of attorney. If you possess a durable power of attorney for finances, you can make financial decisions for the person with Alzheimer’s when he or she is no longer able. With this authority, you can help the individual living with the disease — and your entire family — avoid court actions that can take away control of financial affairs.

And on a short-term basis, having durable power of attorney can help you take additional steps if needed. You’ll find it much easier to acquire durable power of attorney when the individual living with Alzheimer’s is still in the early stage of the disease and can willingly and knowingly grant you this authority. n Gather all necessary documents.

You’ll be in a better position to help the individual living with Alzheimer’s if you have all the important financial

documents – bank statements, insurance policies, wills, Social Security payment information, deeds, etc. – in one place. n Get professional help. You may want to consult with an attorney, who can advise you on establishing appropriate arrangements, such as a living trust, which provides instructions about the estate of the person for whom you’re providing care and names a trustee to hold title to property and funds for the beneficiaries.

You also might want to meet with a financial advisor, who can help identify potential resources and moneysaving services. And a tax professional may be able to help you find tax deductions connected to your role as caregiver. n Finally, use your experience as a caregiver to reminder yourself of the importance of planning for your own needs. For example, a financial professional can suggest ways of preparing for the potentially huge costs of longterm care, such as those arising from an extended stay in a nursing home.

Caring for an individual living with Alzheimer’s has its challenges. But by taking the appropriate steps, you can reduce uncertainties — and possibly give yourself and your family members a greater sense of security and control.

Submitted by: Meredith Hoffman Financial Advisor-Edward Jones 1307 S Alameda Ave, Suite B Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541-273-2483

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

5

Chamber opens registration for Leadership Program The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for the 29th year of the Leadership Klamath program.

The ten-month-long program offers participants a unique glimpse into the leadership of the community in various sectors, including agriculture, education, and local government.

“Leadership Klamath is by far the most fascinating “behind the scenes” program that our local aspiring and current leaders will experience,” according to Leadership Klamath Alum Darrin Rutledge, Executive Director of the Downtown Association. “There’s no other means in our region to get introduced so effectively to the critical components that make our region go — government, agriculture, business, nonprofits and education.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the program may contact the Chamber at 541-884-5193. Registrants who sign up before August 15, 2018 will receive a $50 discount. Deadline for registration is August 29, 2018.

The first session will begin September 13th and continues every through June 2019.

For more information on how you or your company can become involved, or to register for the program please call the Chamber office or visit www.klamath.org.

Business summit seeking exhibitors Business exhibitors are being sought for the Rural Business and Innovation Summit on Sept. 13.

The event is a one-day conference for rural business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders around the Pacific Northwest.

The summit is hosted by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce and will be held at Klamath Community College.

The event will start at 8:30 a.m. with speakers beginning at 9 a.m.

“This is our third year hosting the event and based on previous successes, we expect attendance to near 150,”

said Heather Tramp, executive director of the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce.

Tramp said she believes it will be a great way for businesses to make connections with other businesses.

The cost to businesses that want a table top display is $150 for chamber members, and $250 for nonmembers. The cost includes admission to the summit and a table for display.

To register as an exhibitor or learn more about the event, visit www.ruralbizsummit.com or call 541-884-5193.

Downloadable file: exhibitor application at https://bit.ly/2tGBglc.

Summit

know, run their business? This class will cover the many changes, updates and functionality of each platform, and how to determine which may work best for your particular business. Even in a world of mass marketing and noise, proper use of social media can help you talk directly to clients when they are in the market for your product.

Registration for the Rural Business and Innovation Summit is open now. Registration is available online at www.ruralbizsummit.com or by calling 541-884-5193.

from Page 3

■ Social Media: Keeping Up with the Changes — Misty Lambrecht, Webfoot Marketing:

There are many platforms, and each one works differently. Each can provide different results for different types of businesses. They also have different tools, strategies, clients and markets. How can a small business keep up, and find the time to manage their social media effectively — while also having enough time to, you

6

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

Basin Business SOCIAL SECURITY

How Social Security defines disability

BY KIMBERLY HERRMANN

Social Security Public Affairs

Disability affects millions of Americans, in one form or another. Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are strict criteria for meeting the definition of disability.

The definition of disability under Social Security is also different than it is for other programs. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability.

We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if: n You can’t do work that you did before; n We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and n Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability.

Social Security is also required by law to review the current medical con-

dition of all people receiving disability benefits to make sure they continue to have a qualifying disability. Generally, if someone’s health hasn’t improved, or if their disability still keeps them from working, they will continue to receive benefits.

To help us make our decision, we’ll first gather new information about a benefit recipient’s medical condition.

We’ll ask their doctors, hospitals, and other medical sources for their medical records. We’ll ask them how their medical condition limits their activities, what their medical tests show, and what medical treatments they have been given. If we need more information, we’ll ask them to go for an examination or test for which we’ll pay.

Social Security is a support system for people who cannot work because of a disability. You can learn more about Social Security disability at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability and also by accessing our starter kits and checklists at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/disability.

Medicare explained

BY KIMBERLY HERRMANN

Social Security Public Affairs Social Security and Medicare have a few things in common. Both programs help safeguard millions of Americans as well as improve the quality of life for our family and friends. Although both programs are household names, many people may not be familiar with the details of Medicare.

Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have choices for how you get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have original Medicare coverage, you can buy a Medicare supplement policy (called Medigap) from a private insurance company to cover some of the costs that Medicare does not.

Medicare has four parts:

n Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay). Part A also pays for some home health care and hospice care. n Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services. n Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B. Some plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) and other extra benefits and services. n Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Some people with limited resources and income may also be able to get Extra Help with the costs—monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments—

related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,900 per year.

You must meet the resources and income requirement.

Medicare’s different parts are further explained in our publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510043.pdf.

If you can’t afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other medical costs, you may be able to get help from your state.

States offer programs for people eligible for or entitled to Medicare who have low income. Some programs may pay for Medicare premiums and some pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. To qualify, you must have Medicare Part A and have limited income and resources.

You can learn more about Medicare, including how to apply for Medicare and get a replacement Medicare card, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/medicare.

Residential Rental Outlook August 2018

BY EUGENE E. VOLLUCCI

Director, Center for Real Estate Studies LOS ANGELES — Currently the most important development to residential rental investments has been the ebb and flow of trade tensions, with the US administration unveiling the final list of Chinese goods that will be subject to 25 percent tariffs.

The U.S. is imposing tariffs of around $50 billion on imports from China. China has responded firmly, releasing its own list of retaliation tariffs — also worth approximately USD 50 billion. President Trump responded to China’s retaliation by threatening to impose tariffs on a further USD 200 billion of Chinese imports. China in turn threatened to retaliate “forcefully” with “strong countermeasures.” Real estate investors hopes that the U.S. administration’s threats were part of a negotiating strategy that would eventually lead to a deal are now fading, and the risks are rising that the current tit-for-tat game between the U.S. and China might spiral into a full-blown trade war.. However, we would not yet exclude that a bilat-

eral agreement can be reached to avoid a downturn for the economy.

Although prospects for growth have moderated a little, employment has been robust. Wage and price pressures should therefore be building according to textbook economics. However, even with unemployment below its natural rate in the US, wage dynamics are subdued, while inflation rates are only gradually achieving central banks’ objectives.

What are the prospects that pressures building in both labor and product markets could break out into an inflationary surge, particularly against the backdrop of an energy price rise? In terms of labor market tightness, the U.S. is looking at wage dynamics within different skills and educational levels that indicate no acceleration but rather a moderation of wage growth after an increase in 2016-2017. The relationship between inflation and unemployment is known as the “Phillips curve” and states that a one-percentage point reduction in unemployment should result in a permanent percentage increase in inflation.

Today, the “Phillips Curve” is relatively flat compared

with historical values, implying that at present this one percentage point reduction in unemployment leads to less increase in inflation than in the past. This reduced inflation sensitivity to changes in unemployment can be explained by the liberalization of many labor markets over the past decades and most importantly the curtailment of trade unions’ collective wage bargaining activities. With the ongoing deindustrialization in the US economy and the rising importance of the service sector for adding value growth, wage negotiations have increasingly become individualized. Wage bargaining has lost its collective character and wage dynamics are predominately determined by negotiations between firms.

According to Marcus & Millichap, the highly anticipatd tax reform recently signed into law by President Trump retained numerous key commercial real estate provisions.

The 1031 tax-deferred exchange, the mortgage interest deduction for investment real estate and asset depreciation had few material changes. This consistency in tax law will enable investors to move forward with most of their existing investment strategies.

e

Basin Business

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

Digital Marketing Customer Reviews Management

We have the tools: • To leverage Big Data to analyzes and review businesses on current online tools, identify potential gaps, with a comprehensive comparison report against other businesses in the same industry and region to help businesses optimize their online presences.

Digital Audits

• To compile reviews online across every platform and serve them to you in one easy convenient dashboard with assistance in responses. All this to help you get control of your customer experience.

Competitor Comparison Reports

• To help you build the strongest digital footprint for your business with full service digital products from high end professional websites, simple online landing pages, and even social media setup.

Social Media Impact Reviews

Contact Our Advertising & Sales Team Today 541.885.4410 | www.heraldandnews.com | sales@heraldandnews.com

7

8

Basin Business

Thursday, August 23, 2018, Herald and News

August 2018 Newsletter Ore gon State Senator Dennis Linthicum – District 28 I represent the citizens of Senate District 28, which includes all, or part of Þve rural, mostly-eastern Oregon counties: Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Deschutes and Crook.

Senator Dennis Linthicum OR Senate District 28

As Senator of one of the largest Senate districts in our state, it Capitol Phone: is extremely important that my constituents remain in contact Capitol Address: with me about the issues and concerns that affect their lives.

I encourage you to use the information here as a resource and to contact my ofÞce by either phone or e-mail so that I can know how to best serve you. I am honored to be here in Salem Þghting for your freedom and liberty.

503-986-1728 900 Court St. NE, S-305 Salem, Oregon 97301

E-Mail: sen.DennisLinthicum@OregonLegislature.gov Website ebsite:

Finch and Fires In Harper LeeÕs novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird, a rabid dog growls his way onto the street where Atticus Finch and his family live. The entire neighborhood is watching, waiting and afraid to act. They see the threat, yet because of their own weakness in the face of danger, they are unwilling to respond. Most of the townsfolk in the Þctional town of Maycomb, Alabama, simply bolt their doors and wait for someone else to do the dirty work. Atticus, was the one man who was willing to exercise his own courage and prudence and shoot the dog.

The author uses the rapid dog as a symbol for a “madness” that must be slain. What is the madness? Ð unconscionable community consensus. Community consensus had rallied against Atticus because he was a lawyer, willing to defend a man that the town believed was guilty. Public consensus said, ÒTom Robinson was guilty,” simply because he was a black man. The book shows us that overwhelming consensus means nothing if it is based on unfounded bias and prejudice.

This same type of dangerous consensus litters the Þeld for most environmental fads. The tragedy in our public forests today follows this vein. These vast resources are burning-up as we watch. The paradox of forest management is that forests are healthier with well-rounded policies regarding harvest, thinning, and replanting. Unfortunately, the current one-size-Þtsall policy implies that humans should remove themselves from the forest because Mother Nature knows best.

The Wilderness initiatives that we see destroying our forests were created with good

Paid Advertisement

intentions and sound principles. At the time, environmental ecology was not well understood, and most regulatory attempts were aimed at egregious mistakes. However, in an attempt to understand how the world works and how humanity Þts in, a faulty assumption arose Ð Òman is the problem.Ó This mindset implies that man’s technological achievements are unwelcome. This is why motorized vehicles are not allowed in Wilderness Areas and why there is a concerted effort to remove the four dams along the Klamath River.

David Attenborough reinforced this faulty worldview with his claim that humans are, Òa plague on the Earth.Ó His faulty model dovetails with Richard Dawkins evolutionary maxim that suggests the purpose of life is only reproduction.

In humans, this means our ÒselÞsh genesÓ are bound to mindless reproductive tendencies bursting forth like maggots on roadside carrion.

However, a more appropriate stewardship model would recognize that humans are the only free, moral agents on the planet. This means only people can use insight, judgement, wisdom and discernment to engineer a better world for ourselves, our posterity, animals and environment. In a word, people care. Neither the Ocelot, nor Opossum give a rip about the plight of the Blue Whale or Bandicoot.

Environmentalism has generated a robust record of direct observations about the circumstances in our natural world. However, the physical data collection efforts don’t create policy guidelines or programs. Those are set by non-scientiÞc and politically motivated actors seeking to maximize their own power.

http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/linthicum The elites assumed that centrally planned and implemented policies would be best, but their efforts are typically mired in unintended consequences and bureaucratic failure.

Single-focus strategies are problematic because they force large swaths of the landscape to fall under one set of rules. Yet, all landscapes are not the same. Additionally, the rules, regulations and regimentation force millions of people to behave like herded animals. This, in turn, strains both the market and the environment.

Economist Barry Brownstein notes, ÒPoliticians who trust their seat-of-the-pants good intentions inevitably become authoritarians. They are relying on the limits of their error-prone minds and not on proven principles that promote human ßourishing.Ó Every summer it is easy to see how many trees are being saved through the misguided policy effort of curtailing forest production Ð just look outside. You can see the saved trees going up in smoke. Surrendering our forest policy to Nature’s whims creates dangerous conditions where homes, forests, watersheds and resources are squandered.

Additionally, the unhealthy air quality conditions impact millions of people and entirely negates the possibility for greenhouse gas absorption. The landscape will need at least another 30-40 years to develop the same capacity for greenhouse gas absorption as exists today. TodayÕs wildÞres are the most relevant contributor to Þne particulate pollution (PM2.5).

Environmental policies that were designed to protect forests are destroying them. As part of the Oregon LegislatureÕs Fire Caucus, I will work diligently to restore sound stewardship principles in our forest management model.

If we don’t stand for rural Oregon values and common-sense – no one will!