Klamath Basin Business magazine, April 2019

KLAMATH BASIN

April 2019

Basin Business

Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Business

Local Realtor honored with statewide recognition — Page 3

Farmers Market on tap Cycle Oregon needs groups to help out — Page 3

FINANCIAL FOCUS Do something for your mom — Page 5

Leadercast 2019 on the horizon — Page 5

H&N photo A wide assortment of locally grown produce, products and crafts are available every Saturday at the Klamath Falls Farmers Market starting in June. See details on Page 2.

A publication of the Herald & News Chamber: www.klamath.org

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Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Basin Business

n Locally grown goodies

Spring brings thoughts of Farmers Market

20 years in the business

By KURT LIEDTKE

H&N Staff Reporter

S

ummer sun’s welcomed return marks an opportunity to enjoy the fruits of spring’s bounty when the Klamath Falls Farmers Market makes its return in June.

Celebrating its 20th year of operations, the market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from June through October. Located between Main Street and Klamath Avenue on 9th Street, the farmers market compiles an eclectic collective of local growers, artisans and small business owners together in a welcoming setting to sell their wares.

While a prime spot to buy vegetables and locally produced farm fresh-produced products, there is also an entertainment aspect to the annual farmer’s market.

Each week presents an opportunity for various fun family-friendly activities, from arts and crafts to live music and even the occasional puppet show. There is also a featured food truck every week, and an assortment of ready-to-eat items on hand available for purchase.

This year the children’s activities are being expanded, with a strong focus on 10-15 minute activities with an agriculture lean. Kids can participate in creating pine cone bird feeders, egg carton planters, and more — typically with something that they can take home and enjoy.

Live music is presented every week with a round-robin style of musicians participating, and a shaded area for people to enjoy the music and eat.

“Every year the music gets a little better as far as being organized, we have a really good lineup and are doing some things differently this year,” said Charlie Wyckoff, Klamath Falls Farmers Market director.

Other offerings include food storage presentations and cooking demonstrations, something that Wyckoff hopes to have more regularly this year with a commitment from Sky Lakes Medical Center and Blue Zones Project.

The market also provides an added bonus for those on EBT food stamps. The market pledges a $6 match for every week,

so when individuals who qualify for EBT support swipe their card they will receive up to $6 in free groceries for that day.

While that may not seem like much, over the course of the summer weekly visits can add up to a lot of free food for those on low income.

Farmers Markets are not currently licensed as food establishments. All food vendors are required to have a food license, unless they qualify for an exemption. Vendors range in categories from producers of fruits and veggies to dairy and eggs, honey, agriculture and meats, farm-direct processed foods, and ag-nursery or greenhouse products.

Wyckoff has overseen the Klamath Falls Farmer’s Market operations since 2009. IN that time he has seen the market grow from a parking lot to overtaking an entire street block, with more vendors and organizations getting involved every year.

This year Wyckoff is enthused to see new people join the Board of Directors with fresh ideas for community partnerships,

Many local farms, producers and artisans offer local fare at the weekly Klamath Falls Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday June through October.

revenue sources, and new means to grow the market even more.

“Our growers in particular have stepped up and we now have a reconstituted working board of directors,” said

Wyckoff. “They are engaged, planning, looking at all the different way we make revenue and relationships with other

See Market, Page 5

Basin Business

Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Klamath Falls Realtor wins state honor

T

he Oregon Association of Realtors has named Debra Gisriel of Klamath Falls the 2019 Oregon Realtor of the Year, the highest award granted by the Association.

The award was presented in Salem, Thursday, April 11 at a luncheon held during the governance meetings of the Oregon Association of Realtors – a professional trade association representing more than 17,000 members statewide.

Gisriel is the Oregon Designated Principal Broker for eXp Realty, LLC and coowner of Fisher Nicholson Realty in Klamath Falls. She has more than 40 years of real estate experience and has been heavily involved in all levels of the Realtor organization at local, state and national levels.

In addition to working with the Realtor organization, Gisriel has been very involved in the local Klamath Falls business community.

She has served on several boards, including the Klamath Housing Authority and Klamath County Economic development where she is a member of the executive committee at the highest level.

Gisriel is also chairing the Work Force Affordable Housing work group, developing a plan to add additional affordable housing to the Basin.

She is also a strong supporter of Downtown, where she has purchased and refurbished the old Houston Buildings providing a large meeting facility and converted part of the second floor of the Fisher Nicholson Building into a luxury apartment where she stays when in Klamath Falls.

Gisriel moved to Klamath Falls in 2002

Debra Gisriel of eXp Realty and Fisher Nicholson Realty. from Maryland after being recruited by Jeld-Wen for its Real Estate Resort Division at the Running Y. Klamath Falls is now her adopted home.

She is a member of the Klamath County Association of Realtors, Central Oregon Association of Realtors (where she serves as Finance Chair) as well as numerous other local Oregon associations. She also serves as a board member of the Oregon Real Estate Agency.

Serving as a member and chair of numerous committees, task forces and work groups, her dedication to the industry is remarkable. She has been involved in OAR leadership since joining the OAR Board of Directors in 2007. She served as District Vice President for Central Oregon and Klamath County from 2011-2013 and then became President for the Klamath County Association of Realtors in 2013.

Just a few years later, Gisriel was elected the 2016 OAR President. Currently, she serves as the ORPAC Trustees Chair. She has also shown consistent leadership at the national level, serving as a NAR Director since 2016 and on several NAR committees.

Over the years, Gisriel continues to stay current in the industry earning a plethora of real estate designations including her GRI, CRS, CIPS, RSPS, SFR, CDPE and CRB candidate. She graduated from the OAR Leadership Academy, volunteers for HOME Foundation and is an RPAC supporter at the Platinum level in the President’s Circle and is in the Hall of Fame.

During her career, Gisriel has earned many awards. She was recognized as the Klamath County Association of Realtors 2013 Realtor of the Year and then earned Klamath County Chamber Business of the Year award in 2014.

At every level, Debra Gisriel is passionate about the real estate industry and is an exemplary role model for Oregon Realtors.

Debra Gisriel is this year’s Oregon Realtor of the Year for her outstanding service to all Realtor organizations, the real estate profession and her community.

TimberMill walking tour available Join the Klamath County Association of Realtors for a walking tour at Timbermill Shores.

On May 8 at 12 p.m., local investor Rob Shaw, Scott Souders from Klamath Falls City Planning, and Jessie Hecocta from Blue Zones Project will be hosting the tour and sharing about the history of the site and what lies ahead for our beautiful downtown waterfront.

Hecocta will be discussing the benefits of the increased walkability downtown, as well as kicking off the Blue Zones Project Worksite Moai Competition.

The tour meets at the AmeriTitle parking lot at 300 Klamath Avenue at noon on May 8.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear about ongoing economic development and its connection to our health outcomes.

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Goups sought to help with Cycle Oregon Discover Klamath Visitor and Convention Bureau, in partnership with Two Rivers Art Gallery and Cycle Oregon, will host the Cycle Oregon Classic at Diamond Lake on Sept. 11, 12, and 13, 2019.

Discover Klamath has graciously accepted the role of Community Manager and is currently seeking organizations to help assist by filling many roles and various aspects in order to successfully host the Cycle Oregon Classic.

These organizations can be, but are not limited to: Church Groups, School Teams, Non-Profits, Service Organizations, and more.

The roles vary from table and chair setup, serving meals, rest stop attendants, baggage loading and unloading, beer garden attendants, finish line cheerleaders, and more. Each organization who fulfills a role will be compensated for their services.

Commitments must be made no later than May 25, 2019.

Cycle Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through bicycling.

Come September, Cycle Oregon is setting off to bring 2,000 cyclists to Crater Lake and the Central Oregon Cascades, riding through colorful communities that welcome visitors like family.

In conjunction, Discover Klamath will work with local community partners to secure excursions for Cycle Oregon Classic Cyclists to participate in on Thursday, Sept. 12.

To inquire further about the various roles, how to make a commitment, or are a community partner wanting to offer activities to the cyclists, contact Tonia Ulbricht at Discover Klamath VCB, Tonia@DiscoverKlamath.com or 541.882.1501.

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Basin Business

Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Business trends

Quilt offered as fundraiser Four things to consider when buying a new tractor H Heart of the Basin Quilt Guild is selling raffle tickets for the quilt titled “Gilded Braids” which was completed by guild members.

Tickets are 6 for $5 or $1 each. They may be purchased by contacting heartofthebasin.com or they may be purchased at the guild’s quilt show “Quilts from the Heart” on July 27 and 28 at 815 High St., Sacred Heart Gym and Parish Hall,.

The Heart of the Basin Quilt Guild is a nonprofit organization that provides quilting education classes to the public, makes quilts for CARES, sews purses for Sew Powerful, which provides hygiene products for girls in Zambia, Africa, and participates in many other activities.

From a press release

Members also get together for sew days and retreats. This group meets the second Monday of every month at the Baptist Church on Homedale at 6 p.m.

‘My Social Security’ an April highlight April is National Social Security Month and this year we’re highlighting some of the time-saving features of the my Social Security account.

Once you create an account, you’ll see that we already have your work history and secure information to estimate what you could receive once you start collecting benefits.

With your personal my Social Security account, you can also: n Request a replacement Social Security card; n Set up or change direct deposit; n Get a proof of income letter;

n Change your address; n Check the status of your Social Security application; and n Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).

For over 80 years, Social Security has worked to meet the changing needs of the American public.

Today, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, as well as take care of other business.

Knowledge is power. You care about your friends’ and family’s future, so encourage them to create a my Social Security account.

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

Part of our focus at Papé Machinery is to assist you in finding the best machine for you and your needs.

We know that this process often begins before you even walk into one of our stores and we understand how difficult it can be to navigate between so many features and models.

That is why we are here to help and hopefully simplify your shopping process.

We’ve compiled a list of questions to consider when talking to one of our Papé Machinery members. Asking these questions will help our team narrow down exactly what you need, and that means we can get you onto your new piece of equipment as fast as possible!

Below, we’ve outlined 4 question categories to use in-store or to simply think about before making your next tractor purchase.

Your Property:

When you’re first looking into buying a tractor, the best place to start is remembering the environment you’ll be working in. This means knowing the terrain and size of your property, as well as any of the obstacles and projects that you’ll be taking on in your new machine. Some questions to ask are: n What am I looking to do on my property? (ie. clear brush, move heavy items, dig, level property, etc.) n What does the terrain look like? (i.e., are there Hills, brush, trees, or other obstacles?) n How large is my property? n What type of weather do you experience (i.e., lots of rain, hot temps, snow n Any livestock or pets?

Your Use Case:

Next, run through how you’ve been using your current piece of equipment.

Ask yourself how often you plan to utilize our equipment and who will have access to it. This can help you find similar models to your current machine and bypass models that might now fit into your current usage. n What are you using to get the job done currently? n Who will be using this equipment? n How often every week are you plan-

ning on using your tractor? n Are there any jobs you’re looking to simplify?

Your Preferred Functions:

You now know the environment and what you currently use, but you still need to narrow it down to a few models. Having specific preferences regarding functionality and features can make the decision much easier and help guide you to the tractor that checks every box on your list. n How big (weight/size) are the projects you’re planning? n Are there additional tasks you’d like your new tractor to do? n Are there specific attachments you currently use or hope to use? n Do you see yourself using multiple implements at once?

Your Extras:

The final factor to keep in mind is the different attachments and accessories that go along with a new machine. This includes things such as seat type, detachable cabs, and add-ons. Keeping these last few things in mind will make sure that you don’t miss out on any additions that you’re looking for in a new tractor. n Are you looking for comfort/attachable features? n Do you like to work on/tinker with your equipment? n Do you see yourself changing out features such as tire type?

There you have it; you’re well on your way to your perfect John Deere tractor!

For more tips and tricks, subscribe to the Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf YouTube channel, where you can catch our weekly series, The Toolkit — Product Insights From the Pros.

Basin Business

Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Leadercast 2019 series Financial gifts that can set for May 10 at OIT

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— FINANCIAL FOCUS —

brighten Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is fast approaching.

This special holiday reminds us of the joy we receive from the powerful bond between mother and child. To help mark the occasion, you may want to consider making certain financial gifts, including the following: For your mother: n IRA contribution — If your mother is still working, she is eligible to contribute to an IRA, but she might not always fully fund it – so you may want to help. You can’t contribute directly to your mother’s IRA, but you can write her a check for that purpose, though, of course, she can use the money however she likes. In 2019, the contribution limit for a traditional or Roth IRA is $6,000, or $7,000 for individuals 50 or older. (A Roth IRA does have income limits that can reduce the contribution amount or eliminate it altogether.) n Insurance premium — If your mother has life, disability or long-term care insurance, why not offer to pay some of the premiums this year? Longterm care premiums, in particular, can be quite costly, especially for older policyholders. n Introduction to a financial professional — If your mother doesn’t already work with a financial professional, consider introducing her to yours, or to someone else who is recommended by friends or relatives. A financial advisor can help your mother move toward her retirement goals – and, at some point, also can work with legal and tax professionals to assist your mother with her estate plans.

For your children:

n 529 plan contribution — If your children are still of school age, you may want to contribute to a college savings vehicle. One popular choice is a 529 savings plan. When you invest in this plan, your earnings can grow tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified educational expenses. (Be aware, though, that withdrawals not used for qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, as well as an additional 10 percent penalty.)

As the 529 plan owner, you have flexibility in using the money. For example, if you’ve designated one of your children as the 529 plan’s beneficiary, and that child decides not to pursue any higher education, you can switch the beneficiary designation to another child or to yourself.

You can choose the 529 plan offered by any state, but your contributions might be tax deductible if you invest in your own state’s plan. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, so, before investing, consult with your tax advisor. n Shares of stocks — Giving stock shares to children is a good way to help them learn some of the basics of investing. You can track the progress of their stocks with them, and even do some research together about why prices may be going up or down. By getting children involved early, you may help instill a lifelong interest in investing. n Charitable gifts — Many children are now concerned about various social issues. You can help encourage this involvement — and possibly an appreciation of the value of philanthropy — by making a gift to a charitable group whose work aligns with your child’s interests.

We don’t need to exchange presents on Mother’s Day to show our appreciation for one another, but certain financial gifts can help provide needed support — and even some valuable life lessons — for your loved ones. .

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

Businesses can’t thrive when people don’t work together.

So goes the saying for the upcoming special workshop May 10 at Oregon Institute of Technology sponsored by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce.

At Leadercast 2019, learn how to create, lead and inspire teams to become healthy and profitable. Leadercast will change you and challenge you to be a better leader of your team.

With exceptional leaders such as: n Gayle King Co-Host, CBS This Morning and Editor-at-Large, O, the Oprah Magazine n Patrick Lencioni Founder, The Table Group n Dr. Caroline Leaf Communication Pathologist and Cognitive Neuroscientist n Marcus Samuelsson Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, Author and TV Personality n Juliet Funt CEO, WhiteSpace at Work n Andy Stanley Leadership Author and Communicator n Ginger Hardage Former Senior Vice

Market /

President of Culture and Communications, Southwest Airlines n Craig Springer Executive Director, AlphaUSA n Carla Harris Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Morgan Stanley You know you’ll walk away knowing how to better lead your team and propel your team, employees and company towards future success because these speakers don’t just talk about leading, they actually do lead, and they’re here to help you learn how to lead more effectively.

Tickets include admission, materials, lunch, and refreshments.

Tickets are available at the Chamber, or by calling 541-884-5193

from Page 2

organizations.”

While agriculture is a primary focus, space is also set aside weekly for nonprofits and community-based organizations to operate informational booths to connect with the public. While regulars such as Sky Lakes Wellness Center and local hospice services are mainstays, this dedicated space remains open for any community-oriented or nonprofit organization to spend a day engaging in Farmer’s Market patrons.

For more information about the Klamath Falls Farmer’s Market visit www.klamathmarket.wildapricot.org.

Scott Stevens, M.D.

Mark Fay, M.D.

Jonathan Fay, M.D.

Physician/Surgeon of the Eye

Physician/Surgeon of the Eye

Physician/Surgeon of the Eye

New Patients Welcome

2640 Biehn St | KlamathEyeCenter.com | 541.884.3148

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Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Basin Business Social Security

Best of the Basin revisited ...

H&N photo

Members of the Cascades East Family Practice were awarded Best Family Clinic at the 5th annual Best of the Basin event held March 30 at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.

Klamath Insurance Center was named the Best Insurance Agency in the Basin at the awards dinner that drew 300 people. There were 43 categories judged by the readers of the Herald and News. About 120 total awards were handed out. Voting for next year’s contest will start in late winter.

Tech Q&A: Telling your PC where you really are

By Steve Alexander

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Q: I recently moved from Chicago to Lakeland, Fla., but my PC doesn’t always realize it.

Whenever I use Google Maps via the Windows 10 Edge browser, the map shows me a Chicago starting point.

And if I do a Google search on “Where am I right now?” the answer is Chicago. This is happening even though I went into the Google Maps settings and changed my home and work locations to Lakeland. But, if I use the Google Chrome browser instead of Edge, I get a Florida map for my home location. What’s wrong?

— Rex Fermier, Lakeland, Fla. A: Microsoft’s Edge browser and Google’s Chrome browser

both keep track of your home location, but they get their location data from different places.

Chrome takes its cues from Google Maps. Because you changed your Google Maps home and work locations (other readers can learn how to do it at tinyurl.com/y63gsfb2), Chrome shows you a Florida map centered on Lakeland.

But Edge gets its location data from Windows 10, which maintains a master location setting for many apps. When you view Google Maps in the Edge browser, Edge disregards where Google thinks you are and instead uses your Windows 10 location, which is still set to Chicago.

To make Edge recognize that you are now living in Florida, change your default location in the Windows 10

“Maps” settings (see tinyurl. com/yycd95lk). Doing so will tell Microsoft’s Maps and Weather apps, its Cortana digital assistant and the Edge browser that you have moved.

Q: I need to upgrade from Windows 7, but my budget is limited. Can my nine-year-old Dell Inspiron 560 handle Windows 10?

— Patty Landis, Minneapolis A: No, your PC is too old to be updated to Windows 10. That leaves you with two choices: n Buy a new Windows 10 PC. A Dell Inspiron laptop costs about $280. An Inspiron desktop costs about $400 (and doesn’t come with a computer screen, so you would need to keep the one you have.) n Buy a refurbished (used)

PC. A refurbished HP or Dell desktop with Windows 10 costs $110 to $120 (see tinyurl. com/y4x8dxj5). Refurbished PCs also don’t come with a computer screen.

Q: I’m having compatibility problems while using Windows Live Mail on Windows 10, and I can’t find any up-todate information on solving the problem. What should I do?

—Andrew Loebl, Knoxville, Tenn.

A: Windows Live Mail has been discontinued, so there are no technical fixes for it. You can either switch to another client e-mail program (one that resides on your PC) or use webmail, in which you access e-mail via your provider’s website. In either case, your existing e-mails should be easily accessible.

The Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report on the longterm financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds.

The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2035, one year later than projected last year, with 80 percent of benefits payable at that time.

The OASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in 2034, the same as last year’s estimate, with 77 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2052, extended 20 years from last year’s estimate of 2032, with 91 percent of benefits still payable.

In the 2019 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced: n The asset reserves of the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds increased by $3 billion in 2018 to a total of $2.895 trillion n The total annual cost of the program is projected to exceed total annual income, for the first time since 1982, in 2020 and remain higher throughout the 75-year projection period. As a result, asset reserves are expected to decline during 2020. Social Security’s cost has exceeded its non-interest income since 2010. n The year when the combined trust fund reserves are projected to become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, is 2035 – gaining one year from last year’s projection. At that time, there would be sufficient income coming in to pay 80 percent of scheduled benefits.

Other highlights of the Trustees Report include: n Total income, including interest, to the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to just over $1 trillion in 2018. ($885 billion from net payroll tax contributions, $35 billion from taxation of benefits, and $83 billion in interest) n Total expenditures from the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1 trillion in 2018. n Social Security paid benefits of nearly $989 billion in calendar year 2018.

There were about 63 million beneficiaries at the end of the calendar year. n The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year long-range period is 2.78 percent of taxable payroll – lower than the 2.84 percent projected in last year’s report n During 2018, an estimated 176 million people had earnings covered by Social Security and paid payroll taxes.

Basin Business

Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

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Jobless numbers trending Minty Morris named to gov’s down in the new year H&N Photo

Klamath County Comissioner Kelly Minty Morris

task force on outdoors policy Klamath County Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris — who is also the Discover Klamath tourism board liaison — has been appointed by Gov. Kate Brown to serve on a new committee in Salem.

It is the Governor’s Task Force On Outdoor Recreation.

Recently, Gov. Brown hired the new department’s Executive Director Cailen O’Brien-Feeney. The director is charged to bring together some 30 representatives from across the state to produce a report on growing outdoor opportunities.

Several other recreationally-based states have created similar new departments in the past several years.

With Morris’ appointment to this new group, Klamath will have a fan and advocate for outdoor recreation at the state level, said Jim Chadderdon, director of Discover Klamath.

“I can think of no one more qualified to represent Klamath’s tourism and outdoor recreation interests better than Commissioner Morris, who knows our tourism product, and knows the ropes in Salem. We look forward to Kelley’s presence, contributions, and advocacy on this new committee and wish both she and the new Department / Committee the best in terms of furthering outdoor recreation throughout Oregon,” he said.

Brown charged the short-term task force to recommend policies, legislations and initiatives to support economic development in both rural and urban areas, balance improved outdoor recreation access with resource protection and increase outdoor recreation participation, especially among youth and traditionally underserved communities.

In one year, the task force should produce a report with top strategic recommendations to the governor’s office.

KLAMATH BASIN

Business

The employment situation was little changed in March. Hiring remained consistent with seasonal patterns and the unemployment rates were largely unchanged.

Klamath County:

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was little changed in the past month.

The rate was 7.3 percent in March and 7.4 percent in February. The rate remains up from this time last year when it was 6.3 percent.

Klamath County added 100 jobs in March, typical hiring for this time of year.

Total nonfarm employment was down 350 jobs compared with last March (-1.5%). Job losses were concentrated in professional and business services (-170) and local government (-160). There was

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

Executive director:

Heather Tramp

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

relatively strong hiring in health services, and food and beverage stores.

Lake County:

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was largely unchanged at 6.8 percent in March. The rate was 5.6 percent in March 2018.

Lake County’s employment situation was little changed in March, which is not uncommon for this time of year. Over the past year, the county added 20 jobs (+1%).

Notable gains were in health services, which added 20 jobs. The only notable job losses were in federal government, with employment levels down by 20 jobs. However, this isn’t too concerning as federal land management agencies don’t typically begin seasonal hiring until later in spring.

twitter.com/AccessKlamath

Executive Board President: George Ormsbee First Vice President: Richard Schuster Jr. Second Vice President: Jennifer Scanlan

Treasurer/Secretary: Janet Buckalew Members: Jenine Stuedli, Pam Greene, Kim Buller, Dan Peterson, Mika Blain, Joe Spendolini Immediate Past President: Rachael Spoon

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Thursday, April 25, 2019, Herald and News

Basin Business April 2019 Newsletter

Paid Advertisement

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.

Your Your Liberties Liberties are are Under Under A Attack ttack

Super majorities and the poison fruit of statism can grow in orchards on both the left and right sides of the road. We know this because history informs us and dictates what we will see tomorrow. Patrick Henry told us, “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way to judge the future but by the past.”

In today’s newsletter, I am going to bypass several thousand bills that are in the Legislature. I’m going to skip-over the gross receipts sales tax, the carbon tax, the recent ban on plastic straws, as well as, the “mandatory requirement for vaccinations in exchange for education beneÞtsÓ rigamarole.

Instead, I want to focus attention on the Oregon disarmament bill: SB 978. It is still alive and like a zombie is shufßing through the hallways of the marble palace. This bill continues to exist by the force of this administration’s empty rhetoric and faulty logic.

SB 978 represents a purposeful and energetic effort for disarming Oregonians and infringing on their liberties. The sheer animosity leveled against law abiding citizens is inscrutable and illustrates a complete disrespect for our 2nd Amendment rights. The magical facade of “needed reform” is all that is necessary to mask the demolition of our constitutional liberties. It appears that the real goal is total disarmament of law-abiding Oregonians.

The pretense of the bill is that crime is pervasive; guns are unsafe; children are being killed and something needs to be done. Perfectly Þne sentiment, yet, where are the statistics for Oregon’s problems?

There are more Þrearms in Oregon than people. In the presence of millions of Þrearms and billions of rounds of ammunition how many unlocked, or unserialized Þrearms have been used in crimes?

Additionally, there are more Þrearms in Oregon than vehicles, but there are more vehicle deaths than Þrearm injuries, where is the balance?

The bill, itself, focuses mainly on creating more arbitrary, capricious and unnecessary crimes that

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

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

can’t be universally enforced because of the sheer scope of probable violations. This means selective enforcement opportunities will likely be used against political opponents while the issues associated with enforcement among racial or other protected classes will be pervasive. Actually, selective enforcement will certainly entrap any number of law-abiding citizens who might experience outlandishly improbable circumstances.

Among the 44 pages of rule-tightening legalese, if a Þrearm is used to injure a person, or property, within two years of a gun transfer through sale, gift, or theft where a safety device was defeated by the crook, the owner of the Þrearm is held Òstrictly liable” for injuries.

The devious thrust of this language is aimed at discouraging and reducing Þrearm ownership through fear and Þnancial intimidation. The “strict liability” language purposefully supports unjust and unfair treatment of gun owners because, as defendants, they will be held liable for some future event that is totally unrelated to their actions or intentions for a period of up to two years.

Additionally, once the gun is stolen and the owner no longer has control, crimes committed by the criminal impact the level and severity of criminal charges brought against the legal owner of the weapon.

Please follow that logic with care…

Let me illustrate using a vehicle equivalent: if someone steals your car for a joy-ride to the burger joint, your criminal charges would be minor.

However, if they used your rig as the get-away car for a bank robbery your criminal charges would be more serious. Lastly, if the car-thieves get into a fatal accident, your criminal charges would pile up like roadside wreckage. So, if an individual follows best practices and locks their car in a well-lighted area, why would the state want to hold them liable for someone else’s criminal activities? Clearly, fewer people would want to own cars under these circumstances.

http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/linthicum While it appears that criminal violations are built upon solid circumstances (Sec. 5 - 9), the keystone is actually missing. Namely, the rules and minimum speciÞcations required for trigger locks, cable locks, and tamper-resistant locks on all containers, buildings, rooms and doors which arenÕt yet deÞned. This means that legislators who vote for this bill will have no idea what they are voting for in the way of future requirements. What if the rules require an absurd 1" Stainless Wire Rope EIPS IWRC - 6x37 Class cable?

What would gun-owners do?

These rules won’t come from mechanical engineers but they will come from the governor’s chosen one within the OHA, in consultation with State Police.

Keeping history as our guide, let’s roll through some historic episodes and ask ourselves, “Who was in charge, the individual or the state?”

Consider Lenin’s Bolshevik revolution, Stalin's Siberian Gulags, Mao's Great Leap Forward, Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge, Pasha’s Armenian Genocide, or Madura’s Venezuela?

Far in excess of 100 million people lost their lives and are still suffering intense persecutions. What was the Þrst liberty these regimes took from their targeted populations? Their guns! What did they lose next? Free speech; free association; eventually, their lives.

Did these regimes operate on the consent of the governed? No. Were these citizens able to resist the tyrannies that befell them? No. Could they protect their lives, liberty and property? No. The blow-back that I typically receive is that these episodes of genocide are so horriÞc they couldnÕt possibly happen here. Well, then, why the effort to disarm law-abiding citizens?

Thousands of Oregonians, across all party lines, and backgrounds and are outraged at this anti-gun bill.

In closing, President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “If all that Americans want is security, they can go to prison. They’ll have enough to eat, a bed and a roof over their heads. But if an American wants to preserve his dignity and his equality as a human being, he must not bow his neck to any dictatorial government.”

If we don’t stand for rural Oregon values, our 2nd Amendment and common-sense – no one will!