By Julie Jones

I read Dr. Fischer’s letter to the Editor of The Sentinel with interest and alarm. Obviously Commissioner Messerle is required to recuse himself from a vote. However, I took note that Commissioner Parry “is a passionate supporter of the pipeline and terminal”.

Commissioner Parry claims to be an advocate for the environment and has his own company for river/stream restoration on behalf of salmon and various fish species, which uses federal grant funds. I find it alarming, as should his “grantor’s”, that he would vote in favor of such a destructive LNG pipeline directly through our estuary knowing full well the impacts of such dredging and environmental insults to salmon, oysters and crabs. Therefore, because of his direct association in receiving grants from Federal Funds or agencies for stream restoration work, Mr. Parry should also recuse himself from any vote.

Given the recent – pass the buck toss- the District Attorney and the Oregon Attorney General can not determine whether the Port of Coos Bay is a “State agency or a local governmental entity” this decision should be tabled for further discussion to allow the Governor to decide who and which Commissioner is actually capable to “vote” on this decision without a direct conflict of interest.

This decision will have a huge, long term, critical, economic and environmental affect on our Bay and community.

The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MGx.