One of the many concerns raised when certain commission candidates accepted money from a for profit special interest group called the Coos County Alliance for Progress was whether these contributions would influence decisions made by elected officials. Interim commissioner Fred Messerle who is running for position one received $7,500 from the alliance accounting for almost half of his campaign spending in the primary. State Represenative Wayne Krieger representing the southern Oregon coast confirms that sizable donations buy access to him that evidently is not afforded to those who don’t or can’t make campaign contributions. Krieger contributors include Altria Client Services, Philip Morris Tobacco, Waste Connections and Waste Management.
Krieger’s statement adds credence to the concerns many Coos County citizens have about the undo influence or “access” Messerle and the other PAC beneficiaries, John Sweet and Melissa Cribbins, will offer to the donors which includes Oregon Resources.
The Krieger interview is available on PEG Central and he provides a tremendous amount of material for anyone running against him in November.
Steve at this stage it is more what I hear than what I say, Miss-information seems to be the most combustible fuel for pointless education. As when Kreiger lost his ablility to listen to all those of Dist 1, I find a division because there is no middle ground. Standing ground on principle alone makes for shaky ground, colaboration between all of any District is the best way to a solid foundation. We are losing a grip on human relations, both sides of the fence.
I would much rather collaborate on issues facing our state than argue endlessly
due to party lines. This could be our best way to educate by substantial facts
and not loose our ability to progress.
Jim
Steve, I didn’t necessarily mean that as a compliment.
Jim, I’m anxious to talk with you about the specifics of your campaign. I’ll be in touch.
MarkM
June 14, 2012 – 10:15 am
“Say what you will about Wayne, but consider what one of my progressive buddies said of him once: He represents his constituency pretty accurately. ”
We agree
MarkM, All may campaign is not based on legalizing pot, there are 2 initiatives doing that. My concern is changing our area and saving money from draconian
laws and regulations that cost us and families more than just money. Unwarranted check points at the whim of Law Enforcement are infringement and cost heavy. Rep. Kreigers time which has been plenty to help in the health of Dist 1 no longer fits the needs of the structure we must being to the forefront.
My Cannabis concerns are to help the sick who qualify for the program voted in by the people and I have been appointed to by the Director of the Oregon Health Authority, since it’s inception.
I want to live in a land of hope that is not over shadowed by fear. Everyone has one vote I’d rather have that than $. Access to me will not come with a cover charge.
All of our health concerns over shadow even our party lines.
Jim Klahr – Candidate for Dist 1 House, OR
Read the Declaration of Independence to fully remember our responsibilities to our own govt/lives.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/print_friendly.html?page=declaration_transcript_content.html&title=NARA%20%7C%20The%20Declaration%20of%20Independence%3A%20A%20Transcription
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html
The disclose act is critical toward solving this, but at the end of the day: Discovery Is Our Responsibility! Action for remedy is Our Responsibility!
We’ve become complacent and used to Being governed-so much so that We have forgotten How to Be involved and govern ourselves as intended: Of the people, by the people and for the people.
Norquist is Nothing without those who pick up a pen and sign their name.
It is They who must be held accountable.
The scary part of ALEC (quietly) invading and taking over Our Local, State and yes, Federal Govt’s is that a few months ago, we knew of 14 OR Lawmakers in bed with ALEC-Now it’s 22. How many more are there? There are many, mostly All GOP that don’t have “official membership” with them, but Do communicate and still do their bidding.
Vet Incumbents and Candidates Alike! Vet them Well. They want interferefer with our personal lives, in our doctors office, our commitments in personal relationships and etc. No query should be off limits.
“Their” accusations are merely announcements of “their” own actions and agendas. Period.
Passing The Disclose Act is a good next step.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISCLOSE_Act
Sunlight is the best disinfectant. We know now to ask candidates if they’re a Norquist acolyte or an ALEC member. That says volumes about who they are and how they will govern.
We need more Democrats in Congress to get it done.
What about Citizen’s United? The SCOTUS just reaffirmed that. Unlimited, Untraceable Big Money, used to Buy OUR Democracy from unknown contributors, even International Contributions-is just fine.
Then there’s ALEC (american legislative exchange council)
There are 22 OR Reps bought by them after we elect them and 3 OR Senators.
They literally buy our lawmakers after we elect them to represent us. Thier loyalaties are then reversed from their committment to Us-to ALEC. The Koch’s own GP-Oregon has so much natural wealth and hey want that. ALEC has influenced many of our bills here in Oregon-most notably are education system.
ALEC:
http://www.alec.org/
ALEC Exposed:
http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/ALEC_Exposed
OR ALEC Members:
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/alec_in_oregon_heres_the_list.html
Another bit of history:
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/alec_gains_foothold_in_oregon.html
They are behind some of the suggestions for cuts to services like Fire Fighters and Fire Suppression Equip in CO
When the GOP says “Smaller Govt” they mean cutting your Food Stamps, SocSec/MedicHighwayMedicaid, Hiway Funds, Education, LE, Health Clinics etc
When WE say it, it means ending some fees, permit requests, restrictions on personal property, ie: bureaucratic bs and expenses.
This is no joke. This information is about that which most of us knew Nothing about.
So yes, the GOP et all Wanted unlimited donations until the other side began to tap theirs. They complain to divert attention away from their own practices.
It doesn’t matter what you think about or do with this information but Please inform yourself so that you at least understand what is happening, not just in Oregon but across our nation. This stuff (and there is So Much more) will Never be on the news in whole and truthful content.
Sounds good. I’m genuinely interested.
Mark – let’s chat over coffee. We’ll avoid the inevitable din from the peanut gallery.
You could answer my questions, Al. I’ll make it exciting and intellectual.
I was hoping there was an intelligent debate forming here but, alas, I see the usual name-calling and remains the standard. What was I thinking? (Obviously, I wasn’t.) I think I’ll go over to http://www.pattiann.com/webcam/paint.html for some exciting and intellectual debate.
Al appears to be a “wanna be” posing as a “former someone” who flashes his peacock feathers to look important
Al obviously doesn’t know what profit is: “Profit pays the light and gas bill. Profit pays hundreds of vendors for their products and services. Profit pays salaries and benefits.” These expenses are operating expenses. Profit is what’s left when you pay all these bills. Time to take a business class, Al.
When the IRS asks you if you want to contribute $2 to the Presidential campaign race, how does that buy you “profit”? How does my campaign contribution buy me profit from a Commissioner? I understand your concerns, but those concerns should be directed towards the problem which definitely exists at the Federal level and, in many cases, the State. Locally, it’s a non-issue. Folks shouldn’t confuse “profit” with jobs creation and tax base expansion – which happens to pay the county bills.
Profit isn’t bad. Influencing elected officials decisions to enhance the profit of a few over the many is
Mary – you speak of “for profit’ as if that’s a bad thing. You, of all people, should understand that importance of profit if you’re running a business. Profit pays the light and gas bill. Profit pays hundreds of vendors for their products and services. Profit pays salaries and benefits. Profit grows businesses which usually results in more hiring. Perhaps a more positive outlook on profit would benefit your windmill project…
As for the CCAP – I think the election results speak for themselves. The CCAP raised money from dozens and dozens of individuals a few businesses. We worked hard on behalf of the candidates we support. We support those candidates because we are confident that they bring the skills necessary to guide the County through some very difficult times. And ‘though you chastise me for my “gloom and doom” presentations, Curry, Josephine, Douglas and Lane Counties are giving us a glimpse of what is to come to Coos County if we don’t make the leadership changes necessary. Rather than wait until the stuff hits the fan some like of these Counties did, I’d like to see Coos County get ahead of the curve. You, Mary, of all people, should be gung-ho for preserving our County services.
Don’t forget the weekend! Kinda recalls this little bit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExWfh6sGyso
Then Al should appreciate all that unions have done to support workers and how their “special interest” has implemented the forty hour work week, enacted child labor laws and enacted legislation that ensures the safety of ALL workers. CCAP represents “for profit” special interests as in a handful of shareholders versus citizens at large
Al,
Does CCAP have a mission statement, other than “advance toward progress”? Does it have a list of specific goals? Does it have a spokesperson?
The phrase “government is long overdue for a management upgrade – at all levels” is interesting to me. Obviously you mean upgrades to governmental structure at the local level. I’d guess you also mean personnel changes at the state and national level. Do you mean structural changes there as well? That might put you at odds with your more conservative supporters who want to go back to the good old days when the Constitution was drafted. Unless of course you support upgrades of minimalism at the state and federal levels.
Is this part of CCAP’s mission? Management upgrades at all levels? What does that mean, specifically?
Before we go changing around our governments too much, we might want to reflect on just how good it has been for us over the years. Check it out:
http://governmentisgood.com/
I thought this discussion was about special interest groups funding campaigns. If you look at the donor list for the PAC there are a whole lot of citizens such as myself that understand that government is long overdue for a management upgrade – at all levels. And where do you get the idea that I hate workers? I’m a worker myself. I employ workers. I’ve managed workers and reported to workers my entire life. I find it interesting that you think you’re in a position to preach to me about labor and the middle class.
Hey, I wouldn’t put a cap on contributions. If Coos County’s George Soros wants to pitch in a million dollars, I wouldn’t say “Sorry.” I’d say “Thanks!” The point is that even a million dollar donation is no more important than a $5 one. Let’s set it up.
You’re right that Krieger doesn’t represent workers or environmentalists at all. That’s not my point. I’m saying his constituents don’t want him to.
Let’s just see how well Jim Klahr does against him this Nov. I like Jim, but I don’t have very high hopes for his campaign. District 1 is very conservative territory. You’re not going to make much headway there pitching legalized pot.
Several people have suggested forming a PAC for local progressives and limiting the donations to a maximum $100 and I agree with you, it is a good idea. As for Krieger representing his district, he certainly doesn’t represent workers or environmentalists or anyone who might have voted for John Kitzhaber and his “girlfriend” as Krieger likes to call her.
Say what you will about Wayne, but consider what one of my progressive buddies said of him once: He represents his constituency pretty accurately. Think about it.
But here’s the good news: This is his last term. His district will be an open seat in 2014. Now’s the time to start rounding up candidates. Anybody? It will not be an easy race for anyone left of center, or even center for that matter.
Regarding the money, I submit again the idea of creating a People’s PAC for Coos County. Donations of only $5 from 3000 people (Sanne voters?) raises as much money as CCAP. Then you’re in the mix.
Seems little Al only likes it when HIS special interests buy THEIR agenda.
Yep, den, that’s the way I heard it… you pay me, then we talk
Did I hear him say, first anti-up, then you have access, Then I will decide which argument I like best. The kings and Queens of it all.
Why do people like Al and Fred Messerle hate workers so much? Messerle has so much contempt for the people who work for him he ignored an invitation to speak to the unions.
Al, et al, should recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy middle class, after all Al is in that category himself, because hoards of multimillionaires are not going to ride into Coos Bay to buy their motorcycle parts from Al just because he belongs to the Chamber of Commerce
Indeed! I shared similar concerns about the local press (The Sentinel) giving a rather large, single donation to Main and with the union’s financial support of Sanne, which had “special interest” written all over it.