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| Effort keeps ESD local |
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By Tony Ahern
Publisher
It was an ugly Legislative session for Jefferson County. Two lowlights: the resorts bill blocks the potential of millions in annual local tax revenue, and the county being completely ignored in the stimulus handouts.
One very much underreported bill very nearly shot another bullet into the county's chest.
The bill was presented by Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, and it called for the consolidation of the Education Service Districts within the state, going from 20 to 13. The move would have forced a merging of the independent Jefferson and Crook county ESDs with that of Deschutes County.
Initially, it sounded like a done deal. There was some money-savings, and in this fiscal climate, that's nearly always a good idea. The Oregon Department of Education was for it, as were plenty of other heavy hitters in state education circles, and none of the ESDs were too concerned.
Except one, the Jefferson County ESD.
From the outset, the local ESD officials took aim to stop this measure. Board member Mack Gardner, 509-J superintendent Rick Molitor, and others with the county ESD made repeated trips to Salem to lobby against what most had felt was a sure thing. It was being presented by a Democrat in a Democrat-dominated Legislature, with the education powers-that-be generally lined up in support.
But against all odds, and after months of being told they were fighting a losing battle, David whipped Goliath, and the bill was killed Monday.
Gardner credited Rep. John Huffman and Sen. Ted Ferrioli with being key in stopping the consolidation bill. He noted that both worked their fellow legislators on the angle that the county had been beaten up by this session, and this was one issue in which they could help offset the economic hits the county took.
Hey, whatever angle works. If bones were thrown the county's way in the final days, this was a good one to receive.
"It shows that if you work with your representatives -- Republican or Democrat -- you can get things done," said Gardner.
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Before last Thursday afternoon, when Michael Jackson left this world and ignited a media monsoon, the world's eye, even that of myopic America, was on Iran. Let's hope it returns there quickly.
What's occurring in Iran is awe-inspiring: brave people standing up to authoritarianism, rejecting dogma based on hatred, risking their lives, inviting a government-sponsored beatdown, all in hopes of creating a better nation.
President Obama has been attacked for not taking a more firm stance, and a verbal leadership role, on the potential revolution. I think he's wise to keep a lid on it. The Iranians know how our country feels, that we'd welcome a revolution and a turn from the Islamic fundamentalism form of government. Blustery from Obama would just be a tool for the current government, which likes to end its meetings with a quick, all-together-now "death to America." If revolution is to occur, it has to come from within, not from the West, and definitely not from the U.S.
The spirit of freedom, of liberty, of the individual, speaks quite loudly and well enough. It's ringing in ears across Iran, inspiring so many to take to the streets while leaving others to shake in their boots and search for a status-quo-keeping weapon. The luring sound of freedom is sufficient. Words from an America president, a position Iranians have been taught sits at the right hand of the devil, can only muddle the perfect message.
As we celebrate our nation's birthday come Saturday, may we reflect on those throughout the world who are struggling to attain the liberty we take for granted. May we realize our good fortune as souls being born to this blessed land. May the spirit of freedom continue to ring and spread across the world on this Fourth of July -- and evermore.
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