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When wind projects are under a threshold of 105 megawatts, then it is left to the counties to approve or disapprove.  Counties have a strong incentive to approve these due to pressure to improve the tax base and to benefit land owners.  This is the case in Steens Mountains as in other locations.  See article: http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/02/yoking_oregons_wind_where_it_m.html.  This particular project would surround the pristine Kiger Gorge (and be visible from the overlook on Steens), but the state would have no say if the project goes forward.  We need to LOWER the megawatt threshold.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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I'm curious as to why Measure 73 is directed at sex offenders AND drunk drivers.  Why were these two crimes grouped together? 

Also, a year ago the Oregon Supreme court ruled that some Measure 11 sentences were too harsh in certain cases.  How will this ruling impact possible sentences under Measure 73?

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
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One question I've heard asked of Tea Partiers, but never answered, is why they never spoke up during the Bush years when he expanded the government and took us to war by borrowing money (largely from China), when he threatened liberties through the "patriot act".  Seems to me it all started when a Democrat, who happened to be black, was elected as President.  They say its also about the "health care reform bill" (which is really a health insurance reform bill largely based upon what was done under a Republican governor--Mitt Romney--in Massachusetts).  So, please honestly answer the question of WHY now?

posted 3 years ago
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Do death row inmates spend any time on restitution?  Express remorse for their victims?

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Re: Burquas.  You CAN draw a line by saying that a teacher cannot cover their face unless for medical reasons.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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Just thought I'd mention that one of the guests just contradicted himself.  He said that carrying beacons would give climbers a false sense of security and they might take risks.  Then he went on to say that cimbers always know that if something bad happens that someone will come rescue them.  Huh?  So he wants to just make it harder for the rescuers to actually find the person?

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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