It wasn't so long ago that retirement for most people was an opportunity to do some travel, maybe get more involved in personal interests and hobbies that have nothing to do with collecting a paycheck. You might have envisioned a time when you wouldn't have to answer to anyone and life would becom

As promised, here is the response from Pacific Power to my previous post on PUD formation in Clatsop County.Watching with great interest as this issue is discussed. As an employee and spokesman for Pacific Power, though, I do need to correct a few points thrown around

The discussion regarding a People's Utility District for Clatsop County is bound to be contentious.  Over the years PUD's have slowly developed even though they offer big advantages over paying an investor owned utility company.  Once you do a little research you quickly begin to ask you

We interrupt our discussion on the Legion Block to bring you and new topic.Last week KAST reported that Clatsop County was holding a number of quiet discussions with various parties about the possibility of dumping Pacific Corp and going with the Clatskanie PUD.This came up

I've come to the conclusion that giving a certain block in downtown Astoria it's own name is really just a temporary convenience.  Once the block has been turned into a central park or garden square the importance of a name will evaporate.  It's just so cumbersome to have discussions abo

The State Board of Higher Education has unanimously voted to fire University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere (la-RIV'-ee-AIR') effective Dec. 28.Board members voted 12 to 0 on Monday to oust Lariviere, saying they have lost trust and confidence in his ability to lead the univ

It is good to see citizens take an active interest in their City.  It is quite unusual to see anyone at any council or commission meeting other than the elected officers and the staff paid to show up.  That goes for every city.So when a group of people decide to tak

Following release of the December 2011 revenue forecast for general and lottery funds, House Co-Speaker Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) issued the following statement:Today’s revenue forecast is further evidence that job creation and eco

A fan writes in appreciation for the stand I've taken on local government spending and the scam that we call "property taxes".  The writer also suggests that if I were to run for office I would have at least one vote.  This has come up before.  I'm perfect right where I am.  Wi

Are you still working? Are you getting a raise next year? Have your retirement investments made the big turn around?I ask these questions because everybody running the governments around Clatsop County thinks these are boom times.  It's just amazing to me that nobod

Lars Larson summed it up pretty well yesterday when he commented on the OCCUPY protest in Portland asking what result the protesters are seeking.  What is it they want exactly? Fair question.

It seems to me the issue of endangered species comes with two schools of thought.  One, which is prevalent now, insists that mankind has a responsibility to insure the continuation of every creature on the face of the planet.  We have this responsibility because, according to proponents,

Occasionally we pass along letters we receive for your consideration. Here's one about the ongoing debate between the City Of Astoria and the D.A. On the DUII issue which now is extending to the city's designated municipal prosecutor.  Enjoy and do comment.   tf

There seems to be some confusion in the State Justice Department about who runs the City Of Astoria. Is it Josh Marquis? or is it the duly elected Mayor and City Council?  My money is on the people elected locally to run it and not the State guy making a fuss about it.

Crazy but true.The New York City Police and Fire Departments are NOT invited to the Ground Zero observance in NYC on 9/11.

As we are headling toward the Special Election to replace David Wu in Congress I've been working on our on line election guide.  It's amazing how many of the candidates have nothing about themselves on the web.  Can anyone win an election these days without having a web campaign?  I

Clatsop County is in fundraising mode. This week the Assessment and Taxation Department is doing it's part by launching an unusual door-to-door campaign to figure out how much the county could tax you if the moves Democrats are making toward taxing real market value come to fruition. Right now your

I'm talking about that period that lasted until the county government changed over to "home rule".We had three salaried commissioners and a County Executive officer. Compared to today county government was a fairly modest affair. The Commission meetings where held in what was really a small side room in the cour

It's been a while since we got caught up on all the stories behind the news so let's do that, shall we? Okay. Settle back with your favorite breakfast sandwich and that perfectly brewed cup of coffee and let's get started.On the energy front the county is starting to pay some attention to a proposal brought to t

Today marks the end of the government fiscal year and with July first comes the new Clatsop County Planning Commission. Ordinarily the county commissioners would appoint new members for those whose terms had come to an end but this year the county commissioners voted to replace all seven members. This morning w

I was saddened to hear that my friend Marty Wertz passed away while I was gone. I need to say a few words about Marty here.I first met him when he came to work for my company several years ago. He and his wife Criket were both involved in the film industry in Hollywood. Marty worked for the biggest post-product

Just traveling back from Orlando, Florida today. If you have been trying to post comments I ask for your patience as it will take a couple of days to catch up. For radio and streaming listeners, I'll be back on live Wednesday morning. Did I miss anything?Surf our sites! www.kast1370.com

That's what four of our county commissioners have learned after spending nearly $143,000 in attorney fees since January in their fight to kill Oregon LNG.Some in this county would say that it's well worth it. Probably the same people who are convinced that we need to stop cutting down trees..oh wait! That's the