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Posts published in October 2014

On the front pages

October 24, 2014
news

Here’s what public affairs news made the front page of newspapers in the Northwest today, excluding local crime, features and sports stories. (Newspaper names contracted with location)

Otter talks with CCA on contract in 2013 (Boise Statesman)
Variable enrollments at state universities (Boise Statesman, Lewiston Tribune, Moscow News)
Another Jones-Ybarra debate, in Idaho Falls (IF Post Register)
Reviewing Idaho Fish & Game’s 75 years (IF Post Register)
Looking at building plans for WSU med school (Moscow News)
Otter paid, took footage from gay rights video (Nampa Press Tribune)
Simplot’s Nampa plant stays open longer, till 2015 (Nampa Press Tribune)
Magic Valley food banks need more food (TF Times News)
Write-in campaign for Lincoln Co commission (TF TImes News)

Rained hard on Wednesday, more ahead (Portland Oregonian, Corvallis Gazette)
Big campaign treasuries on GMO issue (Eugene Register Guard)
Studying links between ground and surface water (KF Herald & News)
H&N publisher Heidi Wright leaving, Mark Dobie incoming (KF Herald & News)
Oregon has been cutting time in class (Pendleton E Oregonian)
Release of GMO task force report (Pendleton E Oregonian)
Larger number of auto-wildlife collisions (Pendleton E Oregonian)
Problems with weed spraying by state agencies (Portland Oregonian)
Lawsuits with Oracle merged (Salem Statesman Journal)

Bremerton budget plan released (Bremerton Sun)
Renowned Four Swallows restaurant closed (Bremerton Sun)
Many errors in school bus traffic rules (Everett Herald)
County puts sewer repair on homeowner group (Everett Herald)
Tornado rips middle of Longview (Vancouver Columbian, Olympian, Longview News)
Former PUD execs fined (Longview News)
Reviewing local judicial campaign finance (Port Angeles News)
Amazon stock falls with earning report (Seattle Times)
Paul Allen will continue $100m against ebola (Seattle Times)
Judge won’t allow release of stripper license info (Tacoma News Tribune)
Cowlitz Tribe may get federal acreage (Vancouver Columbian)
Analyst: Yakima basin still needs more water (Yakima Herald Republic)

We ain’t who we were

October 23, 2014
rainey BARRETT
RAINEY
 
Second
Thoughts

Men. Hang in there! Especially you unmarried ones. The numbers are shifting in your favor. Just wait for it.

There are currently 103 million folks over the age of 18 in this country who aren’t married. That’s 44.1% of all of us.

But, here’s the good news, guys. Of the 103 million singles, 53.6% are women - 46.4% men. Works out to 100 unmarried women for every 87 men. And the gap is widening. Sociologists have several theories. More women pursuing professional careers - many deciding against being mothers - some in same sex relationships which were not so numerous in the 2010 census - some not wanting to be married - some in long-term relationships while remaining single - more women living longer than men.

In fact, we’re told about 56 million households are maintained by unmarried men and women. That’s some 46% of all households.

There are about 17 million Americans over the age of 65 who aren’t married - some 16% of all single folks. A lot more women than men there.

Also, this statistic. In a population of just over 300 million, about 33 million people live alone. And that figure has increased about 10% in the last 40 years.

So, here’s what we have. More people keeping their single status. More keeping it longer - more keeping it permanently. More people creating households of families without being married. More people living longer and not marrying or remarrying. Legal recognition of same sex relationships in more states - married or not. Number of children per household going down. Just some of the social shifts taking place.

Which prompts this question. Is there now - or will there be - a political effect because of all this? Hard to tell. But those who call themselves political “professionals” should keep these stats handy. Because, just as we’re changing racially as a nation, there are many sociological patterns shifting under our feet. These are just a few. Demographers are finding people are living longer. They’re better educated. They’re forming different types of family units. There are more interracial and same sex marriages. All these factors - and a few dozen more - are just as important as that change of racial balance. (more…)

On the front pages

October 23, 2014
news

Here’s what public affairs news made the front page of newspapers in the Northwest today, excluding local crime, features and sports stories. (Newspaper names contracted with location)

Whitman indicates HP may grow at Boise (Boise Statesman, TF Times News)
Questions about advance ed degree for Ybarra (Boise Statesman)
Senator blasts federal spending at Hailey airport (Boise Statesman)
Reviewing Jones-Ybarra contest (IF Post Register)
Clearwater Paper doing well, breaks records (Lewiston Tribune)
Otter ad footage from ;add the words’ film (Lewiston Tribune)
Moscow schools see Dem, not Rep, candidates (Moscow News)
Canyon Co changes funding for historic sites (Nampa Press Tribune)
Downtown Nampa Pix theatre may be sold (Nampa Press Tribune)
Caldwell candidates say their piece at forum (Nampa Press Tribune)
Gas and oil leases underway at Cassia Co (TF Times News)

Sexual violence office suggested for UO (Eugene Register Guard)
Lane Transit District plans marketing help (Eugene Register Guard)
State ends last Oracle software use (Corvallis Gazette)
Tax district supporting research center gains names (KF Herald & News)
Jackson sheriff quit campaigning over criticism (Medford Tribune)
Former Douglas commissioner owes back taxes (Medford Tribune)
Hayes consulted for critics of coal terminal (Pendleton E Oregonian)
Many more instances of wildlife-vehicle collisions (Portland Oregonian)
ODOT will quit use of dangerous guardrails (Portland Oregonian)
Republicans switching sides on cutting PERS (Salem Statesman Journal)

Poulsbo water rates could rise (Bremerton Sun)
Snohomish settles contract issue for $232k (Everett Herald)
Voter money sought for school bus replacement (Everett Herald)
PUD officials broke ethics rules, study concludes (Longview News)
Increase in Cowlitz dual credit programs (Longview News)
Large group talks about downtown Olympia options (Olympian)
Seattle preschool effort drawing national reviews (Seattle Times)
UW growing its presence in Spokane area (Spokane Spokesman)
Properties condemned for Pierce foothill train (Tacoma News Tribune)
Reviewing US House 3 contest (Vancouver Columbian)
Reports argues Yakima water plan inadequate (Yakima Herald Republic)

Promises to keep

October 22, 2014
carlson CHRIS
CARLSON
 
Carlson
Chronicles

He’s 83 years young, still walks several miles twice a day, has bounced back from a lung cancer surgery earlier this year with no need for follow up radiation or chemotherapy, still loves to bird hunt and fly fish, and almost 20 years after leaving public office remains the most recognized, admired and respected bald headed politician in Idaho.

Always known for his candor and honesty, if anything with age he has become more feisty and outspoken. This past week he received The Frank and Bethine Church Public Service Award in honor of a lifetime of work on behalf of protecting the “crown jewels” of Idaho’s outdoors - the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Selway/Bitterroot Wilderness, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the Owyhee Canyon Lands, and the Birds of Prey.

He reminded his audience in his brief acceptence remarks he has always striven for balance, that having a resource based economy could be and should be compatible with protecting the state’s environmental assets. He repeated his long-time mantra - “first you have to make a living but then you have to have a living that’s worthwhile.”

He also served notice that there is one last charge on his steed he is going to make before riding off into the sunset: the Boulder/White Clouds will receive the recognition it merits by President Barack Obama invoking his authority under the Antiquities Act to declare the area a National Monument.

Governor Andrus made his statement knowing full well that earlier in the day his good friend, second district Congressman Mike Simpson, who led a ten-year long effort to work out an acceptable piece of legislation only to be betrayed by then freshman Senator Jim Risch, had announced that he’d asked the Administration to give him eight months to achieve passage in the next Congress of a new version of his previous legislation. (more…)

On the front pages

October 22, 2014
news

Here’s what public affairs news made the front page of newspapers in the Northwest today, excluding local crime, features and sports stories. (Newspaper names contracted with location)

Otter wants 9th circuit gay marriage review (Boise Statesman, IF Post Register, Nampa Press Tribune, Lewiston Tribune)
New bridge will finish Eagle part of greenbelt (Boise Statesman)
Record coho caught near Lewiston (Boise Statesman)
Less expensive E-911 possible for Asotin County (Lewiston Tribune)
WSU develops plans on ebola, UI doesn’t (Moscow News)
Local officials call on people to get flu shots (Moscow News)
Whitman County candidates debate budgets, guns (Moscow News)
State getting ready for ebola (Nampa Press Tribune, Pocatello Journal)
Teachers unhappy about tiered license plan (Nampa Press Tribune)
Reviewing 2nd district US House race (TF Times News)
District 26 candidate forum held in Gooding (TF Times News)

Voters consider the top-two primary option (Eugene Register Guard)
KF sets a 10% pot tax (KF Herald & News)
Water year was hard on irrigators in southern OR (KF Herald & News)
King Co sheriff says Washington pot rules work (Medford Tribune)
Jackson Co adopts two business recruitment plans (Medford Tribune)
Irrigon officials battle over library building (Pendleton E Oregonian)
Oregon Health contractor hiring questioned (Portland Oregonian)
Undocumented drivers on ballot (Portland Oregonian)
Reviewing the Courtney, Milne Senate race (Salem Statesman Journal)

Inslee at Bremerton on green Navy efforts (Bremerton Sun)
Sequist says he was libeled by opponent (Bremerton Sun)
Snohomish council reviews raises for executives (Everett Herald)
Boeing breaks ground on 777X wing effort (Everett Herald)
OR county wants to change access on Diblee Point (Longview News)
Cowlitz County jobless rate dropping (Longview News)
Reviewing 35th district races (Olympian)
Clallam prosecutor challenger outraises incumbent (Port Angeles News)
Discussion held on new Port Angeles high school (Port Angeles News)
Effort to extend monorail staggers (Seattle Times)
Spokane car dealer needs more downtown space (Spokane Spokesman)
University Place restricts parking for US Open (Tacoma News Tribune)
Clark County candidates get state GOP funding (Vancouver Columbian)
Jobless rates at Yakima dropping again (Yakima Herald Republic)

Reviewing candidates for style

October 21, 2014
malloy CHUCK
MALLOY
 
In Idaho

Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku, a native of Kenya and motivational speaker from Boise, follows Idaho politics closely, but his evaluation of candidates goes beyond their views on the issues.

Kituku wants to know how a person connects with an audience. Does the candidate stumble over words? Speak without a script? Use stories and humor in their presentations? Show passion? Inspire voters?

Kituku’s standards are high. His opening prayers are better than many keynote addresses. He has written books, made recordings and conducted seminars on public speaking. He’d be an outstanding speaking coach for any candidate wanting to sharpen his/her skills.

But he doesn’t get a lot of takers, because most candidates don’t give much thought to presentations – the part that often closes the deal with voters.
Intellectually, everyone wants to put substance ahead of style. But style is crucial, especially for newcomers challenging longtime incumbents. Steve Symms was loaded with style and flash when he ran against, and defeated, longtime Sen. Frank Church in 1980.

Cecil Andrus won two big races for governor, at least partly due to his ability to connect effectively with audiences. Four years ago, Keith Allred had substance in his run for governor against C.L. “Butch” Otter, but few style points and was no match for Otter in the general election.

This year’s Democratic candidate, A.J. Balukoff, a CPA by profession, speaks with Sabout corruption in the Otter administration and lack of focus on education, but without gusto. Balukoff’s bow tie, which was used in his early television ads, probably didn’t help him, according to Kituku. “I tell people they should stand out, but that does not mean looking silly.”

Kituku says Otter is no great speech-maker; the older he gets, the more he tends to ramble. But Otter has not lost a step as far as his ability to work a room. Strong handshakes, beaming smiles and friendly laughs make him as likeable as ever.

“That’s what I mean about connecting with people,” Kituku said. “Mitt Romney had some outstanding ideas and values, but he was not likeable.”

Recently, I was talking with Democratic Senatorial Candidate Nels Mitchell, and offered some first impressions of his speaking style. I hear words coming out of his mouth, but don’t feel anything coming from his heart. He may be a hit with Democrats and those who dislike Sen. Jim Risch, but in politics, lack of heart and soul equals lack of connection with undecided voters. Kituku has a similar view.

“Forget that one,” Kituku said flatly of Mitchell’s style.

He’s no kinder toward Risch, who Kituku says comes across as angry. “He does not connect well.”
Mitchell, a career lawyer, would do well learning from Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, another career lawyer who turned to politics. As a candidate, and in his early days in office, Bieter was “horrible” as a speaker. Kituku saw a marked improvement in Bieter’s second state-of-the-city address – speaking without a script, telling stories and blending humor into his presentation.   (more…)

On the front pages

October 21, 2014
news

Here’s what public affairs news made the front page of newspapers in the Northwest today, excluding local crime, features and sports stories. (Newspaper names contracted with location)

Dangerous synthetic drugs found in Boise (Boise Statesman)
Andrus urges White Cloud monument (Boise Statesman)
Large upscale downtown apartments planned (Boise Statesman)
Looking at Balukoff and his campaign (Lewiston Tribune)
Record-breaking coho found in Idaho rivers (Lewiston Tribune)
Moscow allowing lots with tight access (Moscow News)
Reviewing Idaho House race (Moscow News)
New Nampa library will have same hours (Nampa Press Tribune)
COMPASS working on five-year transportation budget (Nampa Press Tribune)
A bunch of legislative forums today in Canyon (Nampa Press Tribune)
Legislative candidates discuss issues (Pocatello Journal)
Minico students barred from lunch across street (TF TImes News)
ACLU jumps into Declo discrimination case (TF TImes News)

Property taxes in Lane will rise (Eugene Register Guard)
Merkley seems well ahead of Wehby in race (Eugene Register Guard)
Transient rooms tax yields more than expected in Klamath (KF Herald & News)
KF will get a Sportsmans Warehouse (KF Herald & News)
Last governor debate at Medford (Medford Tribune)
Student said SOU rally was misinterpreted (Medford Tribune)
Forest review: Residents want more use (Pendleton E Oregonian)
Drivers license issue backers rally at Hermiston (Portland Oregonian, Pendleton E Oregonian)
UO strategizes on its $2b fundraising plan (Portland Oregonian)

Were student asked to help teacher running for legislator? (Everett Herald)
County death investigator reaches $125k settlement (Everett Herald)
Gas prices dropping in Washington (Longview News)
Reviewing Clallam auditor contest (Port Angeles News)
Risk of child poisoning at shooting ranges, pt 3 (Seattle Times)
Commute in Seattle getting worse (Seattle Times)
Review foster family difficulties, part 3 (Spokane Spokesman)
Liberty Lake passes expansive rule on minors, pot (Spokane Spokesman)
Vancouver Council won’t address Clark charter (Vancouver Columbian)
AGs go after sex trafficking online (Vancouver Columbian)
Write-in for Pierce prosecutor doesn’t want t run (Tacoma News Tribune)
Yakima pressing for more airlilne traffic (Yakima Herald Republic)

Two weeks to go

October 20, 2014
trahant MARK
TRAHANT
 
Austerity

I am hoping that my ballot is in the mail today. I am ready to vote.

What I really like about voting early is that it’s an inoculation against all the TV and Internet ads. Once I have voted, I know that I am just wasting campaign or special interest money.
So here we are two weeks to go until the formal Election Day and counting of ballots.

Remember two years ago Indian Country voters outperformed. As I wrote then, this smallest demographic slice of the population made a difference in the outcomes in Montana and South Dakota races for the U.S. Senate (the only two states Nate Silver called wrong).

In 2014 these are my three elections to watch: Alaska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Two of those states have tight Senate races (the latest Real Clear Politics look at the average of all polls estimates a Republican pick-up of 8 seats, enough for a Senate majority.)

South Dakota is now polling within the margin of error for a four-way race. That means the race is essentially tied and it will be won by the campaign that’s best organized to get their voters to the polls.
Former Gov. Mike Rounds, the Republican in the race, is viewed unfavorably by more than half of those surveyed, 51 percent, and that could lead a lot of conservatives to vote for Gordie Howie, an independent. In the most recent poll, Howie is earning about 5 percent support. As more of the national talk, however, focuses on either independent Larry Pressler or the Democrat Rick Weiland, I think this makes Howie more likely to get Tea Party support. So watch: if Howie gets more than 5 percent, that will come from Rounds and make it more likely that Pressler or Weiland wins.

And which one? That really depends on Indian Country. Will there be a turnout and consistent vote for one or the other. President Obama won nearly 3,000 votes from Shannon County in 2012, 93.4 percent of the vote. Can that number grow as voters consider changing the name of the county to Oglala Lakota County? My guess is that Weiland will get the majority of those votes, but the bigger question is can he get a large percentage, 80 or even 90 percent? (If you look through the 2014 election map and every blue county is an American Indian homeland.)

The other thing to watch is early voting numbers. The bigger the early returns, the more likely outcome favoring Weiland.

Turning to Wisconsin. The hot race in this state is for governor — and there are several issues that impact Indian Country, including mining policy. Polls show this as a tight race. Two factors that are hard to see how they will play out is the increased number of jobs and the drop in gas prices. Both are good news — so it’s a matter of perception (Are the governor’s policies responsible? Or does the president get credit?)

The Native Vote Program for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has a goal of increasing the Native American turnout by 6 percent. To put that challenge in perspective: The turnout of Native voters was only 34 percent in the last governor’s election while the general turnout was 52 percent. That means there is a lot of room for growth. Especially with early vote. (Just think: With early voting, a community could even hit 100 percent turnout.)

I’ll have a lot more to say about Alaska this week. The First Alaskans Institute’s Youth and Elders Conference is underway in Anchorage (Shoni Schimmel speaks today, yay!) and Thursday is the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. Both are big deals — especially during an election year.
Gotta run. Idaho needs my ballot mailed back.

On the front pages

October 20, 2014
news

Here’s what public affairs news made the front page of newspapers in the Northwest today, excluding local crime, features and sports stories. (Newspaper names contracted with location)

Coho largely restored by Nez Perce (Boise Statesman)
Reviewing the legislative rulemaking amendment (Boise Statesman)
Looking at online schooling (Moscow News)
Pullman starts with budget hearings (Moscow News)
Percentage of college-bound students fell in 2013 (TF Times News)
Dog shooting still dogging city of Filer (TF Times News)

US House 5 a cooler race this time (Eugene Register Guard)
Eugene deals with sick leave rule specifics (Eugene Register Guard)
Kitzhaber’s campaign battered by scandals (Medford Tribune)
Medford schools may try all-day kindergarten (Medford Tribune)
Reviewing Portland ‘re-entry court’ (Portland Oregonian)
The 5th U.S. House district race, uneven (Salem Statesman Journal)

Expensive, negative state Senate race in 35th (Bremerton Sun)
Annual salmon run is about to start (Bremerton Sun)
Review of Y.S. House 2 contest, Larsen favored (Everett Herald)
Forks people uneasy about Navy electronic war plan (Longview News)
Centralia Power plant top WA greenhouse gas producer (Olympian)
Examining how a legal pot operation works (Port Angeles News)
Port Angeles may make deal for smart parking meters (Port Angeles News)
Lead poisoning at Belleview gun range (Seattle Times)
Second part of problems with foster care (Spokane Spokesman)
I-90 overpass to get local funding (Spokane Spokesman)
Reviewing two-R 4th district U.S. House race (Tacoma News Tribune)