willametteLive.com || Facing the Facts: April 2010

Facing the Facts: April 2010
By Salem Weekly Editorial Board
from WillametteLive, Section Facing the Facts
Posted on Wed Mar 31, 2010 at 08:41:08 PM PDT

:) Thank you.

This month marks the beginning of our seventh year bringing quality news, arts and entertainment coverage to Salem. We're humbled by the continued support of our readers and advertisers.

:( A horse race without any horses

Election filing season has come and gone. A large field of mayoral candidates has eroded to two contenders. Out of four councilor seats up for election, only one has an actual race. It's another election with very little debate, likely due to the limited number of people who can dedicate large amounts of their time to a volunteer job. The city and its citizens would benefit greatly from paid positions for the city councilors.

:) Vote or Die

Look, we understand it's not American Idol. If we could talk Ryan Seacrest into announcing the candidates for the positions up for election on May 18, we would. If you aren't registered to vote, register as soon as possible. The deadline is April 28. Democracy needs you. Salem Monthly out.

:| Quench your thirst

The weather is starting to warm up outside. As we run past the deactivated drinking fountains, it seems like the city might have a stake in Evian. Regardless, there are large amounts of plastic water bottles ending up in landfills that would be remedied with drinking fountains. For having such high water quality rankings, it should be easier to get water. In addition to the drinking fountains not turned on, how about adding them in strategic places? Downtown seems like a great place to start.

:( The Lone Star State of mind

Only two things come from Texas: steers and ... textbooks. The Texas State Board of Education's 15 members met and determined what Texan teachers should be teaching their students. The answer: ultra-conservatism. They plan to wipe Thomas Jefferson from the history books and remove the influence of hip-hop music on popular culture while emphasizing country music. Not to mention focusing on the conservative resurgence of the 80s and 90s, while ignoring people like Senator Ted Kennedy, Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Instead of spotlighting only their politics, these board members should be encouraging their teachers to teach all perspectives and bring forth a debate. Normally, we can write Texas off because, well, it's Texas. However, in this instance, they have wide influence over the entire nation's school textbooks. Texas makes up seven percent of the population. Here's hoping they only control seven percent of our textbooks. May we suggest the book jacket?

COMMENTS

Malling Salem (#1)
by Anonymous on Sat Apr 17, 2010 at 11:35:13 AM PDT

In spite of data showing a steep decline in mall revenues, an increase in bankruptcy filings, unprecedented mortgage defaults, rising fuel prices etc., our City is drafting a new zone district "CA 19-2" dubbed "Neighborhood Center Mixed-Use District". Hooking these districts up to water and sewer systems, adding police and fire protection, widening streets etc. costs Salem taxpayers a lot. According to the 40 page draft, a NCMU site "may not be located within 1/2 mile of an existing NCMU site unless the sites are separated from each other by either a Major or Minor Arterial, Parkway or Collector street." So it's possible to have three to five acres of mixed-use developments at 1/2 mile intervals. Even worse, all four corners of an intersection could have three to five acre NCMU sites. Probably less than 20 people attended the three city-sponsored forums presenting the concept to the community. Unfortunately this extremely poor showing is considered adequate input for the Planning Commission to move forward with a public hearing on the NCMU zone for May 18. Before we allow 3-5 acres of urban development at 1/2 mile intervals, let's launch one in W. Salem where the idea was first vetted and received strong support. Much more citizen input is essential especially from Neighborhood Associations. Obviously it has taken much work and discussion to get the NCMU concept this far but a zone district of this magnitude needs our best efforts and all the time it takes before it alters the face of our town. You can learn more about the NCMU concept at the April 20 NCMU Planning Commission work session however, long standing rules forbid public comment on matters on Planning Commission agendas. The NCMU concept has never been applied anywhere and obviously needs a great deal of refinement before it is dispersed throughout our neighborhoods. (Oddly, "pole dancing" is not prohibited in an NCMU but "recycling drop-off" is prohibited.) Concerned citizens can still contact Planning Commissioners, City Councilors and the Mayor at any time or speak on the NCMU concept when it is not on the agenda. Youl'll find the Planning Commission agenda at http://www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/CommunityDevelopment/Planning/PlanningCommission/Pages/April2 0,2010.aspx If the link fails go to www.cityofsalem.net Departments > Community Development > Planning > Planning Commission > April 20, 2010