Delay in naming Governor’s staff concerning to lawmakers.
One of the planks of his campaign platform was that John Kitzhaber was a proven leader and would be ready to govern on ‘day one’ if elected. For the most part, say lawmakers, that appears to be the case. Since November the former two-term governor has been meeting with legislative leaders of both parties in an effort to forge working relationships. But, says Coos Bay Democratic State Senator Joanne Verger, there’s still something lacking.
205 – “The only thing that is really concerning me is that he says he’s going to announce his team in mid-February.”
The Governor Elect has made no secret that he won’t name key staff positions until about a month after Monday’s inauguration. Verger hopes that will change… One example of how the lack of staffers in the governor’s office will impact the Oregon Coast lies in efforts to create jobs.
206 – “My district is 200 miles of small business owners, so I am very eager to know, right now, who is going to be the person in the governor’s office that I will be working with in Economic Development and I, I won’t know that for a while.”
Still, she says, she is looking for a very close relationship between Kitzhaber and lawmakers of both parties.
Lane County says the waiting list for residents needing assistance with their heating will remain closed at least through the end of January. Mary Ellen Bennett, Lane County’s coordinator for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP (lee-app), says the program will receive additional funding this month, but it will go to households already signed up. LIHEAP is a winter-time program that provides qualifying households with a one-time payment towards their energy bill. It can be applied to electricity, propane, heating oil, wood pellets or even firewood. Information on the program can be had by calling 541-682-FUEL.
While many of the Lane County Home Extension programs have withered, there are still some available. Ross Penhallegon says they’ll be holding their annual Florence fruit tree pruning class next week. The demonstration will show proper pruning techniques. Attendees will meet at the Florence Events Center next Thursday at Nine AM then carpool to the class site on Clear Lake Road. Due to the elimination of county funds, Penhallegon says there is a five-dollar charge. You can pre-register by calling the OSU Extension Office in Eugene at 541-344-0265.
AP-OR--2nd NewsMinute,0229
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
RAINIER, Ore. (AP) - Rainier police chief Ralph Painter
responded to a call about an attempted car theft yesterday morning.
Less than an hour later he was shot dead. His suspected killer is
hospitalized with a gunshot wound and is expected to survive.
Investigators don't know exactly what happened -- whether suspect
Daniel Butts was armed, or whether he had shot Painter with his own
gun or Painter's sidearm.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - John Kitzhaber's inauguration will be a
decidedly low-key affair on Monday, even for a governor famous for
his folksy and casual demeanor. There won't be a lavish ball or
all-night party. A Kitzhaber spokeswoman cites a bad economy and a
state budget needing repair for a casual reception at the Capitol
after his swearing-in ceremony.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A former judge has found no evidence of
criminal activity after reviewing the work of a former Oregon
assistant attorney general. The Oregonian reports that judge Dale
Koch says Brent Foster did not give improper legal advice on liquid
natural gas plants in Oregon.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Under a new program, Oregon homeowners can
choose to lease solar panel systems instead of buying, avoiding
upfront costs while reducing electricity bills and carbon
footprints. SolarCity, a California company, says Oregon homeowners
can go solar for as little as $20 a month with no upfront costs.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Aumsville man has been arrested after
showing up to a marijuana deal with his 1-year-old daughter in the
backseat of his car. Salem police say Jonathen Hudnell had driven
to a location to sell about a quarter-pound of marijuana. Police
say his daughter was placed in state custody.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Sheldon High School cross-country coach
accused of having sex with a 15-year-old female student at the
Eugene school has been sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison. A Lane
County judge told Chad Schacht yesterday that he stole the victim's
innocence.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregonian reports a former judge has
found no evidence of criminal activity after reviewing the work of
a former Oregon assistant attorney general. Brent Foster resigned
last April after admitting he misrepresented his involvement in a
Hood River juice company investigation.
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. (AP) - Oscar the Labradoodle proved to be a
valuable fire alarm yesterday -- his insistent barking alerted his
Happy Valley owner to a neighbor's blazing minivan. Fire officials
say Oscar's owner found the dog looking out a window at the fire,
barking relentlessly. She called 911 and fire crews were able to
douse the blaze before it spread to the neighbor's home.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Wrestling tonight… the Siuslaw Vikings are in Winston for a Far West dual meet against the Douglas Trojans.
On the Hardwood… The Oregon Men, in Seattle this evening against the Washington Huskies, are still seeking their first Pac-10 win. Airtime will come at 5:15 with the tip off set for 5:30. Oregon State is in the Palouse this evening. They’ll face Washington State at Beasley Coliseum at seven… airtime on KCFM is at 6:30.
Oregon State Flanker James Rodgers will get an extra year of eligibility to play college football. Rodgers played in four of the first five games for the Beavers this season before suffering a season ending knee injury. The NCAA granted the school’s request on his behalf for a “medical red-shirt”, allowing him to come back and play one more season with his younger brother Jacquizz (jaw-QWIZZ)
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