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Greetings!
This coming Monday we celebrate America’s birthday. At 240 years old, she still looks pretty great—especially on the Oregon coast! The weather is set to be perfect for enticing our friends from the Willamette Valley to join us. Our hotels, highways, and cash registers will all be full.
Whether you will be hiking, enjoying a BBQ, or helping keep up with the holiday rush, I hope you can take a moment to reflect on all the incredible opportunities this country has to offer and how fortunate we all are to be living in this time and place.
Summer means parades. Last weekend, I joined the parade in Sheridan. Tomorrow I’ll be in Cloverdale. And on the 5th, I’ll parade in both Neskowin and Gleneden Beach. As my vehicle drives along, I love walking the route, saying hello, shaking hands and kissing babies. Hope to see lots of you out in the sun in the next few days!
Here is a rundown of some highlights from the last six weeks:
Legislative Days:
In late May the legislature converged on Salem for three days of informational meetings to prepare for the 2017 Legislative Session. I met with dozens of advocates on topics ranging from Alzheimer’s research to manure biogas digesters to the death penalty. In February, 2017, we begin a fascinating legislative session that will have a historic impact on our ability to educate our children, provide economic opportunities for all Oregonians, and protect our seniors and people with disabilities.
Memorial Day in Siletz:
I had the distinct honor of joining the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians to celebrate Memorial Day at their tribal headquarters. Native peoples have fought bravely for America in every war since the Revolution. It was humbling to join tribal leaders to honor those veterans who have given their lives for our shared country, and to renew our commitment to those still with us who have served.
VA Flag Ceremony:
Similarly, it was a privilege to join Lincoln County commissioners and representatives of the US Veterans Administration for two ceremonies to unveil American flags at both the Lincoln City and Newport VA clinics.
A constituent correctly pointed out to me several months back that neither clinic had a flag displayed. I was able to work with Commissioner Bill Hall to make sure Old Glory is now proudly displayed in both locations.
State Parks Tour & Cape Kiwanda Safety Committee Meeting:
As you know, summer means an influx of visitors to the coast. Most have a great time and return home safely. Unfortunately, the ocean is both beautiful and treacherous, and every year several tourists succumb to the Pacific.
I have been working with a diverse group including first responders, the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, local business leaders, and community members on how to keep visitors safe. Our efforts have focused on Cape Kiwanda, a common site for tragedy due to its stunning beauty and unpredictable sandstone cliffs.
We are looking at ideas including better signage, improved Parks staff and volunteer presence, and general ocean safety education in Oregon schools.
I also took time to tour our park and beaches in Waldport for a special perspective of access and sand accumulation. Sand is also an issue in Pacific City. Last session I sponsored legislation to allow creation of Sand Removal Districts.
Cascadia Rising:
Earlier in June, I sat in on an earthquake/tsunami drill at the Lincoln County Emergency Center. It was fascinating to watch our many communities respond to the exercise and sobering to imagine how we will all react when the event happens for real.
Over the past two months, I’ve joined public presentations on earthquake preparation in Waldport, Newport, Toledo, Siletz, Depoe Bay and Lincoln City. Hundreds of our neighbors turned out to learn more about life after Cascadia, and how we can work together to better prepare, withstand, and recover.
Highway Construction:
The ODOT Pioneer Mountain/Eddyville bypass project is rapidly nearing completion. This undertaking will remove 5.5 dangerous miles and 10 minutes travel time from the trip between Corvallis and Newport. The project is currently on budget and ahead of schedule.
Unfortunately, the last phase of construction involves tying in the newly constructed highway with the current road alignment and that means some road closures.
• The ten-hour closure time will be 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Closures will begin on July 17, Sunday through Thursday. This will be good news to many commuters. Remember, the hours and days could vary some as the daylight hours or construction needs change. If changes are needed, they will be announced two weeks in advance.
• You’ll begin seeing the detour and variable message (VM) signs going up. The VM signs won’t be used until after the July 4 weekend.
Please join me for an open house at the Eddyville School on Thursday, July 7th from 4-8 p.m. This is a chance for the local community who will be directly impacted day to day to talk with ODOT Project Staff and the Contractor. If you have questions about the project, I encourage you to attend!
At the same time, the work north of Lincoln City to provide a safety lane at East Devils Lake Road is moving quickly toward completion. That’s good news as well.
Graduation!
Finally I wanted to mention what a joy it has been to take part in graduation celebrations in our local high schools and community colleges this past month. It is stirring to see students transition into a changing world with motivation and skills making them better prepared to thrive and contribute. Their pride and the excitement of their families is contagious.
Finally, I hope you have a safe, happy, and prosperous holiday weekend! As always, it is an honor to serve you in Salem. If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy Independence Day!
Warm regards,
Rep. David Gomberg
email: Rep.DavidGomberg@state.or.us I phone: 503-986-1410
address: 900 Court St NE, H-371, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/gomberg
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