Opinion

Council should proceed with
caution on annexation issue

The Canby City Council is poised to make another big decision that could have wide ramifications on how our fair city develops.

Only a month removed from approving the establishment of an Urban Renewal District, the council is now considering whether to be the applicant for the annexation of up to 300 acres of industrial land in phases 2 and 3 of the Logging Road Industrial Park.

The council has never acted as the applicant for a single acre of private land before, let alone several hundred. Part of us fears the precedent being set, which might open the floodgates for any Tom, Dick and Harry who wants the application fees waived by having
the city apply on their behalf. Part of us fears the city will not step up on behalf of these property owners, mostly Industrial Area Association members.

Not serving as the conduit for a lump annexation could lead to haphazard annexation in the industrial park area. Roads could be built one piece at a time, and trucks may muck up new roads with muddy tires as they drive over new pavement hauling materials and equipment to another 100-foot stretch of new road.

In this case, and despite our worry of setting a precedence, we believe the council would be doing the right thing by serving as the annexation applicant.

But, as the council does with most of its decisions, we'd like to suggest some conditions and stipulations be applied should the city forge ahead as applicant.

1. As much as it is possible, we'd like the city to have some control over what kind of developments are allowed in the area. No, it won't be the city's land to sell, but if the city is willing to forgo the annexation fees on behalf of the land owners (who will benefit tremendously), the council should decide what kind of developments will benefit the city the most and encourage such developments.

2. Pursue more industry and solid business community members, such as JV Northwest Inc. and Shimadzu USA Manufacturing. These firms provide good jobs with good pay, and their operations represent the professionalism city leaders say they want in Canby.

3. Choose industrial uses over commercial developments. We'd hate to see another big box store go in out there, such as a giant do-it-yourself at home type of supplier. Voters said they wanted a Fred Meyer, and they got it. We think the store and all of its commercial outbuildings, coupled with the vacancies throughout town and the future Cutsforth development, offer enough opportunities for retailers, new and old. Enough is enough.

4. Explain clearly and concisely to voters the future plans for the land after annexation. Answer all questions before the vote. What types of developments can go in there? What are the options? What does this mean to a resident in Township Village? How does this affect urban renewal? How will existing businesses be impacted?

5. Be honest and up front to everyone. We'll do our best to explain what we hear at meetings and from interviews, but we'd prefer that the information be offered up freely by the city's decision makers directly to its citizens

After all, this city belongs to all of us who live and work here. This
decision is a big one. Make the best choice for Canby - at your Jan. 19
meeting, and throughout each step in the ongoing process.

Letters to the editor

Man arrested for
DUII truly sorry
for what he did

To the editor:
As reported by the Canby Herald (in the Dec. 29 Public Record), I was arrested on Dec. 22 by the Canby police for driving under the influence of intoxicants. I was taken to the Clackamas County Jail where I was incarcerated for my criminal offense and released 10 hours later on my own recognizance.

I will appear in the Canby Municipal Court for trial. I will cooperate fully and will serve my community and/or pay whatever fines may be charged against me.

I have learned a most valuable lesson the hard way, and I am grateful to the officer who stopped me. I was endangering the lives of the people in my community and recklessly endangering my own life. The officer was respectful and kind toward me, which made blaming him for my trouble virtually
impossible.

He protected the community he has obligated himself to serve, and did so ably. He protected me as well. Thank you.

I am very sorry for the shame I have brought on the Lord's church, my family and friends. I am repentant and will work hard toward making it right and toward allowing people to be proud of their kinship or association with me.

For those of us who may still think we will not get caught drinking and driving, or, may think it is not that big a deal if we do get caught, please, let what happened to me be a wake-up call.

Firstly, it is humiliating to be arrested, handcuffed and treated like a criminal (as kind and gentle as the police may be) and the costs can be multiplied by the thousands of dollars (from getting the vehicle towed and then released, to paying the fines).

Secondly, jail is cold, hard and unforgiving. Trying to sleep with bright fluorescent lighting and no windows on cold concrete with very little to keep warm is not like a night at a hotel.

Thirdly, being fingerprinted, photographed and recorded as a criminal will haunt dreams and day dreams, and will tarnish character, reputation and honor.

I am deeply regretful for what I have done. I am also thankful for what occurred. I have been protected from worse.
Stephen Earnhart
Canby

Multi-family complexes
should be included in
holiday lighting contest

To the editor:
I want to thank everyone in the Canby area who decorated their homes for Christmas. They all looked so nice and festive. I do enjoy driving around to see them all every year.

I do have one question. They have a contest for the best decorated house, business, etc., but nowhere does it say that apartment complexes can enter (in Canby). I have lived in a duplex for two years, and a lot of the residents decorate their apartment and carports at our place. It really looks nice.

I think there should be a category for apartments and duplexes in the contest. Who do I contact to see if this could be changed for next year?
Susan Koppert
Canby

Wayne Oliver receives
more kudos from
Canby Kids product

To the editor:
I would like to add some personal comments to the article written about Wayne Oliver in the Jan. 4 issue, and the effort he has put forth to better Canby youth programs.

As a product of Canby and its youth programs, I speak firsthand to the efforts of Wayne Oliver and the commitment he has to Canby and its youth.

I was fortunate enough to have Wayne as a baseball coach for the majority of my youth and junior playing days. He started coaching our team when I was about 9 or 10, and he basically stayed with the same group of kids all the way through high school. Wayne was not only a great coach and teacher of the
game, but he was also a positive influence on all the kids he coached.

I know my baseball experience was better because of Wayne Oliver. I would like to thank Wayne for all his efforts. It's because of Wayne and countless other volunteers that Canby is such a great place to live and raise a family.
Todd Hansen
Specialty sales manager
Nike Golf

St. Vincent dePaul
president says thanks
for generosity

To the editor:
I would like to publicly thank the many civic clubs and local churches and individuals who have generously donated food and money to the Canby St.

Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Once again, our community has outdone themselves in unselfish support.

The Canby Kiwanis Club contribution of five truckloads of food will stock our St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and will be put to immediate use. In addition, the Canby Lion's Club presented us with a check for $500.

Throughout December we received a steady stream of monetary and food donations from Knight School, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, St. Patrick's Youth in Action, Albertson's, Safeway, Hope Village and many local churches. Our local LDS church works year-round to provide food and enthusiastic volunteers.

In November 1999 the Canby St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank provided food staples to 493 local families (more than 1,500 people). Needless to say, our need for food donations continues to increase, and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Assisting our less fortunate neighbors is a community effort. We welcome the opportunity to join forces with our local churches, clubs and businesses to show commitment to all residents of the Canby community. Our wonderful groups of volunteers from local churches and civic groups help us distribute more than 4,500 pounds of food to more than 100 families each and every week.

Without our local civic clubs, businesses and churches behind the scenes, we would not be able to provide the service we do. These organizations' generous donations offer a positive example and will go to help fill a need in our community in a very real way.
Michael R. McCallum, president
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Canby Conference