The clock is ticking! Legislative leadership has announced that “Sine Die”, the last day of legislative session, is imminent. While we have a constitutional requirement to be adjourned by June 30, leadership in both the House and Senate have been working with a goal of wrapping things up by June 21. Of the thousands of bills introduced back in January, only a few are still making their way through the process. My next newsletter will focus on the big measures that made it across the finish line. For this update, I’d like to focus on some valuable state and county resources available to people like you in House District 10.
Oregon State Troopers
Many of us have witnessed situations that don’t rise to the level of a 911 call, but nevertheless could benefit from law enforcement involvement. But how many of us can remember the non-emergency police response phone number?
With a new program from Oregon State Police, there’s no need to memorize long numbers. By simply dialing *OSP, you will automatically be connected to the nearest non-emergency assistance – no matter where you are in Oregon.
Services like *OSP only work when we have enough first responders. For too long, the numbers of our State Troopers haven’t kept up with our growing population. That means dangerous wait times during emergencies, especially on our rural highways.
House Bill 2046 fixes that access problem by increasing OSP funding to provide for at least 15 patrol troopers for every 100,000 residents. The bill is making its way through the Joint Ways and Means Committee where I serve as Co-Vice-Chair. I expect to report soon that this funding priority has been approved.
Free Smoke Alarm Installation
When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm batteries? Let this be your reminder to make sure your devices are working! A couple of minutes spent now could save a lot of despair later.
And for those of you without smoke alarms or in need of assistance with replacing them, the Oregon State Fire Marshall partnering with the American Red Cross has your back. Simply contact the Red Cross using one of the methods below and volunteers will assist you in making sure your home is properly equipped – at no cost!
1. Call: 503-528-5783
2. Online: www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm
3. E-mail: [email protected]
Fire Readiness Sessions
Speaking of fires, on Tuesday I witnessed plumes of smoke emerging from south of Grand Ronde as I drove back home from Salem. While the Trojan Fire is now officially contained, it serves as a reminder that the 2019 wildfire season is officially upon us.
Thankfully, the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln County Public Health are partnering together to prepare our community members, business owners and visitors on our local wildfire threat and response procedures. Attend one of the following wildfire readiness events to learn more about how to be prepared for fire protection, evacuation, and health precautions.
- Thursday, June 13, 6-8 pm, Siletz Fire Station
- Saturday, June 15, 9-11 am, Toledo Fire Station
- Tuesday, June 18, 6-8 pm, Lincoln City, St. Claire Station
- Thursday, June 20, 6-8 pm, Yachats, Yachats Commons
- Monday, June 24, 6-8 pm, Waldport City Hall
- Tuesday, June 25, 6-8 pm, Gleneden Beach Fire Station
- Wednesday, June 26, 6-8 pm, Newport OCCC
- Tuesday, July 16, 6-8 pm, Otis Fire Station
- Wednesday, July 17, 6-8 pm, Eddyville Community Church
- Friday, July 19, 6-8 pm, Logsden Community Club, Siletz
- Thursday, July 25, 6-8 pm, Seal Rock Fire Station
Students in the Capitol
Whenever I visit our schools, I’m stuck by the passion and knowledge of our younger Oregonians. Some of those students go even further by reaching out to me about getting involved at the state level. Recently, I was pleased to host an Honorary Page from House District 10.
At only 14 years old, Maia Joy Stout of Waldport Middle School already has an impressive political background. Maia is a member of student government, acting as the fundraising and events coordinator. She is also the founder of the school’s “Clean Beach Club.”
Maia’s advocacy for the environment reflects our coastal values. I will be following Maia’s career as I can already see a leader in the making.
Simply Design Studios photography display
Longtime readers know that I feature a different artist each month as part of my Coastal Art and Artist showcase in Salem. This little gallery in my office has become a tradition and brings many visitors to the 4th floor! We’ve had paintings, ceramics, photographs, and textiles. For the final month of the 2019 session, I am pleased to feature photographs from Simply Design Studios in Newport and their wonderful images of commercial fishing boats, the Coast Guard, and our magnificent coastal landscape.
Coastal art is not just about culture. It is also about local jobs and a growing business sector. Simply Design Studios began in a garage in 2006 and now has a prime location on Highway 101 and five employees. I would like to extend a thank you to all the artists who showcased their work here in my Salem office this year.
Once the legislative session is behind us, I hope to see you at one of the half dozen town halls we are planning, or in one of the many parades I’ll be marching in across Tillamook, Lincoln, and Yamhill Counties this summer. Until then, please feel free to reach out via email or stop by in person at the Capitol. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable start to your summer!
Warm Regards,
Representative David Gomberg
House District 10
email: [email protected]
phone: 503-986-1410
address: 900 Court St NE, H-471, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/gomberg
