Marine board makes balanced decision

Good things can happen when controversial issues like commercial jet boat operations on the Upper Rogue River are taken up and decided in a civil manner.

After months of public participation including submission of letters and personal testimonies at open hearings, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) ,whose members are appointed by the governor, adopted a rule by unanimous vote that was reported on in the Rogue Valley Times edition published Jan. 29.

It appears that two members with local connections close to the ground crafted the rule and produced a balanced, historically sensitive resolution to the issue.

There had been a gentleman’s agreement of sorts for years that jet boats and sleds would not travel upstream of the bridge at TouVelle State Park. Now, that condition has been made into a rule such that no commercial jet boats can run trips above the Table Rock Bridge during their season, from the end of May into early September.

You can read other parts of the rule in the news report. The bottom line is the OSMB took seriously all the public participation on this highly charged and often personal matter. The result shows that participatory democracy can work.

Stephen C. Haskell / Ashland

Say no to fireworks

Fireworks on July 4th?! Please, no. It’s January, but this is the time for our city government to be responsible about canceling fireworks. Even Hawaii’s governor has proclaimed NO to fireworks. He intends to crack down on those who persist with a $300 fine and other consequences.

Fireworks have also been named as a possible cause of one of the current fires in California.

It’s definitely time to find other ways to celebrate our Independence Day.

Joan Hunts / Medford

Support HB 3054

Due to the affordable housing problem in our area, people should be aware that there is a bill, HB 3054, in the state Legislature that will help to prevent homelessness among the senior population by stabilizing rent increase for seniors by linking the increase to the increase in their Social Cecurity.

Yesterday, I received notice of the annual increase in my monthly space rent of $45. I am a senior on a very limited income. I own my home in a manufactured home community of seniors in Phoenix. In 2019 when I purchased my home, built in 1989, the space rent was a very manageable $565. My space rent starting this May will now be $775.

I am well aware of the housing shortage in Oregon and am very concerned about my inability to even afford an apartment should I be evicted from my home because I can no longer pay the rent increases. Many of my senior friends are in this same position financially. Due to health issues I am no longer able to work. My small vegetable garden provides me with fresh food in the summer, but during the winter I find it very difficult to purchase food and am taking advantage of the commodity program for seniors.

I believe that our community is not the only one in Oregon experiencing these issues. Anyone wishing to help seniors stay in their homes can write to their Oregon Representative urging a favorable vote for HB 3054.

Nanette Heidtman / Phoenix

HB 3054 needs support

My name is Lynn Davidson, an owner of a manufactured home in Phoenix.

I’m writing in support of HB 3054. Before I delve into that, I’d like to tell you a little bit about my husband and my experiences over the past 20 years.

August 2005: My husband, Jim, was diagnosed with cancer. We sold our home in Puyallup, Wash., and relocated to Chehalis, Wash.

Dec. 3, 2007: The Chehalis river floods! We lose everything.

August 2008: Jim and I decide to rebuild since we own the property with a plan to sell ASAP. Our home is completed in August. In November 2008, the real estate market tumbles and we’re upside down in our new home and are unable to sell and recoup our losses.

March 2009: Jim has a recurrence of cancer and passes in June 2012.

December 2012: I walk away from my home, declare bankruptcy and move to Southern Oregon where I grew up. I had enough money to purchase a manufactured home. I moved into my new home, Dec.15. The rent, at that time, was $465 per month.

TODAY 2025: My rent is $730.

When I purchased my home, I thought it was the right decision and would give me a secure future. But is it? Really?

I’m a widow whose financial future was wiped out by a disaster and bankruptcy. My income is dependent on Social Security; and yes, when I go someplace, I see the homeless people and think, “But for the grace of God there go I.” That’s not just a passing thought. I have no family, no siblings, children, etc. I’m 80 years old and live with MS. I must ask, “What am I to do when the rent increases so much that I cannot pay it?”

What am I and all the other people in this situation to do? I’m writing this letter so the people of Oregon can be made aware of what many older people are facing. We need to allocate rent increases corresponding to or closer to the Federal COLA increase. Please contact your Oregon State Representative in support of HB 3054.

Lynn Davidson / Phoenix