---

The LNG opponents want to stop progress

Thursday, February 15, 2007 12:38 PM PST

Recently I received a pamphlet from the anti-liquefied natural gas/pipeline people that is by far one of the most irresponsible information pieces that I have ever witnessed. Not only is most of the information misleading, but also some of the information is simply false. I believe the group that is representing itself as the “Southern Oregon Pipeline Information Project,” owes the public an apology for putting out such information.

First, a picture of a pipeline used in the brochure is that of one that resembles the above-ground Alaska pipeline and is shown rambling through the hills. The planned pipeline will be underground and in no way will have any similarity to the pictures in this poorly done work. The above-ground pipeline is shown approaching the front of a home. That will never happen here.

In addition, such quotes as, “running flammable gas through our bay, rivers and stream?” and “snaking a six-lane highway through private property and our public lands,” simply demonstrate that the opponents are struggling to come up with anything to bolster their position, including playing on the unnecessary fears of the people.

Coos Bay

*************************************************************************************

NOTE : The South Coast Development Council (SCDC) is a quasi government operation.  It was formed about four years ago to develop local business opportunities and to recruit business to this area.  It is in fact a private corporation with few, perhaps two, employees.  During it's four years, Ron Opitz is the second employed manager and has been with SCDC for about three years now.  In three years time........what has he accomplished??  The organization has reported spending more than $1 million of private and taxpayers dollars during it's four years.   That money, which comes from both private sources and from you the taxpayer because our city and the county governments send funds to SCDC annually, goes for salaries and for office expenses.   It's a nice office.   SCDC is obligated to provide a copy of each of their annual tax returns for your review.  I suggest that you ask for copies and then ask yourself if Opitz should be the one criticizing others.  Time after time we have been told by prospective businesses to this area, including Jordan Cove Energy, Home Depot, Lowe's, ACS, and others, that they found us, we didn't find them.  SCDC has apparently created two jobs in four years.....Opitz and his assistant.  They apparently do not do their homework ahead of time as indicated by the above letter from Mr. Opitz,  a person who spent more than 30 years at Northwest Natural.  I believe that the SCDC board of directors, and that includes the former publisher of The World paper and the Mayor of Coos Bay, have supported the Jordan Cove Energy Project from day one.  SCDC must create jobs, any jobs at this point, to justify all this money that they have spent.

---