Measure 91 Supporters On the Stump

Coast Radio News
Local News
October 30, 2014

Pro-Marijuana Campaign Stepping Up in Oregon

Supporters of a state-by-state effort to legalize recreational use of marijuana are in Oregon this week promoting a ‘yes’ vote on Measure 91. Tamar (TAMM-er) Todd is the Director of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance. She says this year’s pro-pot measure is better than one denied by Oregonians two years ago.

Tamar Todd – “The initiative itself is very well drafted and it’s very carefully drafted in order to establish a really responsible, tightly controlled, very well regulated system.”

The Director of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance, Tamar Todd, is in Oregon this week campaigning in support of Measure 91.  (Drug Policy Alliance photo)
The Director of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance, Tamar Todd, is in Oregon this week campaigning in support of Measure 91. (Drug Policy Alliance photo)

The Drug Policy Alliance espouses the concept of decriminalizing marijuana and using the money previously spent on enforcement for better works. Even if Oregon voters say “yes” to legalization, she acknowledges federal drug laws would remain in effect; but doesn’t see that as an obstacle.

Tamar Todd – “It is the state and the localities that are expending the money to have all these arrests and criminal citations; and so when the state says they don’t want to expend those resources, the federal government is hard pressed to come in, interfere with the will of the voters in those states, expend its own federal resources to devote to enforcing low level marijuana offenses.”

Voters in Oregon have until Tuesday, Eight PM to return their ballots to the Elections office. Officials say today is the last day to mail it in and ensure it gets there in time. Lane County has several drop boxes around the county, including one in front of the Florence Justice Center just off Ninth Street.

Newport Rescue Helicopter gets two week reprieve

The U.S. Coast Guard will keep a rescue helicopter in Newport… but only for an extra two weeks.

The Newport air station had been slated for closure November 30th because of budget cuts. Air crews in North Bend and Astoria would respond to emergencies along the central and north coast.

Bowing to pressure from members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation, the closure was moved to December 15th to allow for more extensive discussions of the risks to recreational and commercial fishing… as well as other activities.

Cost of driving continues to drop

Drivers in Florence saw another precipitous drop in gasoline prices this week.

The average price for a gallon of regular fell by 17-cents in one week and is now perched just above the three-dollar mark at $3.03.

Price changes across the state were similar with Triple-A reporting the average price in Oregon falling from $3.36 to $3.21.

The national average price matches the local average this week, falling six cents to $3.03.

Analysts say the continuing fall of wholesale crude oil prices continues to drive the drop in retail prices.

One-time assistance with heating bills available

Low income families may be able to get help with their home heating costs again this winter. Siuslaw Outreach Services will be the local source for access to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program… also known as “LIHEAP” (lie-heep).

The federally funded assistance provides a one-time stipend for qualifying individuals and families to help offset increased heating costs.

Housing Assistance Manager Bob Teter says just signing up is not a guarantee of funding. Space is limited and people are strongly encouraged to keep their electric service accounts current.

Signups for the program begin at 9 AM Monday morning. You can call S.O.S. at 997-2816 or sign up in person at the office on 12th Street.

Spring forward and fall back… it’s that time of year.

Overnight Saturday you’ll want to set your clocks back one hour as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end.

If you have a smoke detector it’s also time to change or at least check the battery in it.

Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says many smoke detectors now feature long-life batteries and they don’t need to be changed every year.

So the old adage, “change your clock, change your battery” may not necessarily apply. All approved detectors have a ‘test’ button… use that and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your detector clear of dust and cobwebs and change the battery if need be. If your smoke detector is more than ten years old… replace it entirely.

Ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home, says Barrett, can be the “single-most important step you can take to increase your family’s safety”.