Commissioners Ponder O & C Membership

Lane County debates membership in pro-old growth logging organization.

Lane County Commissioners are grappling with whether to rejoin an organization that is considered pro-timber but which also plays a big role in helping secure federal funding for rural counties. Commissioners held a public hearing today (Tuesday).
 
County Commissioners voted last month to withdraw from the Association of Oregon & California Counties with the option of reviewing that decision. It’s a strong lobbying group for “Secure Rural Schools” funds from the federal government. 17 Oregon Counties are members and Lane County is the largest.
 
Robertson: “For over 70 years, Lane County has been an active participant in the Association of O and C Counties and now perhaps more than ever their role is critical.”
 
Doug Robertson is a Douglas County Commissioner and president of the Association.  There are many critics, including Doug Heiken, with the conservation group Oregon Wild.
 
Heiken: “The association has worked to maintain our dependence or even increase our dependence on the timber industry which actually destabilizes the region’s economy.”
 
Some commissioners expressed concerns about the way the Association’s board is elected and secrecy surrounding their meetings. After an hour-long discussion, commissioners decided to form a committee to come up with recommended changes to propose to the Association of O and C Counties.