"Speak Truth to Power."

This oft quoted phrase is taken from a l955 publication with that title, by the American Friends Service Committee. I don't know much about the Quakers, or Friends as they are known, but I like this sentiment ... challenging though it is. Nevertheless, I believe that more important than speaking truth to power, is having power speak truth to us. With so much suspicion toward all aspects of government these days, it is difficult to know what to believe in the media. More often I'm finding the same opinions in two publications to which I subscribe. The Nation is considered to be a left leaning magazine and The American Conservative, as its name implies, leans right.

But in recent years, both of these periodicals seem to be speaking the same truth to the same power. We all want and need the truth, it is essential to our democracy, and the easiest place we, as citizen stake holders, can seek and receive accurate information on issues is at the most local of levels ... our city and county governments. And although occasionally we have to jump through hoops to receive the facts, they are eventually forthcoming.

This is the beauty of having a Constitution that guarantees us access to public records and living in a state earnestly dedicated to 'Sunshine Laws.' But, when the information is forthcoming freely, without request, it is incumbent on us to pay attention. When our City Recorder/Finance Director distributes copies of a League of Oregon Cities article titled, "Are City Revenues at Risk?," at a meeting of local business people ... I read it! "Oregon cities are facing unparalleled revenue challenges. The current economic crisis is unlike any that officials currently serving in government have ever experienced." The article goes on to discuss how most cities in Oregon don't have adequate reserves to withstand cuts to state shared revenues, and that recent changes to funding formulas "have resulted in significant decreases over the years." In addition, surveys show that the recession has hit Oregon especially hard.

State mandated preemption (right of taking first) for cities "often results in inadequate funding to meet even basic service levels." My understanding is that Measures 66 and 67, raising personal and corporate taxes, will seriously affect revenues and programs essential to cities. This fiscal challenge to both individuals and cities will be decided by voters in January. I would encourage all concerned to learn as much as possible about this and share their views with their fellow taxpayers in letters-to-the editor. Because I always vote, I am anxious to learn as much as possible about Measures 66 and 67 -- how it will affect me personally and how it will affect the city in which I am an investor and taxpayer. In the meantime, I have two questions for the City of Coquille: How adequate are the city's reserves? What are the city's "basic service levels?"¤

Hanging on my office wall, there is a framed drawing of a scruffy, long haired bearded man. Above the drawing is the word "REWARD - For information leading to the apprehension of -- JESUS CHRIST." It goes on, "Wanted - for sedition, criminal anarchy, vagrancy and conspiring to overthrow the established government.

 Dresses poorly, said to be a carpenter by trade, ill-nourished, has visionary ideas, associates with common working people, the unemployed and bums. Believed to be a Jew. ALIAS: 'Prince of Peace' - 'Son of Man' - 'Light of the World' - etc. PROFESSIONAL AGITATOR. Marks on hands and feet, the result of injuries inflicted by an angry mob led by respectable citizens and legal authorities."

 I wonder how people would treat such a person today? How would His teachings be received? And how many of us who attend churches dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ, think about the importance of His words after Sunday services? "MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU" -- We are embroiled in two wars that have killed thousands of our young people.

Those that make it back home are often damaged in body and mind, and in an increasing number of cases, homeless. Many joined the military because they wanted to be all they could be. Persuasion is social influence, and ideas backed by enormous sums of money hold powerful sway through television advertising. Through the power of propaganda, portrayed on the tube as benevolent advice, corporatists persuade us of their self-serving 'truth' long after we leave our respective places of worship.

 Persuasion can be bought by special interests and corporate lobbyists, and they have limitless coffers. "INASMUCH AS YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHEREN, YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME." -- According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, a total of 47.4 million Americans are living in poverty--one in every six Americans. How can that be in a nation of Christian values? At church this last Sunday, I was reminded, yet again, to "Speak Truth to Power."

Yet, sometimes it is difficult to know the truth, and we need guidance from our elected representatives, whose responsibility it is to study and debate solutions to problems in order to arrive at the truth that best serves most of the people. Our founders fiercely debated questions at the 1st Continental Congress in Philadelphia in l774, and that debate ended in l776 with The Declaration of Independence.

This is why it astonishes me that the United States Senate had to vote last week to even begin a full debate on the important subject of major health care legislation. I want to hear both sides of this issue because I, and many others, don't really understand all the nuances of differing House and Senate bills and their consequences on, not just us, but our children and grandchildren. We need to have facts and hear all sides of an argument to discover what is true. Democracy is so grounded in debate that I don't believe they can be separated. Do those Senators who voted against debating this controversial issue realize the stand they have taken against our democracy? On this Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful to live in a democracy that is once again behaving like a democracy. At last the American people will have the opportunity to hear and watch our most powerful government officials debate this controversial, crucial issue that affects us all. Let the debates begin!¤

Ghosties Visit Old City Hall

DI: Ghosties arrived at 8:00 PM on Halloween eve and left after 1:30 AM on Halloween morn. About ten Ghosties came to "investigate" Old City Hall. A lot of electronic equipment was placed on the portico and throughout the building, including Surveillance Camera Systems, DVR Video Cameras, Digital Voice Recorders and Electromagnetic Frequency Meters. Some Ghosties were SWOCC students who came for the experience in order to write papers for other classes.

Some were seasoned veteran ghost hunters from explorations into other historical structures around the Southern Oregon Coast. All were impressed with the building, and the "contact specialist" actually had a conversation with a "Judge Ray ____" of Coquille City Court, formerly held in the once-aweek courtroom. Evidently "Judge Ray_____" approves of what we are doing with and in the building. I could not hear the judge nor decipher the blinking orange light through which the judge communicated, but nonetheless I am delighted to receive approval from the past and thank the judge for his vote of confidence.

 I like his spirit! One needs an occasional vote of confidence to encourage more good work and to keep one's spirits energized. The other day an old-time resident stopped me to let us know that she appreciates having us become a part of the Coquille family. We have now passed our two-year anniversary and feel a little less like "the other." Even though we are only in Coquille on a part time basis, we have attended many local events in the last year and met many people who have been receptive and gracious. We look forward to becoming an integral part of Coquille's central and historic district. My husband enjoys working in his Law Office in the former City Manager's office. And for me it is inspirational to have this "spirited" building in which to create. Planning has already begun for an art exhibit next year. When we receive our official report from DI: Ghosties, I promise to share it with you.¤

SOLD OUT!

It felt good putting those words on the "Marriage is Murder" posters here at Old City Hall and around town. Opening night was great fun and the audience loved the show. During intermission, HV Cellars, formerly Hawks View, a local award winning winery, poured their Pinot Gris, and a lovely blend of Cabernet and Merlot, called Donna Rosa. Abba's Farms served organic savories -- Italian flavored Sconini's to go with red wine and Sconettes, for the white, and shortbread cookies for those with a sweet tooth.

 Old City Hall Presents "Marriage is Murder" opened to a full and appreciative house on Friday, October 23rd and ran to full houses on October 24th and 25th. This was the culmination of two years of work to restore the former Coquille Public Library, and recent City Council Chambers, to a more illustrious time in the history of this building. It has been a challenging task for a senior citizen, but then I try to emphasize the "citizen" aspect of those two words. Christopher Alexander, the architect and author who has guided my process through his book "The Timeless Way of Building," says that "when a building is 'alive,' it lets our inner forces loose, and sets us free." He urges us to find "the quality without a name," for it is that quality that is the "root criterion of life and spirit in a man, a town, a building that is objective and precise, but cannot be named." It is made from the activities and patterns in a building. "The more living patterns there are in a place -- the more it comes to life ... the more it glows, the more it has that selfmaintaining fire which is the quality without a name." Old City Hall was recently blessed by Friar Robert of the order of St. Francis, visited by Bigfoot, sparked to life by the brilliant comedic acting of Michael Fox and Victoria Weller, assisted technically by Dale Giottonini, of FoxWell Productions.

 This Halloween eve, we will be visited by the "Ghosties." They are a college club from SWOCC who have uncovered many ghosts in Coos County buildings, and they will be here to seek and communicate with spirits from Old City Hall's political and bureaucratic past. Spooktacular! I'm so grateful to those who have worked with us, especially to Lyn and Allen Jones of Double Force Construction, Mary Daniels, and to the restaurants who generously offered 10% discounts to ticket holders: Yu's Dynasty, Figaro's, Coquille Broiler and El Tapatio. And I am most grateful to my husband and the Abbott Law Offices, who have supported both me and my very active muse by sponsoring this kick-off event. 10% of our profits are going to Police Chief Mark Dannel's program for children called "Shopping with Heroes." If you were unable to get tickets to our show, I hope you were able to attend several other events taking place in Old Town Coquille this weekend. Walking around this morning, talking to fellow event creators and promoters, I realized that Coquille is well on its way to becoming, once again, the active, lively, convivial city it once was.

It's been an interesting week for me. Starting with Saturday, the FoxWell crew worked 8 hours converting the Old City Council platform in the old chambers into a New York apartment for their special production of "Marriage is Murder," a comedy for all married and/or divorced people. I greatly admire and respect these three dedicated theatre people and hope we can sell out each performance and fill the house with a fun-loving, appreciative audience. Michael, Victoria and their "Techie" Dale, a retired Gold Beach High School teacher of many years, do what they do because they love it, and they do it remarkably well.

Here's a sneak preview: In these uncertain economic times, Paul and Polly, who used to write successful murder mysteries together, decide for economic reasons to try it one more time. Their egos take some hits as they strive to outdo each other. In this "fourth wall" presentation comedy, you are a fly on the wall observing the fast-paced, subtly romantic fun. Here's a suggestion: Get together with other married friends, enjoy a meal at one of the four Coquille restaurants offering a 10% discount with theatre tickets on performance days, and then walk over to Old City Hall, a l912 classic landmark in this pedestrian friendly city. It's only 1 or 2 blocks from any of these City Core neighborhood restaurants giving the discount -- Coquille Broiler, El Tapatio, Figaros, and Yu's Dynasty.

 On Sunday, I experienced Friar Robert, a surprise when I attended services at St. James. The congregation seemed larger than usual, and I found out later that many were visitors from Powers for this special occasion. Brother Robert, an angelic, octogenarian friar with a British accent, is in the Order of St. Francis from San Francisco. His words levitated the entire congregation into a current of God's love. The good friar then honored Old City Hall with a visit and his blessing for success in visionary, creative enterprises. After the blessing, I walked to the Victorian Tea on the hill, sat at abeautifully adorned round table with interesting women, and was served delectable teas and an overabundance of savory dainties by lovely acquaintances dressed in l890's finery. After the tea, I walked back to Old City Hall past Coquille's bountiful Community Garden, feeling very grateful to be in this peaceful place.

 Monday brought a meeting with the "Ghosties," to determine whether to allow ghost hunting in our almost 100- year-old building. It's actually called an "investigation" and involves camera's, EVP's (Electromagnetic Voice Phenomena), that can record "words" from the past. That got me interested, but what really made me sit up and take notice is when I said that we would have to close off the rooms that are part of the law office, and was told not to worry, that doors don't matter to those they would try to contact. More on this later.

I am a mother of four, grandmother of four. I spend a lot of time and energy working on a goal of creating a "cultural commons," in Old City Hall, a place which has been the heart and centerpiece of Coquille City for almost 100 years. I enjoy the challenge, and hope that some of my children or grandchildren will see the light and realize that Coquille is the right city for their future. When the Old City Hall building was for sale in 2007, the ad in the real estate brochure said, "Let your imagination decide what it could become." My attorney husband had always imagined running across the street for court appearances, and I imagined the creation of a convivial gathering place to promote and enhance the cultural life of the community.

 We fell in love with the building and later with the community. Coos County Commissioner, Nikki Whitty, stated recently that, "the most positive thing, at least in the Coquille Valley, is we are seeing some much needed economic activity. I'm hoping it's just the beginning of many good things to come." We hope we are participating in promoting "good things to come," along with visionaries such as: Dr. Nancy Keller and her work on behalf of enhanced activities and education for children. Go Coquille Chess team! Anastasia Savenko-Moore, who through her teaching, has evoked art masterpieces, from tiny hands. The Saxtons' Martial Arts training, teaching children to protect themselves without rudeness or brutality to others.

Teaching rough and tumble... and RESPONSIBILITY! Our Police Chief, Mark Dannels, serving as an exemplary role model and giving time, and needed caring attention, to the young people of Coquille. City Councilor Linda Short, whose tireless efforts to beautify and enhance the Coquille quality of life is making her a legend in her own time. These inspirational people encourage me toward creating a beautiful congenial space for showcasing local artistic talent in all mediums and producing programs that bring residents, business and stakeholders together socially and economically and stimulates the activity and growth in the downtown core. I believe that this little city has a powerful potential for genteel, graceful growth and is poised to step up and reenliven its historic, economic district.

In the l930's, during hard financial times, Coquille was a community that stood and worked together. The Coquille Valley Museum sells a DVD titled, "Buy at Home," which is charming and gives us a peek at the spirit that empowered this community in the past. I believe that government at all levels must be the seat of justice and civility. Government has legal and moral responsibilities as leaders to its citizens and stakeholders. But without clear, well articulated codes and rules, it is difficult for government to function properly. On Sept. 8, 2009, I appeared before the City Council regarding a water bill issue.

 It became obvious to me during my exchange before that body, that there was a great deal of confusion on the interpretation of city code l3.04.010 section 7 covering "Commercial establishment." Section 7 states: "1 unit for each separate business or occupant which has a securable exterior door to separate the unit from other businesses and/or occupants to have independent hours of operation from each other."

 One councilor thought the code pertained to activities or events in a building, another said it had to do with the number of doors that can be used now or in the future. One interpretation leads me to believe that every commercial building in Coquille which encloses more than one business or occupant must pay a separate water bill for each business or occupant? What does that mean for beauty salons with individual private contractors and attorneys who share office space but are separate practitioners in business for themselves? It makes me worry about the little mini-mall in town which rents at least 12 spaces to private independent sellers. Small and medium sized business must have clearly stated and well written guidelines in their city codes.

Interpretation of the codes cannot be arbitrary and capricious or appear to be selective law enforcement. The ambiguity causes public rancor and is a waste of everybody's time - councilors, staff and business owners, who count on support from their city government to ensure a climate of certainty. Stakeholders must have confidence in order to aspire toward dreams and goals for economic stability. I love the City of Coquille's Mission Statement: To Serve the citizens of Coquille by providing quality services in a timely manner, to protect persons and property, and to be the best neighbor and caretaker possible. I would request that our city government review its water billing practices and have a single interpretation for all confusing codes. That interpretation must apply to all equally and be clear, coherent and comprehensible.