Tammy's views are her own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bill Eagle, his pastor, Tammy's neighbors, Earl Fisher, Betsy Johnson, Joe Corsiglia, Rita Bernhard, her grand kids, Tony Hyde, Pat Robertson,Debi Corsiglia's dog, or Claudia Eagle's Cat.
This Tammy's Take (with the exception of this disclaimer) is not paid for or written by, or reviewed by anyone but Tammy and she won't take crap off of anyone.

Shiver me timbers! Has the city of St. Helens been watching to many Pirates of the Caribbean films? Does this group of scurvy dogs believe that St. Helens has something to offer tourists. First we had the paper art that cost thousands but then the neighbor hood dogs appreciated that one. With the recent purchase and construction of the lovely volcano one thought that the city was reliving Pompeii. Now they want to buy a pirate ship and I might ask buy it with what? Maintain it with what? The city can't afford to have the barge go over to Sand Island so folks with out boats can enjoy a day on the river with their families. Even though the taxpayers of the community fund the island and associated costs, the City has put a kibosh to the summer excursions. But the Yacht people from Portland will have an exclusive beach to use while the local taxpayers can stand on the shores and watch some rich jerk enjoy what the city taxpayers have funded.

It is pretty good people who can not afford a boat has to subsidize people with million dollar boats, enabling these rich free loaders a fun day at Sand Island. But then with all the new docks that was built along the banks these same dreamers thought that the yacht people were going to dock and walk the down town area buying thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, how that been working, evidently that idea has not come to fruition after years of anticipation.
Back to the pirate ship, why don't the city purchase the Old River Queen docked down at Goble, we could refit it and have dance hall girls, a few poker tables and relive the film Maverick starring Mel Gibson. I have a cardboard life sized authentic imitation reproduction of Mel Gibson I could donate to use as a greeter on the gangway similar as to a Wal- Mart greeter, which should boost tourism.

The city wants people to stop and shop in Old Town, sounds great, but there are very few shops worth driving out of the way to shop in and especially driving from Portland to even look. It was mentioned that the pirate festival was doing well in Portland with vendors along the water front and music, again that sounds great but think about it, Portland has a huge population to draw from while St Helens does not and most people from Portland are not going to drive down to Podunk St. Helens. Oh, may be they will, and they too can stand along the banks of the Columbia River and watch the yacht people have a grand time on Sand Island.

I think Skip Baker (the old City planner) has been most brilliant in making or influencing these great tourism ideas for the City of St. Helens. I think that the city should have a ribbon cutting ceremony at the volcano, cutting the ribbon should include Skippy, and the invisible Mayor Peterson. We should always give credit where credit is due. I think a few small fireworks would be in order erupting out of the picturesque and life like volcano, what an event this could be and I know with almost complete certainly that this event could launch a prosperous chain of tourism for the City for years to come.

Of course Skippy said they would look for grants (taxpayer money) donations (what a hoot) and volunteers (we all know how hard it is to get volunteers) adding that he believed that the city would not be dedicating significant funds. Then why waste time and money on an idea you cannot afford or maintain.
Why don't these people spend their time in a productive way, like how about getting out and diligently and aggressively talking to small business's that may like to locate to this area. Create some decent paying jobs, instead of promoting base wage jobs and pipe dreams that in the end cost the already strapped taxpayer even more.

Me thinks that the City of St Helens have been hypnotized by the Sirens that guard the island. Pull your heads out of your butts and get on with something that is productive for the community.