The leaders in Coos bay have rejected the proposal for coal terminals. They did not expect the taxpayers of their community to pay for the rail improvements and all other associated costs that would go along with the proposals. Unfortunately in Columbia County your leaders expect the taxpayers to pick up the tab for the coal proposal at Port Westward. They are expecting you the taxpayers to upgrade the rail, the roads, the tax abatements, and the list goes on. The taxpayers of Columbia County are already in hock for the improvements at Port Westward to the tune of approximately $70+ million. The cost to the taxpayers will continue to rise unless the citizens put their foot down and demand accountability and demand that the county bring in green business and industry.

The Port of St. Helens also has debt at Port Westward. I can understand why Commissioner Tony Hyde approves any and all costs associated with the Port westward. The reason is a simple one, because Tony Hyde who lives in Vernonia does not pay into the port. There are certain areas of the county that does not fall into the boundaries of the port district. I suggested that Vernonia along with the entire county be  brought into the port district because the loggers use port facility's and everyone needs to shoulder the burden and was told in no uncertain terms by commissioner Hyde that he would not allow Vernonia to be in the port district

Railroad up grades, huge spur lines for mile and a half trains is a costly expense and will be shouldered by the taxpayers. The taxpayers will be the money pit for coal companies

For example Ambre Energy was booted out of the Felton valley by the Australian government. The government would not allow this company to ruin good farm land. Why are the county commissioners of Columbia County pushing for this coal proposal when it would destroy valuable farm land, a blue berry farm and a very successful mint farm that has its products going nationwide and is recognized for its high quality mint and has a fairly large local workforce and is continuing to expand. The commissioners have no regard for the family farms that have been producing products in the area for decades and some for over a century.

If Ambre energy does not have support from the area which it is based and not allowed to ruin important farm land why should the people of Oregon and Columbia County be the victims of the ignorance of the leaders of small towns and the stupidity of county commissioners?