For the past several weeks the local news media in both Columbia County and Clatsop County have reported on the subterfuge that the Port of St. Helens has used to cover up their somewhat questionable actions regarding the acquisition of the Thompson Family Property. This property is adjacent to the Port Westward site near Clatskanie.  It was purchased as a possible LNG facility. Why has the media generated a rosy picture to the public that the Thompson family is ecstatic in their desire to give up their property to the Port of St. Helens, when in fact the Thompson's told the Port and LNG Representatives NO! on many occasions. All the Thompson's wanted was to be left alone, to use their property as they have for decades.
Several local politicians have made comments about the Thompson family; such as "everyone has a price...When they are offered enough money they will sell." Unfortunately the Thompson's had little or no choice. They had to settle under duress or they would have lost their precious land through condemnation at a much lower amount. The media, the politicians, and the Port commission have done nothing more than used extortion to acquire the Thompson Family property. Sadly enough the Port and Columbia County politicians feel no embarrassment over these actions.
I am concerned that these people who sit on several elected boards, and represent the rest of the citizens of Columbia County would use these kinds of tactics to achieve their goal in procuring property for a pair of somewhat questionable land speculators or for a better term "carpetbaggers." The Port and County have a reliable track record in seeking out businesses and bringing in companies that seem to have financial problems.
What Columbia County has done to the Thompson's is not anything to be proud of. Columbia County and the Port of St. Helens has robbed the Thompson family not only from the use of their property but they have robbed them of something more valuable than money, family outings and making priceless memories with their children.
I am ashamed of all the people who have supported the actions of the Port. I am also ashamed of all the people who live in this county and have sat back and done nothing to help the Thompson family keep their property. I only hope that each and every one of you have nothing that the Port or the County wants, or you may find yourself in the same sorry boat the Thompson's were put in.
                                                                              Next Page