Harney County Judge and AOC Immediate Past President Steve Grasty testified on HB 3511 on Wednesday before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.  HB 3511 would require the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to consult with cities and counties on the impacts to local economies prior to additions to lists of threatened and endangered species. This would include both state and federal listings. 

The bill would also require the ODFW Commission to work with cities and counties impacted by a listing to mitigate the adverse impact on local economies. Others testifying in support included the Renewable Northwest Project and the Cattlemen's Association, both expressing the need for more local involvement. 

Rep. Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio) and Rep. Mike Schaufler (D-Happy Valley) both voiced support for the concept. Rep. Schaufler was particularly in favor of looking at the economic impacts of listings by getting down to the local level and using state resources that are already on the ground and are familiar with communities. The Committee asked that ODFW work with counties on the language in the bill to provide more clarity, particularly what is meant by mitigation. Overall the Committee felt this is a good bill that will enable good government process.

Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) and Umatilla County Commissioner Bill Hansell enjoy the AOC Legislative Reception while Lane County IGR Manager Alex Cyler (center) looks concerned

Monday evening the Galleria at the State Capitol building echoed with the fellowship of county commissioners enjoying the company of many state legislators and their staff at the AOC sponsored Legislative Reception. Oregon beverages complimented a buffet of local dishes and were enjoyed by all. It was an opportunity for our county folk to thank their legislators for their hard work and to give everyone a brief respite from the challenges of the session. 

Fomer Legislators Naito, Lewis, Morgan, Committee Administrator Fischer, former Legislator Josi and current Rep. Jean Cowan (D-Newport) offer up tips on testifying  

AOCs first ever training on "how to" prepare and deliver testimony at the Oregon Legislature was outstanding. The training took place on Sunday, March 13 so folks could come to the training, then attend the AOC steering committee and Legislative committee meetings on Monday, followed by the AOC legislative reception on Monday evening.

A great big THANK YOU to our trainers: Representative and former county commissioner Jean Cowan, former representatives and current county commissioners Tim Josi (Tillamook), Leslie Lewis (Yamhill), Susan Morgan (Douglas) and former representative and former commissioner Lisa Naito (Multnomah). In addition to these elected officials, we want to thank lobbyists Dave Barrows and Dave Fiskum for their participation.

Not only was the training informative, but the mock hearing was a lot of fun. Our "trainees" are prepared and ready to go! You can expect to see this opportunity arise again in the future and we will most likely open up the training to our affiliate and associate groups as well.

For those of you who attended the Non Verbal Solutions session at spring conference last spring, or for our 2011 County College class, you know how good Sari de la Motte's presentations are. Sari has a workshop coming up on March 29 entitled the "Language of Leadership." It's not too late to register. You can get a group discount if you have a group of five or more, so talk to you friends in your county and around the state and put a group together. Registration information can be accessed through the link above.