Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10am-2:30pm Rogue Navigability Hearing:
Public Hearings 1,2,3
I was given some simple advice about how these hearing work. It sure makes
it easier to know what will happen.
1) Get there before it starts. There is a sign up sheet and they go right
down the page. Make sure you sign up on the sheet. Just sitting in the
room will not get you counted. If they run out of time, they cut it off and
close the hearing. So, get there so you can be early on the list.
2) Know whom you are talking to. In this case it’s the State Land Board.
This is Governor Ted Kulongoski, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, and
Treasurer Randall Edwards. They have listened to everyday people from all
over Oregon many times. Honestly, they are good at listening.
3) Know the questions they want answered: the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the report; and whether the evidence presented in the report concerning the historical use and condition of the Rogue River study segment meets the requirements of the federal test for navigability.
4) They will ask you to come to a microphone. They will ask you to give
your name before you testify. Then you will be free to state your opinion.
5) Your answer can be very simple. You don’t have to give a long speech.
In fact expect that they might tell you that you only have one minute. Have a
couple of notes written down, because nerves can make you forget your point.
Your answer can be as simple as:
The Department of State Lands report did the research, it shows the river is
similar to what it was at statehood. It shows that boats like the
drift boats of today could have drifted the river then. That means the river
was “navigable” at statehood. You should protect the rights of all the
people and vote to declare it navigable and end the confusion.
6) If you have more to say about your experience on the river, or your desire
to keep river rights, say it after you’ve responded to the questions.
If you’re comfortable saying why river rights and your rights to use the
Rogue are important, say it. It can be personal, and simple. The reason
why you care is your own, and it’s always the best answer.
For more information from the state, the following link gives the location,
time, and tips on the hearing. Click here.
–Heather McNeill
