Mailbox

[August 1st, 2007]

LAND USE & LAND ABUSE

As an environmentalist and trained economist, I was glad to read "Grapes of Trash" [WW, July 18, 2007], but the article still misses half the story. The article demonstrates what some individuals will do when operating in the absence of strong regulations. For example, Grabhorn has defied the DEQ and continually accepted illegal and hazardous substances into his dump. But the article fails to mention that Grabhorn also has three Measure 37 claims filed, the same measure that weakens land-use planning regulations. One of Grabhorn's claims will expand his toxic dump. As a native Oregonian, I believe the spirit of Oregon lies in its smart growth and preservation of Open Spaces. But this spirit will die in the wake of greedy, self-interested and amoral individuals, such as Grabhorn, as they unwind 30 years of hard work. Measure 49 [a legislative referral to reform Measure 37 appearing on November's ballot] will prevent this from happening.
Jeff Harvey
Northeast Alameda Street

A STREETCAR NAMED DEFAZIO

As Chair of Portland Streetcar Inc., overseeing the contract with Oregon Iron Works, I feel it necessary to respond to your comments on the June 27 "Winners & Losers" to correct the inaccuracies contained in the piece. The real "winner" in this case is manufacturing in Oregon, with Peter DeFazio providing a grant to support the prototype. You stated, "Without ever building a streetcar—or even submitting a bid." The facts are, the City of Portland conducted a thorough bidding process with a complete RFP, 34 companies requesting the RFP, six companies attending the pre-bid conference and two companies bidding, including Oregon Iron Works. You go on to state that "the Clackamas County manufacturer (with lots of help from U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.) won a potentially enormous streetcar contract." I do agree that Oregon Iron Works is located in Clackamas County and Congressman Peter DeFazio is very helpful. The contract to produce a single prototype vehicle totals $3.2 million, which most experts agree will not cover the cost to Oregon Iron Works for building and testing prototype. The implication in your statement regarding "enormous" is completely misleading. Portland has spearheaded a resurgence in streetcar interest in the U.S. similar to what Portland accomplished in the early '80s with light rail. Since Portland opened its light-rail system in 1986, 25 light rail systems have been built in U.S. cities and over 3,000 vehicles sold to those cities. Not one light-rail car was built by a U.S. owned manufacturer. As streetcars emerge, many of us are determined not to make the same mistake. It is a challenge to establish a reliable and competitive streetcar manufacturer that can compete with experienced foreign suppliers. With Congressman Peter DeFazio, innovative manufacturers like Oregon Iron Works, public encouragement and support, and quality manufacturing employees, there is a chance we can return to the prominence in streetcar manufacturing the U.S. enjoyed in the early 1900s with the PCC car. The winner, in my opinion, is Oregon manufacturing employment.
Michael Powell
Chair, Portland Streetcar Inc.