Hands off, Murdoch.

[August 1st, 2007]

An interesting name jumped out during Murmurs' scan of a report on recent federal farm bills—perhaps America's most generous welfare package. According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, Robert Pamplin Jr., publisher of the Portland Tribune and owner of Columbia Empire Farms Inc. in Sherwood, raked in $298 between 2003 and 2005. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2007 version of the $286 billion bill, which subsidizes American agriculture and also pays for nutrition nationwide. A rep from Pamplin's farm had no knowledge of the payment (perhaps it fell between the mogul's couch cushions).

Although Metro's budget for next year will increase nearly 50 percent (thanks to a 2006 bond measure approved by voters), don't be surprised to see picketing at the agency's Northeast Grand Avenue headquarters and even outside the zoo next month. The contract for 260 members of AFSCME Local 3580 who work at Metro's HQ, the zoo, and recycling centers expired June 30. Workers are willing to accept annual pay increases of less than 3 percent but are balking at a proposed $763 per month healthcare contribution cap, according to union spokesman Don Loving. A Metro spokeswoman says the agency is unaware of picketing plans.

The Oregon Business Association is making a major leadership switch to replace retiring 72-year-old director Lynn Lundquist. OBA chairman Brian Gard says the association is replacing Lundquist, a central Oregon Republican and ex-House Speaker, with Sen. Ryan Deckert —a 36-year-old Beaverton Democrat who'd previously announced he wouldn't seek re-election. Since its founding in 1999, OBA has tried to offer a less conservative alternative to Associated Oregon Industries , long the state's dominant business lobbying group. With AOI internally divided and struggling to adjust to a Democratically controlled legislature, naming a young urban Democrat could help the 350-member OBA gain influence in the Capitol.

Wes Rhodes, an investment adviser from Oregon City accused of stealing money from clients to buy muscle cars and sports memorabilia, was indicted for mail fraud and money laundering July 27 at U.S. District Court in Portland. As previously reported in WW ("The Collector," June 27, 2007), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission says Rhodes stole at least $24.6 million from several dozen investors, many of whom lost their life savings. "At this point we're not going to get any money back, so the only satisfaction is seeing the little fat fuck get put in jail for as long as possible," says Tim Merrihew, who lost more than $1 million in the alleged scam. Rhodes faces up to 30 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted on both counts. Rhodes hung up the phone when Murmurs called for comment.

Whither Wackenhut? Until July 1, the private security firm guarded Oregon's federal buildings. But Homeland Security just gave that five-year, $20-million job to Virginia-based Paragon Systems, which will send about 100 guards to 37 federal buildings in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Wackenhut, which also serves TriMet, has been under congressional scrutiny for cost overruns, security lapses and poor training. Paragon exec Mark Machi says those questions partly explain his competitor's loss. But Wackenhut regional manager Ben Blair complains the feds made a purely "bottom-line" decision, saying Wackenhut was underbid by $2.5 million. Meantime, Murmurs has learned that Paragon's guards will carry new 40-caliber Glocks, for which they spent about an hour at a firing range to get certified.