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John Wygertz's avatar

Greater Idaho (greateridaho.org) is regaining momentum thanks to this example of overreach. IP 28 probably won't pass this time, but we'd rather live in a state where it won't be on the ballot. IP 28 is typical of the contempt felt by Portlanders for their rural counterparts, and the natural-resource-based economy of the eastern counties will always be under threat as long as we remain in Oregon.

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

"No you started it" claims are growing tiresome. Greater Idaho is the same tearing strategy that raises our blood pressure and opens us up to be exploited. It is a tool to raise money and organize by offering emotional reactions rather than governance. Screw Greater Idaho and screw the PEACE Act very much equally. https://www.oldtruckgoodcoffee.com/p/greater-idaho-the-peace-act-and-a

John Wygertz's avatar

I read your post on this. Oregon was a different place in the 80's, but the spotted owl hoax was starting to appear in forestry discussions and the handwriting was there on the wall. The surface appearance of bipartisanship did nothing to stop the closure of more than 80% of Oregon's mills.

We watched that in horror, and nothing that has happened since gives any hope that something like IP28 won't pass in the future. Some of us are on farms that have been in our families for more than 100 years and we want to keep that option open for future generations. We can't just pick up our farms and move, so moving the border looks like the best plan.

What would you do?

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

Well, we started Old Truck Good Coffee to create dialogue about these topics, to change the tenor to that of interchange. That is what we are doing. I would love to hear more from you. Can we meet sometime?

John Wygertz's avatar

Thanks for the offer. DM me.

John Wygertz's avatar

Greater Idaho is entirely a volunteer effort. We have tried to get a voice in Salem for decades and have been greeted with nothing but contempt by the majority. Idaho matches our values.

The Democratic Committees in 12 eastern counties have indicated opposition to IP28, this is not a partisan reaction.

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

Can you explain more here? What do you mean by "that is not a partisan reaction?"

John Wygertz's avatar

I mean that Greater Idaho isn't a partisan project.

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

Ah. Neither is the PEACE Act (IP 28).

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

Thank you for your reporting. Mild correction: I am the Jefferson County Dems Chair.

As of 29 June, 16 county Democratic parties have voted against IP28.

Baker County

Benton County

Clatsop County

Coos County

Crook County

Grant County

Jefferson County

Josephine County

Klamath County

Malheur County

Polk County

Tillamook County

Umatilla County

Union County

Wallowa County

Wasco County

John Payson's avatar

Thank you for the correction on your title. Updated in my notes — Chair, Jefferson County Democratic Party is the accurate attribution. And 16 counties as of June 29 is a significant update. I'll add an editor's note to the piece. The conversation happening in these comments between you and John Wygertz is exactly what this publication exists to host.

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

John and I are trying to find a time to get on the phone and get to know each other. I am excited to hear his story.

As more county parties sign on, we will post them to https://www.facebook.com/NoOnIP28/. I will try to update you directly as well, but I forget lots of things!

John Payson's avatar

Looking forward to it. Your work tracking the county resolutions is the most important primary source documentation of bipartisan IP28 opposition that exists. The conversation happening on this piece between you and John Wygertz is exactly what this publication was built to host.

John Payson's avatar

Hey Joel, it's John. Quick one before I cite the county count again. I've got 15 counties confirmed with resolutions: Baker, Benton, Clatsop, Coos, Crook, Grant, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Malheur, Polk, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco. You mentioned a 16th somewhere back. Can you send me the county name and a link to the resolution or minutes if there's one online? Want to get it locked before it goes in anything else. Happy to hop on a call if that's easier.

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

Tillamook! Adopted June 25. You can find the resolution here: https://tillcodems.org/resolutions

I DM-ed you my contact digits.

Joel Byron Barker's avatar

17 now. Yamhill County Democrats passed a resolution moments ago.