February 5, 1999

With the first month under my belt as a Marion County Commissioner, I can tell you there is never a dull moment! I have traveled to most corners of the county, visited most of the departments in Marion County government, experienced the full gamut of meetings and hearings and find myself feeling fully initiated!

Many ask if I miss the legislature. I am quick to respond, “No, I haven’t had time to!” Ironically, however, I have been to the capitol on several occasions already to work with legislators on a number of issues important to Marion County. The bankruptcy of AgriPac could have a financial impact not only on the Woodburn and Marion County economies, but the statewide economy as well. To explore possible legislative help, I have met with the Speaker of the House and representatives of the agricultural industry. Decisions about the future of our state fair and county fair will be discussed this legislative session. Your Marion County Commissioners are working closely with Senate Majority Leader Gene Derfler to assure our fairs have a future.

Over the past ten years I have worked in a variety of ways to address gangs in our communities, and again this year, this issue continues to be front and center for me. Marion County law enforcement organizations work hard to suppress the gang related violence in Marion County, but with 1132 gang affiliates throughout the county, we simply do not have enough officers and resources to turn the situation around. It is a startling figure, but Marion County ranks first with the number of gang affiliates we have. We have almost twice as many gang affiliates as does the county with the second most.

In Marion County in 1998, there were 149 shooting victims. The majority of the victims were age 18 to 25. Five homicides took place in 1998. Gang membership crosses racial barriers and isn’t exclusive to males. Twenty two percent of gang members in Oregon are females. Gangs are victimizing innocent people’s homes and our children in schools and other public places.

In response to this horrific problem, Marion County Commissioners together with the Marion County Pubic Safety Coordinators Council are hosting the Marion County legislative delegation February 10, for a presentation highlighting the need for adequate funding for personnel and programs to fight gang violence.

Governor Kitzhaber is proposing $30 million for juvenile prevention and corrections and Marion County needs its fair share of this funding.

In addition, I am working on a legislative proposal that would direct existing programs to gang members and their family members. While there are numerous programs for children and families, we find a gap in services to the most vulnerable age group, those kids age 8 to 10. Furthermore, we must raise the awareness of the broad affects gang activities have on families and communities. Current programs have not been directed to these families.

As always, I welcome your questions, comments and ideas. Please call me at 503 588-5212, or E-mail me at pmilne@open.org.