THE FUTURE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION IN YAMHILL COUNTY IS AT RISK
Yamhill County could be the next location for a Rails to Trails project - 12 miles of bike, walking, & equestrian trails right here in our back yard, bringing much needed outdoor opportunities and tourism jobs for families, and a boost to our local Small Businesses: the Yamhelas Westsider Trail. But that vision could end THIS WEEK if Commissioners Berschauer and Starrett get their way. Not only might the Board of Commissioners take a vote that would end the Trail, doing so could cost the County millions in returned grant dollars.
Last week, according to the News Register, the Board received 130 letters in support of the Trail; just 16 in opposition. Commissioners Berschauer and Starrett ignored our voices -- even suggesting that the rail corridor should be split apart and sold: "Berschauer also explored the idea of selling the right of way land and using proceeds to repay the grants. Some farmers in their public comment letters suggested the county should sell the right of way to them." They continued to work on behalf of a small group of opponents (who coincidently contributed over $23,000 combined to Commissioner Berschauer's 2020 campaign). They are trying to buy our Commissioner, and our public land.
| LUBA Petitioners (source) |
2019-2020 Donations (source) |
| Gordon Dromgoole & Billie Jean Matthews |
$300 |
| Wiser Family |
$300 |
| Kuehne Family (Creekside Farms, Western Ag) |
$3,500 |
| Mark Gaibler (Meadow Ridge Farms) |
$6,000 |
| McCarthy Family |
$5,000 |
| Cloepfil Family |
$500 |
| Schrepel Family |
$200 |
| Scott Bernards |
$250 |
| Sitton Family |
$500 |
| Pfeiffer Family |
$250 |
| Tom Hammer |
$3,000 |
| Van Dyke Family (Carlton Seed, Ben Van Dyke Farms) |
$3,500 |
This Thursday, a single vote could end the future for the Trail.
Together we can stand up to these special interest groups who are invested in keeping you quiet.
Together we can make sure our voice is heard loud and clear.
The first step is to join the 1900+ people who have already signed a petition so we are not silenced by special interest money. Sign Here.
If you have a few more minutes, let the Board of Commissioners, the special interest groups, and your neighbors know you support The Yamhelas Westsider Trail and the economic benefit it brings by adding your name to the list of supporters that will be published in Tuesday’s News Register.
Then, help us get the word out by writing your own message, sharing it on social media, and sending an email to these addresses: bocinfo@co.yamhill.or.us; nmontesano@newsregister.com; jonathan@bikeportland.org; mperkowski@capitalpress.com; Lacker@oregonian.com. Let them know we think Commissoner Berschauer should recuse herself from this vote, in light of the fact that over 30% of her campaign donations came from the group opposing the Trail.
Thank you for standing up for accessible public spaces in Yamhill County, and against money in politics.Share this with your local network of friends and family.
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Yamhill County Democrats Candidate Training series:
Saturdays, 7pm, February 13 - March 6
Yamhill County Democrats Meeting
Thursday, February 25, 7pm
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