Statesman Journal from Salem, Oregon • Page 19

Opinion: Legislative budget talks should be open to all officials, Page 8C OCA SECTION A Local: Richard R. Aguirre, (503) 399-6739, State: Dana Haynes, (503) 589-6903, dhaynesStatesmanJournal.com Sunday, July 24, 2005 Citizen panel to critique lawmakers At Capitol, games of very different stakes are played crafting a $12.4 billion state budget for the next two years. The panel is the brainchild of Senate President The Grants Pass Republican isn't giving up on the Legislature, though. Wilson has agreed to join 29 other Oregonians LEGISLATURE ince Friday, the Capitol has been abuzz with activity. Men and women from all across the state have fought openly, intensely "I washed my hands of it after the Legislature had five special sessions in 2002," the former member of the Oregon House said.

"I'm glad I'm not there anymore. I couldn't live in that environment." Wilson said that since then he hears from his radio listeners the same frustration he felt as a legislator. "They see it as a whole lot of fighting with no rhyme or reason to it," Wilson said. "There is despondency among those who really care about the process." New board to find ways for government to work more efficiently By Brad Cain The Associated Press Carl Wilson is a radio talk-show host. He was a state legislator, but he got fed up with the constant bickering among his colleagues and their lack of progress on significant issues.

'mmmm Peter Courtney, who calls the Legislature a "troubled institution" that badly needs some outside advice. "They know this institution is struggling; they want to help," the Salem Democrat said of Wilson and and fairly in high-stakes battles as colleagues, family, friends and spectators have cheered them from various professions ummmmmm who will serve on a commission that is going to look at what ails the Legislature and suggest ways to improve it Creation of the panel appears timely, as the Legislature is in the midst of yet another session that is dragging well into the summer amid partisan bickering and battles about See Panel, 5C on. Nope, it's not the state Legislature, but Hoopla, Oregon's largest 3-on-3 basketball THE LISTENING POST I STUDENT SUCCESS Leadership institute gives Hispanic students a sense of hope and belonging Statesman Journal reporter Gabriela Rico records the conversation competition. On Court Street NE Saturday, loud music filled the anas folks in T-shirts, shorts and sneakers raced to make or block baskets amid a sunny swirl of fun, excitement, drama and finality. The scene will be repeated today Inside, Gov.

Ted Kulongoski, House Speaker Karen Minnis and SALEM CITY COUNCIL Developer wants a $2 million city loan His project includes 60 apartments for low-income people Richard R. Aguirre Capitol Watch 4 i 1 THOMAS PATTERSON I Statesman Journal "At my school, I've never had the opportunity to sit down with people who have so many things in common with me, "said Eberto Ortega, who listens with Maria Inez Tsintsun and other students to speakers at the Oregon Hispanic Migrant Leadership Institute at Western Oregon University. By Dennis Thompson Jr. Statesman Journal The developers of a four-story, mixed-use building on Broadway NE will ask the Salem City Council on Monday for a $2 million no-interest housing loan. The project will include about 60 apartments for low-income residents and 3,700 square feet of retail or office space, as well as 12,500 square feet of space for a new YWCA headquarters.

Developers say the loan is critical to help pay for the building. "We couldn't do the project without the loan," said David Glennie, the president of Telos Development the project's developer. "There's just not enough to make it feasible without these special housing funds." The building would be at 1211 Broadway NE, north of the former Eagles Lodge. The city owns the site but has agreed to sell it to Telos. The loan would be repaid in 60 years, according to the terms being presented to councilors.

If the loan is approved, the developers also will pursue $5.8 million in tax credits from Oregon Housing and Community Services toward the project. The city loan is necessary to help maintain the affordability of the apartments, said Sheri Whar-gren, a project coordinator with the city's Department of Urban Development. "It's the affordability issue that requires the level of assistance they're requesting," she said. The apartments will be targeted for people earning from 30 percent to 55 percent of the area's median income. That means that a family of two earning $13,300 to $26,000 would be eligible for an apartment Word on the tax credits will come in November, and at that point, Telos would purchase the land from the city and begin the development process.

Glennie, a former city councilor, said construction could begin as early as spring if all goes as planned. Senate President Peter Courtney are scheduled to continue negotiating over the $12.4 billion state budget. One almost wishes they could resolve their differences with a little one-on-one instead of dragging out what has become a moribund legislative session. Bit by bit, this session and the institution of the Legislature itself seems to be dying from partisanship, an unwillingness to compromise and rock-bottom expectations. On Thursday morning, Sen.

Courtney and seven other legislators who represent Marion and Polk counties gathered at the Statesman Journal with its editorial board. They praised the impact of public testimony gathered throughout the state during the seven-month session. They discussed the many complex issues that they have addressed and the public's increasing willingness to use the initiative process to set the Legislature's agenda. They praised their shared accomplishments: legislation to curb meth-amphetamine abuse, help military veterans and to establish a commission to recommend ways to improve the legislative process. They discussed the deep differences between Republicans, who control the House, and Democrats, who run the Senate and how that split often has brought work to a Like the public, most legislators are in the dark about the closed-door negotiations about the 22 state agency budgets and policy issues in dispute.

Still, they pledged to keep open minds when deals are announced to listen closely to their constituents and vote their consciences. But local lawmakers also said that they will agree to allow speedy House and Senate votes when compromises are reached. In other words, there won't be additional public hearings even if some agency budgets and policy issues have received little public scrutiny. Courtney said the rush will bother him, but it has to be that way "I'm sad because I think we were doing pretty good" in gathering public comment, Courtney said. "But we have to get closure.

We have to get budgets." That clearly is true. Today, the 2005 session enters its 196th calendar day making it the fourth-longest in state history Each day costs taxpayers about $28,500. Courtney said a breakthrough deal could be announced as early as Monday morning, prompting an end to the session within 10 to 14 days. Maybe, but it's tough to believe lawmakers can do anything now to justify all that time and money spent on behalf of an increasingly annoyed or apathetic public that would rather play than watch legislators play games. Yoa can still get involved Visit the Capitol or call your legislator at (800) 332-2313 and leave a message.

Go to StatesmanJournal.com to learn more about government and the Legislature. They said that a college education now seems attainable. When they get there, they all will be the first in their families to do so. Jaime Lopez: I knew something great was going to happen, but I didn't know exactly what, so there was a lot of mystery and questions in my head. Yesenla Alejandro: You never really realized how important this is to make friendships, to meet people.

Luis Garcia: I was nervous when I first got here. I didn't know what to expect Saul Ayala: I expected it to be a little bit challenging. I thought I wouldn't fit in. Eberto Ortega (in Spanish): I heard a lot about it before I came, but I never expected to learn everything that I've learned. I've met so many people with Tha cast YESENIA ALEJANDRO: 17, Glencoe High School junior, Hillsboro SAUL AYALA: 17, Sheridan High School senior, Sheridan Reynolds High School sophomore, Portland LUIS GARCIA: 16, McNary High School junior, Keizer JAIME LOPEZ: 17, Oregon City High School senior, Oregon City EBERTO ORTEGA: 17, Henley High School senior, Klamath Falls MONMOUTH For the past 15 years, the Oregon Hispanic Migrant Leadership Institute has brought together students from across the state to drive home a simple message: You can succeed.

By exposing them to a university campus and having them interact with Hispanic professionals, the institute's coordinators hope the students will make college their goal. For two weeks, ending Saturday, 58 students lived on the Western Oregon University campus, learning team-building and leadership skills. The students participated in plays, career expos, college fairs and listening groups. Experts walked them through the process of applying for scholarships. As the institute was winding down, six students met with their team leader to discuss their experiences at WOU.

See Listening Post, 5C Salem Gay Pride event attracts 250 people Online Friends, family also attend to show support 4 I For information about Salem's gay community and the Salem area's annual Gay Pride celebration, go to www.capitolpride.org. that has created difficulties for many others. "I support him," Elizondo said, sitting with two of her grandchildren on a blanket under a shade tree. "That's his choice, and I don't have anything against gay and lesbian people." "It's nice to have your dmthompsQStatesmanJournal com or (503) 399-6719 Salem City Council The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the council chambers, Vern Miller Civic Center, 555 Liberty St.

SE. In other action, the council will: Receive an annual report from the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Consider a letter of support for federal funding for the West Salem Clinic Health Center. By Shawn Day Statesman Journal Angie Elizondo wanted to send a message Saturday when she attended the annual Gay Pride celebration in Salem's Cascades Gateway Park. For Elizondo, whose 35-year-old brother is gay, the event provided a chance to show that her family's bond would survive a situation ANDREA J.

WRIGHT I Statesman Journal Performances at Saturday's Willamette Valley Gay Pride celebration included Stephan "GabV'Perras of Stay ton, who lip-synced "Over The Rainbow." raguimtgStatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6739 See Celebration, 6C i rw i 4LuMP INDEX 1:7" i 'O -'X NORTHWEST Group of breast-cancer survivors climb Mount Rainier Page 7C RELIGION Muslims fight extremism after bombings in London Page 3C SCHOOLS YOUTHS Photos of local children in Class plus a Student Voices column by Molly McHugh Page 10C Briefs 2C Calendar 2C Letters to the Editor 8C Lottery 2C Marion County Court Logs 2C Obituaries 5C Opinions 8C Police and Fire Calls 2C BS2S.