Some years ago about 15 Rural Oregon Counties convinced the sitting Governor to create the Office of Rural Policy. The case was made that; a. almost 50% of Oregon owned by the Federal Government and Tribes lay everywhere but the Willamette valley b. no provision for anything but a single solution for Urban was entertained for any issue, policy or problem. Also at the time criteria used for Rural did included for instance, how far a town or community was from a hospital, how many of their fire departments were paid, how many schools their Counties had etc., but not considered.
The Office of Rural Policy was to provide a place for research, discussion and policy development around many issues and needs that exist or arise in a State with such a basic division. At that time rural towns and communities were seen as Islands in a massive public land system. But of no consequence
It was thought that the Office of Rural Policy could be a place specific in the legislative process, much like Legislative Fiscal, that could provide the Administration and legislators with credible data and research for Policy development or Bill drafting, and would be a huge evolutionary step. Unfortunately it was very short lived.
Having one solution to a universal problem may be easier than actually looking at developing several ways of applying that one solution or several solutions, based on where people live; urban, urban rural, rural, frontier rural, or isolated rural. However I, and others believe that in this century and with modern technology many more advances could be available. Perhaps then more citizens will feel heard, and actually taken into consideration.
This is not the only idea Rural Oregon has! or has Had! But the sound bites and clamor of Urban voices are more numerous and have more access to MEDIA of all types. I continue to believe that
we can together solve our problems. But if we are going to do it ...where do we meet as begin the process. WE need a visionary and a real Leader!! NOt just another politician but one with real vision, conviction, strength.
Thanks for these insights. It's interesting how county boundaries mislead. I live in rural Marion County, just three miles from Independence (in Polk County), where I get my mail at the city's post office. The best description for my community is the "rural trending suburban" category that the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center uses in its surveys of respondents. That fits both my niche of Marion County and the Independence area as well. Polk County shows up as metropolitan on your list only because of West Salem. With that exception, it's mostly rural, with enclaves that are trending suburban. I also own an apple orchard with a Scio address, just outside Stayton. Those are two communities that I would categorize as small town rural, but each has a distinctive culture. And, to your points about political differences, what unites even Rs and Ds in all of these communities is the sense that their government in Salem (closer to them geographically than to the Portland metro area) is remote and doesn't understand them. So it goes. I'll be looking forward to reading your next post.
Some years ago about 15 Rural Oregon Counties convinced the sitting Governor to create the Office of Rural Policy. The case was made that; a. almost 50% of Oregon owned by the Federal Government and Tribes lay everywhere but the Willamette valley b. no provision for anything but a single solution for Urban was entertained for any issue, policy or problem. Also at the time criteria used for Rural did included for instance, how far a town or community was from a hospital, how many of their fire departments were paid, how many schools their Counties had etc., but not considered.
The Office of Rural Policy was to provide a place for research, discussion and policy development around many issues and needs that exist or arise in a State with such a basic division. At that time rural towns and communities were seen as Islands in a massive public land system. But of no consequence
It was thought that the Office of Rural Policy could be a place specific in the legislative process, much like Legislative Fiscal, that could provide the Administration and legislators with credible data and research for Policy development or Bill drafting, and would be a huge evolutionary step. Unfortunately it was very short lived.
Having one solution to a universal problem may be easier than actually looking at developing several ways of applying that one solution or several solutions, based on where people live; urban, urban rural, rural, frontier rural, or isolated rural. However I, and others believe that in this century and with modern technology many more advances could be available. Perhaps then more citizens will feel heard, and actually taken into consideration.
This is not the only idea Rural Oregon has! or has Had! But the sound bites and clamor of Urban voices are more numerous and have more access to MEDIA of all types. I continue to believe that
we can together solve our problems. But if we are going to do it ...where do we meet as begin the process. WE need a visionary and a real Leader!! NOt just another politician but one with real vision, conviction, strength.
Laura Pryor
Thanks for these insights. It's interesting how county boundaries mislead. I live in rural Marion County, just three miles from Independence (in Polk County), where I get my mail at the city's post office. The best description for my community is the "rural trending suburban" category that the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center uses in its surveys of respondents. That fits both my niche of Marion County and the Independence area as well. Polk County shows up as metropolitan on your list only because of West Salem. With that exception, it's mostly rural, with enclaves that are trending suburban. I also own an apple orchard with a Scio address, just outside Stayton. Those are two communities that I would categorize as small town rural, but each has a distinctive culture. And, to your points about political differences, what unites even Rs and Ds in all of these communities is the sense that their government in Salem (closer to them geographically than to the Portland metro area) is remote and doesn't understand them. So it goes. I'll be looking forward to reading your next post.