For the past few years the public has been bombarded with rhetoric from the opponents of liquefied natural gas. During that time the proponents have been willing to let the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process take place, although not without questions and input. However, it has become obvious that the proponents have become tired of the ramblings of the opposition and are, for the first time, showing up publicly to support their position.



The proponents are questioning the self proclaimed expertise of the opponents and their “win at all cost” attitude. We continued to experience the ongoing rambling from people who seem “to know the value of everything and the price of nothing” at the recent FERC meeting, held on Oct. 27. The meeting was an organizational disaster, but was an excellent example of those who are speaking out in support of the Jordan Cove Project. At that meeting it became obvious that the opponents were frustrated not to have a “free forum” for presenting their views.

Part of what the opponents do not seem to understand is that without living wage jobs families cannot survive, and the socio-economic fallout is telling. This assertion can be supported by the number of legal cases involving spousal abuse, child abuse, alcoholism and illicit drug abuse. All are part of an economic downturn that deprives some of our citizens the ability to support (feed, clothe, shelter) and educate their families.

Such conditions do not necessarily increase the frequency of abuse, but the incidences are harder to track since the offenders use a poor economy as a way to mask their behavior. It is noteworthy that the numbers have not decreased over the past 36 months. Also, the Department of Housing for Coos County, reports that there are more than 1,000 people per month who contact the authorities seeking shelter.

Another example is that the Coos Bay School District has 62 percent of its approximately 3,550 students on the Free or Reduced Cost Lunch Program. In fact at one school, Madison Elementary, 77 percent of the 466 students are on the lunch program. The program also continues through the summer months, sometimes providing children with their only meal of the day.

Why Jordan Cove? The approximately $2 billion industry will offer new jobs and tax payments of over $2 million per year during the first three years, and that will increase to approximately $10 million per year after that.

We no longer can sit back and allow families to become victims of the poor judgment of a few citizens who are against expanding our economy, especially our Jordan Cove Project. The wishes of the majority that support the Jordan Cove project will continue to be heard.

(Ron Opitz is the executive director of the South Coast Development Council Inc.)