Les AuCoin: nobody's mouthpiece

By Jeremy Rogers of Portland, Oregon who describes himself as a "political activist, moderate environmentalist, and native Oregonian from Tigard."

Only in timber country would a U.S. Congressman who voted to expand logging in federal forests by 2 billion board feet be considered too green to sit on a board directing management of our state forests. As a Congressman, AuCoin at times angered and pleased both the conservation community and the timber industry. Immediately after leaving Congress, he took a job as a timber lobbyist. More recently, he has advocated against the Biscuit Fire Salvage and in favor of Ballot Measure 34.

What does this say about Les AuCoin? To this moderate environmentalist it says a lot. It says that he is a guy who isn't beholden to any particular constituency. It says that he thinks and acts independently, and that he would be a great choice for Oregon's Board of Forestry.

Not only has AuCoin taken positions that environmentalists have loved and hated, but he represented the district that holds the biggest bulk of our State Forest Land--the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, for nearly 20 years. During that time he co-sponsored wilderness legislation as well as a bill to move massive amounts of federal timber out of the courts and into production.

AuCoin makes sense for the Board of Forestry. He's smart, independent, and well-respected throughout the state. He understands forestry issues, and doesn't choose sides based on allegiance to any particular interest group. The only thing Les AuCoin isn't is a mouthpiece for the Timber Industry or Environmental Community'and that seems to be why he's causing such a stir down in Salem.

It's not the environmentalists who are screaming bloody murder this time, it's the timber industry. And my advice to the wood-products people: get over it. Five out of Seven members of the board are already tied to timber interests. Les AuCoin isn't a hero of the environmental community, but they are backing him as a moderate addition to the lopsided board. If we ever want to lend credibility and stature to the body that governs the use of Oregon's forestland, I would suggest that the timber industry do the same.

The Senate Hearing for the Les AuCoin appointed will be held Tuesday in Salem. If you support his appointment, please contact your legislator immediately and let them know. The Timber Industry certainly is.