Wow guys! As of last count well over 2000 of you have signed your name in support of the Yamhelas-Westsider trail and access to healthy, publicly-owned outdoor spaces for children, families, seniors and well... everyone. Of those 2000 signatures, 1000 trail-lovers signed in just the first 24 hours. Now that's what I call inspiring!
Signers of our petition include residents of Yamhill and Carlton, towns that will directly benefit from the trail, as well as citizens from the greater Yamhill county. We heard from parents and seniors, small business owners and teachers, members of your community. Our fight to save the trail has broad support because it's clearly evident how much the community would benefit from this project.
But that vision could end THIS Thursday 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.
Together we can stand up to these special interest groups who are invested in keeping you quiet.
If you can, 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.
Happy Trails!
-Erin