I was away for a week, so I missed the letter to the editor sent by the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Seaside Chamber Board, against the recall of Commissioners Samuelson, Roberts and Hazen.

Nobody says it out loud, it seems, but being against the recall is the same as being for LNG. These commissioners are being recalled because they refuse to listen to the voters who put them in office, and are pushing forward to have LNG terminals built on the Columbia River, which is against the will of the people (as shown in the pipeline referendum).

What I can't figure out is: No. 1, why the hell do the Chambers of Commerce think they have the right to try to tell people what to do in regard to local political decisions; and No. 2, are they really that stupid, or have they been bought?

I mean, aside from the obvious idiocy of putting LNG tanks anywhere near a major subduction zone, LNG on the river would destroy the tourist industry in this area, and Astoria businesses (and members of the chamber) are increasingly dependent on tourism. I suppose Seaside doesn't care, because the LNG tanks won't be visible from there if they are built.

I, for one, would like to know which businesses support the chamber board on their stance on the recall so I can be sure to not shop at them again. And so much for my thoughts of joining the chamber - they don't represent what I want for the future any more than the commissioners under recall do.

Click here to see Elleda's photography at the Astoria Photografpix web site