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Hello Friends,
The end of the year is fast approaching which means I am getting ready to return to Salem for our 2019 legislative session. But before then, allow me to pass on just one more newsletter to finish up with 2018.
Bottle Returns Much Easier Now on the Central Coast
Most of us know that Oregon was the first to develop deposits on beverage containers to reduce litter. But did you know it actually began here in our own district? Click here for more details.
As recycling efforts evolve, the latest improvement has arrived here at the Coast.
Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) has just opened a new Bottle Drop in Newport. A lively crowd was on hand for the ribbon cutting last Tuesday.
 Rep. Gomberg cuts the ribbon opening the new Bottle Drop facility in Newport (Photo from the Newport NewsTimes)
The system could not be more simple. You take containers to a clean, safe, staffed facility and use their machines to get cash returns. Or you can open an account and the deposits are held. Withdraw when you are ready, or use them at a participating grocer who will add a 20% commission. Cash in $10 in deposits and get an $11 credit!
My favorite part of the program is that you can pick up special bags, fill them with bottles and cans, and leave them at Bottle Drop day or night. They will sort the returns and credit your account. No more rainy nights at a dark and dirty return machine behind my grocery building!
My office reached out a year ago to OBRC urging them to come to the coast. We then helped them find a new location at 153 E Olive Street (in the building that formerly housed Phagans’ Newport Academy of Cosmetology).
When this center proves successful, we’ll be lobbying for similar centers in Lincoln City, Waldport, and Sheridan.
 The new Bottle Drop facility in Newport
Legislative Days: The next legislative session will begin January 22. But last week, legislators returned to Salem for “legislative days” – a series of committee hearings, task force meetings, and discussions about issues pending for 2019. The pace was intense. Wednesday alone I had 24 fifteen-minute meetings on topics ranging from higher education funding, to tenant protections, to broadband availability.
Committee assignments were announced this week for the 2019 Session.
I have been asked to serve as Vice-Chair of the budget writing Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. These are significant responsibilities to help determine spending priorities for our state and how those priorities affect our district.
A New Face at the Drive Through: I recently worked a shift at one of our local McDonald's restaurants.
I’ve certainly spent time on a sales floor before, but never food service. We discussed everything from plastic straws to food trends to finding employees. And I got a good sense of how hard employees work and still keep smiling.
 Thanks to the crew at the Lincoln City McDonald's for letting me join you!
PC Gala: Susan and I were pleased to attend the Pacific City/Nestucca Chamber Award Banquet. Congratulations to the Business of the Year: Grateful Bread, to the “Person” of the Year: Friends of the Pacific City Airport, and to the Volunteer of the Year: Brian Dowell.
Celebrity Serving: I spent a recent evening taking orders, delivering drinks, and bussing dishes for the Family Promise Celebrity Server Fundraiser. County Commissioner-elect Kaety Jacobson and I competed for tips. She raised more money, but Family Promise and their clients were the real winners. Thanks to everyone that came out and enjoyed good food but so-so service.
 A garnishment for your water??? News Guard photo
Stand Down / Pearl Harbor Remembrance: On December 7th, I joined a small group to remember Pearl Harbor. Many were family members of those who had survived the attack. But what struck me was people who were not at the ceremony because their families ended on that infamous day.
Just down the street, I attended the Veterans Stand Down sponsored by the Worksource Oregon Employment Department and the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office. This is an event designed to connect those who have served with programs and services they have earned and too often that they sorely need. Tables were set up with housing, jobs, health and mental health support. A van outside offered dental checks. It is heartbreaking to see men and women standing in line for boots, toothbrushes, and sleeping bags. About 160 came through the door this year.
We’re doing better in Oregon to help our veterans. We’re doing much better in our district. But seven in ten of those who qualify are not yet enrolled in veteran programs. We can and must do better.
Police Groundbreaking: It was a pleasure to join Lincoln City police, dignitaries, and community members at the ground breaking of our new police station last Thursday. The post office, fire department, and expanded police offices will create a fine public service complex. Our first responders took a chance inviting me to operate the gold-bucket backhoe.
Hang Up on Phone Abuse! Are you getting constant phone calls about chronic pain, reducing credit card rates, erasing student debt, Medicare, or because you have won a hotel vacation? My house gets five or six each day!
Phone scammers are relentless! And they seem particularly aggressive this holiday season targeting seniors and veterans.
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Scammers may spoof their caller ID to display a fake number that appears to be local. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately.
- Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, or passwords in response to unexpected or suspicious calls.
- Register your number on the Do Not Call List to block calls from legitimate telemarketers. (https://www.donotcall.gov/)
Hang up! It is important to not engage these abusive callers. Simply talking to them confirms they have a working number that you will answer. That information is then circulated to other abusers and the phone will ring more!
I’ve been working with our Attorney General, legislators, and phone companies to find some relief. Sadly, most of these “robo calls” originate overseas and cannot be blocked by state or federal laws. Your best current defense is to use voicemail or an answering machine to screen unfamiliar calls.
Let's wrap up 2018 by reflecting on the joys of the year behind us and the promise of the one ahead. As always, please be in touch if I can ever be of service.
Warm Regards,
Representative David Gomberg
House District 10
email: Rep.DavidGomberg@oregonlegislature.gov
phone: 503-986-1410
Capitol address: 900 Court St NE, H-471, Salem, OR 97301
District Address: PO Box 113, Neotsu, OR 97364
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/gomberg
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