I am here to appeal to you to restore credibility to the process of deciding what to do to help our anadromous fish in the Pacific Northwest. Federal officials have once again concluded that the processes of democratic government are just too messy. Their response has been to form a federal commission, a small body of top federal executives who call themselves the Federal Caucus. Their purpose is to blow through the really tough process of working out what to do with our fish. In his letter dated February 16, 1999, Mr. Stelle says he will make an attempt to work with the rest of us. But if that attempt moves too slowly to meet his artificial timeline, he'll move ahead with a decision anyway, right or wrong, good or bad [last sentence on page 3 of the Federal Caucus letter].
That's particularly interesting about this approach, Mr. Chairman, is that these members of the Federal Caucus are the sardine people who have made the rest of us wait forever, time and again, for reasons of their own. What's the rush today?
It appears else answer is that the Federal Caucus has already made up its mind and is moving through a speedy trial to a speedier hanging and American Labor and all working people in the Northwest are the defendants. We have a right to speak in our own defense. But this is not a trial. This is the formulation of public policy, policy that does not affect Mr. Stelle at all in the sense that he doesn't live here and he will not have to live directly with the consequences of his decision.
It's easy to make decisions in small groups behind closed doors. It's not easy to implement those decisions, however The bright light of day is not kind to smoke-filled rooms. How can Mr. Stelle hope to find solutions if he isn't willing to involve the people?
Those who would be king have told the rest of us not to worry, they have the answers, they'll take care of us. We don't believe it.
Mr. Chairman, we need a seat at the table if this is going to work. The Federal Caucus needs to open the doors and let their light so shine that the truth becomes plain to all of us. They must listen to the expertise in the region and then ace on that expertise to help solve our common problems. And they must make time. Answers to complex questions do not come quickly or easily. It's not Federal.. they don't happen overnight. And it's not Burger King.. we don't always get it OUt way. We're credible people and it's OK to ask us to participate.
Over thirty five years ago, the United States government told us, over our objections, that if we'd just go along with dam building our lives would improve and our region would prosper. They were right. We have prospered.
We cannot now undo the past without vast consequences for the future.. our future. We are not interested in the settlements of decision brokers and lawyers in the back alleys of government. We are committed to working locally, thinking globally, and finding solutions we can all live with.
Open the federal caucus and make it live for all of us in the refight Columbia River basin.
Thank you. I stand for questions.