I was astounded to read your recent editorial regarding Hayden Island and rechecked to see if the author was attributed and who it was as the perspective was so unlike a view a Portlandier. . I challenge you to publish my email letter recently sent to the Portland City Council as a response to your editorial. That email is the text below:

______________________________________________
From: Ron Schmidt
To: 'CitywideElectedOffDistlist@ci.portland.or.us'
Subject: Hayden Island Moratorium

Thank you for your vote in extending the moratorium on Hayden Island until a comprehensive study has been conducted on the future of the largest foyer for the wonderful city of Portland, Multnomah County and the great state of Oregon. Your affirmative vote will improve the economy and liveability of our great city. Instead of being visually assaulted by Hooters signs, Walmart signs and an abandoned shopping mall (picture what would happen to the Jantzen Beach Super Center should Oregon ever pass a sales tax), people can see a sign of welcome, warmth and community to one of the greatest cities in the world.

The City of Portland annexed Hayden Island years ago after my arrival from the midwest and my purchase of my home. Not one floating homeowner nor any mobile homeowner had a say in the annexation nor did they even receive legal notification. Only real estate owners had a say or received notices. My dramatically increased taxes have paid for something but certainly not any improvement on the island and my neighborhood (I believe replacement of water lines is the only improvement made and an express statement has been made to not improve our roads because of their abysmal condition and size). While we never conducted our own "Boston Tea Party" in the North Portland Harbor, this would be a good opportunity for you to correct the taxation without representation caused by the annexation. You have no legal demand to correct this wrong but I beseech you on a moral and spiritual level to do so.

I commend Sam Adams for his concern and efforts for the Portland citizens who made Hayden Island their home and I abhor the ignorant statements made by the Oregonian (lperhaps the paper is owned by a foreign governmental retirement fund?).

Ron Schmidt