Sowing Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt: Here We Go Again
Feeling déjà vu? You're not alone.
Six months ago, we were warned of disaster if we rejected the City's tax levy. Insolvency. Disincorporation. Annexation into Lake Oswego. Higher taxes. Councilors posted the warnings online, and the City sent two "informational" emails.
We voted no. None of it happened.
Now three Council seats are on the ballot, and the warnings are back.
This time, we're told that electing Leah Silber, David Dull and Joan Joyce will close the boat ramp, neglect our parks, weaken City management and shut residents out. That's the claim on the Rivergrove FORWARD website. A recent mailer goes further, suggesting Joan wants private river access for herself while blocking safe public access for other families.
They’re inventing an enemy because they need one. The enemy they want us to fear doesn’t exist.
Asking questions about a public project isn't opposing it. Requesting an independent audit isn't wasting money. Challenging a decision through legal channels isn't attacking the community. This is how residents hold government accountable.
Yet the same campaign that calls for respectful dialogue labels neighbors "anti-park, anti-boat ramp and anti-community" and accuses a sitting councilor of lacking integrity and acting in bad faith.
Disagreement isn't sabotage. Accountability isn't obstruction. Asking the City to follow its own rules isn't a threat to Rivergrove.
We have real issues to tackle: spending, infrastructure, financial oversight, communication and division. They deserve honest discussion, not more worst-case predictions.
A Different Approach
Leah, David and Joan come from different backgrounds, but they share a goal: open, accountable and responsive government. Their priorities are simple:
Involve residents before big decisions
Set clear spending priorities
Strengthen financial oversight
Plan and manage public projects well
The question isn't whether Rivergrove moves forward. It's how decisions get made, who gets heard, and how we spend public money.
Don't confuse fear with facts, or disagreement with disloyalty. Rivergrove deserves honest information, thoughtful leaders and respect for the people who live here. Come to the Community BBQ on Sunday and talk to Leah, David and Joan directly.