More than 30 people testified in front of the Wilsonville City Council this week---in support and opposition to a proposed ordinance offering tax incentives to bring a large solar energy manufacturing facility to Oregon. The public comments differed sharply and covered a wide spectrum of issues and concerns.  The following is a sampling of some of the comments presented during the four hour public hearing:

“The reputation of our city is on the line here tonight. You need to articulate your position on this ordinance. We are waiting to hear that from each of you.”

- Charlotte Lehan, Clackamas County Commissioner, local resident and former Wilsonville mayor

“I am absolutely convinced this is the right thing to do. Wilsonville’s ability to attract family wage jobs and afford public infrastructure is dependent on having a strong economic base, and the robustness of our economic activity.”

- Tim Knapp, Mayor of Wilsonville

“SoloPower should recognize how fortunate they are to have found a stellar facility like the one they have found, and what a superior place they will have to live and work.”

- Steve Schult opposes urban renewal districts and tax increment financing

(Referring to critics who question the appropriate use of public revenue to recruit private sector investment, and complain it shouldn’t be this way) “That’s not the world we live in.  This is not Brigadoon or Camelot.  This is the real world.  So the best we can do is try to mitigate the risk, and the risk here to the City of Wilsonville is very small.”

- Lynn Todd, supporter and Wilsonville resident

“There is little to argue with, and much to support in this plan….Do the right thing. Travel the right road. Bring this business to Wilsonville.” 

- Janet Olmstead, supporter and Wilsonville resident

“We’d love to have SoloPower locate here. We’re just opposed to the terms that SoloPower is extorting from Wilsonville.  It’s a perversion of the free enterprise system.” 

- Klause Gibson, opponent and retired local resident

“The best way to increase tourism is by diversifying the number of businesses in the community.  From a tourism aspect, and from a business aspect, this project is a huge win opportunity.”

- Peter Watts, chairman, Clackamas County Tourism Board and plan supporter

“You don’t have the courage of your convictions….You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

- John Ludlow, former Wilsonville mayor, speaking in opposition.

“For heaven’s sake, we have a chance for some good news for a change.   I think we should get off the stick and get this done.”   

- Keith Amundson, local resident and supporter.

“This vote is a key indicator of whether our community is open for business….Let’s be open for business.” 

- Scott Phillips, president, Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce, speaking in support.

”Wilsonville is in the eye of the state.  If we do the wrong thing, we will all lose.  This is not the fight to pick.  This is not the issue to fight over.”   

- Ben Altman, local resident and plan supporter

“We really believe in this project, and we really believe in this partnership.  If we don’t locate here, there are no taxes to be abated.  It is hard for me to see how that benefits the community.” 

- Tim Harris, president and ceo of SoloPower Inc.

“This proposal has been characterized as low risk---this just isn’t so. We have just been through three of the saddest years I ever hope to live through, and there is a false exuberance over the promises of job creation when all of the economic benefits of this proposal are tied to SoloPower.  You’ve got no information that is verified by an independent third party.”   

- Steve Hurst, Wilsonville City Councilor cast the only dissenting vote on Ordinance 693