FAIRVIEW, OREGON
Nestled in the palm of Troutdale, Gresham, Wood Village and Portland is a small “burg” called Fairview, Oregon. The 2000 census says the population was 7,561, but now pushes over 9,700. Apparently the city does quite well financially. It is a progressive community with a small but adequate police force, a judge by appointment only and a few shops and a library.
Not much happens in Fairview. Crime is fairly low. Houses are expensive and taxes are high. Most of the town is built on an old swamp. The remaining swampy area is called a “wildlife habitat”, by some. Part of it, in some ways, reminds me a lot of Mayberry USA. Shopping centers have built around the old Dog Track that closed a few years ago. The Greyhounds have been adopted out by pet owners looking for something unusual to own. Fairview wanted to turn it into a gambling Casino this year, but the voters turned it down.
In some ways, Fairview is a lot like the City of Lake Oswego. The local law enforcement are keeping the peace and fighting crime like the big boys. They show up in an hour or two to investigate a break-in of a parked car; write up their report and then leave. They check out unauthorized noises, investigate neighborhood complaints of a barking dog, Traffic criminals are apprehended and prosecuted routinely. Officer “Obie” (a generic name coined from the song, “Alice’s Restaurant” back in the 60’s) can often be seen peeking around some obstruction watching out for violators. He sits a lot in parking lots watching for those doing over 20 in a school zone, 7 to 5 every day or so.
I’m sure the city does quite well financially, even in this beaten down economy. Why, the price of a “California stop” in Fairview cost one 60-year old school teacher $485 on her way to return books to the Library to avoid a fine. That’s a “rolling stop” for those of you new to California. Probably 80% of drivers do those, even our fine law enforcement officers, which I’ve witnessed. It’s funny how a rolling stop is more of a criminal offense than a friend of mine who was caught speeding, doing 70 in a construction zone and paid $280.
Obama could learn something from our city. Just look at how much the national debt could be reduced by catching and fining all those criminals out there doing rolling stops and jay walking. We actually witnessed the officer doing an illegal U-turn to go after a young man jay walking. Thank you, Officer, for protecting us!
If you come to our fair city of Fairview, pay attention to school zones and keep it below 20 at all times; 25 in neighborhoods. No Texting is allowed; hands-free cell phone use only (that doesn’t mean you can HOLD IT IN YOUR HAND). Oh, and if you ARE pulled over, the huge fine levied against you will go a long way in keeping our local government financially solvent, so that more criminals, like yourself, can enjoy our friendly city.
