Dam removal across the West a growing concern, H&N plus Mallam's correction 12/4/16. "Local commissioners are drafting a letter in opposition to the potential removal of dams within the Columbia River Basin following their own frustrations with Klamath River dam removal...within the KBRA closed door meetings, the dam removal conversations did not focus only on the 4 lower dams on the Klamath River. The conversations widened periodically to include the need for the Keno Dam to be removed, and then expand dam removal even farther to include the Columbia and Snake River Dams.

Commissioners set town hall on monument expansion, H&N 10/26/16 (6 p.m. Nov. 1 in the commissioners’ boardroom), followed by Monument expansion sets local hearing; Opinions sought on proposal to double size of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.  “ 'I want everyone to have the opportunity to speak their mind,' said Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams. 'We were left out in Klamath County, we want to make sure all interested parties have a chance to speak'....Mallams cited concerns such as forest management practices ceasing that will add to potential fire fuels, elimination or reduction of grazing allotments, water rights issues and timber harvest reductions that could all have negative impacts on local economies."
To KBC News from Dr. John Menke regarding the BLM and Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument proposal 10/30/16. (BLM Range expert) said monitoring was being done by an enviro group not himself—the only real range conservationist person trained and on the BLM staff in Medford.  Boy is that a loaded cannon for stopping livestock grazing.  A strong monitoring program is what keeps livestock on the public land..." Dr. John Menke biography, retired professor and range ecologist, rancher, involved in the Klamath Basin Watershed.

Vote no on removing Klamath River dams, H&N letter to editor by Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams 10/23/16. "Ballots are in the mail, and now is the time for each and every voter to cast their individual vote...This advisory ballot finally allows the citizens of Klamath County to have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposed removal of the four Klamath River dams. If you are a voter, you should exercise your right to vote no to dam removal...Some want you to believe this is nothing more than a private property issue. If this is really about private property rights, and Warren Buffet actually wants the dams to come out, then let him pay for it. Why should the rate-payers and taxpayers pay that bill?..."

Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams responds to Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell’s letter to FERC that supports Klamath Hydroelectric Dam destruction, received by KBC 10/20/16

Mallams calls for hearing on monument expansion, COMMENTS DUE, H&N 10/19/16. "The expansion proposed by Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, would double the size of the monument — which includes land in Klamath and Jackson counties in Oregon and Siskiyou County in California — to more than 100,000 acres and would incorporate 56,245 acres of forestland administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)..."

Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams letter to Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley opposing Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument expansion 10/14/16. "...The 2.1 million acres Owyhee Canyonlands, the 500,000 Crater Lake Wilderness Area, and now the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument expansion are just some of the recent attempts to expand this gigantic overreach in our area. If this proposal moves forward, the economic impact will be devastating for Klamath County and our neighbors Jackson and Siskiyou Counties..."

Voters at last have voice on dam removal, Tom Mallams, Klamath County Commissioner Letter to the editor of H&N 9/3/16. "I still find it extremely troubling that a few dam removal supporters and PacifiCorp went to such great lengths in their attempt to prevent voters from having their voices heard..."

Residents dedicate 'In God We Trust' sign, H&N 4/27/16. "A plaque with the words 'In God We Trust', 'Klamath County', and 'Liberty and Justice' is dedicated on a wall inside the Klamath County Commissioners meeting room...LeQuieu thanked Commissioner Tom Mallams for bringing the issue before the county and thanked the board of commissioners for approving the plaque."

Mallams deserves to be re-elected, by Martin and Shirley Kerns, H&N letter 5/3/16

Tom Mallams: Focus on raising revenue, not taxes, H&N 4/22/16

Good examples of Mallams' leadership, by Carol LeQuieu, H&N letter 5/8/16

Mallams has integrity, courage, commitment, by Gus deVries, H&N letter 5/3/16

Klamath County Commissioners' letter to FERC regarding Klamath Dam Relicensing Project 3/23/16. "The Klamath County Board of Commissioners is extremely concerned over the possible Klamath River Dam relicensing versus removal process...There have been numerous studies completed with again, contentious, debatable results..."

Mallams recall effort fails, H&N, 12/24/15

Mallams files for 2016 election, H&N, posted to KBC 10/30/15.

It's really about taking private property through administrative fiat, by Oregon Senator Doug Whitsett, District 28, 10/22/15 Newsletter. "Regardless of media accusations and name calling, it appears that (Klamath County Commissioner) Tom Mallams has remained within his statutory rights..."
NOTE by Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams, "The other additional piece of this puzzle is the relationship between the administrative rule that ties ground water and surface together, and the settlement agreements. The administrative rule is by it's own definition, 'consistent with the settlement agreements.' Also, with lack of legislation moving the settlement agreements forward, this very administrative rule, by its own language goes away. In other words, OWRD is turning well water off under authority of an administrative rule which is dependent on legislation that has not happened, and likely never will. Another government example of "THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE!"

Mallams' use of water didn't short anyone; Project irrigators got the water they were told they would get, H&N commentary by Reg LeQuieu, Klamath County and retired Klamath County Assessor, posted to KBC 10/30/15. "Mallams’ well is over a half mile from the Sycan River and over two miles from the Sprague River...there is no evidence that using his well somehow reduces the flow of the rivers..."

 

Mallams: water use allowed during appeal, H&N, guest commentary by Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams, posted to KBC 10/5/15. "Recently, a certain reporter accused me of breaking the law and ignoring water shutoff notices. The law allows all water users, including myself, to challenge an incorrect regulation order and prove that my well does not interfere with earlier priority surface water uses. All regulation orders have been “stayed” while I seek judicial review, allowing water use while the court decides my case.I believe in obeying the laws of the land, and no, I am certainly not above the law. I also believe in the right to protest and challenge unjust laws and regulation including unjust administrative rules."

Mallams: water use allowed during appeal, H&N, guest commentary by Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams, posted to KBC 10/5/15. "Recently, a certain reporter accused me of breaking the law and ignoring water shutoff notices. The law allows all water users, including myself, to challenge an incorrect regulation order and prove that my well does not interfere with earlier priority surface water uses. All regulation orders have been “stayed” while I seek judicial review, allowing water use while the court decides my case.I believe in obeying the laws of the land, and no, I am certainly not above the law. I also believe in the right to protest and challenge unjust laws and regulation including unjust administrative rules."

Mallams to run for second term, Commissioner subject of recall effort, H&N, posted to KBC 10/5/15. "Last week Ilo and Melissa Ferroggiaro (owners of Laughing Lotus Farms, a medical marijuana dispensary) filed a recall petition...Daugherty said recall petitions and petitions to overturn the ban on county marijuana sales will be available to sign...(Mallams) noted those needing medical marijuana will still have access to it at shops within the city of Klamath Falls."

Interview with Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams on the Bill Meyer Show 3/25/15, 7:12 a.m., 1440 KMED AM Medford Oregon. Mallams explains three Oregon Senate Bills presented in Salem regarding the controversial Klamath Basin dam removal "agreements". He said 2/3s of those at the hearing and in the Klamath Basin oppose these agreements that downsize agriculture, remove three Klamath River hydroelectric dams, and control well water use.

One fix for Basin water issues may not exist. Multiple smaller ideas could prove to be a better long-term solution by Tom Mallams for H&N 2/15/15. "After reading the article “Fatally Flawed,” and the extremely negative letter penned by Dan Keppen mentioned in it, speaking as one Klamath County commissioner, I feel a response is in order."
Letter sent from Dan Keppen explaining why Clear Lake reservoir should not be considered for water storage for the Klamath Project. 1/28/15. Keppen previously worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, was director of Klamath Water Users Association, presently works for Klamath Water and Power Agency as a media consultant and engineer, and is executive director of Family Farm Alliance.
Commission backs Clear Lake water storage study.  Cost, feasibility, other questions raised as major roadblocks, H&N 1/15/15.

God bless Tom Mallams for hearing room slogan, letter to the editor of Herald and News by Jack Faulkner, Klamath Falls, posted to KBC 1/26/15.

Irrigation water block is no guarantee for Basin by Tom Mallams Klamath County Commissioner for Herald and News 12/16/14. "In the Dec. 13 Herald and News, I was incorrectly quoted as saying there is a “guaranteed” block of water for Project irrigators in the proposed water agreements. I have never said this. I have consistently said they only “claim” or “attempt” to have a guaranteed block of water for Project irrigators..."

Council votes to back water pact with letter. 3-2 vote will send document before congressional debate, H&N, posted to KBC 12/7/14.
KBC Note: In Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallam's presentation to City Council, he cautioned them not to support the SB2379 legislation for the KBRA since it not only would destroy four hydropower dams, but also being discussed by the KBRA stakeholders and Karuk spokesman Craig Tucker regards destroying Keno Dam, which would eliminate Lake Ewauna and much of the water used for Klamath Reclamation Project. Klamath Water Users Association director Greg Addington had also attended the KBRA stakeholders' meetings and denied there was discussion about Keno Dam destruction. Here is previously circulated agenda of a KBRA secret PAIL meeting including mention of Keno and Link River Dams removal discussions, and "avoid advocating for science..." 1/28/09) {Keno Dam removal and avoiding science are marked by KBC with ** in link above}
HERE is Video with Karuk spokesman Craig Tucker speaking of Keno Dam destruction, and Klamath farmer's being the enemy. HERE for GreenCorp-trained Tucker biography.

* Klamath County Commissioners' Special Work Session VIDEO from November 21:  http://www.viddler.com/v/27e3aca2  This meeting included public comment regarding the commissioners sending the following joint letter to the U.S. Senate regarding the Klamath Agreements, and the commissioners' responses.

Commissioners make good on election vows. H&N letter to the editor by Loren and Laura Little, Chiloquin, posted to KBC 11/30/14

Joint letter from Klamath County Commissioners and Siskiyou County Supervisors opposing SB2379 - Klamath River Dam Removal and Klamath "Agreements", posted to KBC 11/30/14. "The Commissioners of Klamath County, Oregon, and the Supervisors of Siskiyou County, California -- the elected officials representing two thirds of the Klamath River Watershed -- strongly oppose Senate Bill 2379...."

County, state tussle over water regulations; public works director to sit on water advisory, H&N, posted to KBC 9/20/14.
< Klamath Falls City Councilman Bill Adams speaks about his frustrations with a proposed Oregon Water Resources Department rule on Thursday during a question and answer session at Oregon Tech.   "Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams, also an irrigator, spoke in opposition to the proposed rule change. 'This is what I feel is nothing more than trying to put pressure on everybody trying to agree to a settlement that’s very iffy, lacks a lot of support...There is some support … because they have been pushed into a corner, and a gun to their head, as far as I’m concerned, by Oregon Water Resources and our federal government. Water resources in the past has been the champion for irrigated agriculture...I feel they’re one of our worst enemies, and that’s very disheartening.' Mallams also read a statement from State Rep. Gail Whitsett on her behalf: 'We find no viable reason or justification for this permanent rule to apply only to the Klamath River Watershed in Klamath County,' read the statement."

Why Willamette Valley farmers should watch Klamath Falls' water rights fight, Statesman Journal, posted to KBC 5/10/14. "The agency identified 130 wells (including Mallams) that could interfere with surface water sources, meaning he and other farmers could lose both sources of water this summer. 'You virtually cannot prove there isn’t interference because of the way they did the modeling,' Mallams said. 'I am considered guilty unless I prove myself innocent and I cannot prove myself innocent.' For Whitsett, that means the OWRD can do the same thing to any watershed in Oregon."

VIDEO - Kate Marquis, proponent of a county charter with an administrator and placing Klamath County Commissioners on part-time duty, vs Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams, supporting keeping full time commissioners. posted 2/14/14. KBC Note: When the KBRA /  Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement was formed, all three Klamath Commissioners supported the controversial dam removal agreement. Thereafter Klamath County elected three new commissioners who oppose the "agreement." Many supporting the KBRA are trying to lessen the power of the commissioners by forming a charter with a non-elected official running the county.

Proposed charter would be more costly to public; simple math reveals health benefits, travel costs all add up to make county administrator expensive, guest commentary by Tom Mallams, Klamath County Commissioner, H&N, posted to KBC 1/21/14

VIDEO - An alternative Klamath Task Force, interview by Jefferson Public Radio with Tom Mallams, Klamath County Commissioner, posted 10/10/13.

10/2/13 - The following response is regarding the NEW Klamath Task Force article written by Lee Juillerat from Herald and News 10/1/13:
"Siskiyou and Klamath County working together on common issues is not in any way an effort to hinder Senator Wyden’s task force from achieving a comprehensive settlement on water issues plaguing the Klamath Basin. The exact opposite is true! I believe both Counties desire to work in concert supporting a viable comprehensive water settlement for the entire Klamath Basin. I have and always will advocate for this elusive viable settlement that is absolutely critical for our economy.  I truly appreciate Senator Wyden’s efforts and look forward to actively supporting a community supported solution. Working together as duly elected officials, both here locally and in Washington D. C. toward common, achievable goals, is always the desired direction. I continue to value the relationships built up over the years with our many local, state and federal partners in office."
Tom Mallams
Klamath County Commissioner

Mallams: Ethics complaint was for harassment. Commission determines there was no merit to ethics violation claim about county proclamation, H&N, posted to KBC  9/17/13

Mallams ethics case dropped by Samantha Tipler, H&N 9/10/13; "The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is not pursuing accusations against Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams. “They don’t approve or disapprove or dismiss these kind of things, they just find them without merit and that’s the end of it,” Mallams said during the commissioners’ regular meeting Tuesday. “In this case there wasn’t merit for it. It’s a dead issue.”

9/9/13 - Klamath Irrigation District filed a complaint with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission against Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams. Mallams responds, "...This effort is an obvious vain attempt to harass me, as an elected official, trying to defame and slander me personally for pure political motives..."
* All related documents are attached to link above.

Upper Basin irrigators strive for equitable balance; True settlement is needed to resolve water issues; KBRA does not deliver, H&N guest commentary by Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams 6/9/13.

Response to commentary about Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams, letter to H&N by David Oxley, Klamath Falls, 5/26/13
followed by: Commissioner working against Klamath’s interests, by 15 Project irrigators, H&N 5/26/13

Newly elected look ahead to new terms, H&N, posted to KBC 1/10/13. "(Tom Mallams) brought his own Bible to the swearing-in ceremony ... 'This is the Bible that was given to me by my parents.... I am so glad that the ‘so help you God’ was put back into that oath....I am very, very proud to be able to represent Klamath County and be able to be a voice for the county...and to do things that need to be done here, to stand up for what is right and oppose what is wrong.' ” KBC NOTE: Tom Mallams was President of the Off Project Irrigators and a leader opposed to Klamath dam destruction and downsizing agriculture mandated in the controversial KBRA / Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. As of this election, all 3 elected commissioners oppose the KBRA as written. Mallams was called a "detractor,' "obstructionist," and many other names by KBRA supporters for representing the majority of his constituents. CONGRATULATIONS Tom and the newly elected officials! You have, and we trust you will, continue to "stand up for what is right and oppose what is wrong."

Mallams, Bellet next commissioners, H&N 11/7/12. "Mallams and Bellet both took tough stances against the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement."  Mallams won the election by 72.55%, Bellet ran unopposed.

A united population leads a vital change; voters and citizens need to be kept informed, H&N 10/28/12 by Tom Mallams, guest writer "I continue to oppose Klamath Dam Removal and the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement because they are literally surrender agreements. ...The KBRA started out as a noble effort to solve many of our local water issues but in the end, it simply does not deliver. There is no certainty of water for agriculture, there is no protection from the Endangered Species Act, there is no protection from the biological opinions and there is no affordable power for irrigated agriculture."

Outside funds trying to influence (Klamath) elections H&N letter by Tom Mallams 10/27/10. "On the Sustainable Northwest 2008, 990 federal tax return it shows that in that 12-month period, the organization spent $447,158 on Klamath Basin issues. Of that, $63,835 went to a local upper Basin irrigator (Becky Hyde) for “consulting” fees."

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