“The Fixx Is In”: It’s the Same Old Tune in Oregon Politics

Here is another post by the very talented writer and local community member, guest author Chris Christensen, who brings us another superlative article.  This is a thought-provoking read.  Submit your own work to hillsboroherald@gmail.com

Editorial By Chris Christensen, Special for the Hillsboro Herald

On August 7^th 2012, Intel presented perennial 80’s “new wave” band The Fixx at Portland’s Bing Lounge at 101.9 KINK FM.

In classic form, inimitable Fixx lead singer Cy Curnin belted out the band’s hit song “One Thing Leads to Another” to a rapt group of Oregon Intel executives in attendance. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/eaLro_un4bo?si=EHNLfrBxX_qlTllW

Fast forward; In 2023, as the grand symphony of Oregon politics plays out, the echoes of this classic 1980’s tune by The Fixx finds an uncanny resonance right here in Hillsboro.

As Governor Kotek and the Salem Democrats in power roll out corporate welfare policies, a chain reaction ensues, leaving some citizens questioning the legislature’s intentions and actions.

With an air of déjà vu, we now are witnessing the rise of the unexpected, just as the song suggests – one policy leading to another, often in ways unforeseen.

Just look to the recent spate of state and federal funding recently announced that gave Intel alone more than $90 million in state funding and billions proposed under the federal CHIPS for America Act.

Governor Kotek and the Oregon legislature, through the recent passage of Senate Bill 4, known as the Oregon CHIPS Act, signed into law on May 8^th 2023, effectively now seek to expand the longstanding urban growth boundary that Oregon has made one of its signature land use policies.

Like the deceptive facade in the song that “you’ve got a blank face, which irritates,” the announcements made by Democratic officials often leave many Hillsboro constituents puzzled.

The initial pitch for non-agricultural development in Washington County, crafted by Intel corporate officials and politicians, offered a vision of progress for Hillsboro and Washington County residents, yet many now find themselves scratching their heads when the outcomes fall short. With environmental, housing, infrastructure, and transportation concerns looming larger every day, this juxtaposition between promise and delivery mirrors the catchy beat of “One Thing Leads to Another,” reminding us that appearances can be deceiving.

In Oregon’s political concert, it’s not unusual for policies to evolve into something beyond their original scope. Just as “dimensions in two” can shift, so do the intentions of those in power. A simple yet fundamental policy, such as the urban growth boundary, presented in stark black or white, has gradually capitulated and morphed into a more complex scenario, leading some rural and suburban Hillsboro citizens down a path they did not anticipate. As “one little cross leads to shots,” the public’s trust can erode when discrepancies arise between pledges and actions.

When corporate interests push the boundaries of environmental limits, indeed, one thing can lead to another.

The familiar refrain of “do what they say, say what you mean” resonates deeply in 2023 in the context of Oregon politics. The desire for straightforward communication is universally felt, yet, as we’ve seen in both the Brown and Kotek administrations, , the translation from political promise to policy can be muddled. It’s as though citizens are being told “something wrong,” and they listen “too long,” only to realize that “one thing leads to another.”

In this intricate dance of political and corporate discourse, the impression sold often “passes in and out like a scent.” Policies that seem enticing at first whiff can reveal an unseemly odor when brought under scrutiny. Fears of unintended consequences of unchecked corporate welfare policies become palpable, as citizens realize that proximity to these industrial facilities may expose them to potential harm. The experience of “living close to your fears” becomes an unfortunate reality to homeowners lying in the ever-expanding shadow of Intel’s footprint in Hillsboro.

It’s no surprise that, as the chorus of the song suggests, citizens start to doubt the authenticity of the narrative. As Hillsboro residents are bombarded with mixed virtue signals, they can’t help but feel that “somebody’s been lying to me.” The dissonance between political rhetoric and reality strains the chords of trust, leaving many wondering if there’s a hidden agenda. As the song wisely points out, when the “wrong word goes in the right ear,” suspicion becomes as palpable as a bone in the throat.

Oregon’s political landscape lately is no stranger to “heat” and the “rough, off the cuff” nature of decision-making. Shamed by the Secretary of State debacle and feeling pressured to take bold executive action, Governor Kotek has set her sights on Hillsboro as Oregon’s next area of growth, despite running a campaign citing the anathema of climate concerns.

Often driven by circumstance, policies can shift in unexpected directions. Just as the song’s lyrics suggest, it’s easy to believe that “one thing leads to another.” The interconnectedness of political choices becomes increasingly evident as we witness the domino effect of decisions made.

So, as Oregonians tune into the rhythm of state politics, they can’t help but feel that “the fix is in.” The melody of “One Thing Leads to Another” serves as a reminder that the complexities of policy implementation often defy simplicity. As constituents listen to the tune of promises and watch the choreography of actions unfold, they’re left pondering the true nature of the dance. In a state where policies take center stage, the harmonious blend of intention and impact remains an ongoing symphony.

Oh, by the way, the Fixx has another song called “Less Cities, More Moving People” that addresses the complex issue of urban growth; check it out here:

https://youtu.be/XhhuFPQOT0g?si=Ys5CoJcrsPG5LKIh

I wonder if they played that one for the Intel execs?

One Thing Leads to Another Lyrics

The Fixx

The deception with tact

Just what are you trying to say

You’ve got a blank face, which irritates

Communicate, pull out your party piece

You see dimensions in two

State your case with black or white

But when one little cross leads to shots, grit your teeth

You run for cover so discreet

Why don’t they do what they say, say what you mean? Oh, baby

One thing leads to another

You tell me something wrong, I know I listen too long but then

One thing leads to another

The impression that you sell

Passes in and out like a scent

But the long face that you see

Comes from living close to your fears

If this is up, then I’m up, but you’re running out of sight

You’ve seen your name on the walls

And when one little bump leads to shock miss a beat

You run for cover and there’s heat

Why don’t they do what they say, say what they mean?

One thing leads to another

You tell me something wrong, I know I listen too long but then

One thing leads to another, yeah, yeah, yeah

One thing (one thing) leads to another

Then it’s easy to believe

Somebody’s been lying to me

But when the wrong word goes in the right ear

I know you’ve been lying to me

It’s getting rough, off the cuff, I’ve got to say enough’s enough

Bigger the harder, he falls

But when the wrong antidote is like a bulge on the throat

You run for cover in the heat

Why don’t they do what they say, say what they mean?

One thing leads to another

You tell me something wrong, I know I listen too long but then

One thing leads to another, yeah, yeah

One thing (one thing) leads to another

One thing (one thing) leads to another

One thing (one thing) leads to another

One thing (one thing) leads to another

One thing (one thing) leads to another

Written by: Adam Woods, Peter Greenall, Alfred Agius, James West-oram, Cyril Curnin

Album: Reach The Beach

Released: 1983

Lyrics provided by Musixmatch