2 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 45, No. 6 From the PLSO Chair MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR The End “The End” is a common way to end a story, but some of the best endings leave the reader with both closure and hopefulness. The last of our founders, Eugene DiLoreto, died September 8 at the age of 97 years. His and the other founders’ legacy lives in our memories and professional society. In 1959, our founding fathers saw the state of our profession and had a vision for the future. Sixty-two years later, is that vision still alive? A few months ago, a fellow surveyor and I were talking about the survey profession in general and our organization specifically, and he believed PLSO wouldn’t exist in 10 years. I have heard the same sentiment from other surveyors, to which I say, “Good.” I hope our organization doesn’t exist in 10 years, at least not as it is today. If the trends continue, our profession may end with attrition, but I don’t think that will be the case. Surveying is a useful industry, and there will always be a need. The lack of young surveyors is temporary; supply and demand will continue to make our industry financially attractive for those that have not yet decided on a career in land surveying. Our organization has challenges and with the passing of Eugene DiLoreto, it is the end of an era. There is hope for the future of our organization. I can think of no better example than our debate over the proposed rule change by OSBEELS on licensure. PLSO has debated the licensure issue for about a year and needed to provide a final response to the OSBEELS Board by September. We know that surveyors are opinionated, and some see disagreement as an attack when it should be an opportunity to learn and grow. Often people will avoid the subject or become filled with anger. For example, many have heard that religion and politics are two subjects to avoid in a conversation. These subjects tend to summon deeply held beliefs and worldviews that often lead to aggravation and anger. Yet the effects of these subjects are unavoidable. Belief becomes policy. The key to debating is actively listening by engaging with the other person. After a year of debate, our organization came as close to a consensus as I have ever experienced by voting in favor of supporting the rule changes. The year is coming to an end, and so is my Chairmanship. It has been an honor to work with our leadership and see their hard work and dedication to our organization. Our accomplishments did not come without patience and attention to the important things. We still have work to do, and I look forward to what the future brings to the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon. In the opening lines of “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens famously wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” As memorable as the beginning of the story is, it is the end that leaves the reader with closure and optimism. Sydney Carton’s hollow and pointless existence is transformed to one of a martyr and a vision of the sublime. His character says, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.” Our original founders, Clair Pense, Eugene DiLoreto, and Harlan Scott have left us with a legacy, and it is up to us to decide how the end of an era will look in the future. Will it be “The End,” or will it be filled with optimism? Our next debate will be for a more excellent vision, one that should lead us beyond the mundane and routine toward that which is good, true, and beautiful in our land surveying profession. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chair. If you are interested in joining this team, please get in touch with our office or the Chair at 541-517-8205. Jeremy Sherer, PLS PLSO Board Chair Our original founders, Claire Pense, Eugene DiLoreto, and Harlan Scott have left us with a legacy, and it is up to us to decide how the end of an era will look in the future. Will it be “The End,” or will it be filled with optimism?
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