Oregon Senators Kill `Don't Stay' Signs

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon's Senate rolled out a kinder, gentler welcome mat yesterday, scrapping a plan to post border signs saying "Visit . . . But Please Don't Stay" and adopting instead "Welcome - Keep Oregon Green."

Sen. John Lim was the brainchild of both slogans, retreating into the flip-flop after state tourism officials ripped him for undoing years of goodwill and perpetuating an inhospitable image.

Lim, himself an immigrant from Korea, said all he wanted to do with his original proposal was remind visitors of the state's commitment to controlling sprawl and preserving its quality of life.

He said that commitment was best summed up nearly 30 years by then-Gov. Tom McCall's famous catchprase: "Come and visit us again and again. But for heaven's sake, don't come here to live."

Lim's proposal was well-publicized. One state tourism official said it ended up doing millions of dollars worth of "unpromoting" the state to tourists.

The "Keep Oregon Green" option, Lim said, was inspired by a letter he received from a constituent, suggesting he could say what he wanted to say without appearing to give newcomers and visitors the cold shoulder.

The measure now goes to the House.