Fee flap focuses on secretive outfit with shady image

[this_side_up]

The city of Portland says it is investigating a secretive Oregon company whose airplane allegedly was used to fly terrorism suspects to Third World countries to be tortured for information

The city isn't objecting to what the company does, though, or to supposed human-rights abuses. Portland just wants its $100 business license fee.

(snip)

Portland sent a warning letter to Bayard's Portland address last month but hasn't heard back. In addition to the $100 annual fee, Williams said Bayard could owe $500 in civil penalties for delinquency.

The company could face action by the state for regulatory violations, too. If Leonard Bayard the person doesn't exist, his company -- or whoever is behind it -- could be violating state law by filing false registration information.

(snip)



http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1105621132102670.xml