1989-05-16 - Voters Pamphlet - State t
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STATE OF OREGON SPECIAL ELECTION MAY 16, 1989
Compiled and Distributed by
Secretary of State
This Voter's Pamphlet is the personal property of the recipient elector for assistance at the Polls.
INFORMATION
GENERAL VOTER REGISTRATION
Material for each state measure in your official 1989 Special You may register to vote by mail or in person if:
Election Voters' Pamphlet includes the ballot title, the complete 1. You are a citizen of the United States;
text of the proposed measure,an impartial statement explaining the 2. You will be 18 or older on election day;
measure and its effect, and arguments filed by proponents and 3. You are a resident of Oregon.
opponents.The page number for each item can be found in the table IMPORTANT: You may register to vote if you meet the above
of contents below. qualifications,but you must be registered by 5:00 p.m.on the 21st
Oregon law requires the Legislature to submit one argument in day before any election at which you intend to vote.
favor of each measure it refers to the people.Citizens or organiza-
tions may also file arguments on state measures by purchasing space
for$300 or by submitting a petition signed by 1,000 electors. The 1. Your residence or mailing address changes for any reason,even
Secretary of State may not accept any argument that is not within the same precinct;however,if you have moved after the
accompanied by the specified fee or the requisite number of sig- 40th day before an election and you have not re-registered,
natures. contact your county elections office for special instructions;
An absentee ballot application form and instructions have been 2. Your name changes for any reason;
provided on page 14 for use by those persons who will be unable to 3. You wish to change political party affiliation.
vote at the polls on election day.If for any reason you will be unable NOTE: If registered in a party, you may not change your party
to vote at the polls,complete the form and mail it to your county affiliation after the 46th day before a Primary Election.
election officer today.
Another page contains information about provisions made for
disabled,handicapped and elderly voters. YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE NOT LATER
The Voters' Pamphlet has been compiled by the Secretary of THAN 5:00 P.M.ON THE 21st DAY BEFORE ANY ELEC-
State since 1903, when Oregon became one of the first states to TION AT WHICH YOU INTEND TO VOTE.
provide for the printing and distribution of such a publication. In
1909,the Legislative Assembly passed a law requiring pamphlets to
include information on candidates.
One copy of the Voters'Pamphlet is mailed to every household VOTE
in the state.Additional copies are available at the State Capitol,post TUESDAY,MAY 16, 1989
offices,courthouses and other public buildings.
Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
BE A WELL-INFORMED VOTER.
STUDY THE ISSUES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Absentee Voter. ............................................... . . ........ . .. 14
Information ...... ................................................ ......... . .. 2
Measure No. 1
BallotTitle ................................................. . ........ . .. 3
CompleteText ................................................ ......... . 3
Explanation ............................................................. 4
Arguments .............................................................. 4
PublicNotice ........................................................... . ..... 12
COVER: Grave Creek Bridge on Highway 99 near Grants Pass.Department of Transportation photo, Courtesy
Oregon State Archives.
2 Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CONTINUED
STATE
Measure No. 1 0 EGONF
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1—Referred to the Electorate of (D) The sum of a school district's 1989-1990 tax base, deter-
Oregon by the 1989 Legislature, to be voted on at the Special mined without regard to this section, and its levies for operating
Election,May 16,1989. purposes outside the tax base for 1989-1990 approved by voters
before July 1,1989;
BALLOT TITLE (E) The sum of the school district's 1989-1990 tax base deter-
mined without regard to this section, any levy made that may be
made for 1989-1990 under authority of section 11a of this Article
ESTABLISHES NEW TAX BASE LIMITS and any levies approved by voters before July 1, 1989, for levy for
ON'SCHOOLS one year in excess of the district's levy that may be made under
QUES'T'ION:Shall Oregon Constitution be amended to yES❑ authority of section 11a of this Article for 1989-1990;or
establish new tax base limits on schools? (F) If a school district merges with one or more other school
EXPLANA'T'ION:Amends Oregon Constitution,Begun- NO p ' districts and the merger is first effective for the 1989-1990 fiscal 11
ning in 1990,gives a school district a tax base equal to., year,the tax base of the school district shall be equal to the sum of
(1)any one of the district's operating levies in the prior the tax base amounts for each of the school districts included in the
three years plus six percent,or(2)for two-yeas safety net merger,as otherwise determined under subparagraphs(A)to(E)of
districts, the district's 1989 operating Ievy plus 12.36 this paragraph.
percent,or(3)the operating levy approved by the dis- (b) For the fiscal year next following and for all fiscal years
trict's local voters for 1990,if approved by July 1,1989, thereafter,the tax base of a school district authorized to levy an ad
Permits merging school districts to form new talc base valorem tax shall be determined under section 11 of this Article.
limit by combining their existing tax base limits. (2) The governing body of'a school district that levies ad
ESTIMATE OF FINANCIAL EFFECT:These changes valorem taxes within its tax base under authority of any of sub
to the Oregon Constitution have no fiscal effect on state paragraphs (B) to (F) of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this
government because the state does not levy a property section shall adopt,by resolution,the amount so levied as the school
tax.However,the 1989 Legislature has passed other^laws district tax base for 1989-1990.The resolution shall be adopted prior
that will take effect:only if this measure passes. These to September 1,1989.
laws would spend state General Funds in the next two (3) As used in this section, "school district" means a taxing
years as follows: 2 Yr district providing public elementary or secondary education,or any
1989 1990 Period combination thereof, within this state, and specifically includes a
School property tax component school district of an education service district that levies
offsets and grants'......... $163 mil $18.3 trail' =$35 'mil taxes for its component school districts and the education service
Education of severely district itself."School district"does not include any other education
handicapped students :. $17.5 mil $17.5 mil' = $35 mil service district.
Basic school support,...- $10.7 mil $11,3 frail —$22 'mil (4) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a component
Homeowner property school district of an education service district that levies taxes for its
tax relief.................... $20.3 mil $20.3'mil component school districts may levy taxes within its tax base
The property tax relief and property tax offsets would limitation.
reduce personal income tax'deductions;increasing state (5) This section is repealed on July 1,1991.
income tax revenue by$1 million per year. The home- SECTION 11c. (1) If a school district merges with one or
owner property tax relief program would require more other school districts and the merger is first effective for a
$100,000 in one time set-up costs and$300,000 per year fiscal year beginning on or after January 1,1990,the tax base of the
to administer in each of the next two years. school district shall be equal to the sum of the tax base amounts for
each of the school districts included in the merger, as otherwise
determined under subsection(2)of section 11 of this Article.
Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of (2) Subsection(4)of section 11 of this Article does not apply to
Oregon: a school district.The Legislative Assembly shall enact legislation to
carry out the provisions of this section.
PARAGRAPH 1. The Constitution of the State of Oregon is PARAGRAPH 2. The amendment proposed by this resolu-
amended by creating new sections to be added to and made a part of tion shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection
Article XI and to read: at a special election held throughout this state as provided in
SECTION llb. (1) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of sec- chapter_,Oregon Laws 1989(Enrolled House Bill 2136).
tion 11 of this Article and upon compliance with subsection (2) of
this section,each school district authorized to levy an ad valorem
tax shall have a tax base computed as follows:
(a) For the first fiscal year after the effective date of this
section the tax base shall be one of the following:
(A) The school district's tax base as defined in subsection (2)
of section 11 of this Article;
(B) The amount obtained by adding six percent to the sum of
the school district's tax base levied in any one of the last three years
in which such a tax was levied by the school district and the amount
levied in that year for operating purposes outside the tax base
limitation;
(C) If, for the immediately preceding fiscal year, the school
district levied any tax under authority of section 11a of this Article,
the sum of the district's total levy for operating purposes in that year
plus six percent thereof. If the district levied taxes under the
authority of section 11a of this Article in each of the two immedi-
ately preceding fiscal years, the tax base amount calculated under
this subparagraph shall be increased by an additional six percent;
Official 1989 Special Election Voters' Pamphlet 3
CONTINUED
STATE
Measure No. 1 0 EGONF
EXPLANATION ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
This measure is the second step in a long term process of school VOTE YES FOR MEASURE 1
finance reform. The first step was the safety net amendment Two years ago, we promised voters that Oregon school finance
approved by the voters in 1987.This 1989 step is designed primarily problems would be resolved one step at a time.The goals are to stop
to stabilize funding for local school districts. school closures;to stabilize school funding;and to reduce property
This measure amends the Oregon Constitution to establish new taxes.The first step to which the voters agreed was to keep schools
tax base limits on local school districts. Currently one-third of open. Never again would school children be locked out of the
Oregon's school districts do not operate their schools within their classroom because of a lack of operating funds.
tax base. These districts repeatedly ask their voters for additional
property tax levies or fall into the"safety net". WHAT DOES THIS STEP PROVIDE?
If this measure is approved,each district may choose a new tax Measure 1 is the sensible second step.It adds stability and fairness
base which cannot exceed one of the following: to school financing. One third of Oregon's school districts will
(1) The district's current tax base; receive a new tax base, funding they can count on for current
(2) The district's 1987, 1988, or 1989 operating levy plus six educational needs.Local control over spending remains with elected
percent; school boards and citizen budget committees. It allows school
(3) For districts that have been in the safety net for two years, districts to plan for and implement quality educational programs.
the district's 1989 operating levy plus 12.36 percent;or This step moves toward fairness for students and for taxpayers. It
(4) The operating levy approved by the district's local voters says to students that wherever you live - you will get a basic
for 1990,if approved by July 1,1989. education. And it says to taxpayers who live in certain high tax
This measure also allows school districts to combine their tax districts with low spending per student, we will help lower your
bases if districts merge. school taxes because your efforts deserve state help.This step also
provides additional state funds to educate handicapped students,
In addition to Constitutional changes contained in the meas- relieving local property taxpayers of the unfair burden.
ure, the Legislature has passed laws that will take effect if this
measure passes.These laws: WHY DO WE SUPPORT MEASURE 1?
(1) Reduce property taxes in school districts that have high tax We believe Oregon's school finance problems require taking small
rates but spend less than the state average per student. but certain steps.Measure i is significant progress towards provid-
(2) Give grants to school districts that have very low spending ing all Oregon schools with stable,predictable funding.It increases t
per student and have high tax rates. the state's contribution to local schools and directs additional
(3) Require the state to assume a greater share of the cost of funding to those who need it most.It is the sensible next step.It is
educating severely handicapped students. the right step. And it is a statement of stability and fairness in
(4) Stabilize the formula for state support of local schools. education for all of Oregon.
(5) Reduce homeowner property taxes by requiring the state to
pay all education taxes that exceed 5% of household VOTE YES FOR OUR CHILDREN
income.This relief applies to the first$60,000 of value on a VOTE YES FOR MEASURE 1
homeowner's principal residence and is in addition to the
current Homeowners and Renters Relief Program Joint Legislative
(HARRP). Committee Members: Appointed by:
Senator Cub Houck President of the Senate
Committee Members: A Representative Ted Calouri Speaker of the House
Appointed by: Representative Rick Kotulski Speaker of the House
Senator Eugene D.Timms Secretary of State
Representative Kevin Mannix Secretary of State
Senator Jane Cease President of the Senate (This Committee appointed to provide legislative argument in sup-
Representative Carl Hosticka Speaker of the House port of the ballot measure pursuant to ORS 251.245.)
Richard A.Munn Members of the Committee
(This Committee was appointed to provide an impartial explanation
of the ballot measure pursuant to ORS 251.215.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
4 Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CONTINUED
Measure No. 1 0 EGONF
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OREGON A Special Message to Oregon Voters
SUPPORTS MEASURE 1 from Governor Neil Goldschmidt.
The LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OREGON supports To Oregon Voters:
MEASURE 1 on the basis of many years of study of school financing
and the results of town meetings conducted last year in 28 Oregon Ballot Measure 1 is an important step to assure that Oregon children
communities.Several thousand citizens talked to us about problems get a quality education,no matter where they live.
with our current system, instability, inequity and unfair property It will treat Oregon taxpayers more fairly,too.
taxes. MEASURE 1 will go a long way towards solving these It is a simple, sensible solution to several critical problems in our
problems. educational system.
EDUCATION IS A STATEWIDE RESPONSIBILITY First,Ballot Measure 1 sets new tax base limits for one-
MEASURE 1 WILL STABILIZE SCHOOL FUNDING FOR third of Oregon's school districts. It will provide the
ABOUT 100 SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT LEVY OUTSIDE OF opportunity for more adequate,stable funding for our schools.
THEIR TAX BASE FOR OPERATING FUNDS. Most Oregon school districts have modern tax bases and are
not affected by Measure 1.But about 100 districts must seek
MEASURE 1 WILL REDUCE INEQUITIES BY TRIGGERING special levies year after year because they do not have up-to-
ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS. date tax bases.
$35 MILLION IN TARGETED TAXPAYER OFFSETS Second, Ballot Measure 1 helps assure equal educa-
AND/OR GRANTS TO DISTRICTS WITH HIGH TAX tional opportunity for all Oregon school children.Our
RATES AND LOW PER PUPIL SPENDING. current system alows unfair differences between one district
$35 MILLION IN INCREASED STATE SUPPORT FOR and another. Ballot Measure 1 eliminates much of this
HANDICAPPED STUDENTS. unfairness.
$22 MILLION IN INCREASED BASIC SCHOOL SUP- Oregonians value fairness.And we value education as the key that
PORT TO INSURE THAT NO SCHOOL DISTRICT unlocks the doors of opportunity for all. Ballot measure 1 is in
LOSES MONEY. keeping with these traditional Oregon values. Please join me in
$20 MILLION IN RELIEF OF SCHOOL TAXES FOR voting YES on Measure 1.
FIXED AND/OR LOW INCOME HOMEOWNERS. Governor Neil Goldschmidt
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OREGON
SUPPORTS MEASURE 1
FAIR to TAXPAYERS:TAXPAYERS in high rate/low spending Submitted by: Neil Lincoln St.S
school districts and HOMEOWNERS with fixed and/or low Sal Lincoln St.So.
incomes will receive PROPERTY TAX OFFSETS. Salem,OR 97302
FAIR to STUDENTS:increased per pupil spending by the state will (This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
result in a more EQUAL educational opportunity for Oregon's
students.Education should NOT be a function of geography.
FAIR to SCHOOL DISTRICTS:stabilizes funding and encourages The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
school districts to do long range COST EFFICIENT educational ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
planning.Local school boards must ratify the tax base. accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OREGON
SUPPORTS MEASURE 1
WE BELIEVE:
• EDUCATION IS A'STATEWIDE RESPONSIBILITY.
• ALL CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE AN EQUAL EDUCA-
TIONAL OPPORTUNITY NO MATTER WHERE THEY
LIVE.
• AN EQUAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ALL STU-
DENTS WITH AN EQUAL TAX EFFORT BY TAX-
PAYERS IS A WORTHY GOAL FOR OREGON.
MEASURE 1 IS AN ESSENTIAL STEP IN REACHING THAT
GOAL
Submitted by: Sharon Little
President
League of Women Voters of Oregon
189 Liberty Street NE,Suite 307
Salem,Oregon 97301
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet 5
CONTINUED
ITATE
Measure No. 1 0 EGONF
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
YES on 1 YES on 1.
To assure equal educational opportunity for
The Oregon Division of the American Association of University all Oregon children.
Women urges YES on ballot measure 1.
AAUW was founded over 100 years ago to support education. We Children in Oregon should have fair and equal educational oppor-
have over 3000 members in sixty communities throughout Oregon. tunity...no matter where they live.
We believe good schools depend on stable,fair and adequate fund- Measure 1 gives Oregonians the chance to say that our children will
ing.Ballot measure 1 is a vital step in this direction. no longer be held hostage in the debate over how to finance our
schools.
YES on 1. "This 1989 measure is an investment in the future of
FOR MORE STABILITY. Oregon's children and of the state. ...voters will help
Ballot measure 1 sets new tax base limits for one-third of the school themselves as well as their children by approving it on
districts in Oregon..with the approval of their locally elected school May 16."
boards.These districts have had to seek special operating levies over Oregonian
and over again. Updating their tax bases will give these districts 3/26/89
much more stability,so they can plan for the future.Ballot measure YES on 1.
1 would have no effect on the 200 school districts with current tax
bases. To improve the quality of education.
YES on 1. The quality of education has suffered in some Oregon school
FOR FAIRNESS. districts that have fallen into the "safety net." In some districts,
education is slowly suffocating.Just keeping our schools open isn't
Over the years, our current system of school finance has allowed enough.
unfair differences in educational opportunities to exist among Measure 1 allows districts that have fallen behind to update their
school districts.Setting new tax base limits for those districts with tax bases, with the approval of their locally elected school boards.
out-of-date limits addresses this problem. Measure 1 will make it possible for these districts to improve the
Ballot measure 1 also provides that the state contribute more to quality of education for their students.
education. It increases state support for disabled children, low YES on 1.
spending districts and basic education.
To provide fairness and stability in school funding.
YES on 1. Measure 1 rovides fairness and stability
TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION FOR OUR p yin two ways:
CHILDREN. First,the measure updates tax bases for school districts that have s
fallen far behind. It would have no effect on the 200 districts that
With more stable,equitable funding—and increased state support already have tax bases.Measure 1 would set new base limits only in
— our schools can really address the quality of education for our the 100 districts without tax bases.
children.For AAUW,education is the foremost concern.We believe Second, the measure calls for the state to do more of its share in
Oregonians share this concern. school funding. easure 1 increases state Oregon of tomorrow depends on the quality of education we g' e support for education.
offer our children today. "Education of our children is too important to live in a
That is the most important reason to vote YES on 1 on May 16. world of constant turmoil.. ..The May 16 vote should
be the beginning of a new system of support."
Salem Statesman-Journal
Submitted by: American Association of University Women, 3/27/89
Oregon Division
Katherine G.Eaton Oregonians for Fairness in Education
1631 E.24th Ave. urge you to vote
Eugene,OR 97403 YES on 1.
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
Submitted by: Oregonians for Fairness in Education
Ed Grosswiler
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse- 1241 State Street,#201
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the Salem,Oregon 97301
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
6 Official 1989 Special Election Voters' Pamphlet
CONTINUED
STATE
Measure No. 1 OR GONE
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Ballot measure 1 deserves your `YES' vote on May 16. MEASURE 1: A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT
Here's why: MISSES THE MARK
1. Ballot measure 1 will bring stability to schools. • It does not solve the property tax problem.
One-third of Oregon school districts lack modern tax bases. • It does not provide alternative school funding.
These districts seek special levies over and over again to fund • It does not increase state school support.
local schools.Ballot measure 1 provides up-to-date tax bases for • It does not provide any permanent solutions.
these districts,with the approval of their locally elected school a It discriminates against the smaller,poorer districts.
boards. • It violates self-determination and local control.
2. Ballot measure 1 will bring fairness to our school funding • It is merely a temporary`band-aid'.
system and fairness to all school children.
It is not fair to kids for two-thirds of our school districts to have Measure 1 gives a school district the right to increase taxes by
modern tax bases while one-third do not. Ballot measure 1 6% each year on a much higher tax base without voter approval.
resolves this problem and helps the districts that need it the With a 6%annual increase,your school property taxes will double in
most. 12 years.
3. Ballot measure 1 makes the state meet more of its respon- Districts in the`safety net'for two years will get an automatic
sibility for education. 12%built-in tax increase if Measure 1 passes.
Ballot measure 1 increases state support for education. It also Many of the people living in school districts without tax bases
provides greater assistance for educating handicapped students. are having a struggle to make ends meet.Outsider voters are really in
4. Ballot measure 1 improves the equality of educational no position to tell these people they are not paying enough school
opportunity in Oregon. taxes.
Our current system allows unfair differences among school dis- THIS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IS A
tricts.Ballot measure 1 provides our children equal opportunity POOR PROPOSAL.
for a good education,no matter where they live. VOTE"NO"ON MEASURE 1.
5. Ballot measure 1 is a vital step in school finance reform in
Oregon.
Two years ago, we took a first step in making it possible for Submitted by: Women's Legislative Council
schools to stay open. Ballot measure 1 is the next step in D.P.Evans,Executive Board Member
reforming the way we support education in Oregon. 1910 Madrona Avenue S.
Salem,OR 97302
We've worked together on this.
We urge your`YES'vote on ballot measure 1. (This space purchased for$300 in accordance with DRS 251.255.)
Submitted by: Representative Carl Hosticka,Chair
House Committee on Revenue and The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
House Finance ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant rant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
and
Senator Jane Hardy Cease,Chair
Senate Committee on Revenue and
School Finance
State Capitol
Salem,OR 97310
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
L Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet 7
CONTINUED
ITATE
Measure No. 1 OR GONF
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Ballot Measure 1 is a STATEWIDE PROPERTY TAX levied in Oregon Voters Pamphlet
your school district by "REMOTE VOTERS", COSTING $26 STATEMENT
MILLION the first year;and$112 MILLION BIANNUALLY. Measure#1 reeks with inequity and fiscal intrigue.It provides
temporary,but not long-term,relief for financially depressed school
Approximately 99 School Districts have no tax base, or are in the districts.In addition this measure offers no property tax relief for a
safety net. Measure 1 is asking "REMOTE NON-RESIDENT substantial segment of Oregon taxpayers and strips local autonomy
VOTERS"to raise those PROPERTY TAXES 12%,plus the 6% from many communities throughout the state.
increase WITHOUT A VOTE. Let there be not confusion about this abortive scheme.It seeks
Companion legislation,like HB-2132 and SB 802 and 5535,are not to muddy the tax waters so that voters will be bludgeoned into
yet law;or will become OPERATIVE LEGISLATION WITHOUT accepting the sales tax alternative rejected time after time by the
YOUR VOTE in Measure 1. electorate. Sales tax advocates, such as Senator Cease and House
Measure 1 carries into the 1991 and 1993 Legislatures. Your"NO Speaker Vera Katz, make no bones about their intent.Theirs is a
VOTE ON MEASURE 1"will tell the governor and legislators you three-stage program:First the safety net,Then this measure,and
are smart enough NOW TO VOTE ON NEEDED PROPERTY Finally the sales tax. Governor Neil Goldschmidt (Oregonian,
TAX AND INCOME TAX REFORM. March 21)stated:"I am not jumping instantly to a sales tax debate."
If not instantly,when?Those who vote for Measure#1 are voting for
Proposed property tax relief is NOT EQUITABLE,NOR FAIR TO an ultimate sales tax!
ALL HOMEOWNERS IN OREGON. SURPLUS "SPENDING One aspect of this measure is particularly frightening.For the
LIMIT FUNDS" should be refunded to the INCOME TAX- first time in Oregon people are being asked to raise other people's
PAYERS. property taxes.George III of England would have relished Measure
Our research shows 27% of the land in Oregon produces property #1.It would have legitimized his'taxation without representation'
taxes. Over 60% of our college graduates HAD TO LEAVE concept.
OREGON TO FIND JOBS IN 1987.WE HAVE AN EDUCATED The executive director of the OEA recently posed the question
WORK FORCE IF WE STOP THE"BRAIN DRAIN".In 1987-88 nicely:"Why should someone in Portland tell someone in Estacada
over 5,000 acres of private taxed land moved into UNTAXABLE how much to tax themselves?"
GOVERNMENT LAND. This measure hits the economically depressed areas of Oregon
We advocate a STATEWIDE EDUCATIONAL TRANSACTION hard. Many suffer high unemployment through mill closures, and
TAX OF 2%,which eliminates all property taxation for grades 0-12 other similar situations,and their taxpayers,though as dedicated to
and community colleges.This,with a spending limit,and effective school maintenance as any of us,face loss of their homes if higher
use of taxes collected, will relieve property owners in Portland, taxes are imposed upon them. This is exactly however is what
Multnomah,Clackamas,and Washington Counties. Measure#1 proposes to do.
Property tax relief,as spelled out in this proposal,is a farce.It
Question:Would you like for"REMOTE VOTERS"not residing in is targeted for families earning less than$25,000 a year,well below
the Metro Area to RAISE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES?Will your the average household income, Above all it is reserved for home-
boss guarantee you a salary raise to PAY THOSE TAXES? Vote owner relief,the renter doesn't get a dime!Senator Grattan Kerans
"NO"on Measure 1. of Eugene correctly labels the measure"the son of cockamamie."
Currently,retirees on Senior Citizen Tax Deferral,who are also
Submitted by Oregon State Homeowner's Association eligible for HARRP,can decide whether to use their HARRP refund
Clyde V.tats Ho ll,President to pay against the tax lien of the deferral,or to use the small amount
8435 S.E. 17th to augment their social security income. No longer under Measure
Portland,Oregon 97202 #1. This measure eliminates that option. It says the HARRP
allowance MUST go toward the tax lien.
Tell the Legislature to go back to the drawing board,forget the
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.) sales tax, and come up with an equitable and financially sound
program for school support and property tax relief.
VOTE NO ON MEASURE#1
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse- Oregon Fair Share Multnomah County Farmers Union
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the 2111 East Burnside 333 SE 45th
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. Portland,OR 97232 Portland,OR 97215
The Gray Panthers Consumers Apposed to the Sales Tax
1819 NW Evertt 3144 NE 43rd
Portland,OR 97209 Portland,OR 97213
Oregon Consumer League East Side Democratic Club
1235 SW Carson 2214 SE Ladd
Portland,OR Portland,OR 97214
Submitted by: The Oregon State Grange
Wayne Johnson,Master
1313 SE 12th Avenue
Portland,OR 97214
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
8 Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CONTINUED
ITITE
Measure No. 1 0 EGONF
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Measure 1 is UNFAIR WHERE IS THE FIRE?
People in places like Bums,Ontario,Coos Bay or Redmond don't The promoters of Measure 1 would have you believe that some
make the money people in Eugene or Portland make.Yet in Oregonians are irresponsibly stingy. They won't pay enough for
many of these "safety net" school districts, tax rates are already their schools. Therefore, we need to take away their right to
higher than in the wealthier areas. Now Measure 1 wants the vote on their own property taxes. Regardless of their local
wealthier districts to force the poorer districts'taxpayers to circumstances,they should pay more.
pay more.Is that fair? What is the real story?
Measure 1 is Punishment. Punishment for people who have QUESTION:ARE OREGON SCHOOLS UNDERFUNDED?
dared question their local schools'need for ever-increasing revenue.
Some of these people have seen friends forced out of their homes by A.:NO!On average,Oregonians spend more to educate each child
property taxes. than almost every other state west of the Mississippi. In 1986,
This is NOT"School Finance Reform" Oregon's cost per pupil was the 14th highest in the nation.
Unfortunately,that same year,our per capita income was 32nd in
Our Governor and Legislators tell us this is a"first step"towards the nation.That's part of our problem.
"real property tax reform".That's ridiculous.Real property tax It is true that school spending varies some from one Oregon district
reform has no following in Salem. That's because the school to another,but this must be expected,with the differences in taxable
employees unions(particularly the OEA)make the biggest contribu- property and taxpayers'incomes.
tions to the re-election campaigns. Still, the District with the lowest school property tax rate in the
Schools have Turned to Blackmail state(Brookings-Harbor)spends no less per pupil than the average
We think unions are a good thing in private industry.The Legisla- district in Idaho or Utah.
ture was too blind to see that they would be a bad thing in the QUESTION: DO WE HAVE A CRISIS IN SCHOOL
public sector.Why?Schools(and other government services)are FINANCING?
a monopoly.They can blackmail an entire community.School A.:Not in spending, but certainly in costs. The reasons: Oregon
unions have given us strikes,alienation between teachers and their school employees'wages and benefits have risen much faster than
communities, lowered teacher prestige, and inflationary wage those of other Oregonians. Oregon offers the fourth highest
and benefit increases. benefits to school employees in the country!Oregon teachers teach
And the state of Oregon has also cut their share of local school fewer students.Our financing problems,in other words,have less
support by one fourth! to do with how much we spend but how we spend it.Our spending
All of this has given us the third highest property tax load in the has brought us strikes,educational inflation and now,Measure 1.
country.Plus,school expenses far above the national average QUESTION: SO WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF
with incomes far below.
MEASURE 1?
Do We Need Better Schools? Not to improve education,but to remove another impediment to
Yes,we do.But throwing more money at this problem has not uncontrolled spending in schools. Even during the years when
solved it, and it won't. All the talk about "education reform" is many School Districts had no tax bases, our property taxes state-
window dressing by the legislators and the education lobby to wide were increasing an average of 9%a year!This meant they were
squeeze more money out of all of us. doubling every 8 years.
Passing this Measure will allow our Legislature to put off any real Passing Measure 1 will be like throwing gasoline on a fire.
reform in the financing of education. It will boost everybody's School costs everywhere will escalate,and NOT just in the Districts
taxes,not just those of"safety net"Districts. that had no tax bases before.Instead of doubling every 8 years,look
This is Not About Schools.It's a Raid on Our Pocketbook for property taxes to double every 5 years.
DON'T LET THE STATE OFF THE HOOK! IS THIS WHAT WE WANT?
Vote"NO"on Measure 1 Vote NO on Measure 1
Submitted by: SAVE OUR CHILDREN COALITION Submitted by: The Committee for Good Schools
Harry Edminster and and Affordable Taxes
John Shank,Co-Chairmen Ernest Ladwig,Chairman
P.O.Box 1142 PO Box 3096,Coos Bay 97420
Coos Bay,OR 97420
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse- ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet 9
Measure No. 1 o EG OF
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
DON'T LET THE STATE OFF THE HOOK!!! MEASURE 1
Measure 1 simply allows our State Government to avoid responsi- Oregon has 308 school districts. 209 of the districts have
bility for financing schools a bit longer. adequate tax bases as established by a vote of the people within each
Our Governor and Legislature have a solid record of providing respective district.99 districts have no tax base or tax bases that are
LESS State Support for schools every year!! But they always considered to be insufficient. These 99 districts,again by a vote of
think local property taxpayers should pay more. That's why the people within each respective district, have decided against
they want you to approve Measure 1. updated tax bases.The 99 districts operating outside a tax base are
generally smaller districts,often with low assessed valuations.
THEY DON'T PAY.BUT THEY WANT YOU TO PAY. The Governor and Legislature have now decided that these 99
During the last ten years,the Legislature has CUT by one fourth districts must conform to their standard and are asking the voters of
the portion it pays of school costs. the 209 tax base districts to impose their choice on the minority.
(In 1978-79 and 1979-80, the state paid 40% of Oregon schools' Measure 1 has no effect, no burden and no benefit on the 209 tax
expenses.Now they pay 29 or 30 percent). base districts.They have nothing to gain or lose.
This is why Oregon is THIRD highest in the nation when it comes This matter should rightfully be decided at the local level by
to local property tax support of schools.Do we need to be first? each of the 99 affected districts.
What has happened to self-determination and local control?
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION This is not a state-wide question requiring state-wide determina-
Now,they offer us a bribe if we will approve Measure 1.Measure 1 tion.
guarantees that every Oregonian's school property taxes will VOTE NO ON MEASURE ONE.
increase 6 percent each year,forever.No one will be allowed to
say"NO"any longer.Local control of taxation will be destroyed.
THE BRIBE IS MISERLY Submitted by: Citizens for Affordable Living
Mark E.Luedtke,Pres.
The bribe is not very generous. It is actually LESS than the total P.O.Box 171
annual increase in property taxes in our state. Estacada,OR 97023
Besides,it can be easily revoked. Nothing obligates the state to
continue giving it. (This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
There is another reason why the bribe is less than generous.If the
State had continued to provide 40%of school expenses,as they did
ten years ago, our schools would be receiving over $150 million The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
more in state support than they are now! ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
THIS IS NOT"TAX REFORM" accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
The proponents of Measure 1 tell us this is only one step on the road
to true school tax reform.
Don't You Believe it!!
Once every School District in the State has a tax base increasing 6%
a year WITHOUT a vote,the pressure will be off the Legislature to
do something about true tax reform.They'll just put it off as they
have done before. Or they will propose something that panders to
the special interests so much that the voters will reject it.
VOTE"NO"on MEASURE V!
Submitted by: OREGON TAXPAYERS NETWORK
Del James,Chairman
P.O.Box 1253
Shady Cove,OR 97539
(This space purchased for$300 in accordance with ORS 251.255.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorse-
ment by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the
accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument.
10 Official 1989 Special Election Voters' Pamphlet
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Alsea River Bridge. Department of Transportation photo, Courtesy Oregon State Archives.
Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet 11
PUBLIC NOTICE
1
DISABLED/ HANDICAPPED/ ELDERLY VOTING ACCESSIBILITY
Pursuant to the Federal "Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and
Handicapped Act," Public Law 98-435, the State of Oregon has made the
following provisions for disabled/handicapped/elderly electors:
1. A cassette edition of the Voters' Pamphlet is available for the visually
impaired, the legally blind, those unable to hold a book or those unable
to turn pages due to a physical disability. Contact the Oregon State
Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, State
Library Building, Salem, Oregon 97310-0645 or call Portland: 224-
0610, Salem: 378-3849, or toll-free: 1-800-452-0292. Please use these
numbers only if ordering a cassette edition of the voters' pamphlet. All
other voters' pamphlet questions should be directed to the office of the
Secretary of State at 378-4144 or 378-5812 (TTY).
2. Large type voting instructions or hand held magnifying glasses for the
visually impaired will be provided at each polling place.
3. Telecommunications devices for the hearing impaired will be available
in each county elections office, or you may contact the Secretary of
State's office by dialing 378-5812.
4. If a disabled, handicapped or elderly elector's polling place is inac-
cessible, the elector may request, in advance, to have a ballot brought
from the polling place to the elector's car, or to be assigned to an
alternative polling place.
5. Any elector who, because of a physical disability or an inability to read
or write, is unable to mark or punch the ballot, upon request, shall
receive the assistance of two election board clerks of different parties
or of some other person chosen by the elector. Under no circum-
stances may assistance be given by the elector's employer or an agent
of the employer or by an officer or agent of the elector's union.
6. A special absentee ballot may be requested by any disabled, handi-
capped or elderly elector. This request will be in effect for each elec-
tion held in the same calendar year.
a
Details concerning the nature of barriers present at polling places
designated as inaccessible can be obtained by contacting your county
elections officer.
12 Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
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Covered bridge#202 over Little Butte Creek in Eagle Point.Photo by Bill Powell, Upper Rogue Independent.
Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet 13
ABSENT VOTER
IN STATE ABSENT VOTER
You may apply for an absentee ballot with your county The U.S. Department of Defense provides Standard Form 76
clerk if: that complies with these requirements.It is recommended that long
1. You are a registered voter,and term absent voters use this form—available at embassies and mili-
2. You have reason to believe you will be unable,for any reason,to tary installations—whenever possible.
vote at the polling place on election day. Your long term absentee ballot application will be valid for all
elections held in the calendar year for which it is received.
Your application must be in writing and must include: Special absentee voting instructions and a ballot return envelope
1. Your signature.(This is imperative,for comparison purposes.) will accompany each absentee ballot.
2. Your residence address. Special Absentee Ballots: Any long term absent elector may
3. The address to which the ballot should be mailed, if different obtain a special absentee ballot for a primary or general election if
from your residence. the elector believes that:
YOUR VOTED ABSENTEE BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED 1. The elector will be residing, stationed or working outside the
IN THE OFFICE OF YOUR COUNTY CLERK NOT LATER territorial limits of the United States and the District of Colum-
THAN 8 P.M.THE DAY OF THE ELECTION. bia;and d
2. The elector will not be able to receive,vote and return a regular
If an elector is physically handicapped,the application is valid absentee ballot by normal mail delivery within the period pro-
for every election held during the calendar year for which the vided for absentee voting.
application is received. A long term absent elector may make application for such a
While you may apply for and receive an absentee ballot up to ballot as early as the 90th day before the primary or general election.
8 p.m.on election day,if your application is received by the county If you feel you may need a special absentee ballot, you should
clerk after the 5th day before the election, the county clerk is not contact your county election officer for details.
required to mail your ballot.If your ballot is not mailed,you must REMEMBER, YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT MUST BE
obtain it in person from the county clerk.Therefore,if you apply for RECEIVED BY YOUR COUNTY CLERK NO LATER THAN
an absentee ballot by mail,you must allow enough time to receive 8 P.M.THE DAY OF THE ELECTION.
the ballot, vote, and return the ballot to the county clerk. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — }
REMEMBER:Your voted absentee ballot must be physically in the
office of the county clerk by 8 p.m.on the day of the election,or it I
will not be counted. ; ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION
I I
I I
LONG TERM ABSENT VOTER PRECINCT NAME/NUMBER
I I �
You may apply for long term absent voter status with your
county clerk or the Secretary of State if: TODAY'S DATE ELECTION DATE
1. You are a resident of this state absent from your place of resi-
dence,and
2. You are serving in the Armed Forces or Merchant Marine of the PRINT YOUR NAME CLEARLY
United States,or
3. You are temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the I
U.S.and the District of Columbia,or RESIDENCE STREET ADDRESS
4. You are a spouse or dependent of a long term absent voter. A
spouse or dependent of a long term absent voter,not previously a I
resident of this state who intends to reside in this state,is consid- I CITY COUNTY ZIP s
ered a resident for voting purposes and may vote in the same
manner as a long term absent voter. X
Your application must be in writing and must include: SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT(HANDWRITTEN)
1. Your name and current mailing address.
2. A statement that you are a citizen of the U.S. IF YOU ARE IN THE HANDICAPPED OR SPECIAL VISUAL
3. A statement that you will be 18 or older on the day f helection. I CATEGORY,CHECK HERE FOR FULL YEAR VALIDITY.
y y o the
4. A statement that your home residence has been in this state for I MAIL BALLOT TO:
more than 20 days preceding the election,and giving the address '
of your last home residence.
5. A statement of the facts that qualify you as a long term absent STREET ADDRESS
6. A statement that you are not requesting a ballot from any other I {
state and are not voting in any other manner than by absentee I CITY
ballot.
7. A designation of your political affiliation if you wish to vote in a
primary election. STATE ZIP
MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO THE COUNTY CLERK OF THE
COUNTY IN WHICH YOU MAINTAIN YOUR HOME RESIDENCE
14 Official 1989 Special Election Voters' Pamphlet
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Umpqua River near Reedsport, covered bridge at Loon Lake Junction. Department of Transportation photo,
Courtesy Oregon State Archives.
Official 1989 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet 15
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1
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voters
pamphlet
H O
STATE OF OREGON SPECIAL ELECTION MAY 16, 1989
SECRETARY OF STATE
Barbara Roberts BULK RATE
State Capitol Building U.S.Postage
Salem, Oregon 97310 PAID
Portland,OR
Permit No.815
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOCAL
Please RECYCLE this pamphlet with your newspapers