2001-09-18 - Voters Pamphlet - County 007 1533
Deschutes County
Voters' Pamphlet
Special Election
September 18, 2001
This Voter's Pamphlet is provided to give the voter additional information on these measures.
INDEX VOTER REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
CITY OF BEND MEASURES To be eligible to vote in the September 18th, 2001
9-98 Advisory Vote on Whether to Construct the Special Election,a completed voter registration card
Southern River Crossing...............................3 must be postmarked by August 28, 2001.
9-99 Advisory Vote on Northerly Alignment of Reed TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN OREGON,YOU MUST
Market Road Extension ................................9 BE:
9-1 Advisory Vote on Southerly Alignment of Reed 1. A resident of Oregon.
Market Road Extension ..............................13 2. A United States citizen.
3. At least 18 years old by election day.
BALLOT DROP SITES........................................15
YOU MUST UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION IF:
1. Your residence or mailing address changes.
2. Your name changes.
3. You wish to change your party affiliation.
MADE MISTAKE ON BALLOT OR
NEED A NEW BALLOT
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have moved or your
If your ballot is lost, destroyed, damaged or you name has changed and you have not yet updated
make a mistake in marking your ballot,you may your registration, you are still eligible to vote. Con-
obtain a replacement ballot by contacting the tact the Deschutes County Clerk's office, 388-6546
Deschutes County Clerk's office at 388-6546. for further information.
VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES
If you need assistance in voting, please contact the
Deschutes County Clerk's office at 388-6546.
REMINDER: DESCHUTES COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS
Election results are available after 8:00 PM on Sep-
YOUR BALLOT WILL NOT BE COUNTED IF tember 18th from the County Clerk's office or on the
YOUR ENVELOPE IS NOT SIGNED! internet at(http://www.deschutes.org).The results
will be updated throughout the night.
noz 1534
REMEMBER
TO VOTE!
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007 1535
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-98
BALLOTTITLE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The Board of Directors of the Bend Chamber of Commerce
9-98 ADVISORY VOTE ON WHETHER TO CONSTRUCT strongly endorses the construction of a bridge across the
THE SOUTHERN RIVER CROSSING Deschutes River known as the Southern River Crossing.The
QUESTION:Should the City of Bend construct the South- Chamber is composed of 1,450 members.It is the second larg-
ern River Crossing at this time? est Chamber of Commerce in the State of Oregon.Our mem-
SUMMARY:This advisory ballot question seeks to deter- bers employ most of the workers in Bend. With our
mine whether the voters believe that the City of Bend should membership's interest in mind,we endorse the Southern Cross-
construct a new bridge across the Deschutes River in the ing for the following reasons:
southwestern part of town at this time.The new bridge, • The bridge will improve local transportation in the most
which is generally called the "Southern River Crossing," economical manner.
would connect Mt.Washington Drive on the west side of . The bridge will increase public safety,including police and
the river to an extension of Reed Market Road on the east fire protection.
side of the river.This vote is advisory only.It has no legally . The bridge will be built without the use of any property tax
binding effect.This vote is intended to assist the Bend City dollars. Developers,through the use of system develop-
Council in deciding whether to construct the Southern River ment charges and local improvement districts will pay for
Crossing at this time. the construction of the bridge.
o The
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT tion bottlen ck provide a solution for a severe transporta
This ballot measure is for an advisory vote only.The Bend City The proposed bridge has been on the drawing board for over
Council will consider the outcome of this vote in deciding 25 years.It will link our community with a beautiful bridge that
whether to build a new bridge across the Deschutes River at welcomes both pedestrians and bicyclists.
this time. The proposed bridge would be in the area where the VOTE YES ON THE SOUTHERN CROSSING!
Deschutes River enters the City Limits in the southwest corner
of town. Board of Directors: Dennis Hungerford, Sandler Sales Insti-
This proposed new bridge is commonly referred to as the tute; Carla Wigle, DataStor, Dana Bretton, Bratton Appraisal
"Southern River Crossing."The Southern River Crossing would Group; Rudy Dory, Newport Avenue Market Robert Lovlien,
connect Mt.Washington Drive on the west side of the river to Bryant Lovlien&Jarvis; Brian Bowler, Mandala Agency, Lori
Reed Market Road on the east side of the river. If the South- Boyd,Boyd&Boyd;Peter Carlson, Carlson Sign Co.;Chuck
ern River Crossing is built,Reed Market Road will need to be Chackel, KBND/KLRR/KTWS/KMTK Radio; Roger
extended from where it currently ends (near the Bend Park- Christensen,Columbia River Bank,Ron Delaney,Broken Top
way)to the point where the bridge crosses the river. Club;Rob Fincham,Fincham&Co.;Jeff Kozimor;Chuck Rieb,
Retired, Betsy Skovborg, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.; Todd
The Bend City Council wants to know whether the voters pre- Sprague, St. Charles Medical Center,and Shelly Ann Turner,
fer that the Southern River Crossing be built at this time. Ques- Security Bank Mortgage.
tion 1 on this ballot asks the voters to register their preference (This information furnished by Gary J.Peters,
as to whether the Southern River Crossing should be built at President/CEO Bend Chamber of Commerce.)
this time or not.
If the City Council votes to go forward with the construction of
the Southern River Crossing at this time,then the City Council
will need to make a second decision concerning which of two
different alignments should be selected for the extension of
Reed Market Road to the bridge.
Question 2 on the ballot asks voters whether they prefer the
Northerly alignment for Reed Market Road to the Southerly
Alignment. Both the Northerly Alignment and the Southerly
Alignment are shown on the maps that are printed in this voter's
pamphlet. Voters who prefer the Northerly Alignment to the
Southerly Alignment should vote"yes"on Question 2.
Question 3 on the Ballot asks voters whether they prefer the
Southerly alignment for Reed Market Road to the Northerly
Alignment.Voters who prefer the Southerly Alignment to the
Northerly Alignment should vote"yes"on Question 3.
The City Council has indicated that it will take a final vote of
the City Council on the issues concerning the Southern River
Crossing shortly after the ballots on this advisory vote are
counted.
(This information furnished by Patricia S.Stall, City
Recorder for the City of Bend.)
Continued on next page.
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Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-98 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR Most importantly too,is that the funding of the south river bridge
is not through property taxes. Of the total cost, members of
The Committee to Bridge Our Community was formed with the the West Side Consortium would pay 44% up front and the
express purpose of supporting the proposed new bridge across remaining 56%of the cost would come from system develop-
the Deschutes River.It is time for our community to come to- ment charges.Your tax dollars are not being used to pay for
gether and find a thoughtful,economical,and successful solu- the bridae.
tion to a real and challenging local transportation need.
The construction of the bridge will not prevent transportation
The Committee believes there are many good reasons to sup- projects in other parts of the city.The City Council has adopted
port the Southern Crossing: a Capital Improvement Plan prioritizing projects and using other
• The Bridge will be built without the use of any property funding mechanisms.
tax dollars. From the standpoint of emergency services,the bridge is vital.
• The Bridge will substantially improve local traffic flow and We need direct east-west connection and all the area emer-
make a more even distribution of traffic moving from east gency services(Fire,Sheriff)endorse the bridge.
to west,reducing traffic in the City's core. We urge you to vote YES for the south river bridge.
• The Bridge will enhance public safety access. (This information furnished by Arthur R Johnson
• The Southern Crossing will provide efficient access to new and Ruth Burleigh.)
public schools on the West Side.
• The Bridge will improve access to Mt. Bachelor and the ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Cascades,and reduce traffic on Bend's five neighborhood
bridges and local streets. When I came to Bend in 1961 the population was about 12000
• The Bridge will accommodate vehicles,pedestrian and bi- and there was only one traffic signal.Since I became City At-
cyclists. torney in 1963 there have been many improvements to the
VOTE YES ON PUBLIC SAFETY! City's traffic system,and I cannot think of one that we would
want to be without today. Does anyone really think now that
VOTE YES ON IMPROVED TRANSPORTATION! the city made a mistake about the Parkway?
VOTE YES ON LINKING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER! The South River Crossing bridge is a crucial part of the plan
Building roads does not promote growth;it promotes livability for handling the new traffic from the massive development that
and meets a demonstrated public need.If building roads pro- has already been approved for the westside.These new sub-
moted growth,then we would have a ready solution to Eastern divisions will happen whether the SRC is built or not. If the
Oregon's economic problem.Just build roads.After reviewing SRC is not built the plan will not work,and everyone who uses
all of this information. Experts believe you will have greater the city's streets will suffer. Despite this the activists oppose
congestion,caused by an inadequate arterial system.This will the SRC because they believe people should be using their
reduce livability by increasing neighborhood impacts,increas- cars less and riding bicycles more;and that traffic congestion
ing driver frustration, reduced air quality and reduced emer- is good because it will force people to use their cars less.
gency response. We should listen to The Fire Chief;the police Chief and the
Support a solution that has been in Bend's long range trans- Sheriff when they tell us that public safety will be seriously
portation plans for 25 years.The Southern Crossing Bridge, endangered if the SRC is not built.The city's traffic engineer,
designed with years of citizen input,is a thoughtfully designed planners,and independent traffic engineering experts are right
bridge that welcomes pedestrians and bicyclists. when they tell us there is no substitute for the SRC.The County
VOTE YES FOR THE SOUTHERN CROSSING! Board of Commissioners and City Councilors—past and
present—, who support the SRC are right because they un-
(This information furnished by Neil R.Bryant, Chair of the derstand that there is no way to stop growth in Bend;and the
Committee to Bridge Our Community.) only way to really manage the new traffic is to build the SRC
now.The citizen committee that reviewed the SRC last year
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR and gave it top priority also has it right.The activists are dead
Vote YES on the South River Bridge wrong in pursuing their agenda against the automobile at the
Development was stalled on the west side of Bend in the late expense of the rest of the city.
1990's pending a solution to the west side transportation net- Vote YES on the South River Crossing, and indicate which
work. In 1998, the City commissioned Kittleson and Associ- route you like best if you have a preference.
ates to study the south river crossing.This proposed improve- (This information furnished by R.L.Marceau.)
ment had been on the Bend Area Transportation Plan for over
twenty years and the study was to review the validity of the
project and to determine if there were feasible alternatives.
The study emphatically recommended the south river cross-
ing and a direct connection between Reed Market Rd and
Century/Mt Washington Drive.It was pointed out that the sig-
nificance of the south river crossing not only applied to the
west side but benefited the over all traffic circulation in the
area,from a local and county-wide perspective.
The other alternative required widening Colorado Street to five
lanes and,expanding the Colorado St bridge to accommodate
the additional lanes.This improvement would not provide the
traffic circulation pattern in the area that the Reed Market to
Century/Mt Washington Drive would provide.The Bend Area
Transportation Committee, a citizen advisory committee,stud-
ied the proposal and voted it down.
Continued on next page.
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Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-98 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
VOTE YES FOR BEND SOUTHERN CROSSING The Juniper Group Sierra Club has actively opposed the South-
By building the Southern Crossing, Bend's transportation ern Bridge Crossing from the beginning.Although Bend has
system will be connected to the north,south,east and west by serious traffic concerns, it also has rapidly diminishing open
an efficient, safe, practical transportation corridor. The con- spaces and natural amenities that many of us moved to Bend
nection of that corridor will help reduce neighborhood traffic in to enjoy.The Deschutes River is the primary attribute and fo-
Drake Park and along Newport/Galveston Avenue and Colo- cus of both the native and human inhabitants of Bend,and it
rado.Delaying construction of the Southern Crossing will give should be given our utmost respect and farsighted consider-
up the opportunity to build the bridge with non-taxpayer dol- ation. We believe the current plan to implement this bridge
lars.Over$2.4 million dollars has been contributed to the City crossing is neither respectful nor considerate.
of Bend by the West Bend Consortium to help construct the Not only would this $7-9 million project create a visual and
bridge. auditory blight through Bend's next premier park,it would cause
An east-west connection to the Bend Parkway facilitates irreparable harm to habitat that supports a wide variety of birds
moving 15,000 cars a day to Mt.Bachelor and west Bend out- and other wildlife.The Bend Metro Parks and Recreation Dis-
side established neighborhoods.Summer tourist traffic access- trict paid a high price to obtain this piece of ground, and it
ing the Cascade Mountains,High Lakes,The Inn of the Sev- should be preserved for the quiet and tranquility that was origi-
enth Mountain and Entrada Lodge can also be diverted from nally envisioned.Rather than channeling 20,000 cars and trucks
neighborhoods.By building the Southern Crossing,Bend traf- a day through this beautiful area,we should protect it for its
fic will move to or from the Parkway without interruption from scenic and natural qualities.
the east or west. We support the development of a comprehensive transporta-
In the 1970's when Third Street was improved to four lanes tion plan for Bend that includes increased public transporta-
bypassing downtown,it created a"man made divide"making tion,carpooling efforts,more emphasis on non-motorized trans-
pedestrian use unfriendly.As pedestrian access became less portation alternatives and incentives,and the kind of livability
desirable,Third Street business relied on automobiles for cus- vision that has made the city of Portland,Oregon,one of the
tomer access.Widening Colorado to four lanes would repeat most pedestrian/bicycle friendly and beautiful large cities in
the same mistake and create another"man-made divide"for- America.We can do this in Bend and we must.
ever dividing Downtown and the Old Mill District. Widening We feel it is unwise to ignore Bend's other traffic problems and
Colorado would trigger the need for more traffic lights and de- maintenance backlog while pursuing new road and bridge pro-
feat pedestrian friendly connectivity between Downtown Bend posals that will, in the long run, make matters worse for the
and the Old Mill District. citizens of Bend and its visitors. You simply can't build your
Short and long term transportation planning decisions have way out of traffic congestion with more roads and bridges.The
long recognized Bend's need to use the Parkway to connect congestion always follows.You can build your way out of open
Redmond, the airport, LaPine, Mt. Bachelor and the town's space and livability if you lack vision and wisdom. Bend has
eastern neighborhoods along with Highway 20.Failing to build already lost a lot.
this bridge encourages bottleneck transportation, increases (This information furnished by Marilyn Miller,
driver frustration,and ignores the need for an orderly safe in- Conservation Chair,Juniper Group,Sierra Club.)
frastructure that moves Bend traffic east and west.I urge you
to vote yes for the Southern Bridge.
(This information furnished by Dan Van Vactor.)
Continued on next page.
5
007 15 ;38
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-98 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
FRIENDS OF BEND URGES A NO VOTE ON THE SOUTH- During a quarter century of public service I witnessed many
ERN RIVER CROSSING. instances where citizens were betrayed by cronyism and spe-
IT IS THE WRONG PLACE AND THE WRONG TIME TO cial interests. Usually we couldn't do anything about it. This
SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON A NEW BRIDGE.WE time we can.
CAN FIX OUR TRAFFIC PROBLEMS WITHOUT DESTROY- • VOTE NO ON THE SOUTHERN CROSSING
ING THE POTENTIAL WORLD-CLASS PARK AND OPEN Bend's original citizen transportation planning volunteers,the
SPACE IN THE HEART OF OUR CITY. Transportation Committee,voted NO on the Southern Cross-
ing(SRC).Vote NO too.
IT'S BAD TIMING The SRC isn't the needed high speed arterial.Worse,descend-
ing into a frequently icy river canyon down a steep 8 per cent
Before spending$7 $8 million of public money on this new grade amidst a strip mall park on a single lane road with sev-
road: eral roundabouts is chancy for public safety and downright
dangerous for school transportation. It's also a waste of$7.1
1.Connect the Old Mill Bridge we already have. million ($10 million according to city consultant Kittelson) -
2.Finish the upcoming improvements that will decrease money desperately needed for priorities like the East Side Eagle
congestion like the Simpson/Colorado and Simpson/ Road Bypass.
14th Roundabouts,the Arizona/Colorado couplet and • If the SRC is such an outstanding connection,where's the
the Safeway shopping center. state contribution?
3. Institute new City policies and a transit system that • Why waste millions for a connection that strips less than ten
will reduce congestion. per cent of traffic from soon to be swamped Newport,Port-
4.Expand the existing Colorado Bridge when a new road land,and Galveston?
is needed. • How can it be critical for moving traffic to and within the
West Side when Mt.Washington Drive will carry LESS traf-
IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE fic with the SRC than without?
• This data comes from the city's April,2001 Project Report.
1.Traffic congestion is caused by many problems in many Serving"at the pleasure"of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan,
locations throughout Bend.It makes no sense to spend and Bush taught me to first try cost-effective alternatives:
so much money on one project in one location. • Respected consultants not on the city payroll recommend
widening Colorado at less than half the cost.
We have failing intersections and bridges on the east side and - Why not use the just-completed Mill District Bridge?Its even
west side.Many local streets don't connect to each other,forc-
ing drivers to take longer routes on overcrowded arterial streets. As Gulf War Task Force Politico-Military Advisor I saw how
More than$24 million has already been spent improving con- misguided,self-serving justifications forced us into an expen-
nectivity and traffic flow on the Westside.Why are we spend- sive war.The SRC is war on our budget-an ineffective bridge
ing millions in one location when we have so many other road and road,and no money left for critical priorities.
needs?Lets first fix those problems we know cause conges- Fed up with uncontrolled megagrowth? Developers and their
tion today and then see if we still need the bridge. cronies need the SRC to justify more megagrowth and con-
2. Bend has other transportation needs, and they need gestion.Stand up to them.Save our wallets!Save our city.Vote
money too. NO!
People are not going to stop driving tomorrow.But building (This information furnished by Kenneth W.Chard,
more roads and bridges is not the only solution to conges- Former Chair,Bend Transportation Committee.)
tion.Just look at LA or Seattle.Bend needs more sidewalks,
more bike lanes,and a transit system,so people have real
choices about how to get where they need to go safely.
VOTE NO—THIS BRIDGE IS THE WRONG CHOICE FOR
OUR COMMUNITY.
(This information furnished by Ann M. Wheeler,
Friends of Bend.)
Continued on next page.
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Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-98 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
There are numerous valid arguments against the proposed Taxpayers Against the Bridge urges you to VOTE NO on all
Southern River Bridge.The four most persuasive are: It is not three ballot questions.
needed,it will waste$6.6 million dollars of taxpayer's money,it VOTE NO bridge&road.VOTE NO northern alignment.VOTE
will destroy the liveability of the Wood River Village neighbor- NO southern alignment.
hood,and arterial traffic will ruin the solitude of the entire South-
ern River Canyon park. IT'S A WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS!
According to a technical study by Parsons Brinkerhoff(17 May VOTE NO.This single project could cost OVER$10 MILLION,
2000), a 100 year old world renowned engineering company, and that's just the beginning—MANY MORE MILLIONS will
widening the Colorado Avenue River crossing to 4 lanes would be required to connect to the Bend Parkway.IT'S JUST TOO
provide adequate emergency vehicle access and road capacity MUCH MONEY.
equal or better than the Southern Bridge.The cost is$2.5-$3.8 VOTE NO.There are MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE ALTERNA-
million dollars versus the Southern Bridge at$10.4 million.The TIVES:
$6.6 million dollars saved can be better used for projects that . Connect the Old Mill District Bridge to Colorado Ave.,just
benefit the whole community.The TSP(Transportation System 570 ft.
Plan-11 October 2000)enumerates numerous projects such as
sidewalks, bike lanes, road and intersection improvements • Widen Colorado Ave.Bridge
throughout Bend.Part of the millions saved would actually fund • Improve Simpson Ave. between Colorado Ave. and Mt.
a viable transit system which could be used by students,work- Washington Dr.
ers,retirees and visitors to travel throughout Bend. VOTE NO.This single project would serve A FEW UPSCALE
Residents along Bend's proposed Eastside 27th street corridor DEVELOPMENTS while other parts of town are neglected.
understand how those residents in Wood River Village feel about . Street improvements are needed all over Bend, not just
the potential destruction of their neighborhood's liveability. To the west side.
show our support for a good and fair planning process demands
a no vote on any proposals that are presented to the public with- • Why should east side system development charges
out proper consideration of their impacts. Using private money (SDC's)go to fund a large west side project?There are
to finance the road and bridge construction to circumvent re- far more improvements needed on the east side.
quirements for neighborhood and environmental impact studies • FIX EXISTING STREETS NOW for traffic safety and mo-
is a gross subversion of the"Planning process".Once our natu- bility.
ral beauties and neighborhoods are destroyed by thoughtless VOTE NO. This project isn't needed now.
development;the fixes to offset the destruction are never suffi-
cient.What nature has given us to treasure;poor planning can
destroy in days. Newport,Portland.
Please show your support of your neighbors and your concern VOTE NO. The proposed road will carry 16,000 vehicle trips
for Bend's natural resources by voting"No"to the Southern bridge per day through Bend's new river park, bringing
and both roads. traffic noise and vehicle air pollution to the river.
(This information fumished by Norbert J. Volny.) VOTE NO. Emergency services can best use Colorado,
Simpson and the new Old Mill Bridge.
VOTE NO. No state funds available.This isn't the best route,
so the state won't fund it.
VOTE NO. No federal funds requested.Route won't pass an
environmental impact study.
VOTE NO. We can have both improved transportation and
protection of Bend's most cherished asset, the
Deschutes River.
Paid for and authorized by Taxpayers Against the Bridge,Louise
Nickles treasurer,1293 NW Wall St.,#1353,Bend,OR 97701.
Website:www.TaxpayersAgainstTheBridge.org
(This information furnished by`Taxpayers Against the
Bridge",a Political Action Committee,Louise Nicklas,
Treasurer.)
Continued on next page.
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Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-98 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION cerned about"public safety",why aren't they demanding the
Dear fellow Bend Voters: completion of Columbia Street in the Old Mill District,west to
Colorado Avenue. That would provide east-west"connectiv-
If you don't read anything else, please read our letter pub- ity"and further"public safety"!What's holding up the comple-
lished in The Bulletin on May 29,2001. tion of Columbia Street?The city,perhaps?
My Nickel's Worth: You've heard a lot of talk about needing the bridge for the
After dinner last night,under brilliant moonlight high school students that live in the southeast and will be at-
we walked south from our home near Columbia St.to tending Summit High School on the west side!What's needed
the new river park,where the city of Bend and west is a high school in the southwest not a bridge to correct poor
side developers want to build their southern crossing school siting!The bridge will increase traffic failure on the west
bridge and road. Passing the mill district's construc- side,not improve it!Busing the students would help!
tion piles,we turned west past the old wooden bridge Will the bridge be good for the river?NO!
and walked silently under the high lava cliffs. Will the bridge be good for the Log Deck Park?NO!
The moon's reflection off the water mixed with Bendites,vote NO on the bridge!
the amber glow from office lights above. A nesting
gander's expectant call was the only other sound be- (This information furnished by Bob Bates.)
sides the panting of our old Lab.
We stopped near the location of the proposed ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
bridge and tried to envision its effects on this place— PRESERVE WHAT'S BEST ABOUT LIVING IN BEND
hundreds of cars speeding past,their headlights scan-
ning the riverbanks;diesel trucks rumbling over the Vote NO on the Southern River Crossing(Measure 9-98)
bridge, their fumes drowning the delicate scent of 1000 Friends of Oregon OPPOSES the Southern River Cross-
sage;traffic noise reverberating off the cliffs,wrench- ing because:
ing the solitude from where we stood.Who'd want to IT IS UNNECESSARY.An independent stud b a national
destroy such peace and beauty? p y y
transportation planning firm has shown conclusively that ad-
We only wish the city s administrators,the west ditional traffic capacity across the river is not needed and that
side developers and the Bulletin's editors could ap- other solutions are more cost-effective and less destructive.
preciate what we experienced last night. If they did,
we believe they would work harder to implement a IT ll EXPENSIVE.The bridge will cost emillions will of public
that emphasizes many other needed street im-
provements dollars to build.Over the life of the bridge,it will cost tax-
plan throughout Bend,without building this dis- payers millions more to maintain.
ruptive bridge and road in our new river park. IT IS UNFAIR. Building the bridge will force Bend's existing
That such a place could exist in the middle of residents to subsidize new development.Eastside residents,
such a dynamic urban environment is truly remark- who currently lack sidewalks and suffer from dangerous enter-
able.Such incredible potential...let's not waste it. sections and inadequate streets, will subsidize new
delvopment by paying for the bridge.The city has not pur-
Dave and Jenny Sheldon sued state or federal money,placing the burden of pay-
We urge you to vote no on all three ballot questions.Bend ing for the bridge on Bend residents.
can have both improved transportation and protection of the
river canyon.The river canyon can become a superb park and IT WILL CREATE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC AND CONGES-
open space for all to enjoy—with vehicle access, pedestrian
and bike trails and other amenities—while preserving its unique TION. A new bridge will worsen traffic congestion over
environment. the long term.Experience has taught us that traffic demand
expands as road supply is added. A bridge that seems
Paid for by Dave and Jenny Sheldon. uncongested when new quickly fills up with traffic.Soon,the
(This information furnished by David A.Sheldon and old roads are just as congested as before—and so is the new
Jennifer S.Sheldon.) bridge. Highway 97, originally designed as a bypass, is
proof positive that new routes built to relieve congestion
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION in fact ADD to congestion.Overtime,the overall increase in
traffic hurts air quality,and with it,views of the mountains and
The primary reasons given by the city for the southern bridge the health of children and the elderly.
crossing are east-west connectivity and relief for west side
traffic failure. The real reason, however, is to further growth THERE ARE BETTER, MORE COST EFFECTIVE ALTER-
and development!To think otherwise,is to be blindsided. NATIVES. The bridge is a simplistic response to a compli-
The Bulletin,strong supporter of growth and development,has cated problem.Other options such as improving travel choices
been singing the same song. If you've been following The and completing road networks in existing neighborhoods are
Bulletin's weekly articles on"crossing the DIVIDE"you've no more cost effective and serve many more Bend residents.
doubt felt the bias of their reporting.Good journalism should These alternatives will protect,not threaten,Bend's envied
present a balanced story-their's doesn't. Not only do they livability.
lack balance, supporting the bridge represents a tacit, if not BEND RESIDENTS NEED MORE CHOICES,
actual, conflict of interest due to their$90,000 investment in
the bridge.Their position should be neutral. NOT MORE TAXES AND TRAFFIC.
The sheriff and fire departments have been pushing for the
bridge based on"public safety". Don't be lulled into thinking VOTE NO ON THE SOUTHERN RIVER CROSSING
there's validity in that. Let's look at the facts.The bridge will (MEASURE 9-98)
not serve the sheriff's location at the north end of town!The (This information furnished by Jacob Brostoff,
bridge will not serve the three new fire stations. None have 1000 Friends of Oregon.)
good access to the bridge!If these departments are really con-
8
007 1541
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-99
BALLOT TITLE
9-99 ADVISORY VOTE ON NORTHERLY ALIGNMENT OF
REED MARKET ROAD EXTENSION
QUESTION:Should the City of Bend construct the Reed
Market Road extension along the Northerly Alignment
shown on the attached map?
SUMMARY: If the City of Bend decides to construct the
new bridge called the Southern River Crossing, it will be
necessary to extend Reed Market Road west from its cur-
rent location to connect to the new bridge.The attached
map shows two possible alignments for the Reed Market
Road extension—a Northerly Alignment and a Southerly
Alignment.This vote is advisory only.It has no legally bind-
ing effect. This vote is intended to assist the Bend City
Council in deciding which alignment of Reed Market Road
is preferred by the voters, if the City of Bend decides to
construct the Southern River Crossing.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
This ballot measure is for an advisory vote only.The Bend City
Council will consider the outcome of this vote in deciding
whether to build a new bridge across the Deschutes River at
this time. The proposed bridge would be in the area where the
Deschutes River enters the City Limits in the southwest corner Map on next page.
of town.
This proposed new bridge is commonly referred to as the
"Southern River Crossing."The Southern River Crossing would
connect Mt.Washington Drive on the west side of the river to
Reed Market Road on the east side of the river. If the South-
ern River Crossing is built,Reed Market Road will need to be
extended from where it currently ends (near the Bend Park-
way)to the point where the bridge crosses the river.
The Bend City Council wants to know whether the voters pre-
fer that the Southern River Crossing be built at this time. Ques-
tion 1 on this ballot asks the voters to register their preference
as to whether the Southern River Crossing should be built at
this time or not.
If the City Council votes to go forward with the construction of
the Southern River Crossing at this time,then the City Council
will need to make a second decision concerning which of two
different alignments should be selected for the extension of
Reed Market Road to the bridge.
Question 2 on the ballot asks voters whether they prefer the
Northerly alignment for Reed Market Road to the Southerly
Alignment. Both the Northerly Alignment and the Southerly
Alignment are shown on the maps that are printed in this voter's
pamphlet. Voters who prefer the Northerly Alignment to the
Southerly Alignment should vote"yes"on Question 2.
Question 3 on the Ballot asks voters whether they prefer the
Southerly alignment for Reed Market Road to the Northerly
Alignment.Voters who prefer the Southerly Alignment to the
Northerly Alignment should vote"yes"on Question 3.
The City Council has indicated that it will take a final vote of
the City Council on the issues concerning the Southern River
Crossing shortly after the ballots on this advisory vote are
counted.
(This information furnished by Patricia S.Stell,
City Recorder for the City of Bend.)
9
007 1542
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-99
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007 1543
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters' Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-99 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR Group; Rudy Dory, Newport Avenue Market Robert Lovlien,
VOTE YES ON THE NORTHERN ROAD ALIGNMENT Bryant Lovlien&Jarvis; Brian Bowler, Mandala Agency, Lori
Boyd, Boyd&Boyd: Peter Carlson, Carlson Sign Co.;Chuck
You are faced with two choices on road alignments for the Chackel,KBND/KLRR/KTWS/KMTKRadio;Roger Christensen,
Southern River Crossing.Here is why you should vote YES in Columbia River Bank, Ron Delaney, Broken Top Club; Rob
support of the northern road alignment of the crossing. Fincham, Fincham&Co.;Jeff Kozimor;Chuck Rieb, Retired:
• Six homes and their families are 114I forced out of the Betsy Skovborg, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.; Todd Sprague, St.
Woodriver Village to make way for a road. Charles Medical Center,and ShellyAnn Turner,Security Bank
• The alignment does not encroach into the Village neighbor-
Mortgage.
hood. (This information furnished by Gary J.Peters,
• An encroachment into the neighborhood would increase President/CEO Bend Chamber of Commerce.)
noise and pollution.
• It is approximately$1.1 million or more savings to the city. ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
• The public overwhelmingly supported the northern alignment VOTE YES ON THE NORTHERN ALIGNMENT FOR THE
during the charrette process. BEST SOLUTION
• It provides better and quicker access to and from the There are many good reasons for supporting the Northern Align-
Woodriver Village. ment:
• Additional access is an important fire and safety benefit to • In June 1976, the Bend Comprehensive Plan included
the Village community. plans for a southern bridge to balance east-west traffic
• More trees are preserved with the meandering northern flow.
alignment. • The City of Bend has purchased the right-of-way for the
• This alignment is safer during icy conditions because of a Northern Alignment.
lower grade than the steeper southern alignment. • On May 17,2000,the Bend Transportation Advisory Com-
• Additional trees contribute to a natural sound dampening mittee recommended the Bridge as a high priority.
effect on noise generated by the road and park. • The cost for building the bridge will be paid for by Bevel-
• Trees provide a natural visual buffer between houses and opers and not your tax dollars.
the road.
• Property values for the entire neighborhood are enhanced Reasons for Not Supporting the Southern Alignment:
with the northern alignment • It will require the condemnation of 6 homes and the dis-
We urge you to vote YES on the northern road alignment and placement of at least 6 families.
save six homes from destruction. STAND BY YOUR NEIGH- . It will cost at least$1.1 million more to construct.
BOBS!
(This information furnished by Keith D.Scoff, • The right-of-way has not been purchased.
Woodriver Village Homeowner's Association.) • The Southern Alignment will have an adverse impact on
Woodriver Village Subdivision.
• Woodriver Village Homeowners Association favored the
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR Northern Alignment over the Southern Crossing by a vote
The Board of Directors of the Bend Chamber of Commerce of 73-8(June 27,2001 special meeting).
strongly endorses the construction of a bridge across the Why spend more money for a bridge that will adversely impact
Deschutes River known as the Northern Alignment River Cross- a neighborhood and condemn 6 homes,when a better alterna-
ing.The Chamber is composed of 1,450 members. It is the tive exists.
second largest Chamber of Commerce in the State of Oregon. PLEASE JOIN THE COMMITTEE TO BRIDGE
The Northern Alignment is the best alternative for the following OUR COMMUNITY IN VOTING YES ON THE
reasons: NORTHERN ALIGNMENT!
• It will cost at least$1.1 million LESS than the Southern (This information furnished by Neil R.Bryant,Chair of the
Alignment. Committee To Bridge Our Community.)
• It will NOT require the condemnation of 6 homes and the
displacement of 6 families.
• It will provide for a better visual and sound buffer between
the roadway and Woodriver Village.
• The Northern Alignment has had strong endorsement from
individuals and groups that have been studying the best
alternative.
• The property for construction has already been acquired
by the City.
The Northern Alignment Bridge,designed with years of citizen
input,is a handsome,well-designed bridge that will serve cars,
pedestrians and bicyclists.Join the Bend Chamber in support-
ing the Northern Alignment.
VOTE YES ON THE NORTHERN ALIGNMENT!
Board of Directors: Dennis Hungerford, Sandler Sales Insti-
tute; Carla Wigle, DataStor, Dana Bratton, Bratton Appraisal Continued on next page.
11
007 1544
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-99 (Continued)
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Does anyone know where the immense amount of
money required to build this fantasy bridge will come from?
City officials have admitted NO state or federal money will be
available for this bridge.In a slowing economy,nearing reces-
sion,who is to pick up the tab for this multi-million dollar bridge?
This bridge is a corporate welfare project.If you study
the map,you can see that the objective of this bridge is clear.
At one end is the Old Mill shopping center;at the other is Mt.
Bachelor Village.Is this what the citizens of Bend need?
Emergency services have already been implemented to
use existing streets and bridges.Several direct routes across
the Deschutes are already in place and can be used much
more efficiently.
There are alternatives that cost much less and will do a
better job.If traffic congestion is the real issue,why not spend
our money on state-of-the-art traffic signals. The lights on
Greenwood make us stop at every intersection.Fix this first.
We went to the city's design charrettes.The whole process
was rigged.They never gave us the opportunity to look at a no-
bridge solution.
We have a personal stake in the outcome of this election.
We live in Woodriver Village and own two of the properties
effected by the city council's proposed southern alignment.
We urge you to vote NO on 9-98,the bridge construction
advisory vote.We also urge you to vote NO on 9-1,the south-
ern alignment advisory vote that would remove our homes.
We must send the message to the Bend city council that
the decision to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on the pet
project of a few wealthy interest groups is unacceptable.Ignor-
ing public input is unacceptable.
VOTE NO ON THIS BRIDGE.
Warren Blazenski,Jason and Pauline Willeford
Woodriver Village residents.
(This information furnished by Jason Dean Willeford.)
12
007 1545
Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-1
BALLOT TITLE
9-1 ADVISORY VOTE ON SOUTHERLY ALIGNMENT OF
REED MARKET ROAD EXTENSION
QUESTION:Should the City of Bend construct the Reed
Market Road extension along the Southerly Alignment
shown on the attached map?
SUMMARY: If the City of Bend decides to construct the
new bridge called the Southern River Crossing, it will be
necessary to extend Reed Market Road west from its cur-
rent location to connect to the new bridge.The attached
map shows two possible alignments for the Reed Market
Road extension—a Northerly Alignment and a Southerly
Alignment.This vote is advisory only.It has no legally bind-
ing effect. This vote is intended to assist the Bend City
Council in deciding which alignment of Reed Market Road
is preferred by the voters, if the City of Bend decides to
construct the Southern River Crossing.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
This ballot measure is for an advisory vote only.The Bend City
Council will consider the outcome of this vote in deciding
whether to build a new bridge across the Deschutes River at
this time. The proposed bridge would be in the area where the
Deschutes River enters the City Limits in the southwest corner Map on next page.
of town.
This proposed new bridge is commonly referred to as the
"Southern River Crossing."The Southern River Crossing would
connect Mt.Washington Drive on the west side of the river to
Reed Market Road on the east side of the river. If the South-
ern River Crossing is built, Reed Market Road will need to be
extended from where it currently ends (near the Bend Park-
way)to the point where the bridge crosses the river.
The Bend City Council wants to know whether the voters pre-
fer that the Southern River Crossing be built at this time. Ques-
tion 1 on this ballot asks the voters to register their preference
as to whether the Southern River Crossing should be built at
this time or not.
If the City Council votes to go forward with the construction of
the Southern River Crossing at this time,then the City Council
will need to make a second decision concerning which of two
different alignments should be selected for the extension of
Reed Market Road to the bridge.
Question 2 on the ballot asks voters whether they prefer the
Northerly alignment for Reed Market Road to the Southerly
Alignment. Both the Northerly Alignment and the Southerly
Alignment are shown on the maps that are printed in this voter's
pamphlet. Voters who prefer the Northerly Alignment to the
Southerly Alignment should vote"yes"on Question 2.
Question 3 on the Ballot asks voters whether they prefer the
Southerly alignment for Reed Market Road to the Northerly
Alignment. Voters who prefer the Southerly Alignment to the
Northerly Alignment should vote"yes"on Question 3.
The City Council has indicated that it will take a final vote of
the City Council on the issues concerning the Southern River
Crossing shortly after the ballots on this advisory vote are
counted.
(This information furnished by Patricia S.Stell,
City Recorder for the City of Bend.)
NO ARGUMENTS FOR OR AGAINST
THIS MEASURE WERE FILED
13
007 1516
p Official Deschutes County September 18,2001 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
CITY OF BEND
Measure No. 9-1
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007 1547
OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP SITE LOCATIONS
Special drop sites are available at the following locations.
Please note the dates and times they will be open.
BEND
DESCHUTES COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
1340 NW Wall Street, Bend
Available 7 days a week. Election Day, September 18th open until 8:00 p.m. Privacy Booths
Provided.
DRIVE-BY DROP SITE
1340 NW Wall Street, Bend
Available Friday,September 14th,from 8:00 a.m.until 6:00 p.m. Monday,September 17th from
7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Election Day, September 18th from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
DESCHUTES COUNTY ROAD DEPARTMENT
61150 SE 27th Street, Bend
Available Friday, September 14th from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 17th from
7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Election Day, September 18th from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
WELCOME CENTER
63085 N Highway 97, Bend
Available Monday, September 17th from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Election Day, September 18th
from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
REMEMBER!
All ballots must be received at a drop site or the Deschutes County
Clerk's Office no later than 8:OOP.M., September 18, 2001 .
15
