HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-10 - Voters Pamphlet vn,.. ter
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pamphletOregon Vote-by-Mail Special Election I March 10, 2009
Index to Voters' Pamphlet
This Voters'Pamphlet is provided to give the voter additional information on measures.Your ballot will contain only those issues for
which you are eligible to vote-based on where you live.The text of the statements are printed as submitted.
Measures
9-69 Sisters School District#6 Four-Year Local Option Levy For School Operations ............................................................ 9-3
9-70 Deschutes County:requiring nitrogen reducing wastewater treatment systems in South Deschutes County................ 9-5
VotingInformation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9-2
Drop Site Locations
Bend Redmond City Hall
Deschutes Service Center 716 SW Evergreen Ave
1300 NW Wall St Feb 23—Mar 9: 8 am-5 pm
Box located on Parkway side of building (Usual Business Hours&Days)
Available 7 days a week. Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: 8 am-8 pm
Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: open until 8 pm
Sisters
Drive-By Drop Site Sisters City Hall
Corner of Wall St and Lafayette Ave 520 E Cascade Ave
(Parking Area) Feb 23—Mar 9: 8 am-5 pm
Friday,Mar 6: 8 am—6 pm (Usual Business Hours&Days)
Monday,Mar 9: 7 am-6 pm Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: 8 am-8 pm
Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: 7 am-8 pm
Sunriver
Deschutes County Road Department Drive-By Drop Site
61150 SE 27th St Sunriver Area Public Library
Available 7 days a week Sunriver Business Park
Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: open until 8 pm 56855 Venture Ln
Friday,Mar 6: 8 am-5 pm
La Pine Monday,Mar 9: 8 am—6 pm
Drive-By Drop Site Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: 8 am-8 pm
La Pine Public Library
16425 First St Terrebonne
list St&Huntington Rd Terrebonne Sheriff Substation
Friday&Monday,Mar 6&9: 8 am-6 pm 8154 11th Street,Suite 3
Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: 8 am-8 pm Friday&Monday,Mar 6&9: 8 am-1 pm and 2 pm-5 pm
Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10:8 am-1 pm and 2 pm-8 pm
Redmond
Drive-By Drop Site Remember!
Redmond Public Library Your ballot will not be counted if your envelope
827 SW Deschutes Ave is not signed!
Friday&Monday,Mar 6&9: 8 am-6 pm
Election Day,Tuesday,Mar 10: 8 am-8 pm All ballots must be received at a drop site
or the Deschutes County Clerk's Office no later than
8 pm, Election Day, Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Postmarks Do Not Count!
County Clerk's office hours: Monday through Friday,8 am to 5 pm
Election Day,Tuesday,March 10,2009,7 am to 8 pm
1300 NW Wall St,Upper Floor,Bend—Privacy Booths Provided
Deschutes County Election Results: Unofficial Election results are available after 8:00 PM on March 10th from the County
Clerk's office or on the Internet at www.deschutes.org.The results will be updated throughout the night.
Voting Information
Registering to Vote _ _ _ _.._ ..___.._...,... _..___.. ......___......_.. .-__
To be eligible to vote in the March 10, 2009 Special
Election, a completed voter registration card must be
postmarked by February 17,2009. ° }
To Register To Vote In Oregon,You Must Be:
1. A resident of Oregon. Make sure you have completely €
2. A United States citizen.
filled in the oval next to your choices.
3. At least 18 years old by election day. {
You Must Update Your Registration If:
1. Your residence or mailing address changes.
2. Your name changes. ( O
3. You wish to change your party affiliation. I
Important Note: If you have moved or your name has g
changed and you have not yet updated your registra- If you vote for more candidates than
tion,you are still eligible to vote.Contact the Deschutes allowed, or if you vote both Yes and No on
County Elections office, 541-388-6547 for further infor- a measure, it is called an overvote.
mation.
Voters With Disabilities: Your vote will not count for that candidate
If you are unable to vote your ballot without assistance, or measure.
contact the Deschutes County Elections office at
541-388-6547. We will provide two persons to assist
you in voting.To assure your voted ballot is received by
election day,contact the elections office early to arrange
for assistance.You may also select someone else of your
own choice to assist you.
A cassette edition of the Voters' Pamphlet is available.
To order,please contact Independent Living Resources
at 503-232-7411 or TTY 503-232-8408. You do not have to vote on all contests.
Those you do vote on will still be counted.
Voting Instructions
Check Your Ballot! Contact Deschutes County Elections office at
541-388-6547 to request a replacement ballot if;
To vote you must blacken the oval(4m) completely
with a pencil or pen(black or blue ink). j you make a mistake
To write-in a name—Blacken the oval (4M)to the left 4 your ballot is damaged or spoiled
of the dotted line and write in the name on the dotted line. # your ballot is lost
If you vote for more candidates than allowed,or if you vote ! or for any other reason.
both Yes and No on a measure,it is called an overvote.
Your vote will not count for that candidate or measure.
1-866-ORE-VOTES (se habla Espanol)
You do not have to vote on all contests.Those you do vote
on will still be counted. www.oregonvotes.org
TTY 1-800-735-2900
Contact Deschutes County Elections office at
541-388-6547 to request a replacement ballot if:
- you make a mistake
— your ballot is damaged or spoiled
0 your ballot is lost
or for any other reason.
1-866-ORE-VOTES(se habla Espanol)
www.oregonvotes.org
TTY 1-800-735-2900
Remember, if stated on your ballot, vote
both sides of your ballot.
Official Deschutes County 2009 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
9-2 1 Voting Information
Measure 9-69 Sisters School District #6
Ballot TitW to keep class sizes small and contribute to maintaining instruction
in core subjects such as reading, writing and mathematics from
remedial to honors levels. It also finances key electives in areas
such as art,music,technology,shop,foreign languages,outdoor
education,and physical education as well as co-curricular activities
RENEW FOUR-YEAR LOCAL OPTION LEVY FOR including sports programs and after-school clubs. Renewal of the
SCHOOL OPERATIONS. current levy would provide resources to sustain these programs
and services.
QUESTION: Shalt Sisters'School District renew its$75 per
$1000 of assessed value for general operations for four years'- (This information fumished by Elaine Drakulich,Superintendent.)
beginning 2009-10?This measure may cause property taxes
to increase more than three percent.
SUMMARY-This measure may be passed only at an election Argument in Favor
with at least 50 percent voter turnout.
In November2004,votersapproved renewal of the local option KEEP SISTERS LOCAL OPTION
levy of$01.75 per$',1,000 of assessed valued to support Sisters Please VOTE YES for our schools and our children in Sisters.
School District.It expires June 2009.This measure would renew
the levy expiring in June 2009 for four years at the same rate Keep the Sisters Local Option working for Sisters.With Sisters
that voters approved in 2000 and 2004. Local Option(Measure 9-69)we have the opportunity to keep our
Sisters School District would use the funds from the levy to Local Option levy and make a real difference in the education
o
maintain Current programs and staffing levels provided by the c can provide our children.The Local Option levy allows us to
expiring levy.The current levy provided approximately 9%of continue funding for important school programs without increasing
the District's annual Operating resources in 2008-09. Your current property taxes.
The current Local Option levy provides about 9%of the Sisters
This measure would maintain the'existing,rate of $.75 per School District's operating budget.By voting yes,we can pre-
thousandof assessed property value.The proposed rate would' vent increased class sizes and maintain the programs that provide
generate:approximately$1,091,541 in 2009-10;$1,124,287 In our kids with great opportunities in reading,math,art,music,PE,
2010-11;,;b1,158„016 in 2011-12;and$1,192,756 in 2012-13,' drama,shop and after school sports and extracurricular programs.
for an estimated total of$4,666,600 over tour years, Let's not add to the state educational funding cutbacks.Let's keep
The Owner of a home assessed at$268,300(average assessed< our local dollars working locally.
value of residential property in the district)would continue to This is not a new or additional tax.This levy is simply a continua-
pay$16.77 per month,or$201.23 per year. tion of the current Local Option levy that Sisters voters approved in
2000 and again in 2004.The current levy will expire in June 2009
Explanatory Statement unless we renew it.Let's keep it.
This levy would renew at the same rate the four year local option Strong Schools=Strong Community.Our Sisters schools have
operating levy approved by the voters first in 2000 and again in helped make this community strong.While the economy is tough for
2004. This renewal levy would begin in July 2009,at the same rate citizens throughout Oregon,many other school districts in Oregon
of$0.75 per thousand of assessed value per year that has been in have recently passed a Local Option levy.Let's keep our schools
effect for the last eight years. in Sisters strong and keep our community strong.
The local option levy would provide the Sisters School District with Let's keep what is good for schools,good for kids and good for our
approximately 9%of its annual budget for instruction,programs and Sisters community—vote"Yes"to keep the Sisters Local Option
operating expenses. The proposed rate would generate a total of (Measure 9-69)
approximately$4,566,600 over four years.
Financing from the Local Option makes it possible for the Sisters (This information furnished by Brian Witt, Chairman Sisters Local
School District to offer well-rounded academic programs,maintain option Committee.)
small class sizes and retain highly qualified staff,all of which con-
tribute to excellent schools. Sisters School District consistently
exceeds the state average on the State assessment test scores and
has one of the lowest dropout rates and one of the highest percent-
ages of National Merit Scholars of any district in the state.
HOW MUCH: The owner of a home assessed at$268,300(aver-
age assessed value of residential property)would continue to pay
$16.77 per month,or$201.23 per year.
WHY: State Law gives individual communities the ability to supple-
ment state funding for their local schools. Revenues raised by the
Local Option Levy remain in the school district and are in addition
to the funding provided by the state. The current local option levy
(expiring June 2009) provides approximately 9%of the district's
operating budget for instructional programs and operations. If
the local option levy were not to be renewed,reductions in district
operations of approximately $1 million per year would be made
beginning in 2009-10.
WHAT: Revenue from the local option tax would primarily finance The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
ongoing academic and co-curricular programs supported by the County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of
current levy. The current levy finances additional teaching staff any statement made in the argument.
Official Deschutes County 2409 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
9-3 1 Measures
Measure 9-69 Arguments
Argument in Favor Argument in Favor
Many people have told us that they want Sisters schools to continue The Sisters School District has so many positive things going
to provide great education to Sisters children. Local option is the for it, including high student achievement, excellent parent and
key reason for our district's success,and you have urged us to put community involvement,a high-performing and dedicated teaching
it on the ballot again. staff, close connections between staff and students, and a very
We've done that. Measure 9-69 gives you the opportunity to keep diverse academic and extra-curricular program that is remark-
the existing local option levy–at the same rate—for another four able for a district the size of Sisters. No wonder Sisters has just
years. recently been described in Sunset Magazine as one of the state's
most highly touted school districts. This kind of reputation draws
Don't be misled by the sentence in the ballot summary stating that businesses and families to Sisters, strengthening our community
this measure may increase your taxes. It's required by law for all and local economy.
local option measures, whether or not they are a renewal of an
existing local option levy. Measure 9-69 is simply a continuation of Sisters students do well. They are overrepresented among
the existing levy at the same rate of$75 per thousand assessed National Merit finalists. On the Oregon Statewide Assessments,
property value. Voting yes will not increase the tax rate you are Sisters students have consistently outperformed their peers
currently paying. throughout Central Oregon and the state at all grade levels in all
subject areas. Sisters is the only district in Central Oregon to have
The current local option levy will expire in June 2009. It will only met federal annual yearly progress benchmarks at elementary,
continue if you vote to renew it. The local option costs the aver- middle,and high school this past year.
age property owner about$4 per week,generating in total more Local option funding for the past eight years has contributed sig
each year. This funding is vital to making our schools strong and
than a million dollars in funding for district operating expenses nificantly to the high performance of the school district. Local option
our children successful. revenues reduce class sizes and finance much-needed instructional
materials and technology. Sisters' class sizes,which are among
If this measure does not pass,the school district budget will be cut the lowest in Central Oregon,are about 5-7 students less because
by about$1 million beginning in the 2009-10 school year.Cuts would of local option funding. Small classes have a positive impact: they
be wide ranging and impact virtually all areas of the district's opera- enable teachers to spend more time with individual students,adjust
tion,including teaching and other personnel,elective programs and assignments to fit different learning styles,and manage behavior
afterschool sports and extracurricular programs. As with any en- more effectively so that everyone can learn.
terprise,a 10%operational reduction would be serious--particularly Sisters students need to have skills in technology to be pre-
when over 80%of the district's expenses are personnel. pared for the future. Sisters High School has earned an excellent
More than 2300 of us voted to renew the local option last November. reputation for its cutting edge programs in technology. Local op-
We need your Yes vote more than ever to keep the local option. tion dollars have enabled the district to add more computers for
Join us in voting Yes on Measure 9-69. student use,upgrade existing computers,and purchase teaching
Christine Jones(chair),Thomas J. Dumolt(vice chair), Mike Gould, and learning software.
Glen J. Lasken,Jeff Smith, Sisters School Board of Directors Please vote "YES" on Measure 9-69 so that Sisters Schools
can continue to provide the children of Sisters an excellent educa-
(This information furnished by Christine Jones, Sisters School District tion.
Board of Directors,Chair.) Michael Cox,President
Sisters Education Association
Jim Wysong
President Oregon School Employees Association
Elaine Drakulich
(This information furnished by Elaine Drakulich,Superintendent.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of
any statement made in the argument. any statement made in the argument.
Official Deschutes County 2009 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
9-4 1 Measures
Measure 9-70 Deschutes County
Ballot Title Connecting to sanitary sewer systems involves different costs.
Property owners would be required to comply no later than by
November 15,2022.
The Local Rule provides standards by which new technologies
shown to be effective at groundwater protection can be approved.
REQUIRING NITROGEN REDUCING WASTEWATER Variances would be available for persons who demonstrate financial
TREATMENT SYSTEMS IN SOUTH QESCHUTES hardship or that the groundwater will be permanently protected
from pollution. The ordinance includes an appeal process. Per-
COUNTY. sons who fail to comply with the ordinance would be subject to
civil penalities in the same manner as violations of other county
QUESTION:Should South Deschutes County residential prop- code provisions.
erties be required to upgrade wastewater treatment systems to
reduce nitrogen discharges in regional groundwater?
(This information furnished by Michael Dugan,District Attorney.)
SUMMARY:On July 23,2008 the County adopted Ordinance
No.2008-012,the"Local Rule."Areferendum petition was filed
with the County Clerk.
Studies of groundwater In the south Deschutes County region'
have identified impacts,such as high nitrate levels,from resi-'
dential septic systems.Regional groundwater,the drinking water
source, is shallow, compared with other parts of the County.'
Septic systems also discharge at shallow depths,which pose
health risks relating to contaminated drinking water and pollu-
tion discharged to the Deschutes River and its tributaries.After
public hearings the County prepared the Local Rule which was
designed to regulate use of conventional septic systems that
were determined to be inadequate at removing"certain pollut-
ants,especially nitrogen.
A"Yes"vote would adopt the Local Rule and require owners of
property in designated portions of south Deschutes County by
year 2022 to connectto a sanitary slower system or upgrade ex-
isting septic systems to systems that reduce discharged nitrogen
by at least 351%and up to 79%depending on location,
A"No"vote woutd!repeat the Local Rule.
Explanatory Statement
On July 23, 2008, the County adopted ordinance 2008-012,the
"Local Rule,"the primary effect of which is to require residents of
southern Deschutes County to install nitrogen reducing wastewater
treatment systems and in so doing, protect groundwater. Before
the effective date of the ordinance,a referendum petition was filed
with the County Clerk to ask the county electorate whether or not
the local rule should be adopted.
Groundwater in southern Deschutes County(generally from Sun-
river to the Klamath County border)provides residential drinking
water and contributes to flows in the upper Deschutes River and
its tributaries. The area affected by the Local Rule is identified as
those unincorporated portions of Deschutes County contained in
Townships 19,20,21,22 and Ranges 9,10,and 11,except those
areas authorized for sewer.
Oregon septic system rules do not prevent this region's groundwater
from exceeding state nitrate-nitrogen standards,which are based
on federal safe drinking water standards. The Local Rule would
apply in addition to existing state septic system regulations and
would not be a substitute for those regulations.
The Local Rule's findings state that groundwater sampling and
studies in south Deschutes County have predicted that drinking
water sources in groundwater will be increasingly contaminated
over time if conventional septic system methods continue. The
Local Rule's findings also state that such studies predict that
groundwater quality can be protected using advanced wastewater
treatment methods.
The Local Rule would require property owners in the affected area
to upgrade their existing septic systems, connecting to sanitary
sewers, or use another approach that has been shown to pro-
tect groundwater quality. The Local Rule findings state that the
estimated cost of upgrading conventional septic systems range
from $7000 to$16,000 and would require regular maintenance.
Official Deschutes County 2009 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
9-5 1 Measures
Measure 9m70 Arguments
Argument in Opposition Argument in Opposition
The Citizens of southern Deschutes County want clean water and The county,and their partner the Bend Bulletin,have"lied through
currently have clean water.We are concerned about all contami- omission"with the public on the local rule by failing to emphasize
nants in the water not just nitrates.The systems that the County various scientific facts and limitations.The most significant:mother
currently proposed will not treat multiple toxins. Let's do it right nature naturally eliminates all nitrates that attempt to migrate further
the first time. than 10'to 50'below the top of the groundwater water table[see
Enactment of"Local Rule"does not take into account the entire USGS scientific inv. Report 2007-5237 page 20]. Sunriver and
basin.The Deschutes Basin includes Deschutes County and parts northern communities are protected from South County nitrates
of Klamath and Jefferson counties.Since the basin crosses county migrating via the lower aquifers into their ground water.This is terrific
lines,and the USGS study encompassed the entire basin, DEQ news for all of Deschutes County,and it brings the"protect ground-
should be in control of groundwater safety. water"statements honesty into question regarding nitrates.
Local Rule requires the"best available"technologies with no cost Wouldn't the engineering 101 question for the local rule be: how
cap protection to individual property owners. Projected costs does my neighbor's septic effluent affect my well?From 5237 page
could skyrocket as new technologies become available.The new 35: "The inability to delineate the edges of, and concentrations
systems will cost thousands of dollars over and above the cost of within,individual solute plumes is a limitation of transport models
the standard septic system. at the watershed scale".So isn't the statement"best science"more
honestly described as"immature science"?
The County currently has approximately 1.5% of the funds for
financial assistance with no concrete idea of when the balance From 5237 page 38:."the currently study area model cannot account
will be available. Concerns about the current economic forecast for processes(denitrification,plant uptake,microbial uptake)that
are valid.Commissioners have not put in place any safeguards to may remove nitrate from ground water before it discharges to the
insure that money acquired for the solution are protected for that rivers".This statement about the complete inability to accurately
purpose only. know the amount of nitrates that get discharged into the rivers
Local Rule at the present time is only directed at southern questions the honesty of the"save the river"battle cry.
Deschutes County. With a simple stroke of a pen, the County My subdivision does not match the USGS computer model's'well
Commissioners can amend and expand the law to include citizens assumption',and the nearest test well the USGS used is 3 miles
in other parts of the County without any input of public process. away.My analysis says that forcing me to install a nitrate reducing
There are no funds to address upgrades in other areas should system appears to only increase my carbon footprint and do abso-
they be required. lutely nothing to improving the environment—and I object to that.
Possible contamination is on a 130 year time line.There this is Your NO vote is my hope that this issue will be taken away from
nothing that is going to happen tomorrow.We have time to confirm the county,and given to the DEC.All I can hope for at this point
the data and develop the correct course of action. is that the DEQ will make the communities "part of the solution
Let's protect our water with a plan that addresses the entire basin and plan".
with an effective,all-inclusive solution.A comprehensive sustain-
able plan,not a band-aid is called for. (This information furnished by Ronald J.Sharbaugh.)
(This information furnished by Robert J.A.Ray,Deschutes County Citizens
Action Group.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of
any statement made in the argument any statement made in the argument.
Official D"chutes County 2009 Special'ElWion-Voters'Pamphlet
9-6 ( Measures
Measure 9-711 Arguments
Arqumentx in Opposition Argument in Opposition
DO YOU KNOW? What you're NOT hearing about Local Rule:
The Nitrate reducing systems approved by Deschutes County have • County doesn't publicize that it will be decades before nitrates
most,if not all,of these warnings in common: exceed the EPA standard,if ever.
ONLY 2 WASH LOADS PER DAY-Wash loads must be spread • Public documents refer to south Deschutes County; however,
out over the week.Once a week multiple loads or half loads not the USGS studies included all of Deschutes County and parts of
recommended. Laundry detergents must be low sudsing, low Klamath and Jefferson counties.Don't be fooled into believing
phosphate and biodegradable, this can't happen in your area by ordinance amendment.
GARBAGE DISPOSALS-Should be used sparingly.Not allowed; • Why aren't commercial properties subject to the same standards
animal bones,citrus and melon rinds,com cobs,seeds,egg shells, as private individuals?
coffee grounds,cigarette butts. • USGS Scientific Investigative Reports 2007-5239 (Ground
LEAKY FAUCETS,TOILETS-Even the smallest leak will dramati- Water Redox)and 2007-5237(Managing Nitrate Loading)were
cally increase the water load. inconclusive.
WARRANTY and SERVICE CONTRACTS-All systems have a • The USGS model didn't allow for economic downturns and
2 year warranty but does not cover service calls,labor or materi- cessation of buildout,or installation of sewer systems.
als required because of misuse or abuse of the system or power . The USGS has refused to release peer review reports under
failure. Costs of pumping the system is not covered under War- Freedom of Information Act requests.Appeals are underway.
ranty or service policy.After the Warranty period homeowner must The County and USGS contend that golf courses do not con-
maintain a contract with a certified service provider for the life of
the system. tribute to the alleged contamination,even though they were not
SEASONAL USE-Must contact service representative to turn sys tested in the study.
tem off and turn system back on.Depending on the length of time That County assistance for forming sewer districts consists of
system is not used and the weather,the tank must be drained and paperwork only.
cleaned and the tank refilled with clean water in high groundwater The 35 million in financial help touted by the County does not
areas or left empty in no groundwater areas. exist for us,or you in the future.
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES There is no admission that the model could be erroneous.Do you
Plastic or rubber products. Petroleum based products(motor oil, recall the USGS study of the dam removal on Sandy River?
paint, thinner, gasoline, solvents). Nonbiodegradable products No admission that ordinance could be amended to enact it
(sanitary napkins, wipes, condoms, diapers, cat litter). Toxic countywide without benefit of public hearings or input.
substances (pesticides, strong disinfectants or bleaches, drain The County has not put forth a comprehensive,sustainable plan
cleaners).Paper towels,'wet strength'products,napkins,Kleenex. to protect groundwater.
Animal fat(bacon grease, meat or poultry canning liquid. Fabric
softeners.Discharge from water softeners.Hair,rags,string.Mud, Example retrofit cost scenarios presented by the County do no
sticks.Spoiled dairy products,beer or baking yeasts. Medicines accurately reflect retrofit costs.
such as antibiotics and chemotherapy compounds. There is no current conclusive medical evidence that nitrates
LIMITED USE SUBSTANCES are harmful and these systems only treat nitrates. There are
Laundry bleach.Detergents with bleach.Household cleaners with contaminants proven to be more hazardous to our health that
bactericides,disinfectants used in detergents and spray cleaners, are being ignored.
powdered bleach used in scouring powders and dish washers. Darlene Rounds, Robert Ray, Anne Gregerson, Wendell Evers,
Bactericides used in toilet bowl cleaners. Bath and mineral oils Alethe Wilkins
(Jacuzzi)
(This information furnished by Darlene Rounds,Deschutes County Citizens
(This information fumished byAlethe Wilkins.) Action Group.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of
any statement made in the argument. any statement made in the argument.
Official Deschutes County 2009 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
9-7 I Measures
Measure 9=70 Arguments
ArguMont in Opposition Argument in Opposition
State Representative Gene Whisnant This measure is based on a USGS model and USGS report 2007-
P.O.Box 3565 5237 containing over 80 simulations.USGS Report 03-4195 says,
Sunriver,Oregon 97707 July 3,2008 "Numerical models of ground-water flow are only approximations
Dear county Commissioners,Daly,Luke,and Melton: of complex natural systems and,as such,have intrinsic error and
uncertainty. Error stems largely from the fact that certain spatially
I appreciate the time and effort you and staff have spent on this variable properties, such as hydraulic conductivity and stream
issue and I believe the current draft is better than the original. stage,must be represented as uniform values in descrete model
HOWEVER, I still urge you not to vote on this'local rule'without cells.Simplification can also occur at larger scales within a model,
further discussions and inputs and addressing issues which have as is the case here, where hydraulic conductivity is represented
surfaced in recent BOCC meetings and Financial Advisory commit- as uniform in zones composed of multiple model cells.Model un-
tee(FAC)meetings.Adopting and approving the'local rule'with the certainty stems from random error in the field measurements used
perception that important citizen concerns can be brushed aside for model calibration,which is translated through model calibration
and addressed'later'runs contrary to responsible representative to uncertainty in the calibrated parameter values.
government.
Because of intrinsic error and uncertainty,the fit between simulated
My strongest objection remains that the government should not and observed hydraulic heads and fluxes, described in previous
tell people to replace good septic systems or even modify them sections, is not perfect. For example, steady-state model head
unless there is no doubt that action is required for the public safety residuals have a fitted standard deviation of 76 feet, and a root-
of the community.There is disagreement over the science and the mean-square(RMS)error of 78 feet.The RMS error for heads in the
ability of the new nitrate reduction systems to achieve the desired transient calibration is 89.6 feet.This error affects the differences
results.If the community was part of the solution and plan,I believe between simulated ground-water elevations and stream elevations
we could get around the debate over the science.Further,I do not and, consequently the spatial distribution of simulated ground-
believe the'local rule'adequately addresses the issue of upgrading water/surface-water exchanges.The comparison of simulated and
the existing bad septic systems in a timely manner. measured stream gains and losses described in preceding sections,
I encourage you to use the FAC to:(1)continue to work with your however,shows that the model fit is reasonably good,particularly
staff to develop a comprehensive plan to address the nitrate is- at scales larger than a few to several miles.At smaller scales,the
sue in South Deschutes County and (2)to study and develop a fit is not as good.The numerical model also has certain error with
plan expanding existing sewer systems and creating new sewer regard to transient phenomena. This can also be evaluated by
systems. assessing the fit between simulated and observed variations in
As I testified previously,the Deschutes County 2005 grant applica- hydraulic head and discharge to streams.In general,simulated and
tion to the US EPA for a groundwater protection program stated: observed responses to regional stresses matched within a year or
"Deschutes County, to successfully implement the programs... two. In the Redmond area, the model fit between simulated and
must first obtain broad support from LaPine area residents,state observed responses to short-term stresses,such as canal operation
agencies and elected officials."I submit this has not occurred in and irrigation,was good."
South Deschutes County for this'local rule'.
Respectfully submitted, (This information furnished by Monte Harmon.)
Gene Whisnant
(This information furnished by State Representative Gene Whisnant.)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the
County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of County of Deschutes,nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of
any statement made in the argument. any statement made in the argument.
Official Deschutes County 2009 Special Election Voters'Pamphlet
9-8 1 Measures