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GIVE VOTER'S A VOICE IN REEDSPORT

7/5/2012

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GIVE VOTER'S A VOICE IN REEDSPORT
by Rick Hoffine 

In the city of  Reedsport those on the losing side of Petition 2011-001, which became Measure  10-119, recently declared, 'foul' when the mayor and city council decided they  wanted "clarity" on the newly passed measure--constitutional clarity.  They  are trying to find some fault with it on potential grounds that it is  unconstitutional and that the recently passed measure by voters might violate  contracts and thus, needs
to go before judicial review. 
You may recall  that Measure 10-119 was created by the Committee for Fiscal Responsibility of  Reedsport and obligates the city to let residents vote on any fee increases.  Organizers say they’re trying to curb government spending. Opponents say the  bill would paralyze city services and be powerless to stop waste water rate  increases, a fee targeted by the organizers.  “This measure passing  has given back to us a little control over our pocketbooks,” Victoria Morrison  said.  “Maybe now the city will stop
spending money we don’t have.   Hopefully, things will start turning around, and the city will become fiscally  responsible.”


The vote for passage  gained almost 60% of the vote.  The measure will establish a Charter  Amendment that will require the City of Reedsport to submit the creation or  increase of fees and taxes to the voter for approval.  Those in local  government leadership and the other 40% who voted against it do not like this.  Reedsport  citizens ("Give Voters a Voice") wanted an initiative (2011-001) to amend the  City Charter, because the Charter may only be amended by public  vote.  They knew that if it were an ordinance, the city council could  change it. So they had a consultant set it up that way. Now, Mayor Keith  Tymchuck and the council are trying to overcome it.   They have the idea  that a judicial review might set the successful measure
aside.  But with  the recording of the vote, which will happen soon, the Charter will have  been amended and become part of the Reedsport City Charter.  
This is the same Charter that council members have taken an oath to  "protect and defend".
 
This is all quite  puzzling to supporters of the measure, who are in possesion of a Certified  letter from the City, signed by the City Manager, and dated February 28th, 2011,  which said  ." As provided in
ORS 250.270, I have  determined that the proposed Charter Amendment complies with Sections 1 (2)(d)  and (5), of  the Oregon Constitution. This was a requirement that was faced  early on,
in establishing the initiative.


One concerned citizen  who chosen to remain anonymous has said, "This has been a difficult time, because the press is too  quick to climb in bed with the status quo of government.  The fortunate  thing is that the press does not have great readership.  Still, those  scanning the paper read the false headlines and story  titles.  Because they already have spent money with  attorneys, a claim will be made for those funds to be replaced.   Likely it will be distributed among those Councilors voting in favor of this  action.  I wonder
if it was a unanimous vote?  The Chief  Petitioner will soon advise them of their duty in a Registered Letter. The  letter will also advise them that claim is being made for funds spent for legal  advice in connection with council's resistance to the Charter Amendment. 


"Establishing tax bases and  allowing annual increases in Oregon was a mistake. This alone has caused the  unmanageable growth of all municipal and special district operating  budgets.  With a 6% annual increases, a budget doubles in only eleven  years.   Imagine what over thirty years of that program did to increase  taxes and spending in Oregon. 

"Having  the people approve budgets had a dampening affect on the preparation of budgets  at an earlier date. We need to get back to that.  Besides it will  affix much more importance to citizen participation.  If the  legislature could return to voter approval for all operating budgets,  Oregon could again experience some residential growth.  We have  unparalleled livability and it is being destroyed by run-a-way spending.   Affordability is a huge part of livability!"
Related Posts:
Tax Enough Already in Reedsport......

Initiatives, Referendums & Referrals, Oh My…..

Reedsport robo-calls raise questions about Measure 10-119 funding





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