09/22/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Linda Lynch distributed several pages titled "Potential Service Effects of Ballot Measure 9" to the councilors. Referring to information about a poll e conducted for The Oregonian during the week of September 4 to 9, 1986, she said Measure 7 probably will not pass. Measures 9, 11, 12, and 14 may pass. She said many people do not understand that passage of Measure 14 will result in the closure of the Trojan plant. Ms. Lynch said the OEA has traditionally fought property limitation measures but the OEA is not part of the coalition against Measures 9, 11, and 12 this year. She sa i d the League of Oregon Cities, the Association of Oregon Industries, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Firefighters Association, and the State and Public Employees Union have indicated interest in the coalition opposing Measures 9, 11, and 12. She said Fair Share supports Measure 11 and opposes Measure 7. Answering a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms. Lynch sa i d the other property tax measures on the ballot have masked Measure 9 and made it diffi cul t to publicize opposition to it. She said the OEA is te 11 i ng people to vote "Yes" on Measure 7 and "No" on Measure 9. Mr. Mounts said a City Task Team has analyzed the ballot measures and is now disseminating information about them to employee groups and public bodies. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Gleason said the City Manager's office must give balanced information to the public. However, he and other City employees may indicate their own opinions when they are on their own time. He said he often makes speeches on his own time and gives his own opinions then. e The councilors discussed possible council actions concerning the ba 11 ot measures for some time. Mr. Rutan said the City Council shoul d take a leadership role in opposing the measures which will have a negative effect on the City. He said the council should tell people the result of passage of the measures. Mr. Miller said people think government officials use "scare" tactics and councilors should be very accurate about the information they give. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Rutan said Measure 9 will have a dramatic impact on Eugene. He hoped the councilors would authorize a public information program about such measures. Ms. Ehrman and Mr. Rutan suggested the councilors meet with the Springfield City Council to discuss ballot measures which will affect both cities. Ms. Schue responded that the council could work with the City Task Team to present information to the public. She noted City funds cannot be used to oppose ballot measures but Ci ty Council ors may speak for themselves and oppose or support ba 11 ot measures. She said the League of Oregon Cities Legislative Subcommittee on Finance and Taxation recommended opposition to Measures 7,9,11, and 12. Mr. Miller suggested the council direct the staff to analyze the impact of the ballot measures and make the analyses public. He said councilors have a responsibility to make people aware of the effect of passage of measures. Answering a question from Ms. Bascom, Ms. Schue said there is some doubt about the effect of Measure 11 on the City. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session ,September 22, 1986 Page 5