Agenda Packet 9-24-18 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Legislative Argument in Support The people of Oregon want Measure 37 to be fixed. That was the clear message delivered to the Legislature this year. Hundreds of Oregonians from around the state traveled to Salem for nine public hearings to describe the chaos and confusion created by Measure 37. Here’s what they told the Land Use Fairness Committee: •Measure 37 is not working for farm families and small land owners who wish to build homes on their property. •Big developers have been exploiting Measure 37 to pave the way for large subdivisions and strip malls on lands now reserved for farming and forestry. Those big developments diminish our most valuable natural-resource lands, deplete scarce water supplies and overwhelm local roads, schools and public safety services. Even worse, Measure 37 has pitted neighbor against neighbor, with more than 270 lawsuits pending in Oregon courts. Most of the 369 Oregonians who traveled to Salem to share their concerns asked us to fix Measure 37, suspend it or repeal it outright. Many told us they had voted for Measure 37 but wish now that they could change their vote or change the measure to do what they had intended. Not one person told us they had voted against the measure and now wish they had voted for it. This input convinced us to come back to you, the voters, with a proposal to address Measure 37’s flaws. Our proposal – Measure 49 – does not repeal Measure 37. Instead, it establishes a balance in our land use system to protect the rights of landowners and their neighbors. It protects the right of farm families and other landowners to build homes on their property and protects the lands and resources that make Oregon a special place to live, work and raise a family. Measure 49 is now in your hands. We hope you agree that Measure 49 offers a better way to protect and preserve the best of Oregon for all of us. Committee Members: Appointed by: Senator Floyd Prozanski President of the Senate Representative Brian Clem Speaker of the House Representative Greg Macpherson Speaker of the House (This Joint Legislative Committee was appointed to provide the legislative argument in support of the ballot measure pursuant to ORS 251.245.) Argument in Favor The Bowerman Family asks for your YES vote on Measure 49. Our family arrived by covered wagon in Oregon in 1845 with a vision of raising future generations in the natural splendor of this rich and beautiful land. Much has changed in the 160 years since then, but one thing remains constant: our family’s deep commitment to the care of Oregon. We have worked as farmers, homemakers, teachers, shop- keepers, woodworkers, and more. We have lived and continue to live in all regions: the Willamette, Rogue and John Day Valleys; Portland, Medford, Bend, Eugene, Fossil and other towns. We know from family history that our grandparents and great-grandparents treasured and nurtured their relationship with the land. Our present generation carries on this family tradition. We are convinced that Measure 37 must be fixed or it will wreak havoc on the productivity and beauty of our state; will effectively dismantle Oregon’s commitment to growth management; and will have severe detrimental consequences for our children and grandchildren. We have studied Measure 49 thoroughly. We are convinced it is absolutely necessary to correct the unintended consequences of Measure 37. All Oregonians must work together to preserve our special quality of life for future generations. Please join us, vote YES on Measure 49. Signed: Barbara Bowerman, Fossil Jon Bowerman, Wheeler County Jay Bowerman, Deschutes County Tom Bowerman, Lane County Kristine Bowerman, Lane County Jayson Bowerman, Deschutes County Tracy Bowerman, Bend McKenzie Bowerman, Oakridge Danielle Bowerman, Oakridge Will Bowerman, Fossil Elizabeth Bowerman, Redmond (This information furnished by Tom R. Bowerman.) This space purchased for $500 in accordance with ORS 251.255. The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by the State of Oregon, nor does the state warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the argument. Argument in Favor A Message from Four Oregon Governors Dear Fellow Oregonian: We come from different political parties, different parts of Oregon, different occupations, and we each had the privilege of serving Oregon as Governor during very different times. For all our differences, however, we share a love of Oregon. We appreciate the legacy we have been given, and understand the tremendous responsibility we have to protect that legacy and pass it long. Oregon is loveable – and livable – because Oregonians have actively engaged in protecting that legacy. That’s why we have the bounty that other states have lost: Measure 49 Arguments Official 2007 November Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet 20 | State Measures continued September 24, 2018, Meeting - Item 3