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Imagine the Legislature passes a 50-foot streamside setback in 2009 for all agricultural uses. If that happened, farmers and ranchers would all file claims under Measure 49, seeking a “waiver” from the 50-foot setback rule. The state would grant the “waiver”, which would then make the farmer or rancher’s use of the property a “non-conforming” use. In Oregon, a non-conforming use must be used continuously, otherwise you lose that use of your property. In the context of farming and ranching, this means that the property you received a waiver for must be farmed or grazed continuously. That means no crop or livestock rotation, otherwise you will lose the non-conforming use that Measure 49 established on your property. And what happens if you lose the non-conforming use? That’s right, you would have to abide by the 50-foot setback rule. And under Measure 49, there is nothing you can do about it because under Measure 49, property owners can only make one claim. Ever. Remember the attempt to “Fence In Oregon”, and how much time and effort Oregon agriculture had to put in to defeat that awful idea. The same people who backed that measure are backing Measure 49. Do you have to guess why? Please join the Jackson County Stockmen’s Association and vote NO on Measure 49. (This information furnished by Mike Daunehauer, Jackson County Stockmen’s Association.) 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 Opposition WHY DID THE LEGISLATURE STOP THE OREGON ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE OREGON SUPREME COURT FROM REVIEWING THE “OFFICIAL” BALLOT TITLE? Be very careful when you read the “official” ballot title for Measure 49. Our colleagues are trying to fool you. When you read the voters’ pamphlet or look at your ballot, you see a ballot title for each ballot measure. The purpose of the ballot title is to give you accurate and unbiased information about the measure, so that you can make an informed choice with your vote. The ballot title is normally prepared by the Oregon Attorney General. The public is then given an opportunity to comment on that ballot title. At the request of a member of the public, the Oregon Supreme Court will then review the Oregon Attorney General’s ballot title to make sure it is fair and accurate. If it is not, then the Court will ask the Attorney General to rewrite the ballot title. This process has been in place for decades. It ensures that voters are not misled by politicized or inaccurate ballot titles. With Measure 49, the legislature has completely ignored our tried and tested ballot title process.Instead of allowing the Oregon Attorney General, the public, and the Oregon Supreme Court to perform their normal roles, the legislature created its own ballot title for Measure 49. The legislature then barred the Oregon Supreme Court and Attorney General from reviewing its ballot title, and it barred the public from challenging the ballot title. Why did the legislature do this? Because legislative leaders were taking polls to determine what language would be most likely to convince voters to vote for Measure 49, not what was unbiased and accurate. This is shameful. That’s not what the ballot title is supposed to do. Before you vote, please study Measure 49 and don’t rely on the politicized ballot title. Representative Patti Smith Senator Roger Beyer (This information furnished by Senator Roger Beyer and Representative Patti Smith.) 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 Opposition HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO TELL THE LEGISLATURE THAT OUR PROPERTY SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN WITHOUT JUST COMPENSATION? How many times do we have to vote to protect our home and property? How many times until the legislature gets the message? As ranchers, we face all kinds of threats to our livelihood. The one threat that we fear the most is the legislature. After all, most legislators know absolutely nothing about our industry and the hard work we do to provide the best product we can to American consumers. But they make the laws that make the difference between whether we stay in business or lose our ranches. In the last decade, Oregon voters have voted twice to protect private property from being taken by government without just compensation. These laws are very important to ranchers, as they guarantee that our rights to farm and ranch will continue on, provided our ranching operations comply with all health and safety regulations. But now, a group of politicians want to overturn our votes once again. Measure 49 is their latest effort. The worst part is, these same politicians refused to allow the public to testify on Measure 49. I guess they don’t care about what we think. We’re really tired of being told that we don’t know what we’re voting for. Measure 49 is a bad law. Please vote no. Grant County Stock Growers Association (This information furnished by James Welsh, Grant County Stock Growers.) 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 Opposition As a law professor and former law school dean,I believe that property rights are an essential part of American society. The ability to purchase and use property in pursuit of a multitude of purposes drives our economy and provides Americans with the most freedom and the best standard of living in the world. Property rights provide for homes, places of employment and recreation, and for personal privacy. Private property is also the tax base which funds many public services. Measure 49 Arguments Official 2007 November Special Election Voters’ Pamphlet 52 | State Measures continued September 24, 2018, Meeting - Item 3