politcs as usual

I know a lot of you don’t live in the Portland-Metro area (or even Oregon) but even if you’re not an Oregon voter or care about politics, we have a lot of sexy stuff going on here (and some stuff that’ll put cha to sleep).

We get to choose from a man who’s company apparently hires illegal aliens and a one who supports big tax increases and ridiculously nice furniture at the public’s expense to be our next US Senator. Our congressional delegation will probably all return to Washington, D.C. in spite of all they’ve done. The woman who will probably become Oregon’s next Secretary of State single handedly blocked the passage of Jessica’s Law until it was obvious that if they didn’t pass it, the people would. And on. And on. It’s good times.

Here are my quick thoughts on the measures.

Measure 54 – Standardizes voting eligibility for school board elections with other state and local elections. If you’re confused about why anyone would have a problem with this, you’re in good company.

Measure 55 – Changes operative date of redistricting plans; allows affected legislators to finish term in original district. You bet. If a district elects someone to represent them, they should finish the job they were hired to do.

Measure 56 – Provides that May and November property tax elections are decided by majority of voters voting. Eliminates voter turnout requirement. In spite of generally agreeing with the Arguments in Opposition, yes. Every vote counts every time. SO VOTE! It’s more patriotic than paying taxes.

Measure 57 – Increases sentences for drug trafficking, theft against elderly and specified repeat property and identity theft crimes; requires addiction treatment for certain offenders. I want to, but it just doesn’t go far enough and there’s a better option on this ballot.

Measure 58 – Prohibits teaching public school student in language other than English for more than two years. Full immersion? Absolutely! It’s worked for everyone I know who speaks English.

Measure 59 – Creates an unlimited deduction for federal income taxes on individual taxpayers’ Oregon income-tax returns. Yes!!! I hate to vote my pocket book, but right now, I can use every dime I can keep. More than that though, Oregon stewards need to exercise better control of the assets we entrust them with.

Measure 60 – Teacher “classroom performance,” not seniority, determines pay raises; “most qualified” teachers retained, regardless of seniority. I grew up in a union family and held a union job. Unions have their place and have added a great deal to the quality of our working environments, however, the most qualified person for the job should do the job. Yes.

Measure 61 – Creates mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain theft, identity theft, forgery, drug, and burglary crimes. Yes. It’s time we people remembered that if they violated a cultural virtue (ya know, breaks the law), there would be a consequence. M61 is a good step in that direction. In the immortal words of Jim Carey, “STOP BREAKIN’ THE LAW, ASSHOLE!”

Measure 62 – Allocates 15% of lottery proceeds to public safety for crime prevention, investigation, prosecution. I support crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution, but this is not the way to get it done. Oregon’s all-funds budget is upwards of $40bn. These programs should be fully funded by the general fund, not lottery.

Measure 63 – Exempts specified property owners from building permit requirements for improvements valued at/under 35,000 dollars. No.

Measure 64 – Penalized person, entity for using funds collected with “public resources” (defined) for “political purpose” (defined). Yes. Don’t use my money to collect yours!

Measure 65 – Changes general election nomination processes for major/minor party, independent candidates for most partisan offices. No. Our primary system is an important part of our election process. And so is our general election. Put the winners of the primary’s on the ballot next to any other-party candidates who qualify.

Now you know what I think. What do you think? For those who live outside Oregon, what’s going on in your area? Most of all though, remember, whether we agree or not, get your ballot turned in by November 4th!