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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 18, 2018)
EW'S ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS M E A S U R E 1 0 4 Amends Constitution: Expands (beyond taxes) application of requirement that three- fifths legislative majority approve bills raising revenue. No. Measure 104 has been supported financially mostly by Realtor organizations — state and nationwide groups have tossed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the committee that supports the measure. The ballot measure would force a three-fifths majority to pass any legislation that would result in increased revenue to the state. This includes everyday fees that are necessary for Oregonians. It seems like it would force the two parties to come together more often to pass, especially since it would be asking a lot of one political party to seize a three-fifths majority. The more likely reality is more political gridlock. M E A S U R E 1 0 5 Repeals law limiting use of state/ local law enforcement resources to enforce federal immigration laws. No. This is probably wasting newsprint, because it’s obvious Eugene Weekly opposes Measure 105. Oregonians for Immigration Reform (OFIR), deemed a hate group by the Southern Law Poverty Center, gathered the necessary signatures and here we are: debating whether to repeal a 30-year-old law that was passed with near-unanimous legislative support. Encouraging an already-deteriorating relationship between people of color and the police is problematic. Latinos in Springfield have told EW they already have reservations contacting the police. Repealing this law could strain that relationship even more. Let’s make Oregon safe for immigrants. Vote “no” on Measure 105. M E A S U R E 1 0 6 Amends Constitution: Prohibits spending “public funds” (defined) directly/indirectly for “abortion” (defined); exceptions; reduces abortion access. No. Eugene Weekly spoke to Gov. Kate Brown before Measure 106 — then known as Initiative Petition 1 — was officially on the ballot. The measure would strip all public funding from abortion services in Oregon. “Initiative Petition 1 would set a dangerous precedent by cherry-picking which medical procedures public insurance will and won’t cover,” Brown told us, adding that state employees such as teachers, nurses and firefighters would no longer have abortion coverage if the measure passes. EW believes that everyone should have the right to make their own choices in regards to their bodies. That’s why we say vote “no” on Measure 106. Local Measures Lane County 2 0 - 2 9 0 Lane County: Amends Charter, adopts Score Assessor Michael Cowles uncontested Then Automatic Runoff voting for elections. Yes. America needs a new election system. Measure 20- 290, known as “Score, Then Automatic Runoff” (STAR), proposes a solution that could work. STAR voting allows you to score candidates — from zero to five. The two candidates with the highest scores are taken to a second round. From there, the candidate preferred by the most voters wins. If 20-290 wins, STAR would only be used for nonpartisan county races, letting us see how it works. STAR voting would remove the spoiler effect, so citizens can vote their conscience. That’s a winner for us. 2 0 - 2 9 2 River Road Park & Recreation District: Five- year renewal of local option tax to maintain general operations. Yes. A renewal is not a new tax, and it’s a small price to pay for physical fitness and recreation. 2 0 - 2 9 6 City of Springfield: Authorizes general obligation bond to fix Springfield streets. Yes. Roads are used by everyone, and Springfield’s roads are in a dire state. Drive along Mill Street, and you’ll find a dead street, says Councilor Sean VanGordon. The city has $35-$40 million of repairs that need to be made, and Measure 20-296, also known as “Fix Springfield Roads,” is a step forward in saving some roads before it’s too late. The measure asks for a $10 million bond paid over five years that would provide the city with the funds to repair and preserve its streets. 20-297 Eugene School District #4J: Bonds to construct, improve school facilities, address safety, overcrowding. Yes. This bond measure would replace three schools, maintain and repair others, add school safety investments, support curriculum, and provide career and technical training. Our elected school board has worked with experts on buildings, listened faithfully to the public and local press, and 4-J staff. This is our chance to shout out “Yes” for public education. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS West Commissioner, Position 1 Jay Bozievich Springfield Commissioner, Position 2 Joe Berney East Commissioner, Position 5 Heather Buch v. Gary Williams The Lane County Board of Commissioners has seated a lot of old white dudes, now and in its past. Heather Buch could breathe some diversity into that musty government. But that’s not the reason to vote Buch for East Lane County Commissioner. She’s proven she has that can-do spirit to get out and meet with voters. Buch, a small business owner, knows the necessity of affordable housing, and she wants the government to start being proactive rather than simply hoping for a solution. Buch is the type of person who could mobilize the financial allowances from Measure 102 if it passes. She’s also dedicated to finding out how the county government can work for economic development in rural Lane County. EW endorses Buch because rural Lane County deserves and needs her right now. City of Eugene C I T Y C O U N C I L No contested races WARD 3 Alan Zelenka WARD 4 Jennifer Yeh WARD 5 Mike Clark WARD 6 Greg Evans E U G E N E WAT E R & E L E C T R I C B O A R D No contested races Wards 4 and 5 John H. Brown At-Large Mindy Schlossberg SEE A MORE DETAILED VERSION OF THESE ENDORSEMENTS ONLINE. AND VOTE! BECAUSE DINGY IS NOT A COLOR. There are hundreds of reasons to clean your area rugs. We’ll give you one more: 15% OFF drop-offs. RUG DROP OFF & CLEANING FACILITY 564 E 13th Ave. Mon. – Fri. 8am – 5pm Eugene, OR 97401 Saturday 8am – Noon CCB#3590 541.342.3678 eugeneweekly.com • October 18, 2018 7
