Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (May 23, 1974)
Portland/Observer May 23, 1974 Section 11 Page 9 Measure 7 - City, County Consolidation The Charter would con solidate into a single new government 49 of the 76 present governmental units in the county, including Mult nomah County, the City of Portland, special service dis tricts and other cities in the county whose citizens vote to join. The other 27 govern mental units, such as the Port of Portland and all education districts, will not be part of the consolidation. Under the proposed charter the govern ment would have general powers except where specifi rally restricted. The new unit will be called the City County of Portland Multnomah: it will constitute an incorporated city which will also have the powers of the county. Mayor The mayor is elected county wide in a partisan election for a four-year term and may not serve more than three con serutive terms. He is in charge of the administration of the new government and will be responsible for the or ganization of the Office of Management and Budget, and the initial organization of all governmental functions under four specific departments. Al though the Office of Manage ment and Budget is indepen dent of any department, and the council will have the power to approve its budget and director. The mayor may approve an ordinance, veto it entirely, veto any part deemed not essential to Us mam purpose, or veto any item contained in a budget or appropriation ordinance. An ordinance will be law fifteen days after the mayor receives it if it is neither approved or vetoed by him. If the mayor vetoes an ordi nance, the council has fifteen days to override the veto by a concurring vote of seven of the eleven councillors. Or dinances. except those dealing with taxation, take effect on their specified dates. An or dinance affecting taxation which is adopted by the people or by a twothirds vote of the council takes effect on the date specified. But if less than twothirds of the council ap proves, the tax ordinance does not take effect for 60 days. The mayor's salary will be the same as that of the Mayor of the City of Portland on May 28. 1974 Councillors' salaries will be equal to salaries of Portland City Commissioners on May 28. 1974 Presently the mayor earns (32.344.00 and the council members. $25,393.00. Council Councillors are elected for four year terms, except that councillors in odd numbered districts serve a twoyear term in the first election. Councillors are elected in a partisan election and may not serve for more than four consecutive terms. Candidates for at large post tions must reside in the city- county: if from a district, they must live in the district repre senled. Candidates must dis close all sources of income of their own, their spouses, and of all dependents living in the same household. They must also disclose indebtedness in any amount exceeding 10 percent of the annual salary of the office for themselves, their spouses and dependents living in the same household. Elec live officers must devote full time to their office and many not hold any other lucrative public office or position or pursue any other vocation. FOR Employment Section 9.1 of the Charter states: "There shall be pre served and continued, to at least the same extent as they exist immediately prior to the effective date, the employment status and pensions and other benefit rights of employees of the consolidating govern ments . .. * The charter con tains civil rights protection and requires an affirmative action program to prevent discrimination in city county- employment. The city-county will have a classified ment system based on ability to do assigned work. A Civil Ser vice Board will oversee the system. The city county will be divided into property taxing districts. The tax base for the consolidated area will be $77,000,000. For a period of four fiscal years following city county consolidation, all City of Portland and special district taxes will be frozen, subject to Oregon's Constitutional 6 per rent limitation. A uniform city-county tax will be levied in the consolidated area. Those who support this charter say: 1. A consolidated govern ment could effectively combine the resources, talents and manpower of city, county, and special service districts which are now for the most part un coordinated. 2. A consolidated govern ment can provide fiscal equity throughout the county. 3. A consolidated govern ment would be more flexible to changing needs. 4. Accountability can be pin pointed more easily in a single elected executive. 5. Citizens would have greater access to their govern ment through their district councillors. AGAINST Those who- opposed this charter say: 1. Consolidation cannot auto matically solve multi-county metropolitan problems. 2. The charter provides that the mayor and council can make ordinances effective im mediately which denies the right of referendum. 3. Eleven full time. fully paid council members with staff and no administrative duties will be an unnecessary expense. 4. Too much power will be concentrated in the office of the mayor. 5. If small cities opt out. their boundaries are frozen, preventing their growth. Schedule May 28. 1974 - Primary- election. at which time con solidation will be on the ballot. If consolidation is approved by voters: September 10. 1974 Pri mary election for mayor and councillors. November 5. 1974 Gen eral election for mayor and councillors. November 12. .1974 Mayor may call and convene a meeting of the council at which time the council may organize itself and prepare and adopt rules. December 16. 1974 Ef fective date of charter. STEVENSON /* Labor Commissioner - Democrat Bil l. STEVENSON ENDORSED "The Oregonian recommends Stevenson to the Democrats. Steven son has impressed legislators of both parties with his hard work and dedication . .. I Hef. .. has the confidence of the legislature..." The Oregon Journal said "Stevenson is well qualified to hold the office. Eor a young man he has a wealth of experience that would serve him well as labor commissioner. Stevenson . . combines the political and professional experience along with the personal com mitment to merit the Democratic nomination ..." The Portland Observer said "The Bureau of labor is responsible for the enforcement of Civil Rights laws and as such is one of the most important puhlic offices in the state Stevenson's experience and his liberal voting record indicate he is the best candidate for the position." Kil l STE3ENMIN Stevenson (or la b o r Commissioner Committee. M l S \\ nth Ave.. Rm. 612. Portland. Oregon 97205. 5 22 71.
