Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current, October 22, 2003, Page 3, Image 3

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    O ctober 22. 2003
(Che JJorthm ò (Observer
A government
takeover can mean
higher electric rates.
Even the Oregon Office of Energy could not determine whether this new
government utility would guarantee lower rates than what we are already paying.
Higher Electric Rates?
Boundary Lines Make No Sense
Before yon vote on a government takeover of Pacific
I he boundary lines of this new government-owned
Power and PGP, consider that rates could easily be higher.
utility are poorly thought out and make no sense.
T hat’s because this new government utility would have to
They would cut the existing service territory to pieces,
buy virtually all of its electricity from others.
costing more to serve with less reliability.
Plow high would rates be?1 No one knows, not even the
That's why the union of line workers and electricians
who bring you safe, reliable power also urges you to vote
Oregon Office of Energy.
NO on both Measures 26-51 & 52.
We’d Pay More Than $1 Billion
In addition to buying electricity, this new
New Property Taxes
government utility would also have to spend more than
This new government utility is already asking for
$ l billion to take over the poles, wires and substations
new property taxes. According to the official ballot, a
currently owned by Pacific Power and PGE.
yes vote will raise your property taxes. And who knows
how much they'll ask for in the future.
Where would they get the money? From us —the
We already have reliable electric service. It makes
ratepayers. We'd all pay for it through higher electric rates.
no sense to pay higher electric rates and higher
T hat would average about $3,000 per ratepayer.
property taxes for something we already have.
Vote KlO on both Measures 26-51 & 52.
Stop the Costly Government Takeover.
Citizens Against the Government Takeover
PO. Box 4O26I • Portland, OR 97240-0261 • 503-552-5015 • www.CitizensAgainstThcGovcrnmcntTakcover.com
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