Radical Noesis - Thinking outside the box

Measure 39: YES

"Prohibits Public Body From Condemning Private Real Property If Intends To Convey To Private Party."

As I read this measure, it is an attempt to block the supreme court ruling that allows governmental bodies to enforce eminent domain when the property is to be turned over to private developers. This is a transformation of the historical practice of eminent domain where private real estate could be purchased for public purposes (i.e. road ways). The was changed when the Supreme Court ruled that eminent domain could be expanded to seize private property for development purposes (i.e. sale to developers and businesses). [See Expansion Of Eminent Domain Is Robbery, Wolf, UTJ, 7/24/05]

Measure 40: NO

"AMENDS CONSTITUTION: Requires Oregon Supreme Court Judges And Court Of Appeals Judges To Be Elected By District."

This measure seems to increase political interests in our courts rather than reducing them. I believe the current system is less politically biased than they would be if this measure passed.

Measure 41: NO

Allows Income Tax Deduction Equal To Federal Exemptions Deduction To Substitute For State Exemption Credit

This measure is likely to further damage schools and public services. It also removes the ability of the state to encourage innovation beyond federal levels. For example, providing tax credits for "green" purchases. This measure is again to the tying of corporate taxes to federal taxes. That has resulted in the loss of millions of dollars from the state fund.

Measure 42: NO

Prohibits Insurance Companies From Using Credit Score Or Credit Worthiness In Calculating Rates Or Premiums.

Oregon passed legislation in 2003 to restrict the use of credit scoring in the issuance of private insurance (home and auto). The current legislation is poorly crafted and it is unclear what the impacts would be. Under current law, credit ranking may be one criterion in issuing a new policy, but cannot be used to re-rate, or cancel existing policies. I have problems with credit ratings being used at all in insurance policies. However, the proposed amendment may actually make the situation more discriminatory and not less.

Measure 43: NO

Requires 48 hour Notice To Unemancipated Minor's Parent Before Providing Abortion; Authorizes Lawsuits, Physician Discipline

This measure extend the existing parental notice for medical treatment - including abortion - to older teens (15-17). While this is measure further restricts right to choose, it also restricts access to other medical treatment - for example treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. Teens are less likely to seek necessary medical care because of requirements for parental notification.

Measure 44: YES

Expansion Of Oregon Prescription Drug Program--Allows Any Oregon Resident Without Prescription Drug Coverage To Participate In Oregon Prescription Drug Program.

Allows broader access to the Oregon Prescription drug program. Given the ongoing increase in the cost of prescriptions, and the decreasing access of people to insurance, this measure allows cheaper prescriptions without costing the tax payer any additional money.

Measure 45: NO

This measure adds a new section to the Constitution limiting the number of years a person can serve as a state Representative, the number of years that a person can serve as a state Senator, and the total number of years that a person can serve in the Oregon Legislative Assembly as either a state Representative or a State Senator.

At its heart this issue revolves around the right to vote. Do we get to vote for the people we feel best represent us, or must good representatives be forced out of State office.

Measure 46: UNDECIDED -

AMENDS CONSTITUTION: Amends free speech provision to allow laws regulating election contributions and expenditures adopted by initiative or by three-fourths of both legislative houses.

Measure 46 and 47 go together. If 46 does not pass then 47 would likely be ruled unconstitutional. The ACLU argues that 46 and 47 limit free speech, in part I assume because it does not differentiate between unions and corporations. However, it also will impact the flow of big money interests into the state to influence our local elections.

On the other hand, Measure 47 seems incredibly complex so I am not sure how it would play or be enforced.

Measure 47:

Revises campaign finance laws: limits or prohibits contributions and expenditures; adds disclosure and new reporting requirements.

See pro 46/47 discussion at Fair Elections Oregon and Blue Oregon or Con Loaded Orygun and Preemptive Karma

Measure 48: NO

AMENDS CONSTITUTION: Sets spending limits. Limits biennial percentage increase in legislative appropriations to percentage increase in state population plus inflation.

Passage of this measure would be disastrous for the state of Oregon. It is even worse than the same amendment that virtually destroyed Colorado, because it is retroactive to the current budget. For example, PCC (where I teach) would need to find $5 million a year to cut from its budget. Believe me, there is not $5 million to be cut, and it would gut the college. This measure is BAD NEWS.

Multnomah County Measures

Measure 26-60: Big YES to protect the environment.

Measure 26-81: YES I'll pay to keep the libraries open.