Measure 14 — Yes
Although part of history, the language in the state Constitution that excluded free blacks from the state hasn’t been in force since 1868. The sections themselves were repealed in 1925. It’s time to take the final step and remove this offensive language.
Measures 15 and 16 — Yes
Although people may not realize it, Oregon is at as much risk as California for earthquakes. Yet many of the city’s public education and emergency buildings are not designed to withstand a major earthquake — including University buildings. Geologists say that a massive earthquake actually will happen. It’s time we were ready. These two bills would allow the state to float general obligation bonds to pay for retrofitting schools, fire stations and hospitals.
Measure 17 — Yes
This measure would allow people age 18 or over to run for state legislator. We can’t endorse this measure highly enough. An 18-year-old can legally drive, smoke, be drafted and — most importantly — vote. So why shouldn’t 18-year-old adults be able to vote for their peers?
Measure 18 — Yes, or No
Truth to tell, this measure confuses us. It adds a section to a very dense article of the state Constitution dealing with tax rates. It is unclear what impact, if any, allowing for the division of a taxing district into zones and being able to vary the rates between the divisions would have. The state says there would be no financial impact from this measure, but it’s about taxes, so maybe they don’t know what it does, either.
Measure 21 — No
This measure would allow a “None of the above” choice when voting for judges. While we understand the sentiment, hat happens if “None of the Above” wins, and continues to win in a particular race, or worse, in a number of races? We worry that the measure could be a recipe for gridlock in our courts system.
Measure 22 — No
Oregon Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges should be representative of the entire state of Oregon, not just individual districts. Judges should make rulings based on law, not on the sympathies of a particular region of the state.
Measure 23 — Yes
Health care is needed for all. We need a safety net for necessary medical services in Oregon. It does cost money, but in the long run it saves money by providing services in an expeditious manner. Any lost jobs would be replaced by new jobs in the new system.
Measure 24 — Yes
This measure allows licensed denturists to install partial dentures or replacement teeth. Denturists are trained and knowledgeable, and this measure should be a no-brainer. The only argument is from dentists, who worry that all treatment options won’t be presented by denturists who stand to make money by suggesting dentures. That’s funny; don’t all medical professionals potentially profit by suggesting certain treatments, like prescription drugs?
Measure 25 — Yes
The cost of living has steadily increased since 1996, but minimum wage workers haven’t seen a raise in six years. Measure 25 raises the minimum wage from $6.50 to $6.90 in January, but even better, it ties annual raises to the cost of living, beginning in 2005. People earning minimum wage are barely sliding by; these few workers deserve to earn enough to pay for the increasing cost of food, rent and electricity. Vote yes.
Measure 26 — Yes
This measure would bring a new level of credibility to Oregon’s much-touted initiative system by prohibiting signature gatherers from being paid per signature. Paying by the signature encourages fraud; with this measure, groups will still be able to pay signature gatherers by the hour. This is a smart measure that encourages citizen participation.
Measure 27 — Yes
Consumers already have the right to know what’s in the food they buy. This measure would simply give consumers the ability to know how that food is made. Right or wrong, many consumers are nervous about genetically engineered food. In fighting so hard against this measure, it really seems that food producers have something scary to hide when it comes to GE foods. As with all labeling laws, the food industry has fought this tooth and nail. Why is it hard to understand that people want to know what’s in their food? Vote yes.
Related Links:
Oregon Votes 2002: MEASURES
Endorsements: City measures
Endorsements: County measures
Endorsements: State measures