With a presidential election indeterminately close, Oregon’s ballot measures are following suit with a string of narrowly failing, too-close-to-predict measures. With almost 1,300 of Oregon’s 2,195 precincts counted, final results have yet to be decided.
With a multitude of controversial measures on the ballot, Oregonians held their breaths as they awaited the results, which may have drastic consequences on Oregon’s future.
A mob of anxious individuals pushed and shoved Tuesday night at the Lane County Fairgrounds to get a glimpse of the updated election summary sheet put out by Lane County Elections or to get a spot in front of the big-screen televisions broadcasting the changing results.
Tax Measures
STATE MEASURE #8
Measure 8 — which would reduce state government spending by an estimated $5.7 billion for the 2001-2003 biennium — is failing by a 10 percent difference at press time.
Opponents of the measure had said the cut would drastically affect services including education, health care, public safety, services to seniors and disabled people and protection of natural resources. They also believe the measure would cause Oregon to lose billions of dollars in federal funds.
ASUO President Jay Breslow was happy that the measure didn’t look like it was going to pass.
“It would have been detrimental to funding at the University,” he said.
STATE MEASURE #91
Measure 91 — which would make federal income taxes fully deductible on Oregon personal and corporate income tax returns — is failing by a majority vote of 54 percent at press time.
Opponents say the measure will reduce the state budget by at least a $1 billion each year, decreasing funding for education by 10 percent of its current budget and hurting public services, such as libraries and fire and emergency services.
“It’s very important for higher education and all other public services in the state that [Measure 91] fails,” ASUO legislative organizer Melissa Unger said.
STATE MEASURE #93
Measure 93 — which would require Oregonians to vote on increases in taxes or fees — is failing by a 60 percent majority vote at press time. Though supporters say the measure would give voters more control of their tax dollars and stop government overspending, opponents say that voters wouldn’t approve vital tax and fee increases.
Eric Gunderson, an architect with WBGS Architects, said that he opposes all measures Bill Sizemore proposes because they limit state income.
“Our state has already been beat up badly, ” he said. “Other states are investing in new schools, open spaces for park land and natural resources …We are not doing that because [Oregon] doesn’t have any money.”
Educational Measures
STATE MEASURE #9
The fate of Measure 9 — which would prohibit public schools from promoting or sanctioning homosexuality and reduce funding for schools who don’t comply — is hanging in the balance with a yes vote of 49 percent and a no vote of 51 percent at press time.
Andrew Bauer, a sophomore at Churchill High School, said that homosexuality is a topic that should always have been banned from schools.
“I get sick of teachers teaching how homosexuality is right,” he said. “It’s not a part of my religion, and I don’t want homosexuality in school. Math, English and history should be in school.”
Opponents of Measure 9 say that there is no curriculum in Oregon public schools which encourages or promotes homosexuality or bisexuality. They say the measure is written vaguely and would cut health education, counseling and support programs for teens.
Russell Benedict, representative of Waste Not of Oregon, said that even if the measure does pass, it will remain a topic of debate.
“In my opinion, it’s unconstitutional,” he said. ” I just don’t think you can restrict teachers from teaching factual information.”
Public Employee Measures
STATE MEASURE #92
Measure 92 — which would prohibit payroll deductions for political purposes without specific written authorization from employees each year — is failing by a 54 percent majority vote at press time. Supporters say the measure would force organizations to get written permission from employees contributing to political causes.
But opponents argue that Measure 92 restricts the political voice of union employees and would harm many organizations which receive money from deductions.
Sue Choppy, a former member of the Oregon Public Employee Union (OPEU) and current school psychologist in the Springfield school district, said that OPEU employees already have to indicate whether or not they want to contribute to political campaigns. She said payroll deductions exist to help public employees communicate their issues.
“Union organizations are one of the few voices working people have,” she said.
STATE MEASURE #7
Measure 7 — which would require state and local governments to pay property owners if law or regulation reduces property value and would cost the state an estimated $5.4 billion a year — is passing with a 54 percent majority at press time.
Those in favor of the measure say it would protect farms and create a balance between the economy and environment by guaranteeing that landowners are paid fairly for their land.
But those in opposition say the measure would unnecessarily cost the state billions of dollars, discouraging environmental protection.
Unger said the measure’s costs would take away pollution and land use regulations.
“[Measure 7] will ruin the beautiful state we once called Oregon,” she said.
Election results are expected to be finalized before the weekend.