Letters to the editor

Feb. 9

, Feb 9, 2010

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In a county that recently voted against Measures 66 and 67, Clackamas County residents are being fleeced again by their own commissioners!

County Chair Lynn Peterson and her fellow commissioners recently took it upon themselves to use our tax dollars to create and mail postcards to every county resident regarding these tax-raising measures. Oregon law clearly states that local governments are not allowed to use public resources to promote political measures or candidates.

Chair Peterson and her fellow commissioners claim the postcards the county mailed out were simply an unbiased explanation of the consequences of a Yes or No vote. However, under the projected consequences of a Yes vote the commissioners listed only the potentially beneficial effects. Results of a “yes” vote: more money for state services, education, health care and public safety. Similarly, the other side listed only bad results if the tax hikes don’t pass: reductions in education, juvenile justice programs and human services.

A county spokesperson even claims there wasn't room for opposing viewpoints on the postcard. There are clearly consequences to either outcome, a Yes vote does give more expected revenue to government, but also hurts our fragile economy and further bloats a state government that continues to grow at an average annual rate of 9 percent. A No vote would have encouraged business investment in Oregon and put the brakes on out-of-control spending by the Legislature.

The bias of this activity is so blatant that in response to formal citizen complaints, the Oregon Secretary of State’s office has ordered the county commission to respond to a series of questions as part of their investigation in this matter. The Commission, led by Chair Peterson, has until the middle of February to respond.

I hope the commissioners will fully cooperate with this investigation and begin following the law from this day forward. Using tax payer dollars to promote their own political agenda isn’t just wrong, it’s illegal!

Casey Flesch

Oregon City

Urge yes vote on clean water legislation

To the Editor:

As a nature lover, born and raised in Oregon, I must convey the urgent need to protect the Willamette River. In 2000 a series of damaging court decisions changed the interpretation of the Clean Water Act. As a result, dumping into “non- navigable” waters is now free game. These unprotected waterways make up more than 53 percent of Oregon’s streams; many of them flow directly into major rivers, including the Willamette.

I was raised in central Oregon, an area where the rivers are relatively clean. Therefore, upon moving to Portland, I was shocked by the fact that I cannot swim in the Willamette. Oregonians must take action! The Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA) is in Congress right now. While Portland’s representatives are behind the bill, Congressman DeFazio of Eugene is undecided. I urge readers to contact DeFazio and insist that he votes to pass the CWRA.

Jordan Bilyeu

Portland

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