The National Abortion Rights Action League has gathered statements or quotes from each declared Presidential candidate on the life issue.  Check out where your favorite stands before he or she becomes the nominee.

The Oregonian is reporting that on a party-line vote, the House approved sending a vastly complicated 23 page “fix” to Measure 37 to the voters.  (Remember, Measure 37 was the 3 page bill passed by 35 of Oregon’s 36 counties.) 
 
Representative Susan Morgan (R-Green) said, “Measure 37 was passed because Oregonians were tired of heavy-handed government planners dictating what they could or couldn’t do with their own land.  This legislation vastly and unnecessarily complicates the Measure 37 process, which the Legislature should have clarified and implemented after the initiative was passed.”
 
According to Senator Dave Nelson (R-Pendleton), here’s part of what HB 3540 would do.

• Modifications to the process for compensation of landowners for lost value due to land use regulations created in Measure 37;
• Allows persons who have already submitted a claim for compensation on land entirely outside an urban growth boundary and city limits to select one of three pathways – the unconditional path or “express lane” and which allows the claimant to establish up to three home sites on the property, the conditional pathway allows the claimant to establish between four and ten home sites on the property, or the vested rights pathway, which allows the claimant to continue to pursue their claim under M 37 if they have a vested right as of the effective date of the measure;
• It specifies requirements for the express land and conditional pathways;
• It establishes timelines for electing which pathway to pursue and for the processing of claims;
• Provides for transferability of development rights granted through the express and conditional pathways and specifies that development must be carried out within 10 years following the transfer of the property to a new owner;
• It revises the Measure 37 process for claims against future land use regulations;
• Restricts claims under Measure 37 to regulations affecting home sites, farm or forest practices;
• Limits relief under Measure 37 to development rights for home sites for dwellings or monetary compensation.
• Creates a position of Compensation & Conservation Ombudsman, to be appointed by the Land Conservation & Development Commission to assist landowners with submission of claims; and
• It clarifies other provisions within M 37.

According to the Oregonian, the bill also bans all commercial development, and many claimants would be limited to three homes.

Despite the fact that voters overwhelming approved Measure 7, and Measure 37 the legislature is forcing the bill back to the voter’s once again.  The special election, which will be held in September or November will cost taxpayers $1.6-1.8 million dollars.
This direct affront to Oregon voters by House Democrats is unbelievable.  When Representatives like Arnie Roblan, (D-Coos Bay) whose district approved of Measure 37 by 69% choose to follow party leadership instead of the will of their district, its clear that its time for a change.
 
It looks like Oregonians will have to lay the smack down on “heavy-handed government planners” once again. 

If you’re like me, you probably received a ballot over the weekend.  Charter changes, school board members, water districts and more are all up for a vote on May 15^th. 

Here are some resources, endorsements, and information on the issues to help get your research started. 
 
Willamette Week School Board, Charter Change endorsements
 
Portland City Club Charter Reform Recommendations
 
The Oregonian’s School Board Endorsements
 
The Oregonian on Measure 26-92
 
Amanda Fritz on Charter Change
 
Multnomah County Voter’s Pamphlet
 
Washington County Voter’s Pamphlet
 
Clackamas County Voter’s Pamphlet
 
Have you found other helpful links?  Send ‘em on over.

Over the weekend, the Oregonian’s editorial board recommended that the state pass HJR 43, which would allow election day voter registration.
 
“Students and young adults change residences more frequently than older, more established Oregonians and many pay less attention to elections until late in the campaign cycle,” said Representative Ben Cannon (D-Portland).  “Oregon’s early registration cutoff means that many young people learn too late that they are not registered to vote and are consequently disenfranchised from our democracy.”
 
Same day registration does seem reasonable – after all, isn’t voter participation what makes our country work?
 
But, if you, like me, have ever been to the Multnomah County Election office on voting day, you know how wild it is already.  People who need replacement ballots line up out the door to vote, and workers are doing their best to keep up with demand.  Allowing same day voter registration would only increase the confusion and long lines.  And, do we really want people to vote who had no idea the election was even happening?
 
I know we have a statewide voter file now, but it seems this bill would increase fraudulent registrations.  Would there be enough time to check out that the social security number or driver’s license of every person in that line stretching out the door? 
 
I’m all for increasing voter participation, but I also want to make sure that the people voting are actually eligible.