Thanks to the folks at Our Oregon and to the Working Families Party for compiling information that I found useful.
Here's how I voted:
Candidates
Yesterday, I explained my reasoning. I don't even know if reasoning plays into it, frankly. At some level, politics is tribal. You can deny it. But you're lying to yourself if you do.
I'm proud to have Earl as my representative in Congress. Earl's ethos reflects that of his constituency. That'll keep you in your job.
Progressives were running ads against Kate, claiming she over-zealously disqualified signatures on certain ballot initiatives. I say it might not be such a bad idea to set the initiative bar a little higher. (Bill Sizemore, anyone? Kevin Mannix?)
And, Libertarians, don't shriek at me about Oregon's sacred initiative process. I'm as much or more Oregonian than any of you. I take a back seat to no one in advocating for our populism and independence.
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Wheeler is a Democrat, endorsed by my party, the Working Families Party. That's good enough for me.
Honestly, I don't know anything about Chris Henry, other than that he is a member of the Progressive party, and he's not Ellen Rosenblum. Rosenblum is guaranteed to win and that's fine. It could certainly be worse. But in the primary, it was clear to me that Dwight Holden was the better candidate.
(And isn't Mr. Henry a shy fellow? I couldn't find a photo of him to post.)
Jules ran unopposed.
Avakian is labor-friendly and seems a likeable fellow.
Appointed by Governor Kitzhaber. That's endorsement enough for me.
Endorsed by Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici as well as the Joint Council of Teamsters No. 37.
I originally supported Charlie's opponent, Jefferson Smith. (Indeed, I endorsed Smith back in April.) Since then, I've had a change of heart. I've met Jefferson Smith several times and he always impresses. He's driven and purposeful. But I always came away from those encounters feeling like I'd been fast-talked. I hope we'll hear from Jefferson again. I think he has a future. In 2012, however, I'm voting for Charlie Hales. His years of experience in City Hall make it more likely he can address the real problems we're facing in the Rose City.
Amanda is a registered nurse and she's got a long list of good endorsements, including that of the Oregon Progressive Party.
According to his blurb in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet, Rick's got good green values. That works for me.
He ran unopposed. I consider my vote for him a "Go get 'em, tiger" encouragement. And I dig the long, frazzled hair Wave that freak flag high, says I.
Measures
- Measure 77 Revision to responses to catastrophic disasters
Yes. This is a referral by the legislature. It grants a bit more authority to the governor by allowing him to call a special session of the legislature during emergencies. Seems reasonable.
- Measure 78 Changes terminology in the state Constitution for the three state government branches
Yes. Another legislature referral. A house-keeping measure.
- Measure 79 Would ban real estate transfer taxes
No. This measure is being pushed by the real estate industry. It aims to preclude any future real estate transfer taxes. Only one county in the state has such a tax. Lobbyists and the real estate industry spent millions of dollars trying to get this passed. I guess they're trying to inoculate themselves from having to contribute to their communities.
- Measure 80 Would create a cannabis commission to regulate the cultivation and sale of cannabis.
Yes. I'll write more about this in a future post. Meantime, see here or here.
- Measure 81 Bans Columbia River commercial salmon fishing with gillnets by non-tribal persons, allows seine nets instead.
No. Governor Kitzhaber announced a plan to work with state agencies to "stem" the use of gillnets. The governor's plan will be more refined and attuned to the various interests than is this measure.
- Measure 82 Authorizes establishment of privately-owned casinos.
No. The folks behind "The Grange" created a lot of slick, persusasive advertising, but Oregonians saw through it. Notice that those Grange ads aren't running on the squawk-box anymore. The polls have shown this measure and its twin (see below) to be dead in the water.
- Measure 83 Authorizes Multnomah County casino
No. See above. - Measure 84 Phases out estate and inheritance taxes.
No. Plutocratic absolution of responsibility. That's what is behind this measure. Oregon Republicans are a day late and a dollar short, as usual. If they'd put this measure up in 2010, it probably would have passed. I don't think it'll fly now. We'll see. - Measure 85 Allocates corporate income/excise tax "kicker" refund to additionally fund K through 12 public education
Yes. Our schools need funding. I'm tired of tax breaks for corporations while we can't fund sports, arts, music or anything else in our public schools.
- 26-143 Forms library district to fund libraries
Yes. We need stable funding for our libraries.
- 26-144 Portland public school bonds
Yes. More money for schools. It is high time we started investing in our future. What do you want, Portland?
- 26-145 Changes provisions for Fire/Police disability retirement system
Yes. I voted this way because, in the voter's pamphlet there was only one argument in favor and none in opposition.
- 26-146 Restores school arts and music education through limited tax
Yes. I'll put my money where my mouth is. This measure, if passed, will cost Maty and me $70 per year. A small price to pay for exposing kids to arts and music.
4 comments:
Uh, Dade... Blue thought you were writing him in for Mayor. He is not happy.
I was looking for endorsements for East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and Google gave me your page. Found it helpful. Thanks!
Thanks for the advice- much appreciated.
I also appreciate the EMS&WCD endorsements, would have liked to see info in the mainstream voting guides. Thanks!
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