P.O. Box 230637 Tigard OR 97281 (503) 620-0258
Oregonians In Action
OIA-News
Contact Us

View from Sherwood

May 21 will be a day of decision for private property rights; it is the last day to vote in the Oregon primary elections. By that day you vote to nominate the candidates from your party for key positions at national, state and local offices, and you cast your votes for non-partisan offices.

Which candidates most nearly represent your views on private property rights and land-use regulations? Which candidates will vote to rezone the millions of acres of rural land which have been zoned for Exclusive Farm Use or Forestry, but can’t be farmed economically or grow timber commercially?

Which candidates will vote to allow you to build at least one home on a parcel of rural land, or allow it to be divided to a size appropriate for its best use? In the event the Supreme Court rules that Measure 7 is unconstitutional, which candidates will agree to sponsor a bill to implement the basic features of the measure?

The race for Governor is of special importance, as the winner will have the opportunity to replace all members of LCDC and the Land Use Board of Appeals during a four-year term in office. Also, for the first time in years, we have a real opportunity to elect a Governor who is likely to approve legislative bills to bring fairness to the land use system and recognize private property rights.

For those in the three county Portland Metro Area, the primary election is of special importance. They have the opportunity to vote on a measure which prohibits Metro from forcing unreasonably high densities in cities within Metro boundaries, and to vote for candidates for Metro.

In summary, learn the position of candidates from your party on land-use issues, and be sure to vote. One vote has often decided elections.

Your vote by May 21st can make a difference.