The Election is Not Only about Candidates!
Learn about the Ballot Measures
The OST membership virtual meeting this Wednesday, September 30, from 5:30 – 7, will focus on three key ballot measures: 1) Yes for a Healthy Future to increase taxes on tobacco and other nicotine delivery systems, 2) Yes for Fair and Honest Elections, and 3) Strengthen Our Libraries in Multnomah County only.
Register now to receive the Zoom link for Wednesday’s meeting.
There are other initiatives on the ballot that we won’t have time to cover before the election. Below are short summaries (edited from Multnomah Democrats information) of several you will find on Metro area ballots. The first two are statewide measures and the others are local.
Drug Addiction and Recovery Act, Measure 110
This measure would reclassify personal/non-commercial drug possession offenses. Possession of a controlled substance, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, would be reclassified from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E violation, resulting in a $100 fine or a completed health assessment. Individuals who manufacture or distribute illegal drugs would still be subject to a criminal penalty.
Oregon Psilocybin Services Program, Measure 109
This initiative would establish a Psilocybin Services Program, which would manage, regulate, and enforce policies related to the licensure, production, sales, and purchase of products containing psilocybin. The program would allow for the licensed production and distribution of psilocybin by qualified and licensed individuals, and the dispensing of the substance to consumers by qualified and licensed individuals. The Psilocybin Service Initiative of Oregon
Universal Preschool Now, Multnomah Ballot Measure 26-214
This measure addresses a fundamental social inequality by ensuring that all children begin their educational and social educational experience with a strong foundation. Multnomah County would join other communities across the nation, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Chicago, which extend this right to all young children. Preschool for All
Portland Public School Bond Renewal, Measure 26-215
As stated by the School Board, “Every student in the district is going to benefit from the investments that we’re making in technology, in updated textbooks, in the culturally relevant curriculum and increased building accessibility for students, staff and families.” The $1.2 billion bond will include funds to renovate Jefferson High School and finish modernizing Benson High School. Portland Public School Renewal
Portland Police Oversight Charter Change, Measure 26-217
The mission of the City of Portland Community Police Oversight Board is to provide independent investigation of Portland Police Bureau employees and supervisors promptly, fairly, and impartially; to impose discipline as determined appropriate by the Board; and to make recommendations regarding police practices, policies, and directives to the Portland Police Bureau, with a primary focus on community concerns. Police Oversight Charter Change
Portland Recreation and Parks Levy, Measure 26-213
This measure enacts a tax at the rate of $80 per $100,000 of assessed property value for five years beginning in 2021 to fund recreational programs and park services in the city of Portland.
Let’s Get Moving, Metro Transport Measure 26-218
Investments generated by this measure will significantly improve safety for everyone in all neighborhoods. Communities of color will be protected from further displacement. The measure provides opportunities for economic growth, improvements to foster healthy ecosystems with clean air and water, and greater resiliency from disasters and emergencies. Let’s Get Moving
Voter pamphlets go out on October 5, and ballots will be mailed over a period of a few days beginning October 14. There couldn’t be a better time to study up on the ballot measures!
REMINDER: Oregon House Candidates Fundraiser October 5 RSVP or Donate NOW
Oregon House candidates need our support!
Please join us virtually to meet and supportDebbie Boothe Schmidt, HD 32, and Representative Anna Williams, HD 52, October 5, 2020, 5:30- 6:30pm.
RSVP The Zoom link will be sent shortly before the event.
Debbie Boothe Schmidt stepped up to run in the North Coast area (Astoria and Tillamook) after Representative Tiffany Mitchell moved out of district. Debbie comes from a family of loggers and understands the deep conflicting needs of the district. She’s a small business owner; a community leader supported by unions, Independents, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and the Working Families Party; and an advocate of public education, increased internet access in rural areas, climate legislation, and sustainable forestry. Her opponent, Suzanne Weber, has collected big dollars from national corporations and Timber Unity for promises to oppose climate legislation. Donate directly.
Representative Anna Williams is running to protect the seat she won in 2018, a district that stretches from Hood River to parts of Clackamas and Multnomah counties. In her first term she has been a strong progressive, supporting climate legislation, the Student Success Act, healthcare expansion, and more. The Sheriff’s Association endorsed her because she increased funding for search and rescue. However, HD 52 is purple, and she won by only 800 votes in 2018. Her conservative opponent Jeff Helfrich is back to make another bid for the seat and is well-funded by Timber Unity. Anna needs our support to extend her lead and solidify her position! Donate directly.
The fundraiser is cohosted by Paulette Wittwer, Lynn Youngbar, Representative Barbara Smith Warner, Phyllis Oster, Beverly Stein, and Jeffry Gottfried.
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