Oregon GOP recommendations on state ballot measures

Oregon GOP Makes Recommendations on 2012 State Ballot Measures

State Central Committee Votes To Oppose Measures 77, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85
To Support Measures 78, 79, 84 

Lake Oswego, OR – Oregon Republican Party State Central Committee met in Bend, Oregon on Saturday to make recommendations on ballot measures for the November election:

NO on Measure #77 – If passed, this measure would amend the Oregon Constitution to authorize suspending specific constitutional spending restrictions if the Governor were to declare a “catastrophic disaster”.

Central Committee Members voiced concerns about potential unintended consequences and possible misuse of ‘Disaster Declarations’.  ORP Central Committee recommends a “No” vote.

Yes on Measure #78 – If passed, this measure would amend the Oregon Constitution, changing constitutional language describing governmental system of separation of powers and making grammatical and spelling changes.

It would conform the Oregon Constitution to the Federal Constitution and update antiquated language.  This is a reasonable housekeeping measure, ORP Central Committee recommends a “Yes” vote.

Yes on Measure #79 – If passed, this measure would amend the Oregon Constitution, prohibiting real estate transfer taxes, fees, and other assessments except those operative on December 31, 2009.

With Oregon’s housing market still struggling, we do not believe additional taxes, fees or other assessments are the solution.  ORP Central Committee recommends a “Yes” vote.

No on Measure #80 – If passed, this measure would allow personal marijuana, hemp cultivation/use without a license and it would create a “commission” to regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale.

We do not believe that this measure would reduce drug dependency.  We also believe this measure would have negative impacts on law enforcement, education and the work place in Oregon.  ORP Central Committee recommends a “No” vote.

No on Measure #81 – If passed, this measure would prohibit commercial, non-tribal fishing with gillnets in Oregon “inland waters,” allowing the use of seine nets.

With Oregon’s economy continuing to struggle, we do not believe this measure helps to improve our economic climate.  ORP Central Committee recommends a “No” vote.

No on Measure #82 – If passed, this measure would amend the Oregon Constitution, authorizing the establishment of privately-owned casinos, mandating that a percentage of revenues be payable to a dedicated state fund.

The Oregon Republican Party supports job creating private enterprise, but we believe that casino gaming should not be expanded.  ORP Central Committee recommends a “No” vote.

No on Measure #83 – If passed, this measure would specifically authorize the privately-owned Wood Village casino, mandating a percentage of revenues payable to a dedicated state fund.

The Oregon Republican Party supports job creating private enterprise, but we believe that casino gaming should not be expanded and that Government should not be picking winners and losers in the private sector.  ORP Central Committee recommends a “No” vote.

Yes on Measure #84 – If passed, this measure would phase out existing inheritance taxes on large estates and all taxes on intra-family property transfers.

The Central Committee supports the repeal of this tax and recommends a “Yes” vote.

No on Measure #85 – If passed, this measure would amend the Oregon Constitution, allocating Corporate Income/Excise Tax “Kicker” Refund to additionally fund K – 12 Public Education.

This measure does not guarantee increased educational funding because it does not prevent the Legislature from redirecting funds currently targeted for education and replacing them with these new funds. We recommend a “No” vote.