Tax Dollars Paying for Political Ads

Lane County is at it again, first using tax dollars for half-page newspaper ads promoting the benefits of the income tax measure on the ballot, and now it is airing radio ads. The ads are touted as educational but because they only give one side of the story they are promotional — and at taxpayer expense. The ad never mentions who will pay the tax, or how much, just the benefits of voting for the measure. This is a diservice to Lane County voters, they deserve better.

JIM TORREY radio ad:

“Should there be an income tax in lane county dedicated to public safety purposes? Voters will answer that question through the may ballot. Without a new source of revenue Lane County present level of services are at risk of being reduced. The income tax would help stabilize public safety services including:

– Residential drug treatment services for boys
– Prosecution of 600 felony drug possessions crimes
– Mental and alcohol drug use treatment for about 200 offenders
– Removal of meth labs on federal lands

If congress restores federal payment to counties, the rate of income tax would be reduced, services would be funded at existing levels.

Information about the measure are available at the county website lanecounty.org, and inserts in local newspapers the weeks of April 30th and may 7th. Remember to mail your ballot or drop them off in the white containers no later than may 15th.

This is public service information brought to you by Lane County“

Oregon Catalyst