Portland tries to deny right to vote on weatherization (No #26-253)

NO ON PORTLAND MEASURE 26-253:
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Measure 26-253 would strip away an important protection for Portland homeowners and renters. It removes our right to vote on costly weatherization mandates for older homes and buildings.

In 1980, Portlanders wisely added this safeguard to our City Charter (city constitution). Simply put, in 1980 Portland voters said they wanted to have a say (vote) on any new such home mandates and not leave it up to politicians. That’s because, in 1979, the city of Portland passed an ordinance that gave homeowners five years to insulate and weatherize their homes or subtract the cost of weatherization from the selling price when their houses are sold. (Oregonian 10/9/1979)

Voters recognized that forcing expensive upgrades on pre-1979 structures could create financial hardship for many residents. That’s why any such mandate requires voter approval.

By stripping away voter approval, this measure gives too much power to city officials. They could impose sweeping mandates affecting most Portland homes without any input from voters. There’s no guarantee these mandates would be reasonable or take into account people’s ability to pay.

Energy efficiency is important, but so is protecting residents from overreach. Existing incentive programs and building codes already promote weatherization. We don’t need heavy-handed mandates forced on us without a vote.

Remember, newer homes aren’t affected by this change. It only targets older structures – including many affordable housing options for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.

Don’t give up your right to vote on issues affecting your home and wallet. Keep this important check on government power in place. Preserve affordability and resident input.

• 26-253 lets city bureaucrats creep into your home for an energy efficiency inspection!

• 26-253 will stick you with thousands of dollars of forced weatherization bills from the city!

• 25-253 will lead to skyrocketing rents as landlords pass on the costs!

• 25-253 will tear down historic homes in the name of energy efficiency!

• 25-253 lets politically connected cronies can collect millions of dollars from costly city-imposed weatherization mandates!

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