MARCH 2012
ARGUS League of Women Voters Lane County
Presidents Column 92 YEARS OF A GREAT IDEA Inside this issue: Co-Presidents Sue Boyd & Susan Tavakolian
Units 2
Voter Service 3 The League’s 92nd those who had helped nomination and election birthday anniversary to bring about suffrage procedures, and some- Action 4,5 & 6 last month seemed the for women. thing about our form of Book Review 6 right occasion to read a government. They New Member Bios 7 small brown pamphlet It was to have three spe- would catch up with the Hearing report 8 from the office files: “25 cific objectives: first, for men....It did not take Years of a Great Idea.” women to educate the Founders long to Books 9 Published by the LWVUS themselves, the new see that they had mis- Calendar & Mission 10 in 1946, the great idea voters; second, to work calculated. Twenty mil- was, of course, the for “needed legislation;” lion women did not leap League itself. As the and lastly, to arouse to the polls. Many dis- preface noted, “to go many citizens to played an aggravating forward with renewed participate in govern- lack of appreciation of confidence, it is well to ment. the right which had look back from whence been so dearly won, and we have According to the pam- did not seize the oppor- come.” phlet, “It was thought tunity which the League that the organization afforded them.” Speaking to the leaders might accomplish its Third Thursday of the National Ameri- work in five years and By the presidential elec- Information can Women Suffrage then disband....This tion of 1924 the League Association in the plan assumed that most had embarked on a na- spring of 1919, Carrie women would become, tion-wide campaign March 15 Chapman Catt proposed for a while at least, to “get out the vote,” its “A League of Women members of the League. early and enduring slo- Buffet 11:30 Voters to finish the They would master the gan. The results were Program 12:15 fight.” The new organi- mechanics of voting, somewhat disappoint- Hilton Garden Inn, zation would be a learning something ing, as the vote in 1924 3528 Gateway, “living memorial” to all about the process of (Continued on page 7) Springfield
The $13 cost for lunch includes beverage, Third Thursday dessert and tip. Our speaker will be for- Beverage only with mer Oregon State Sena- refills - $3 USDA Rural tor Vicki Walker who is now State Director of For reservations, Development: call the League office, USDA Rural Develop- 541-343-7917, or e-mail Helping Oregonians ment. She will tell us [email protected] Create an Economy about the work of the for reservations. U.S. Department of Ag- That’s Built riculture in Oregon. Reservations are to Last important. Nancie Fadeley Page 2
UNITS — Privatization, Part 2
Monday, March 12 Tuesday, March 13 Wednesday, March 14 10 am - S. Willamette #1 9:30 am 10 am East Eugene #5 90 Westbrook Way (block Coburg Road #3 555 E. 15th beyond 46th) 2315 Rocky Lane Central Presbyterian H: Barbara Greenley H: Jean Damon 968-1142 H: Stephanie Winsor 684-9127 C: Punky Smith 844-9277 342- 8243 C: Anne Best 343-5124 C: Diana Grandberry 4 pm 342-8402 2 pm S.W. Eugene #4 Noon Harlow Road #2 2365 W. 23rd Avenue Cottage Grove/Creswell #8 394 Cherry Drive H: Pat McDaniels Cottage Grove LCC H: Barbara French 343-4728 H: Gayle Downing 942-1858 485-9090 C: Sally Weston 484-4404 C: Dian Missar 942-7676 C: Kay Huston 607-8962
On-Line Unit # 6 Friday December 16 Charlcie Kaylor - UNTI BRIEFING 9:30 am - Cascade Manor/ [email protected] Tuesday-March 6 Cascade View Room #9 3PM 65 W 30th Avenue Atrium C: Lorraine Abbott 434- 4107 Sloat Room Frank Carlton 434-4140
PRIVATIZATION—PART TWO BY Mary Keating
Delving into the world of ing. However, the ramifi- ters counts due to the government and privatiza- cations of a poorly written high regard the voting tion this month has pro- contract with no oversight public has for the League. vided us with an opportu- could ultimately backfire nity to share many experi- and cost more than if the The discussions I have ences and opinions on the process had remained as heard in the two Unit process. It is important is. The League of Women meetings that I attended that we realize that priva- Voters has an opportunity were intelligent and tization is now a fact of to present to local, state thoughtful. League mem- life. Our role in discuss- and federal governments bers are well informed ing this aspect will not guidelines when privatiza- and conscientious when halt or speed up the priva- tion proposals are put presented with the topics. tization bandwagon. In forth either in legislative I look forward to compil- the last thirty years, it has or electoral formats. That ing the consensus reports been increasingly used by is why our consensus re- next month. government agencies in sponses are important. an effort to control spend- Our position on such mat-
Notices: Did you try to call the League office recently and fail to get an answer? The office has been having difficulty with its answering machine activating after 10 rings. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused some callers, and we want to let you know that we are getting new equipment to remedy the problem.
We also want to let you know that the covered parking next to the League office is no longer available to us. The renovation has begun to accommodate the Eugene Municipal Court, which will be occupying a part of the building, and so the parking attached to the building is not available. Street parking or the lot across the alley from the building can be used for parking by League members. Susan Tavakolian MARCH 2012 Page 3
VOTERS SERVICE - Flo Alvergue & Miriam Aiken, Co-chairs
With the filing deadlines candidates' forum co- election year, and we are fast approaching for the sponsored with the Morse commemorating 100 May 15th Oregon Primary Family Ranch Board. Stay years of women suffrage expect to see more action tuned for more details. in Oregon, we have an on the part of voter service opportunity for a parade in the League. VOTE411 is A naturalization ceremony entry as well as the tradi- collecting information was held February 10th, tional booth. Search for LWV of Lane online on various local and and Veronika Walton and I your big hats, don a white state races. welcomed 27 new citizens blouse and long skirt, and County Board & from many different coun- plan to join us for a truck Off Board Roster There will be candidates' tries. We gave out TRYs ride in the parade! To 2011-12 forums co-sponsored with and answered questions learn of events on the Co-Presidents the Springfield Chamber of about voter registration, state level, google Commerce May 2nd and during refreshment time "Century of Action" SUE BOYD & 3rd. Volunteers are needed after the event. What a online. The archival pho- SUSAN TAVAKOLIAN for helping with these joyful occasion! tos and articles are very Secretary events. The League will interesting. MERLE BOTTGE provide questions for the The Eugene Celebration Treasurer candidates. In the late will be held August 24, Flo Alvergue summer there will be a 25, and 26. As it's an PHYLLIS LOOBEY
Action KAPPY EATON & CALL TO COUNCIL PAT HOCKEN
Argus Editor The first Call to Council cial meetings begin on on Thursday at restau- has been released, so mark Friday through Saturday. rants near UO (or down- CHARLCIE KAYLOR
your calendars for May 11 As it's Mother's Day week- town) display set-ups, Finance and 12th for the event at end, the meeting days and flowers. Please call JANET CALVERT the Phoenix Inn in Eugene. were changed. If you Flo Alvergue, arrange- Council and Convention would like to volunteer ments chair for LWVOR, Historian are held in rotating years. there is a need for LWVLC or leave a message at the GAYLE DOWNING There will be a Dine members to help with office. Membership Around for members arriv- registration(2 hour shifts), ing on Thursday, but offi- hosting the Dine Around SUE WIELESEK Flo Alvergue Public Relations FRAN BOEHNER DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE Units ANNE MEHL Our Lane County League Gerry Walton, and Anne was well represented at the and Roger Mehl. We were After lunch members at- Voters Service LWVOR "Day at the Legisla- delighted that Emily Schue, tended hearings of the FLO ALVERGUE & ture" event at the Capitol a new resident of Salem, House Agriculture and MIRIAM AIKEN on February 7th with a con- joined us. Natural Resources commit- tingent of 16 members. tee and the Senate Environ- Those who attended were: The agenda included re- ment and Natural Re- Kappy Eaton, Janet Calvert, ports from the Action Com- sources committee. Some Becky Gladstone, Susan mittee on the legislative members visited their leg- Tavakolian, Kay Robinhold, process and public access, islators as well. All who Linda Roe, Dorothy Cruick- legislative briefings, and a attended the event found it shank, Lois Taylor, Mary welcome and report on the informative and enjoyable. Keating, Flo Alvergue, Early Learning Council and Anne Best, Kathryn Merwin- Health Care Reform from Flo Alvergue Gonzales, Veronika and Governor John Kitzhaber.
Page 4
ACTION — Kappy Eaton & Pat Hocken, Co-chairs
State of the State and $60 million for special increase General Fund reve- Legislation is either moving purposes. That category nue, but it also could be fairly rapidly through the would allow allotment re- dropped for consideration Oregon House and Senate or duction mitigation, foreclo- in 2013 if legislators want dying in committees without sure issues, and human more time to work out de- a hearing or work session. services actual caseload tails. A this point, that’s This report is a slice of time increases and $10 million probable. for select education pro- as of February 24, based on HB 4132, another revenue what is currently the status gram reduction mitigation. measure, proposes that any of proposals being followed SB 202, which received a cuts to allocations to state by the League. League Action Alert, was agencies in future biennia Fiscal Policy the latest version of an must be matched by sun- The rebalanced budget for Emergency Fund which setting tax credits by the 2011-13 was essentially would be tied to personal same percentage. The hear- agreed upon by the joint income growth rather than ing was positive, but no Ways and Means committee revenue projections. It was work session was scheduled and legislative leaders at the a much simplified version so it died in committee. of kicker reform and would start of this first Annual Ses- HB 4176, an emergency sion. More than $100 million return excess revenue to measure related to dealing in lost revenue was made up taxpayers when the fund Next Action with counties that are about by cutting 300 state middle reached 12% of the General to default, will pass. It sets management employees Fund. Use by the Legisla- committee up a procedure for the Gov- across state agencies, clos- ture was restricted. The ernor to declare a county as ing Santiam minimum secu- hearing was positive, and meeting on fiscally distressed if the rity corrections center, cut- the message to legislators county requests that desig- ting various low income pro- was – pass the bill and send nation. At that point, the March 7, jects such as TANF it out to voters to discuss Governor would establish an (temporary assistance to and decide. It must be re- audit/assistance committee needy families), and cutting ferred because it would at 9:30 a.m. at made up of four members, $28 million in unspecified amend the constitution. including two recommended Kappy Eaton’s, ways, but protecting K-12 Thanks for your responses by the Senate President and education and Project Inde- to the Action Alert. Unfortu- House Speaker, and the 175 S Garden Way pendence for seniors. The nately, the Senate President county commissioners and February revenue forecast would not allow it to move sheriff would make up the All members are has the General Fund down and the opportunity was rest of the committee. Curry another $35 million. lost. County has already indi- welcome. The Governor proposed HB 4039, as amended, will cated it will have to default changes to that budget be- revise the statute passed in on June 30, and both Jose- cause of its drastic impacts. 2011 to make the Senior phine and Lane counties are Two that are included in the Property Tax Deferral pro- about at that point. Two final rebalance agreement gram more accountable other bills relating to county keep the TANF program and get the fund out of the funding are expected to funding at its current level, red. The 1700 people who pass. and the Santiam Corrections lost their deferrals because HB 4177 would allow facility will not be closed. they have reverse mort- counties to request dollars The $28 million will be used gages will have a two year from the County Assess- to restructure state govern- reprieve to start paying ment Function Assistance ment business operations back taxes, and the two Fund for 2011-12 in con- with permanent changes to year reporting period will junction with federal dol- the management of agency be increased to three. The lars. HB 4175 would permit programs and services. program is expected to be out of debt by 2014. The counties to use federal for- The final budget will provide bill has been adopted. est reserves for roads in an ending balance for the conjunction with law en- biennium of $118 million HB 4088 and 4157, deal- forcement needs under cer- and maintain a Rainy Day ing with the Senior Medical tain circumstances. reserve of at least $46 mil- Deduction, are waiting for lion. It also includes an Emer- amendments after a House SB 1585, heard on Feb. 20, gency Fund with about $28 Revenue hearing. One may would require that public million for general purposes be passed because that will education receive no less MARCH 2012 Page 5
Action - continued than 50% of the total allo- and expenditures of pulled from its hearing in League opposes this bill cations of the General $1000 or more every two House Rules without the and issued an Action Alert. Fund, lottery, Rainy Day days during the last 30 knowledge of the eight SB 1508 allows establish- and Educational Stability days prior to an election. people who had come to ment of a beverage dis- Funds, and the Emergency However, it would remove testify on it. tributor’s coop for collec- Board. It is dead. the seven day reporting of tions. It has amendments any other contributions HB 4173 which deals and is going to the Senate Higher Education and expenditures and only with the issue of candi- floor. The Governor’s priorities require reporting every 14 dates having more than this short session are in one party designation will days during the 30 days SB 4095 deals with farm higher education and pass. It allows county period. The League be- and forest lands and health care. Two important clerks to place the extra lieves this violates a citi- changes the definition of bills - HB 1581 and HB party name beneath the zen’s right to know about marginal lands. The results 1538 had informational candidate, instead of be- candidates and elections could be damaging in hearings on Feb. 20. The side so as not to cause during a critical time pe- Southern Oregon. The first deals with the new more expense for ballot riod, and the inclusion of League is opposing and an Chief Education Officer printing. contributions in that Action Alert has been is- and spells out responsibili- amount is not necessary. The deadline date for the sued. ties. The panel of speakers The bill died in committee. November Voter’s Pam- at the hearing was asked HB 4926 would provide phlet has been changed to identify and clarify that Elections three more judges for the due to the timing of the supervisory role and the SB 1516 and 1517 estab- Appeals courts. They are national party conven- achievement and compact lished the HAVA (Help essential to Oregon’s judi- tions. terms. The second pro- America Vote Act) Task cial system, but funding is posal deals with the role of Force which was estab- Various Other Impor- a problem. The proposal the Higher Education Coor- lished by statute in 2011. tant Measures passed Housed Judiciary dinating Commission rela- It needs to pass so the SCR 204 commemorates and the Ways and Means tive to the Oregon Educa- compliance with HAVA the 100th anniversary of Committee agreed to allow tion Investment Board and review and report can be Oregon women’s suf- three more Appeals Court the transfer of responsibili- made to satisfy the Fed- frage. It has passed the judges but they won’ be ties from the State Board eral Elections Commission. Senate and the House and funded until 2013. of Education. SB 1538 also There are heavy financial will be signed by the Gov- SB 1548 prohibits an em- received an informational penalties for non- ernor. ployer to advertise for a hearing. It clarifies the role compliance. HB 1516 was job vacancy with the re- of the Higher Education never heard, and SB 1517- SB 1548 bans advertising Coordinating Council A was completely changed of job openings with a striction that unemployed persons cannot apply. which was established y SB to enact additional ballot statement denying appli- cations of unemployed This bill will be enacted. 242 in 2911. It is uncertain security provisions and whether any of these bills clarify absentee voters. It persons. This bill will HB 4146, human traffick- will pass, much to the dis- may be voted on by the pass. ing, allows expunging of may of the Governor. Senate. The Senate bill HB 4104 would allow the juvenile records for under- apparently nullified HB state Water Resources age prostitution. It will Campaign Finance 4174 that also provided Department to pursue pass. HB 4152 would require specific regulations for development of Columbia reporting contributions unused ballots and was River resources. The
Local Action Update department, will attend the Lane County Public March 14, which will be Lane County Depart- Action committee meeting Safety A separate article followed by several com- ment of Health and on March 7 to discuss about this critical County munity forums and other some of the expected outreach to inform citi- Human Services service appears on page 8 benefits of the reorganiza- zens of the details of his A Lane County govern- of this ARGUS. tion such as potential cost recommendation. The ment issue that the savings or improved ser- Envision Eugene We Eugene City Council will League is following is the vice delivery. We have also now know some dates for hold a public hearing on reorganization of the De- asked her to provide de- the final phases of this April 16. partment of Health and tails of the anticipated many-year process to plan Human Services to absorb Look for information in revenues and expenses for for Eugene's growth for the Department of Chil- next month's ARGUS the consolidated depart- the next 20 years. The dren and Families and the about the highlights of ment for the current (2011 Eugene City Manager will Department of Youth Ser- City Manager's recom- -12) and next (2012-13) issue a comprehensive vices. Alicia Hays, the di- fiscal years. recommendation on (Continued on page 6) rector of the expanded Page 6
THE BIG READ: Fahrenheit 451 by Carol Hildebrand
Fahrenheit 451 is one of During the month of of the book are available those books you don't March, everyone is invited at Eugene Public Library, forget. (The movie was to join the Big Read, with and you can find it at lo- good too, though I always talks, workshops, films cal used bookstores. say the book is better and shows for all ages, than the movie...) The featuring Fahrenheit The Big Read is a program story of a fireman whose 451. Activities include of the National Endow- job is burning books free talks by Ursula K. ment for the Arts, who (kindling point Fahrenheit LeGuin on Saturday, awarded a grant to bring 451) is striking enough. March 24, 2:00 at the our community together But, as I realized recently, Downtown Eugene Public to celebrate books and it has a lot more to say Library, and by Ray writers. Local sponsors than I remembered from Bradbury biographer Sam are Springfield and reading it as a student. Weller on Saturday, March Eugene Public Libraries, For example, in Ray 3, 2pm at the Downtown Lord Leebrick Theatre, Bradbury's dystopian soci- Eugene Public Library. The City of Eugene, University ety, people go around movie will be shown a of Oregon Book Store, with "shells" in their ears, couple of times, there will Friends of Eugene Public listening to music and be book groups, an art Library and Eugene Public voices, ignoring family exhibit, performances of Library Foundation. For and friends. He wrote this the play and a dance pro- more information http:// in 1953. gram. Even activities for www.eugene-or.gov/ the kids. Some free copies library .
(Continued from page 5) aware that there are many construction of bike lanes Basics section of the fre- mendation and opportuni- business owners who do where they did not previ- quently asked questions ties to learn more about not agree with the very ously exist. LTD has that appear on the dis- it. vocal and visible oppo- worked with the City of trict's website. nents. Please let me know Eugene and the Bicycle/ With regard to neighbor- West Eugene EmX if you would like a West Pedestrian Advisory Com- hood livability, "...EmX We are still eagerly await- EmX Yes button or a mittee (BPAC) to incorpo- vehicles use a hybrid- ing the release of the en- bumper sticker. rate improvements to the electric propulsion sys- vironmental assessment bike system that could be The League has received tem with a diesel engine. (EA) by the Federal Transit implemented as part of answers to most of the This system results in Administration, which will the West Eugene project. questions about the pro- less noise and emissions start a 45-day comment For example, the EmX ject that we submitted to than a conventional die- period. The projected alternatives include two Lane Transit District staff. sel bus...." date for release is now new bridges over the early March. The EA will A few of the responses Amazon Channel exclu- With regard to sustain- provide a comprehensive, are provided below. sively for bicycles and ability, "Expanding public scientific analysis of nu- With regard to the num- pedestrians that would transportation is seen as merous parameters for ber of jobs created by the connect existing trail sys- a major component of the build and no-build project, "The number of tems and neighborhoods the community's sustain- alternatives. construction jobs has south of the Channel with ability efforts. Transpor- The public hearings be- been conservatively esti- EmX along West 11th Ave- tation is a major con- fore the City of Eugene mated at approximately nue, and provides tributor to greenhouse Council and the Lane 1200....The total payroll (according to the Eugene gas emissions (about Transit District Board are for the construction and Weekly) the largest single 50% in our commu- still anticipated in May or design... is estimated to sidewalk improvement nity).... EmX has been June. be approximately $50 project in the City’s his- the most efficient and million." tory by bringing all side- successful strategy to The League has been walks up to current stan- encourage increased use With regard to bike and working with the West dards (or better) along the of public transportation pedestrian facilities, "The EmX Yes group of local route wherever the project in our community." introduction of EmX actu- business people who sup- constructs right of way." port the project. Their ally improves bike facili- Pat Hocken purpose is to make citi- ties. In fact, the first two The following two snip- zens and elected officials EmX corridors included pets are from the EmX MARCH 2012 Page 7
Getting to know… by Jeanne Armstrong
Kathi Merrick including bead work and Peace Corps and began During her years in Co- Kathi's introduction to the photography. Her photos seven years of service in lombia, Kathryn taught League of Women Voters focus primarily on people, the village of San Pedro, English to both children occurred some twenty animals, and flowers. Colombia, where she and adults in various ven- helped villagers get in- ues, including a bilingual years ago when she had In past years Kathi and volved with issues in their school, a Montessori the opportunity to pop in Patrick lived in Etna, Cali- school, among colleagues on a meeting. She noted fornia, where Patrick of her husband, and in the bipartisan, informed worked in National Public private practice. Spanish nature of League work Health. From there they became Kathryn’s second and is pleased to find that moved to Eugene, where language as she became the League today contin- they have resided for the immersed in the culture. ues to function on those last 34 years. They are
principles. parents of two sons and Kathryn is experimenting grandparents to two Kathi grew up in Burlin- with her new Kindle to game, California and at- grandsons, ages 2 and 4. facilitate reading as she tended high school there. Kathi has enjoyed recent and Gabriel travel to visit She earned her degree in League events in Eugene their children in the Sociology at the University and will attend units as United States, Colombia, of Portland and resided in they fit into her various and Chile. Portland for about eight activities. years. Now Portland has Kathryn was attracted to become a destination for Kathryn community. There she the League because she visits. met her husband, Gabriel, wants to be involved in Merwin-Gonzales Kathi's husband Patrick is Kathryn is a recently re- who was a medical stu- her community, much as a physician whose work turned native Oregonian, dent in orthopedics, do- she encouraged villagers has taken them to various who lived and worked in ing a required year of in Colombia to get in- locations. He did an in- Colombia, South America community service. Kath- volved with theirs. She ternship in Albuquerque, for many years. In 1967, ryn and Gabriel are the has worked all her life, New Mexico, where Kathi following her studies at parents of five children. enjoys being with other developed an interest in Willamette High School They have just celebrated people, and now wishes th jewelry making. She is a and the University of Ore- their 45 wedding anni- to work with others in silversmith and also en- versary. community matters. gon, Kathryn joined the joys other country crafts, Welcome to the League, Kathi & Kathryn.
Presidents’ Column (Continued from page 1) ences to our Facebook at the local level will be ballot as well. Voter ser- was only a little higher page and Twitter feed, registering new voters vice is part of our DNA. than in 1920. League but the choice of a project through community and We hope that our mem- leaders realized that they to commemorate the high school voter registra- bers will be generous in were committed to a year event in yet another presi- tion efforts and also contributing their time to around job of continuing dential election year. through local and state help make these efforts political education. The candidate debates. Nation- successful. She wrote, “Our birthday notion of disbanding in ally, the League is also wish this year is a special Our voter service chairs five years was forgotten. fighting to protect voters one. 2012 is an important are Flo Alvergue and against suppressive elec- Jump ahead to 2012. election year and there is Miriam Aiken. We were tion laws. a great deal of work to be very sorry to lose Barbara Much about the birthday done to help register, Here in Oregon our pri- French, who did a won- message from LWVUS educate and mobilize mary will be May 15. We derful job, but delighted President Elisabeth voters. That is why the already have received re- to welcome Miriam when MacNamara would League is launching an quests to assist with candi- she agreed to take over. seem familiar to our fore- important campaign - date forums, and there will mothers: not the refer- Sue Boyd Power the Vote! Its focus be local measures on the Page 8
LEAGUE BOARD ATTENDS PUBLIC HEARING The Board of the League on the situation. Recently Services. The BCC re- raise more tax revenue to of Women Voters of Lane the Citizens for a Safer viewed the proposal ear- fund public safety such as County went as a group to Lane County P.A.C. re- lier in February and by establishing a county a hearing on February 22 quested the Commission- scheduled a very brief service district. before the Lane County ers place on the May 15, public hearing February After the public hearing at Board of County Commis- 2012 primary ballot a 22 for comments before which Susan was the only sioners (BCC) on a pro- charter amendment that making a decision. Only person who testified, posed ballot measure to would define "Public members of the PAC and League board members amend the Lane County Safety Services" as the League Board at- remained for BCC discus- Charter. After learning of "programs and services tended. sion about plans to investi- the 15-minute hearing provided by the depart- In an interesting twist, the gate statutory options to only six days earlier, the ments of the Sheriff, Dis- PAC representative told raise additional property Board voted in an e-mail trict Attorney, and Youth the BCC that the PAC taxes for public safety and meeting it was critical we Services." The amendment wished to withdraw the to find ways to involve the express our strong oppo- also guaranteed an alloca- proposal from considera- cities of Lane County and sition to the proposal and tion of the first 60% of tion because they realized community organizations that we accompany Susan discretionary revenue to there was insufficient time like the League in the de- Tavakolian as she pre- Public Safety Services and for voter education before liberations. The League's sented the League's testi- specifically dedicated 42% the May election. In addi- appearance at the hearing mony. to the Sheriff's office, 9% tion, the PAC decided to certainly reminded the BCC to the District Attorney's Here is some background change its focus to devel- of our availability to be office, and 9% to Youth oping a plan to actually part of the solution. Pat Hocken Here’s what we said -
Board of County Commis- ers about its provisions absolutely necessary sanc- needed public safety im- sioners, Lane County and their impact. Rushing tions of prosecution and provements for which addi- a significant charter incarceration. tional tax revenues would I am Susan Tavakolian, co- amendment to the ballot be sought. It appears that The proposed amendment president of the League of after an extremely brief the amendment would Women Voters of Lane public hearing is not a raises many questions and override and restrict many fundamental issues that County. Many of the sound strategy to engen- of the decisions of the deserve time for explana- League's board members der voter trust, which is statutory budget commit- are here with me today to stated as a purpose of the tion and discussion. Insert- tee and the commissioners ing the public safety fund- urge you not to place the proposal. themselves and would not proposed Lane County ing requirements into the The League is well aware allow any flexibility to deal Charter amendment on reserve fund subsection of of the county's fiscal cri- with emergencies or new the May 2012 primary the spending limitation sis, the lack of adequate priorities. election ballot. section of the charter is a funding for public safety, complex, not easily under- In conclusion, in the inter- We oppose commissioner and the mistrust ex- stood method for estab- est of transparent open action to submit this pressed by some citizens. lishing the spending re- government and respect measure for a May vote We have been strong pro- strictions. It is not clear for the voters, the League because there is little ponents of adequate fa- why the "guarantees" for of Women Voters asks you community awareness of cilities and funding for public safety funding are to not take hasty action to the proposal, and there public safety for over 30 needed at this time in ad- place this charter amend- has been no community years. Our organization vance of a potential future ment on the May ballot. We discussion about the pro- worked hard to pass the county request for addi- know a solution must be posal, which would sub- bond measure for con- tional taxes for restricted found to adequately fund stantively amend the char- struction of the "new jail' purposes. The effect on county services and that ter by guaranteeing a spe- in 1979 after spending other necessary county voters will want to be as- cific share of discretionary hundreds of hours manu- functions such as assess- sured of accountability funds to three county ally gathering the inmate ment and taxation and before agreeing to addi- functions. The proposed data that showed the election management is tional taxes. However, we measure has not been need for a new facility. We not known. The definition believe more time and reviewed by the county vigorously supported the of public safety is far nar- community dialogue is nec- charter review committee, two recent county income rower than that previously essary before placing any- the county's own official tax measures to raise ad- recommended by the cities thing on the ballot. We advisory group. In addi- ditional dollars for public of Lane County after a se- hope we can work with you tion, there is not suffi- safety, broadly defined to ries of meetings designed in addressing the county's cient time before the elec- include treatment and to identify a package of financial problems. tion date to educate vot- prevention as well as the MARCH 2012 Page 9
SPRING CLEANING TIME AGAIN
Spring is in the air. If you to people as far away as Let us know if you cannot plan to go through your Canada and England. get your used books to book shelves and make Sales in the past month the office, and we will room for new books, re- have amounted to arrange a time to pick member our ongoing fund $129.50. This brings the them up at your house. raiser. We want to thank total since last July 1 to those of you who have left $1,491.60. You're doing a Thank you, books in the blue box at good job of helping our Elleen and Louie Levy the office lately. Some of League. 541-343-7592 the books have been sold
Thanks, Barbara!
We want to thank Barbara together the TRY for the French for her service to the current two-year period. League as co-chair of the In addition, she started a Voter Service committee, and new unit, the Harlow Road LWVLC Board and Co- it’s with regret that the unit, which she will con- President Susan Tavako- board accepted her resigna- tinue to host, and brought lian attend and speak at tion as co-chair for the re- the highest number of the Lane County Board of mainder of the year. Barbara new members into the Commissioners meeting. has been an energetic League over the past year. League member. She helped Thanks, Barbara, for all organize candidate forums in your work for the League. the last election cycle and was a key player in putting Susan Tavakolian
Please give this Thanks to our to a friend League of Women Voters Lane County 2011-12 Directory Advertisers Membership Form Lane Forest Products Individual $63 Baker Bay Bead Co. As a member of the League, you will receive Household (Two people at the same address) $94.50 the monthly newsletter Eugene Hotel Student $20 from LWVLC (Argus), Mortier Engineering which has information Individual after February 1st $32 about our monthly and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of U of O unit meetings, and the Name quarterly newsletter from the Oregon League Aayres Appliance Repair (Voter). Long's Meat Market Address Mail the form and check
Studio d Hair salon payable to LWVLC to: LWVLC Phone Unique Properties 338 West 11th Ave, Suite 101 Eugene, OR 97401 Email (for League use only) NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID EUGENE, OR PERMIT NO. 223 League of Women Voters Lane County
336 West 11th Ave., Suite 1 Eugene, OR 97401 Phone: 541-343-7917 [email protected]
CALENDAR
MARCH
6, Unit Briefing Our Mission 7, Action Committee — 9:30 am (page 4) The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan 12 to 16, Units (page 2) political organization, encourages the 15, Third Thursday - (page 1) informed and active participation in 21, Board meeting, 1:30 to 3:30 pm government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 am to 1:30 pm.