CONTINUES CITY PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING FOR MAYORAL, COMMISSIONER, AUDITOR CANDIDATES.
QUESTION: Shall Portland provide public campaign financing to City candidates who meet qualifying requirements and are subject to additional regulatory oversight?
SUMMARY: Measure would amend City code to continue Portland's public campaign financing program that otherwise ends after November 2010 election. Under program administered by City Auditor, candidates for Mayor, Commissioner, and Auditor would continue to be eligible to seek certification to receive public funds in primary, general, or special elections by collecting a certain number of $5.00 qualifying contributions and meeting other requirements. Public funds available to certified candidates would continue at these spending limits: $200,000 for Mayor, $150,000 for Commissioner and Auditor in primary elections; $250,000 for Mayor, $200,000 for Commissioner and Auditor in general elections. Certified candidates would continue to be eligible for limited matching funds if other candidates' contributions or expenditures exceed certain thresholds. All City candidates would continue having more frequent campaign disclosure requirements. Program costs would depend on factors including the number of certified candidates. City would continue to limit the annual impact of the program on City funds to 0.2% without raising new taxes or fees. Would continue authorization of penalties for violations.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Effect of Vote
A "yes" vote on this measure would approve continuing the Campaign Finance Fund.
A "no" vote on this measure would reject continuing the Campaign Finance Fund.
Voter approval means existing Campaign Finance Fund requirements would still apply. Current program requirements and historical information are provided below.
The Campaign Finance Fund
Portland City Council created a public financing program, the Campaign Finance Fund, by ordinance in 2005. Under this program, administered by the City Auditor, candidates for Mayor, Commissioner, and Auditor may voluntarily seek certification to receive public funds in primary, general, or special elections by meeting City code requirements. These requirements include: collecting a certain number of $5.00 qualifying contributions from Portland registered voters; limiting any private seed money contributions collected during the qualifying period; and meeting additional campaign disclosure requirements. If certified, a candidate must adhere to spending limits by only using public funds, qualifying contributions, and seed money contributions.
Certified candidates must adhere to City limitations on the use of public funds, including only using these funds for direct campaign purposes. Nonparticipating candidates have additional campaign disclosure requirements if contributions or expenditures exceed certain thresholds. The Auditor has the authority to issue penalties for violations of City code. Candidates may appeal an auditor's certification, matching funds, or penalty determination.
Public Funds to Candidates
A certified candidate in the primary election is eligible for the following public funds, less qualifying and seed money contributions, collected during the qualifying period:
- Mayor: $200,000
- Commissioner and Auditor: $150,000.
If no candidate for a City office receives a majority of votes cast in the primary election, a runoff is held at the general election. A certified candidate in the general election is eligible for the following public funds:
- Mayor: $250,000
- Commissioner and Auditor: $200,000.
If a certified candidate is outspent by another candidate, the certified candidate is eligible to receive limited matching funds from the City.
Program Use, 2006 through 2010
- The City certified eleven candidates for public funds.
- Two certified candidates were elected to City office.
- In 2006, the City provided $389,253 to three certified candidates.
- In 2008, the City provided $1,224,466 to six certified candidates.
- In 2010, the City provided $142,150 to one certified candidate.
- Two certified candidates, one in 2006 and one in 2008, were decertified for code violations.
Program Monies
- Campaign Finance Fund monies are appropriated annually by City Council.
- According to City code, the Campaign Finance Fund "shall limit annual impact on City funds to two tenths of one percent without raising any new taxes or fees."
- City taxes or fees have not been raised to fund the Campaign Finance Fund.
Total Program Expenditures
As of May 1, 2010, the City made the following total expenditures from the Campaign Finance Fund:
- $1,755,869 to certified candidates.
- $219,893 on materials, services, and administrative costs.
Submitted by:
LaVonne Griffin-Valade
Portland City Auditor
Voter-Owned Elections: Good for Democracy,
Good for Portland
The League of Women Voters Says
Vote Yes on Measure 26-108
We all deserve an equal voice—and an equal vote—regardless of wealth or political power. League of Women Voters has supported Portland's Voter-Owned Elections since its adoption in 2005 to ensure that special interests do not overwhelm the public interest in local elections.
Good For Democracy
Instead of a handful of wealthy donors determining who represents us in City Hall, Voter-Owned Elections ensures that people from all walks of life can participate in the process on a level playing feld.
The system works: In states from Maine to Arizona, and cities from Albuquerque to Portland, campaigns are cleaner and the influence of big money is reduced under Voter-Owned Elections. In just five years, Portland has elected two candidates using the program.
Simple and Accountable: A proven success in Portland, candidates who demonstrate broad, grassroots support—1,000, $5 checks for City Council elections—are eligible to participate. Strict regulations determine how qualified candidates spend campaign funds.
Levels the Playing Field: Candidates participating in Voter-Owned Elections cannot accept special interest dollars; even wealthy contributors are limited to $5 donations.
Good For Diversity
Data already shows that Voter-Owned Elections allows traditionally underrepresented populations, our neighborhoods, and small businesses to participate on an equal footing with downtown developers and others who traditionally dominate Portland politics.
Small and minority owned business groups, neighborhood leaders, and advocates for human services and environmental protection endorse Voter-Owned Elections.
Good For Portland
Portland embraces a tradition of innovation and thoughtful reform. Voter-Owned Elections is a simple, proven, and important program that works—providing an equal voice and a real choice on our ballots.
Vote YES on 26-108 and continue Portland's Voter-Owned Elections!
League of Women Voters of Portland
(This information furnished by Carol Cushman, League of Women Voters of Portland)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Voter-Owned Elections Supported By Broad Based Coalition
With corporations and wealthy special interests playing a greater role in elections and politics, Portland's successful Voter-Owned Elections is a reform worth fighting for. Vote yes for 26-108 to silence the special interests and make your voice— and your vote— matter.
With Portland's efficient and proven system under attack by those who want to protect their special access and big money contributions, your YES vote is critical.
Join small business owners and faith leaders, equal rights groups and community organizations, neighborhood advocates and conservationists. All of us—joined by thousands of our Portland neighbors— support Voter-Owned Elections to keep Portland elections fair, open and accountable.
Alliance for Democracy
Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon
CAUSA Oregon
Center for Intercultural Organizing
Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon
Coalition for a Livable Future
Common Cause Oregon
Community Alliance of Tenants
Communication Workers of America, Local 7901
The Democratic Party of Multnomah County
League of Women Voters of Portland
Linnton Neighborhood Association
Onward Oregon
Oregon Action
Oregon AFSCME
Oregon Bus Project
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG)
Partnership for Safety and Justice
Portland Green Party
Portland Jobs with Justice
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49
Street Roots
The Urban League of Portland, Inc.
VOIS Business Alliance
Western States Center
… and many, many more organizations, businesses, community leaders, elected officials, and everday Portlanders urge your vote YES on 26-108.
(This information furnished by Heather Stuart, Campaign Manager, Friends of Voter-Owned Elections)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Transparency and Accountability with Voter-Owned Elections
Yes on 26-108
Accountability
City Hall should be accountable to Portland voters. Instead, candidates have traditionally been forced to spend too much time raising money from wealthy downtown insiders. Once in office, incumbents are pushed to reward special interest donors rather than being accountable to everyday voters.
Voter-Owned Elections changes the broken system of politics as usual, and puts into place appropriate checks and balances to ensure that City Hall works for us, not major campaign contributors.
Cost Effective
Voter-Owned Elections is cost effective compared to the high price of backroom deals that benefit big campaign contributors rather than typical Portlanders. The cost of Voter-Owned Elections is miniscule when compared to the public dollars for the tram, urban renewal districts, parking lot contracts, stadium deals, zoning decisions for new development, and other lucrative deals that cost taxpayers millions and have all too often been influenced by major campaign contributions.
If Voter-Owned Elections helps elect a person or preserves a culture at the City Council that saves even one major donation-driven boondoggle, it will pay for itself by many, many times over.
Strict Rules
Just like the rest of us, candidates should have to follow rules. Voter-Owned Elections forces candidates to be accountable and to follow rules – stricter than state law – that ensure money only goes for legitimate campaign expenses. Candidates are prohibited from raising any money beyond the limited financing they receive and must adhere to strict reporting requirements. When violations occur, they are caught and swiftly addressed due to prompt deadlines for addressing complaints and assessing penalties, including fines and jail time.
Transparency
Candidates using Voter-Owned Elections report expenditures more frequently than other candidates and are subject to thorough audits. No more back room exchanges of money or filtering of funds to hide the source. Instead, if candidates want to win, they must talk to voters and not just special interests.
(This information furnished by Heather Stuart, Campaign Manager, Friends of Voter-Owned Elections)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Shop Local, Vote Local
Local Businesses Support Voter-Owned Elections
Diversity is a strength of Portland, as is our pride in local and small business: There is no greater expression of our commitment to thriving small and local businesses than Voter-Owned Elections—shop local, vote local!
Local businesses have come together to help our community recover from this down economy and need to have a stronger voice in City Hall. Without local business representation in our city government, the result has been and will be policies and programs that benefit the few and the powerful, too often at the expense of the rest of us.
It's no wonder so many businesses support Portland's proven, accountable, and common sense Voter-Owned Elections. Voter-Owned Elections(VOE) gives all of us an equal voice in our politics—and the management of our city that results.
Like anyone in business knows, the numbers don't lie: VOE has REDUCED the cost of elections—regardless of whether a candidate opts into the system. Less money raised from special interests equals greater accountability and independence once elected.
We also see a difference in public and small business participation: having to collect 1000 $5 checks means more people are engaged and invested in Portland politics. The more our neighbors pay attention—and believe in—the process of electing local leaders, the more it helps our city as a whole.
And best of all, Voter-Owned Elections require candidates to follow strict rules -- just like the rest of us.
Join small, local, sustainable and minority-owned business leaders throughout Portland and send a message that Voter-Owned Elections is for ALL of us!
Brian Rohter, Co-founder, New Seasons Market
Habitat Media
Ben Davis, President, Grand Central Baking Co
Mary Mandeville, D.C.
Concordia Chiropractic Center
Pro Activist Computer Support, Inc
Convergence Architecture, PC
Randy Hewitt, D.C. Portland Chiropractic Group, Inc.
David Chen, Equilibrium Capital
Tom Dwyer Automotive Services, Inc.
EcoTech Environmental Services
Tony Fuentes, Milagros Boutique
Eleek, Inc.
(This information furnished by Sattie Clark, VOIS Business Alliance)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Voter-Owned Elections Supported by Leaders of Portland's Faith Community
Leaders of Portland's faith community have joined in clear support of Voter-Owned Elections because we care deeply about assuring that all voices are heard in the political process. We urge a YES vote on 26-108.
We agree that campaign finance reform is a moral matter in more ways than one.
As national religious leaders have said in support of campaign finance reform, the temptation to use money to buy unjust favors is ancient and remains strong. The prophet Amos thundered against those merchants who "sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of shoes and push the afflicted out of the way" (Amos 2:6-7 NRSV).
Too often the political system is open only to those with money. Decisions about public policy are not decided by principled debate in a free and fair manner but behind closed doors where only politicians and large contributors are welcome. The most vulnerable are often left behind and good people are often led astray.
Portland's Voter Owned Elections opens that door and thus we urge you to vote Yes on 26-108.
Sincerely,
Rev. Chuck Currie, Minister, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Walter John Boris, Conference Minister, Central Pacific Conference, United Church of Christ
Rev. Eugene Ross, Retired Minister, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Arvin R. Luchs, Minister, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Patricia Ross, U.C.C. Minister
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Unitarian Universalist
Rev. Don Frueh, Minister United Church of Christ
affiliations are listed for identification purposes only and do not reflect organizational endorsements
(This information furnished by Reverend Chuck Currie, United Church of Christ)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Voter-Owned Elections
More Voices and Better Choices
Oregon was among the first states to give women the right to vote and a leader in civil rights legislation. Here in Portland, we value diversity. In a City where 25% of people identify with communities of color, it is a major disparity when only two people of color (and only 7 women!) have ever served on the City Council in its 160-year history. We deserve more voices and better choices.
Our city benefits when we have dedicated elected officials who can focus fairly on the issues that impact everyday Portlanders, not raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to run for office. Too many good, hardworking citizens are excluded from running for political office because raising big money in politics is a real barrier, particularly for people of color, women and working class people.
We need to continue Voter-Owned Elections because it provides a smart way for qualified and accountable candidates to address real concerns without being forced to play to a few wealthy big donors. Potential candidates talk to over 1,000 citizens in the process of becoming certified, strengthening candidates understanding and readiness, and increasing discussion of the critical issues that are impacting our economy, neighborhoods and public services. When elected, these candidates have the ability to stay focused on community needs, not special interests.
Voter-Owned Elections provides us with an effective system that gives everyone an equal vote and equal voice in how our government is run.
Join the Center for Intercultural Organizing and the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon in supporting Voter-Owned Elections to increase diversity and equality.
(This information furnished by Kayse Jama, Executive Director, Center for Intercultural Organizing)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Voter-Owned Elections Supported By
Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Coalition for a Livable Future
Why do so many environmental and community organizations across Portland support Voter-Owned Elections? It's simple: Voter-Owned Elections give real people a real voice in the political process, allowing our values and priorities to be reflected in City Hall. The result: more opportunities to protect our environment, make investments in sustainable, livable neighborhoods, and expand healthy, affordable choices for how we travel.
The status quo—big corporations pumping big bucks into our elections—too often places the issues we care about on the back burner. Elected officials who owe their success to big donors rather than the people they serve are not as focused on issues like conservation, community development, climate change, and green jobs.
Voter-Owned Elections change all of that by limiting campaign spending and forcing candidates to earn our direct support. For the small price we pay for Voter-Owned Elections, we get huge dividends in protecting and enhancing our quality of life. We will have better leaders make better budget decisions, which translates into more investment of limited resources in the programs and policies that make our communities better.
Join the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Coalition for a Livable Future, and send a message to the polluters and powerful interests opposing Voter-Owned Elections: we all deserve a voice in our elections. Vote YES on 26-108!
(This information furnished by Tresa Horney, Oregon League of Conservation Voters)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
urges you to vote YES on 26-108 for Voter-Owned Elections
For too long, Portland elections have been a pay-to-play system, open to candidates with corporate backing but closed off to hard-working, tax-paying people like the men and women AFSCME represents.
Voter-Owned Elections changes that. The kind of support that candidates need to run and win under the program comes from spending time talking to voters, not from special interest dollars.
The Voter-Owned Elections program does not directly limit privately-financed candidates' funding or spending. But under the program, overall spending in local elections has been dramatically reduced because even non-participating candidates are choosing to spend less money across the board.
AFSCME men and women do the tough jobs that too many elected officials take for granted as part of what makes Portland the City That Works, including our road crews, hospitals, water treatment facilities, and other public services. And through the union's political work, members know first-hand what works in running, the city- and what doesn't. By allowing candidates to run for office based on community support, Voter-Owned Elections create a strong connection between city government and working people.
Successful Voter-Owned Elections candidates qualify, run, and win because they have built the community connections to know how to do what's right for working people. By continuing the program, the women and men AFSCME represents will have a path to engage meaningfully in city politics, and a fitting chance to run for office themselves.
(This information furnished by Joseph E Baessler, Political Director, Oregon AFSCME Council 75)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Portlanders Deserve Fair and Clean Elections
Vote Yes on 26-108 for Voter Owned Elections
Voter-Owned Elections let everyday citizens run for Portland City Council. Voter-Owned Elections ensure that candidates are accountable to the public, rather than wealthy corporate special interests and creates a situation where all serious candidates have enough resources to get their message into the hands of voters.
A YES vote for 26-108 will keep grassroots power in City of Portland elections. Candidates will have to hit the pavement and ask voters for their support before their name is on the ballot.
Voter-Owned Elections let individuals contribute small amounts of money in support of a candidate. Candidates will qualify for the ballot by gathering a $5 contribution from 1,000 individuals for City Council and 1,500 individuals for Mayor.
As campaigns grow more and more expensive, it's time for Portlanders to guarantee that our representatives in City Hall are in touch with the lives of everyday Portland families.
SEIU 49 is Encouraging a YES vote on Measure 26-108 to keep Portland's Working Family Values in City Hall.
(This information furnished by Felisa Hagins, SEIU 49)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Don't Lose Your Voice!
Opposition to Voter-Owned Elections by Major Donors to Portland Campaigns
The Portland Business Alliance and Portland Metro Association of Realtors were the major organizations opposing Voter-Owned Elections in 2005. These groups gave $21,500 and $19,875, respectively, to city candidates in 2004, the last pre-reform election cycle. Obviously everyday, hardworking Portlanders can't afford to spend that kind of money on campaign contributions.
Their opposition didn't take the form of defending their right to continue making these large contributions. Instead they argued over the enactment process. The City Council, however, listened to the grassroots supporters of reform who outnumbered opponents and adopted the Voter-Owned Elections ordinance. But they promised to send it to the ballot in five years and it is there as 26-108.
The Portland Business Alliance tried unsuccessfully to repeal Voter-Owned Elections in 2006, failing because they didn't have the grassroots support needed to collect enough valid signatures. The Portland Business Alliance and other donors to the repeal effort had given almost $600,000 to city candidates in 2004. Those contributions came from only 100 donors, but their fundraising represented 20 percent of all contributions to city candidates in 2004.
The Portland Business Alliance was the major bankroller of the failed repeal campaign, giving $49,000. They were joined by the Oregon Restaurant Association, the conservative Taxpayers of Oregon, utilities, timber interests, and developers giving contributions ranging from $5,000 to almost $11,000. Again, these are not everyday Portlanders.
Evidently fearing failure in November, the Portland Business Alliance sent a letter to the City Council this spring urging it to kill Voter-Owned Elections BEFORE it reached the ballot. In an obvious power grab, the Portland Business Alliance flip-flopped from its earlier support for a popular vote.
This history shows the importance of Voter-Owned Elections because it is about the people of Portland having power in City Hall, not corporations and special interests.
Common Cause Oregon Says Don't Lose Your Voice!
Vote Yes on 26-108!
(This information furnished by Janice Thompson, Common Cause Oregon)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
League of Women Voters and Common Cause Identified a Problem
Voter-Owned Elections is the Solution
The problem?
The voices of ordinary Portlanders were drowned out in city elections dominated by major contributors. In 2004, 7% of donors contributed nearly 70% of campaign funds, writing checks of $1,000 or more. Just 83 contributors comprised 35% of total donations in contributions of $5,000 or more. Most hardworking Portlanders can't spend that kind of money.
The solution?
Voter-Owned Elections, adopted in 2005, is a proven solution to "politics as usual." Candidates can run without big money donors, and instead rely on broad citizen involvement. Voter-Owned Elections gives everyday Portlanders a strong voice in City Hall with candidates accountable to voters, not special interests.
10 Successes of Voter-Owned Elections…So Many We Need Two Statements
Success #1: It works
Two candidates have won using the Voter-Owned Elections program in three election cycles. The rules are tough, but can be followed. Strict qualifying requirements mean that over two-thirds of those wanting to participate were not certified.
Success #2: Reduced campaign spending
Voter-Owned Elections candidates reduced campaign spending. Also most nonparticipating candidates are voluntarily self-imposing spending limits. Spending was reduced by 37% between the 2004 (pre-reform) and 2008 (post-reform) mayoral primaries.
Success #3: Large contributions rare, reduced special interest influence
Large contributions of $1,000, $5,000, or more are largely a thing of the past. Even non-participating candidates are typically limiting their contributions to $500 or less.
Success #4: Average campaign contribution much lower, reduced special interest influence.
Voter-Owned Election candidates' average contribution is $14. Post-reform nonparticipating candidates' average contribution is $218. From 1992 through 2004 city candidates' average contribution was $365.
Success #5: People power from across Portland
The entry fee for playing a genuine role in selecting who runs for office is now an affordable $5. Thousands of Portlanders from each neighborhood have made qualifying contributions, setting the stage for more grassroots, volunteer-oriented campaigns.
Vote Yes on 26-108
(This information furnished by Janice Thompson, Common Cause Oregon)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Successes of Voter-Owned Elections continued
Success #6: More diversity
In 2008, Commissioner Amanda Fritz became only the seventh woman to serve on the City Council in its 160-year history. Fritz, a long time neighborhood activist, says she would not have run without the reform option. The field for the open seat won by Commissioner Fritz also included African-American and environmental activists who attributed their candidacies to Voter-Owned Elections.
Success #7: More choices and competition
In the past, City Council incumbents typically faced no financially viable opponents. Due to Voter-Owned Elections the trend is towards more competition with more discussion of issues.
Success #8: Harder working incumbents
Incumbents running as Voter-Owned Elections candidates, or with self-imposed contribution limits, make more contact with voters than when they relied on established rolodexes for typical private money fundraising prior to reform.
Success #9: No more war chest fundraising
Voter-Owned Elections incumbents raise no money while in office so concerns about use of campaign funds for non-campaign purposes are eliminated. Also these incumbents receive no contributions between elections from anybody with business before City Council.
Success #10: More transparency and accountability
Voter-Owned Elections candidates report expenditures more frequently and comply with stricter rules on campaign spending than required under state law. When violations occur, they are swiftly addressed with penalties.
Voter-Owned Elections: Sound Investment in Democracy
Portland's Office of Management and Finance recommended adding Voter-Owned Elections to an existing group of city functions supported by allocations from each city bureau commensurate to their portion of the budget.
The cost of the Voter-Owned Elections program is capped at 0.2% of the budget and involves no new taxes or fees. Program costs haven't come close to this limit.
According to the Auditor's explanatory statement, total cost is $1,975,762, including administration, or 68 cents per Portland resident over the five years since enactment.
League of Women Voters of Portland
Common Cause Oregon Say
Vote Yes on 26-108
(This information furnished by Janice Thompson, Common Cause Oregon)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
As a Portland Firefighter, I ask you to Vote NO on Measure 26-108
When seconds count, having firefighters nearby to help in an emergency is critical. Yet because of the city budget shortfall, Portland recently had to eliminate one of its fire rescue units. If the city has any extra money, it should be using it to fund emergency services like these, not political campaigns.
Our city's safety needs to be a priority.
Every citizen of Portland deserves a quick response when they have an emergency. As a firefighter, I know how critical the fire bureau's work is; they help save people's lives and property every day. City resources should focus on keeping our citizens safe.
Portland is suffering some of the worst unemployment rates in the nation. Regular Portlanders are hurting. We should be using every dollar we can to put people back to work and turn the economy around.
As a firefighter, I believe city resources should be focused on critical needs, such as emergency services and job creation. It is wrong to spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns, especially right now when fire rescue units are being closed due to budget shortfalls.
Please vote NO on Measure 26-108!
James R. Forquey, President
Portland Fire Fighters Association
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
As the former Superintendent of David Douglas Schools, I am Voting NO on Measure 26-108
Running a school district for more than a decade showed me first-hand the tough impact budget cuts have on children's educational environment -- increased class sizes, program cuts and teacher layoffs – all hurting our children's ability to succeed in tomorrow's global economy. If the city has extra money, it should be used to help local schools, not to fund political campaigns. As a former superintendent, I know our school system and our children's education is suffering due to budget cuts and we need to do everything we can to offset these cuts so our children's futures are not in jeopardy. We cannot support city money being spent on the campaigns of incumbent politicians; I believe schools should be our first priority during a tough economy.
A child's ability to succeed depends on adequate school funding.
The long-term success of Oregon relies on our children's success. I know first-hand that every child in Oregon who receives a quality education has a better chance of having a good job and becoming a productive member of our community. The city has been a good partner to schools in these tough times, but recent budget cuts limit how much help the city can provide for important programs like SUN Schools, transportation and school security. The money spent to pay politicians to run for office would go a very long way to helping restore programs recently cut from schools. Taxpayer resources should focus on keeping our teachers at work and providing a quality education for our children.
As a former school district superintendent, I believe city resources should be focused on critical needs, including support for local schools. It is wrong to spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns, especially right now when our schools are facing huge budget cuts.
Please join me in voting no on 26-108!
Barbara Rommel
Retired Superintendent
David Douglas School District
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Vote NO on Measure 26-108.
Measure 26-108 asks voters if they want to continue paying for politicians' campaigns while job creation, schools, and basic services endure damaging budget cuts. Taxpayer funding of political campaigns is just not a priority and Portlanders should vote NO . Here's just a few reasons why:
- We simply can't afford to use tax dollars to fund political campaigns. We're in a deep recession and Portland has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the nation. At a time when Portlanders are struggling to make ends meet, we simply cannot afford to waste taxpayer dollars to fund political campaigns. We need job creation, school funding, and basic services we can depend on.
- Funding for our schools is a priority. Politicians' campaigns are not. Our schools are in crisis. Right now Portland Public Schools are tapping into reserves, increasing class sizes, and cutting music and P.E. while taxpayer dollars are being used to fund politicians' campaigns. Our children deserve better, and we should be prioritizing scarce dollars for them, not for political campaigns.
- Taxpayer funded campaigns divert money from basic services. This year, budget cuts forced the City of Portland to close Fire Rescue 19 , an important emergency medical response unit. When seconds count, citizens will now have to wait longer to receive medical treatment, which could have deadly consequences. Ending taxpayer funded campaigns would free up resources to fund basic services like Fire Rescue 19.
- Taxpayer funded campaigns waste money and lack accountability. There is so little accountability for the program that one candidate paid her 16 year-old daughter over $12,000 for "consulting work" and fraudulently acquired the necessary signatures to qualify for the program. After these issues were discovered, the candidate was ordered to return the public campaign funds to the City. Years later, she has not repaid the funds, and owes more than $90,000 plus interest to the City.
Vote NO on Measure 26-108.
Randy Leonard
Portland City Commissioner
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Small Business Owners Say Vote NO on Measure 26-108
In 2005, the Portland City Council created a brand new program, one of the first in the nation, to use taxpayer dollars to fund politicians running for city council, mayoral and city auditor positions. To date, the city has spent $1.75 million taxpayer dollars – money raised through the business license tax, water bills and other sources – on this program.
In those five years, only two taxpayer-funded candidates have actually been elected including one who quit after just a few months the office. We are now facing budget shortages. Vital services, like education programs, police, fire, and help to small businesses, have been cut as budgets have gotten tighter and tighter.
In running a small business, we know that every dollar counts and with tight budgets our dollars are spent wisely. This program lacks any accountability for how candidates use these funds, and there have been abuses of taxpayer public dollars. One candidate paid her 16-year-old daughter more than $12,000 for "consulting work" with our tax dollars. The candidate was later disqualified from the race for falsified signatures, but the city has been unable to recover most of the money it gave her for her campaign.
It is time to tell the city to end this program and use our tax dollars for schools, public safety and job creation.
Put simply: we can't afford to use taxpayer dollars to fund political campaigns in the City of Portland right now.
Please join us in voting NO on Measure 26-108!
Debbie Kitchin, owner of InterWorks, LLC.
Charles P. Jones, Chuck Jones & Associates
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Small Business Owners are Voting NO on
Measure 26-108
Throughout our city and on the Eastside where many of us do business, we have seen the impacts of the economic downturn, with high employment and cuts in public services. In these tough economic times we need to focus our resources on getting our economy moving again and creating good-paying jobs. As small business owners, we've had to tighten our belts in the past couple years and prioritize our most critical needs to keep employees working. The city should be focusing on the same critical priorities.
We need to focus city resources on putting people back to work.
Every job created means a business is growing and the state is gaining a taxpayer. Struggling small businesses – whether it is on the Eastside or Westside of our city – need all the help they can get. City resources should be focused on supporting small business growth, which will in turn create jobs and more revenue for our state budget.
Small business owners believe city resources should be focused on critical needs, such as economic development and job growth. It is wrong to spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns, especially right now when we have high unemployment and many other pressing needs.
Please join us in voting no on 26-108!
Patrick F. Donaldson, Board member, Hollywood Boosters
Rick Campbell
Paul Clark
David Pietka
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
No on 26-108
As a native Portlander and former City Club president, I am proud of how open our city is. By long tradition, City Hall and our commissioners' offices are open to any citizen, not just to special interest advocates. As voters we maintain our independence, choosing candidates based on issues and not on advertising budgets.
Because of that tradition, I was puzzled when the City Council decided to use tax dollars for political campaigns. They said it was to keep big money out of Portland politics. But was that ever really a problem? Ask Tom Potter, whose low budget 2004 mayoral campaign won over a much better financed candidate. "Big money" didn't help there. If anything it hurt, and since then campaign spending in Portland has ratcheted down, probably because of the Potter factor.
What taxpayer financed campaigns have produced is fraud and questionable campaign spending. In 2006, your taxes went to a candidate who paid her 16 year old daughter thousands of dollars for "consulting work" and whose other spending decisions ended with her disqualification from the race, penalties, demands for return of the city money, and criminal charges against her chief petitioner. This year a candidate spent more than $50,000 of public funds on door-to-door canvassers, doing the sort of work that unpaid volunteers ought to do, and he received 8 percent of the final vote. These were your tax dollars.
I'm particularly disturbed that there is no limit to what this program can cost in any election year. With money scarce for really important services like schools, can we afford or tolerate an open-ended program like this one, managed by the same people who have brought us a failed program and have funded it with our taxes? Who is minding this store? We Portlanders deserve better.
This isn't the right way to spend scarce public resources.
Please join me in voting NO on 26-108!
Jim Westwood
Portland citizen
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Vote NO on Measure 26-108
In these tough economic times we need to focus every penny on the most important community services: fire, schools and health care. As social service volunteer, I know how difficult it is to find resources for affordable housing, alcohol and drug treatment and employment training. That's why I are very troubled that scarce city dollars are being spent to help politicians run political campaigns. Community services are in urgent need of funding and should be the top priority of the city.
We need to focus city resources on essential community services.
With the economy struggling, there are more people in need of services. We hear from community members experiencing tough times every day. They all want the same essential thing: a safe and secure life. Community services that support and protect our city's families should be a top priority when it comes to funding priorities. How can the city justify giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to political candidates when community services that help Portlanders afford basic safety and quality of life are being cut?
As a social service advocate, I believe that city resources should be focused on critical community services. It is wrong to spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns, especially right now when our community's safety, education and health are in jeopardy.
Please join me in voting no on 26-108!
John E. Keith
Former President, ELDERS in Action
Volunteer, St. Vincent de Paul
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
Vote NO on Ballot Measure 26-108
In May 2005, Portland became one of the first cities in the nation to use taxpayer dollars to fund the campaigns of politicians. After five years and nearly $1.75 million in taxpayer dollars spent and numerous problems, including misuse (and even criminal abuse) of public funds, it's time for us to rethink how we're using the city's scarce resources.
The fact is, right now we don't have enough for essential community services like schools and firefighters. With Portland's unemployment rate among the highest in the nation, we should be focusing our scarce resources where they will really count: on job creation, supporting our firefighters and helping kids get an education. Instead, the city has spent an average of $440,000 taxpayer dollars per year on political campaigns. That's wrong.
What could the average $440,000 a year buy if the city weren't paying for political campaigns?
- Roughly eight teachers' salaries each year
- Eight of the 17 unfilled positions in the Portland Police Bureau
- Hundreds of hours of SUN school programs for Portland's neediest, most at-risk students
- Help reopen a recently shuttered fire rescue station at Mt. Tabor
- Assistance for the city's neighborhood small business programs to help them create jobs and provide economic vitality
- Hundreds of shelter beds for the unemployed homeless hit hard by the recession
- A significant boost in the city's economic development programs
All of these essential services, and many more, deserve funding before politicians. Instead, scarce money has gone to political campaigns, with little or no accountability for how it is spent. One candidate even paid her 16-year-old daughter more than $12,000 for "consulting work " with our tax dollars. Put simply: we can't afford to use taxpayer dollars to fund political campaigns in the City of Portland right now.
Please vote NO on Measure 26-108 this November.
Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns
(This information furnished by Laura Imeson, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN OPPOSITION
As a Portland Police Officer, I urge you to Vote NO on Measure 26-108
This year, hundreds of crimes will go unsolved in the city of Portland. Right now there are 17 unfilled positions within the Portland Police Bureau. In these tough economic times, we need to focus every penny on the most important community services, public safety, education and health care.
The $440,000 a year in taxpayer funds paying politicians to run for public office would go a long way in getting more police officers on the street. It's wrong to prioritize funding politicians' campaigns with taxpayer dollars above basic public safety.
Our community's safety needs to be a priority during tough times like these.
Every citizen of Portland deserves to feel safe. As a police officer, I am concerned about being able to respond when the community needs help. We recently had seven gang shootings in one evening! We can't afford frills when basic services are stretched to the breaking point. City resources should focus first and foremost on keeping citizens safe.
I believe city resources should be focused on critical needs, such as keeping Portland citizens safe and secure. It is wrong to spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns, especially right now when there isn't enough money for basic services.
Please vote no on Measure 26-108.
Daryl Turner
Portland Police Association
(This information furnished by Jon Coney, Portlanders Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaigns)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.