Nonspecific Blog

2026 Primary Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 10 May 2026 20:35:00 +0000



	FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY





	OREGON OFFICES









	LOCAL OFFICES


	MEASURES

The transportation tax, Measure 120, is relatively small, but is regressive. No Oregon Democratic political leaders are defending the tax they passed and there is no organized effort to support the tax -- besides the public employee unions. Also, I surprised to learn that this measure doesn't actually repeal all the transportation taxes the legisture passed -- just the select taxes the popular amoung anti-tax activists. Oregon Democrats need to sort out ODOT's problems before demanding more money.

The Oregon Historical society doesn't need Multnomah County funds nor does it seem fair that county property owners should be taxed to support a state museum.



	FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

2025 Special Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 18 May 2025 19:57:00 +0000


	LOCAL OFFICES







	LOCAL MEASURES

2024 General Election Endorsements

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 17:09:00 +0000


	FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICES








	REGIONAL OFFICES








	OREGON MEASURES







	CITY OF PORTLAND MEASURES







	CITY OF PORTLAND COUNCIL



The Oregonian fmr Governor 3 OR Supreme Ct Justices 14+ Judges current DA DA-elect Auxier seems to the be mainstream candidate. It's crazy that Oregon elects judges. It's not a position that should be campaigned on.	Portland Mercury	1 Judge


	Willamette Week Portland Mercury 1 fmr Multco Chair 9 unions	The Oregonian Current Commissioner Sharon Meieran 3 fmr Multco Commissioners Ptld police union 4 unions I'm very sad that incumbent Sharon Meieran is term-limited -- hence my opposition to term limits. I will follower her endorsement of Mozyrsky. I'm also troubled by Moyer's current employment with an extreme activist organization. Portland and Multnomah County tend to elect activists who are so beholden to their activist community that they are unwilling to make practical compromises to get stuff done.


	Elected 2020 EMSWCD Dir At-Large	Writer 3 EMSWCD Directors 1 fmr EMSWCD Directorbhr>


	(No voters pamphlet statement)	Environmental Consultant, Scientist Getting a statement in the voters pamphlet wins me over -- especially for such an obscure office.


	Philanthropy Program Officer 1 OR State Senator	Current Board Member 2 Board Members Troutdale Mayor 2 Troutdale City Councilors I had to rely solely on the candidate-submitted voters pamphlet statement for this race. Hopefully the endorsements and work history are truthful. I have no idea what the agency will do, but I don't see any reason to vote out a current board member.


	large hydropower utility employee? Having some type of background in a related industry won me over in this race.	retired school psychologist	(No voters pamphlet statement)


	City Finance Director Yep, getting a statement in the voters phamphet won me over.	(No voters pamphlet statement)


Amends Constitution: Authorizes impeachment of statewide elected officials by Oregon Legislature with two-thirds vote by each House; establishes process	Willamette Week Portland Mercury The Oregonian It's astonishing the Oregon legislature cannot currently impeachment elected officials. This seems like a reasonable amendment that matches the federal impeachment process.


Amends Constitution: Establishes "Independent Public Service Compensation Commission" to determine salaries for specified officials; eliminates legislative authority to set such salaries		Willamette Week Portland Mercury The Oregonian Appointing an unelected, unaccountable commission to set major budget decisions without any legislative or judicial oversight is crazy. Salaries for publical officials are a political decisions and there's no magical way to make a commission independent.


Gives voters option to rank candidates in order of preference; candidate receiving majority of votes in final round wins	Portland Mercury League of Women Voters of Oregon	Willamette Week The Oregonian Judging from the mess from the current Portland mayoral and city council ballot, I'm not a fan of rank choice voting. I can't say that I would feel represented if my second or fifth choice candidate is elected. I prefer open primaries with top-two run-off in the general. I also don't think it makes sense to pretend parties don't matter when electing people to governing bodies. Voters are essentially electing parties when voting for state legislatures or federal congress.


Increases highest corporate minimum taxes; distributes revenue to eligible individuals; state replaces reduced federal benefits		Willamette Week Portland Mercury The Oregonian Universal Basic Income may be needed in the future, but this scheme will deter investment in the Oregon and raise consumer costs.


Cannabis retailers/processors must remain neutral regarding communications to their employees from labor organizations; penalties	Willamette Week Portland Mercury I'm not sure how it's constutional to force an employer to not express an opinion to workers nor do I see why marijuana workers should have a special law for themselves, but I can't vote against an unionization effort.	The Oregonian


Shall Charter be amended to streamline Council approval of utility franchise agreements and remove outdated, burdensome and redundant requirements?	Willamette Week Portland Mercury The Oregonian League of Women Voters of Portland I have no idea what this law is really about, but no one seems to be against it.


Shall Charter be amended to add Independent Portland Elections Commission to oversee public financing of elections, other election-related programs?	The Oregonian Portland Mercury League of Women Voters of Portland Common Cause Oregon Honest Elections Oregon Portland Forward Building Power for Communities of Color East County Rising Next Up Action Fund	Willamette Week Taxpayers Association of Oregon The City of Portland tends to delegate difficult decisions to committees of unelected, unaccountable activist busybodies. We elect a mayor, councilors, and auditor to make the hard decisions.


Shall Charter be amended to update City authority regarding recreational and natural areas (defined), sewers and stormwaters?	The Oregonian Willamette Week Portland Mercury League of Women Voters of Portland I have no idea what this city law is really about, but no one significant seems to be oppose it.


Shall Charter be amended to delete vague, archaic language and use a consistent definition of “protected classes”?	The Oregonian Willamette Week Portland Mercury League of Women Voters of Portland I couldn't find any signficant opposition to this law.


Shall Charter be amended to allow City to mandate weatherization of structures built before 1979 without a citywide vote?	The Oregonian Portland Mercury League of Women Voters of Portland Coalition of Communities of Color I don't see why certain building codes need to be put to a citywide vote. If a weatherization standard is unpopular, then voters can take action. Landlords have no incentive to update old homes besides regulation.	Willamette Week Taxpayers Association of Oregon Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors Multifamily Northwest Building Owners and Managers Association of Oregon Hacienda CDC

		The Oregonian \| police union \| fire fighters union \| 6 unions Unfortunately Gonzalez has suffered from the tendency to project national political polarization on local politics. Gonzalez is NOT Trump. His positions are moderate and will likely be reigned-in by a progressive city council. Despite national statistics on reported crime, all Portlanders have experienced increased crime -- hence why 911 is continually overwhelmed. Portland is not the hellhole national conservatives like to portray us, but it's fair to admit crime is a problem. Like it or not, law enforcement is an essential part of steering people away from crime, drugs, and vandalism. Convincing prospective residents and business owners that Portland is committed to making our neighborhoods safer is the only way we will attract more investment and tax revenue to pay for the all the social services to help people get out of drug addiction, untreated mental illness, and homelessness. We cannot attract or keep people investing in Portland with reassurances that we will build a treatment center in 3-5 years to deal with the person in crisis who is doing drugs on your door step right now.
		1 union
		Willamette Week \| 3 Unions
		Portland Mercury 1 fmr Mayor \| 7 unions

		police union
		Portland Mercury \| 1 Commissioner \| 1 fmr Commissioner \| 11 unions
		The Oregonian \| 1 Commissioner \| 1 fmr Fire Chief \| 1 fmr Water Bureau Director \| 1 fmr Budget Director \| police union \| 2 unions
		former City Commissioner Willamette Week \| Portland Mercury \| The Oregonian \| 1 fmr Mayor \| 3 fmr City Commissioners \| police union \| 9 unions
		Portland Mercury \| 1 City Commissioner \| 1 fmr City Commissioner \| 7 unions
		The Oregonian \| 2 City Commissioners \| 2 fmr Mayors \| 7 unions
		12 unions
		1 City Commissioner \| police union \| 1 union
		Willamette Week
		Willamette Week

2024 Primary

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Fri, 10 May 2024 02:17:00 +0000

ENDORSEMENTS




						MANNING READ




LOCAL MEASURES

2024 Democratic Primary US Rep OR 3rd District

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Wed, 01 May 2024 04:32:00 +0000

Unfortunately Oregon does not have run-off elections or rank-choice voting, so my US Representative will likely be elected by a minority in a closed primary election. With apologies to Ricardo Barajas, Nolan Bylenga, Rachel Lydia Rand, I've narrowed my focus in the seven-person race to these four just based campaign website professionalism:


FUNDING ISRAEL'S WAR CRIMES
...achieve a long-term, negotiated ceasefire that ensures the release of all hostages, the enduring defeat of Hamas and facilitates security in the region.	...Labeling of War Criminals: Treating foreign leaders who commit war crimes as war criminals and labeling them as such... Conditioning Foreign Military Aid: Making sure that any and all foreign military dollars that supply weaponry or related goods are only sent/access to funding is only received with surety that war protocols are being followed and human rights are not being violated.	...The Netanyahu government’s response - bombing civilians in schools, refugee camps, and hospitals; denying food, water, medical care; bombing evacuation routes - this is not an acceptable response, and it has led to a horrific humanitarian catastrophe...	(No foreign policy found on website.)
I'm sure most Democratic politicians don't want to criticize President Biden, but his soft touch of Netanyahu and continued funding of Israel's war crimes are inexusible.
CLIMATE CHANGE
• Pass a Green New Deal... • Transition to 100% clean electricity nationwide to decarbonize our economy... • Ban new development of fossil fuel infrastructure both on public lands and offshore...	• ...We must aggressively invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power... • Green Jobs: ...create a thriving green economy in Oregon by supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and innovation...	• Green New Deal • ...carbon pricing; resisting the development of new fossil fuel infrastructure; and holding Big Oil accountable for the impacts of climate change... • ...preventing deforestation and stopping methane leaks...	• Green New Deal • expand renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, and support research and development of clean energy technologies...
Green New Deal is nice, but I'm looking for Dem willing to push drastic changes like nuclear power, mandatory solar on all new construction, ban new gasoline vehicles by 2050, etc.
HOMELESSNESS
• Safe housing should be a fundamental right • ...Support renters with rental assistance...	• Advocate for housing as a fundamental human right, ensuring access to safe, affordable housing for all. • Champion a "Housing First"...	• ...Housing is a fundamental human right... • ...Investments in shelter, transitional and recovery housing, and supportive services...	• housing-first approach... • wraparound support
Housing First is a nice ideal, but unworkable. People living in crisis on the street -- especially dealing with mental health and drug issues -- can't just abruptly go into rental homes, pay rent and bills. Transitional housing programs are mandatory.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Invest in new, affordable housing...	...prioritize the construction of affordable and supportive housing units...	...affordable housing preservation programs... • Reforming low income housing tax credit programs... • Expanding voucher programs...	• ...rental assistance programs, eviction prevention measures, and access to supportive services... • Increased funding for housing assistance and investments in affordable housing...
Unfortunately none of the candidates offer any tangible way to create affordable housing (e.g. encourage landlords to offer low rent). The Housing Choice Voucher program was intended to let renters access market rate rentals, but it instead has become an ineffective program outsourced to housing authorities that can't attract real estate professionals. The federal voucher program needs to be completely reformed. • Encourage more shared housing which is what most non-voucher holders have to do if they can't find apartments. • Stop treating landlords like government contractors. Most entrepeneurs have no interest in participating in government program -- especially if it can't offer anything more than market rate. • The burden of housing inspection and compliance should be on the voucher recipients (e.g. renters). • The government should build housing. There is currently a great opportunity to convert vacant office and commercial spaces into shelters and low income housing. Block housing didn't work because it was poorly managed, but lessons can be learned.
DRUG USE
• expand the number of detox beds and drug treatment programs... • ...increase access to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT)... • ...comprehensive criminal justice reform, prioritizing effective treatment over punishment... • Invest in mental and behavioral health resources in schools, communities, and our justice system...	• Advocating for a holistic approach to addiction, including prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, while promoting evidence-based strategies... • ...medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options... • ...harm reduction measures like supervised injection sites and naloxone distribution... • ...reducing the criminalization of drug use...	(Not found on website)	(Not found on website)
I guess I don't blame these Democratic candidates from evading the Oregon Measure 110 disaster, but I would hope they would have more courage to address the fiasco we have all had to deal with. Oregonians obviously support treatment, but we wanted a more effective way to compel users into treatment -- not just handing out tickets to people openly smoking meth on the streets. Unfortunately I think many Dems are under the illusion that people will make sensible decisions if given the opportunity.
UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE
•...every American has access to high-quality, affordable health care with the ultimate goal of a single-payer model...	(Not found on website)	• Medicare for All	• Medicare for All
NATIONAL VOTE-BY-MAIL
• John Lewis Voting Rights Act • For the People Act • Expand national vote-by-mail. • End the electoral college. • Expand statehood to Washington D.C.	• John Lewis Voting Rights Act • ...Opposing discriminatory voter ID laws... • ...early voting, mail-in balloting, and accessible polling locations... • ...Gerrymandering Rules/Reform...	• John Lewis Voting Rights act • ...sensible campaign finance reform, including caps on all political contributions...	• ...automatic voter registration at the age of 18... • ...same-day voter registration... • ...early voting periods... • ...access to mail-in ballots... • ...language access services... • ...restore the Voting Rights Act... • ...combat voter suppression efforts. ...like restrictive voter ID laws, purging voter rolls, and limiting polling places...
The John Lewis Voting Rights Act is the bare minimum. A national vote-by-mail system, voter ID ban, expand The House and Electoral College to The Wyoming Rule; statehood for DC, Northern California, and Puerto Rico; uniform gerrymandering; etc.
IMMIGRATION REFORM
(Not found on website)	• ...pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have contributed to our communities... • ...Reuniting families separated by immigration policies... • ...protect vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence and persecution • ...stand firmly with DACA recipients and Dreamers... • ...ending the detention and deportation of non-violent offenders... • ...stronger labor protections and workers' rights...	• ...ending the practice of separating families... • ...ensuring Dreamers can seek citizenship without penalty... • ...expanding the pathways to legal immigration... • ...It makes no sense that we prohibit asylum seekers and other immigrants from working while at the same time we’re experiencing a workforce shortage... • ...create and fund efficient, fair, and humane border processes...	• ...Reinstate and expand DACA... • ...compassionate and fair policy for those seeking asylum... • ...auditing and reimagining agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.... • ...Provide refuge to those fleeing persecution, violence, and the ravages of climate change...
Pathway to citizenship and improving asylum courts are great ideas, but Dems need to be realistic. Illegal immigration is a burden on local governments especially for border states. The federal government does need to set an asylum seeker cap and set a per person budget. I know that sounds harsh, but Dems can't pretend it's not a problem and need to develop solutions with real costs -- not just we can welcome everyone.
SIGNIFICANT ENDORSEMENTS
• MultCo Commish Sharon Meieran • The Oregonian • Fmr Gov Kitzhaber • Fmr Gov Kulongoski • Fmr MultCo Lisa Naito	• Pride Northwest Exec Dir Debra Porta • Community Warehouse Exec Dir Anna kurnizki • Portland Gay Men’s Chorus Exec Dir Mark McCrary	• US Sen Bernie Sanders • US Rep Ilhan Omar • Fmr State Sen Avel Gordly • Ptld Commish Carmen Rubio(?) • Fmr Ptld Commish Steve Novick	• Stacey Abrams • Human Rights Campaign PAC • State Rep Rob Nosse • Ptld Commish Carmen Rubio(?)

2022 General Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 15:54:00 +0000

ENDORSEMENTS









OREGON MEASURES





MULTNOMAH COUNTY MEASURES








LOCAL MEASURES

2022 Primary

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sat, 14 May 2022 16:44:00 +0000

CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

2018 Midterm Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 15:59:00 +0000

CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS






							LEARN McGUIRK
							HARDESTY SMITH

MEASURE ENDORSEMENTS

NOTABLE ENDORSEMENTS

Judge of the Circuit Court, 4th District, Position 30

Jo Ann Hardesty

(INCUMBENT)
Gov. Brown
Fmr Gov. Kulongoski
OR AG Rosenblum
7 OR Supreme Court Justices
3 OR Court of Appeals Justices
36 OR MultCo Circuit Court Justices
OR State Rep. Nosse
MultCo DA Underhill
MultCo Sheriff Reese
MultCo Chair Kafoury
4 MultCo Commissioners

Multnomah County, Auditor

Portland Auditor/Fmr MultCo Auditor Blackmer
Fmr MultCo Chair Stein

Fmr MultCo Comm Cruz

102 Amends Constitution: Allows local bonds for financing affordable housing with nongovernmental entities. Requires voter approval, annual audits.

Yes for Affordable Housing

League of Women Voters
Portland Business Alliance
Northwest Pilot Project
Habitat For Humanity
Outside In
Oregon 'Family' Council
Oregon Food Bank
Meals on Wheels People
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Native American Youth and Family Center
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Sierra Club
US Sen Merkley
OR Gov Brown

NO

(No opposition found.) (Only one argument in opposition in the state voters' guide.)

103 Amends Constitution: Prohibits taxes/fees based on transactions for "groceries" (defined) enacted or amended after September 2017

Yes Keep Our Grocerties Tax Free, Inc.

Fred Meyer
Safeway
Albertsons
QFC
Zupan’s
Costco
7-Eleven
Oregon 'Family' Council

Defend Oregon

League of Women Voters
Basic Rights Oregon
Bus Project
Community Alliance of Tenants
Democratic Party of Oregon
Elders in Action
NAACP Portland
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon
National Organization for Women – Oregon
NW Abortion Access Fund
OSPIRG
Urban League of Portland
Working Families Party
Nike Inc.

104 Amends Constitution: Expands (beyond taxes) application of requirement that three-fifths legislative majority approve bills raising revenue.

A Tax is a Tax Committee

Oregon Association of REALTORS®
Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association
Oregon 'Family' Council

Defend Oregon

Basic Rights Oregon
Bus Project
Community Alliance of Tenants
Democratic Party of Oregon
Elders in Action
League of Women Voters – Oregon
NAACP Portland
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon
National Organization for Women – Oregon
NW Abortion Access Fund
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon
Sierra Club
Urban League of Portland
Nike Inc.

105 Repeals law limiting use of state/local law enforcement resources to enforce federal immigration laws.

Oregonians for Immigration Reform

18 Oregon sheriffs
1 State Senator (R)
2 State Rep (R)
Oregon 'Family' Council

Oregonians United Against Profiling

Gov Brown
MultCo DA Underhill
MultCo Sheriff Reese
WashCo DA Barton
WashCo Sheriff Garrett
American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon
Basic Rights Oregon
Bus Project
City Club of Portland
Democratic Party of Oregon
Independent Party of Oregon
NAACP Portland
Nasty Women Get Shit Done
NOW Oregon
Oregon Food Bank
Oregon Working Families Party
Pacific Green Party
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon
Portland Business Association
Sierra Club
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Columbia Sportswear Company
Neil Kelly
New Seasons Market
Nike
Portland Business Alliance
Portland General Electric

106 Amends Constitution: Prohibits spending "public funds" (defined) directly/indirectly for "abortion" (defined); exceptions; reduces abortion access.

Oregon Life United PAC

The Oregon Catholic Conference
Randy Alcorn
Oregon 'Family' Council

No Cuts to Care

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Basic Rights Oregon
Catholics for Choice
Democratic Party of Oregon
ACLU of Oregon
NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon
Nasty Women Get Sh*t Done
National Abortion Federation
Oregon Medical Association
Oregon National Organization of Women
Oregon Nurses Association
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon
The Bus Project
Urban League of Portland

CITY OF PORTLAND 26-200 Amends Charter: Limits candidate contributions, expenditures; campaign communications identify funders.

Honest Elections Oregon and Honest Elections Portland

League of Women Voters of Portland
Democratic Party of Multnomah County
Oregon Progressive Party
Independent Party of Oregon
Pacific Green Party
Bernie PDX
NAACP
Portland Commissioner Eudaly
Jo Ann Hardesty

NO

(No organized campaign opposing this measure was found.)
Taxpayers Association of Oregon

CITY OF PORTLAND 26-201 Imposes surcharge on certain retailers; funds clean energy, job training.

Yes for Portland Clean Energy Initiative

City Club of Portland
League of Women Voters of Portland
Friends of Trees
Greenpeace USA
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
US Sen Merkley
Portland Commissioner Eudaly
Jo Ann Hardesty
Basic Rights Oregon
The Bus Project
Democratic Socialists of America
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Multnomah County Democratic Party
Oregon Citizens' Utility Board
Oregon Food Bank
Community Alliance of Tenants
Portland Tenants United

Keep Portland Affordable PAC

Taxpayers Association of Oregon

Keep Portland Affordable PAC contributors
The Papé Group/Ditch Witch
The Greenbrier Companies
Automobile Dealers Association of Portland
Lithia Motors Support Services
Columbia Sportswear Company
Kroger/Fred Meyer
Hoffman Corporation
Amazon.com
US Bank
The Standard
Comcast
Walmart
Cambia Health Solutions
Chown Hardware

METRO 26-199 Bonds to fund affordable housing in Washington, Clackamas, Multnomah counties.

Yes For Affordable Housing

League of Women Voters
Portland Business Alliance
Northwest Pilot Project
Habitat For Humanity
Outside In
Oregon 'Family' Council
Oregon Food Bank
Meals on Wheels People
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Native American Youth and Family Center
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Sierra Club
US Sen Merkley
OR Gov Brown

Affordable Housing for Who PAC

Cascade Policy Institute
Taxpayers Association of Oregon
Hillsboro Chamber
Beaverton Chamber
Washington County Business Council
Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC

2016 General Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 03:46:00 +0000

ENDORSEMENTS

WWEEK

MERCURY

TRIBUNE

THE ORE

SKANNER

B.R.O.

LWV

US PREZ

CLINTON

US SEN

WYDEN

US REP

BLUME-

OR GOV

BROWN

PIERCE

BROWN

OR SOS

AVAKIAN

OR TREAS

READ

TELFER

READ

OR AG

ROSEN-

OR SEN21

TAYLOR

OR REP42

NOSSE

MULT COMM1

ZIMMER-

PTLD COMM1

NOVICK

EUDALY

NOVICK

EUDALY

EUD-

NOV-

OR94:JUDGES

YES

OR95:UNIV

YES

OR96:VETS

YES

OR97:CORP

YES

OR98:HS

YES

OR99:OUTDOOR

YES

OR100:IVORY

YES

MC-181:TERMS

YES

MC-182:CHAIR

YES

MC-183:SHERIFF

YES

MC-184:CAMPAIGN

YES

MC-185:CHARTER

YES

P-179:HOUSING

YES

P-180:POT

YES

M-178:LEVY

YES

MY BALLOT

US President
[_] Donald J. Trump / Mike Pence
[_] REPUBLICAN
[X] Hillary Clinton / Tim Kaine
[X] DEMOCRAT
[_] Jill Stein / Ajamu Baraka
[_] PACIFIC GREEN/PROGRESSIVE
[_] Gary Johnson / Bill Weld
[_] LIBERTARIAN

US Senator
[_] Steven C Reynolds INDEPENDENT
[X] Ron Wyden DEMOCRAT
[_] Mark Callahan REPUBLICAN
[_] Eric Navickas PACIFIC GREEN/PROGRESSIVE
[_] Jim Lindsay LIBERTARIAN
[_] Shanti S Lewallen WORKING FAMILIES

US Representative, District 3
[_] David Delk PROGRESSIVE
[_] David W Walker INDEPENDENT/REPUBLICAN
[X] Earl Blumenauer DEMOCRAT

OR Governor
[_] James Foster LIBERTARIAN
[X] Kate Brown DEMOCRAT/WORKING FAMILIES
[_] Cliff Thomason INDEPENDENT
[_] Aaron Donald Auer CONSTITUTION
[_] Bud Pierce REPUBLICAN

OR Secretary of State
[_] Sharon L Durbin LIBERTARIAN
[_] Dennis Richardson REPUBLICAN
[_] Paul Damian Wells INDEPENDENT
[X] Brad Avakian DEM./WORK. FAM./PROG.
[_] Alan Zundel PACIFIC GREEN
[_] Michael Marsh CONSTITUTION

OR State Treasurer
[_] Chris Henry PROGRESSIVE/PACIFIC GREEN
[X] Tobias Read DEM./IND./WORK. FAM.
[_] Jeff Gudman REPUBLICAN
[_] Chris Telfer INDEPENDENT

OR Attorney General
[_] Lars D H Hedbor LIBERTARIAN
[X] Ellen Rosenblum DEM./IND./WORK. FAM.
[_] Daniel Zene Crowe REPUBLICAN

OR State Senator, 21st District
[_] Josh Howard LIBERTARIAN
[X] Kathleen Taylor DEM./WORK. FAM./IND.
[_] James Ofsink PROGRESSIVE/PACIFIC GREEN

OR State Representative, 42nd District
[_] Jeremy Wilson LIBERTARIAN
[X] Rob Nosse DEMOCRAT/WORKING FAMILIES
[_] James E. Stubbs INDEPENDENT

MultCo Commissioner Dist #1
[X] Eric Zimmerman
[_] Sharon Meieran
~~I'm still pondering this race.~~ Although I voted for Meieran in the primary, I'm switching to Zimmerman. Meieran has an impressive resume, but her campaign website only lists her endorsements and refuses to specify her position on the issues.
Zimmerman cleverly got attention when he called on the county to open the vacant Wapato jail property for the homeless. It's a controversial proposal, but it's at least a realistic and tangible plan.

MultCo Sheriff
[X] Mike Reese
Although I'm not aware of any current issues regarding the incumbent, it's still unbelievable that voters have no alternatives for a public office with such a long history of scandal. I'm voting for 26-183 to make the position an appointment. The county commissioners should be accountable for selecting the best professional for the job.

Portland Commissioner, Pos 4
[_] Chloe Eudaly
[X] Steve Novick
~~I'm still pondering this race.~~ I'm reluctantly voting for Novick. I've supported him since he first proposed unseating Oregon Republican senator, but haven't been happy with his attempt to bypass voters with a street "fee".
I considered Eudaly, but am concerned about the positions she supports on her website such as opposing efforts to 'warehouse' the homeless and supporting publicly-funded campaigns which Portland voters previously repealed due to fraud.

OR 94: Eliminates mandatory 75-year-old retirement age for state judges. AMENDS CONSTITUTION.
[X]Yes	DEM PARTY, CITY CLUB OF PTLD
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

OR 95: Allows public universities to invest in equities to reduce financial risk and increase investments to benefit students. AMENDS CONSTITUTION.
[X] Yes	DEM PARTY
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

OR 96: Dedicates 1.5% of state lottery net proceeds to fund employment assistance, education, housing, and physical/mental health care for veterans. AMENDS CONSTITUTION.
[X] Yes	CITY CLUB OF PTLD?, DEM PARTY
[_] No	CITY CLUB OF PTLD?

OR 97: Increases corporate minimum tax when sales exceed $25 million to funds education, healthcare, senior services.
[X] Yes	DEM PARTY\|GREEN PARTY, LWV\|GOV BROWN\|US SEN SANDERS (VT)\|LABOR COMM AVAKIAN\|MESD CHAIR MARC BEAUDOIN\|FMR GOV KULONGOSKI\|FMR GOV ROBERTS\|VOODOO DOUGHNUTS\|MUSIC MILLENNIUM
[_] No	INTEL\|COMCAST\|CENTURYLINK\|AMAZON.COM\|POWELL'S BOOKSTORE\|THE STANDARD\|~~MESD CHAIR MARC BEAUDOIN~~(REVERSED)\|DENNIS RICHARDSON
It seems arbitrary to target businesses who happen to sell more than $25 million in Oregon. The state's funding problems have more to do with property tax limits and the state employees' pension fund than with business taxes. I'm also concerned about whether this will dissuade business investment; however, this is essentially a sales tax that businesses will pass on to consumers.
OR 98: Requires state funding for high school dropout-prevention, career and college readiness programs.
[X] Yes	DEM PARTY\|CITY CLUB OF PTLD?\|FMR GOV KULONGOSKI
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

OR 99: Creates "Outdoor School Education Fund" through lottery.
[X] Yes	DEM PARTY\|AUDUBON SOCIETY\|NATURE CONSERVANCY\|FRIENDS OF TREES\|NEXT ADVENTURE\|NIKE\|NEW SEASONS MARKET\|REI\|RERACK
[_] No	SEN BETSY JOHNSON

OR 100: Prohibits purchase or sale of parts or products from certain wildlife species.
[X] Yes	OR HUMANE SOCIETY\|HUMANE SOCIETY (US)\|AUDUBON SOCIETY (PTLD)\|OR ZOO FOUNDATION\|OR COAST AQUARIUM\|AUDUBON SOCIETY (PTLD)\|GOV KATE BROWN\|DEM PARTY\|US REP EARL BLUMENAUER\|METRO PREZ TOM HUGHES\|FMR OR SEN BRUCE STARR\|PAUL G. ALLEN
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

MULTCO 26-181: Extends term limits to three consecutive four-year terms in any one office in 16 years. AMENDS CHARTER
[X] Yes	(NO SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS FILED.)
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)
My only regret is that this doesn't go far enough in repealing term limits completely. Term limits only promote short-term goals and prevent experienced leaders from following-through. Little noticed offices like county commissioner need experienced leaders.
MULTCO 26-182: Allow commissioners to run for Chair mid-term without resigning their current elected office. AMENDS CHARTER.
[X] Yes	MULTCO DEMS
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)
Experienced commissioners shouldn't be penalized for running for chair.
MULTCO 26-183: Changes elected sheriff to appointed department head. AMENDS CHARTER.
[X] Yes	MULTCO DEMS
[_] No	SHERIFF MIKE REESE\|DA ROD HILL\|FMR SHERIFF BOB SKIPPER\|FMR SHERIFF FRED PEARCE
In an era of police oversight, it's counter-intuitive to take the sheriff position out of voters' hands; however, voters rarely have an opportunity to change the sheriff. Even in this election, an appointed sheriff is running unopposed. Having an elected sheriff doesn't make sense for Multnomah County where running the huge jail system is secondary to policing. Multnomah sheriffs need administrative skills more than patrol experience. The numerous scandals have been due sheriffs who feel they are exempt from county board oversight. The board needs the authority to hire the most qualified professional to run the sheriff's office.
MULTCO 26-184: Limits contributions, expenditures, requires disclosure in Multnomah County candidate elections.
[X] Yes	MULTCO DEMS\|GREEN PARTY\|OR LABOR COMM. BRAD AVAKIAN
[_] No	(NO REAL OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

MULTCO 26-185: Amends charter review committee appointment process, sets appointment, convening timelines.
[X] Yes	(NO SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS FILED.)
[_] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

PORTLAND 26-179: Bonds to fund affordable housing for low income families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities.
[X] Yes	CENTRAL CITY CONCERN\|HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PORTLAND/METRO EAST\|NORTHWEST PILOT PROJECT\|LWV\|CITY CLUB OF PTLD\|PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE\|CITY CLUB OF PTLD\|MULTCO DEMS\|MAYOR-ELECT TED WHEELER\|MAYOR CHARLIE HALES\|CITY COMM NICK FISH\|CITY COMM AMANDA FRITZ\|CITY COMM STEVE NOVICK\|CITY COMM DAN SALTZMAN\|PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
[_] No

PORTLAND 26-180: Establish 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales for drug, alcohol treatment; public safety; support neighborhood small businesses.
[_] Yes	MULTCO DEMS\|COMM AMANDA FRITZ
[X] No	(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

METRO 26-178: Renews 5-year operating levy, 9.6¢ per $1,000 assessed value, beginning 2018; protects natural areas, water quality, fish.
[X] Yes	MULTCO DEMS
[_] No

2016 Primary Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Fri, 13 May 2016 02:21:00 +0000

ENDORSEMENTS

OFFICE	ME	WILLAMETTE WEEK	PORTLAND MERCURY	PORTLAND TRIBUNE	THE OREGONIAN	THE SKANNER	BASIC RIGHTS OREGON PAC
US PRESIDENT (DEM)	SANDERS	SANDERS	SANDERS			CLINTON
US SENATOR OR (DEM)	WYDEN	WYDEN			WYDEN	WYDEN
US REP OR-3RD (DEM)	BLUMENAUER					BLUMENAUER
OR GOVERNOR (DEM)	BROWN	BROWN			BROWN	BROWN	BROWN
OR SEC OF STATE (DEM)	AVAKIAN	HOYLE		DEVLIN	DEVLIN	AVAKIAN	AVAKIAN (ENDORS) DEVLIN (GL.) HOYLE (GL.)
OR STATE SEN 21ST (DEM)	TAYLOR	TAYLOR			TAYLOR	TAYLOR
MULTCO COMM DIST 1	MEIERAN	MEIERAN	MEIERAN		ZIMMERMAN	CHILDS	MEIERAN/ RADER/ WILSON/ ZIMMERMAN
PORTLAND MAYOR	WHEELER	WHEELER	IANNARONE	WHEELER	WHEELER	WHEELER	BAILEY / WHEELER
PORTLAND COMM POS 1	FRITZ	FRITZ	FRITZ	FRITZ	FRITZ	FRITZ	FRITZ
PORTLAND COMM POS 4	NOVICK	NOVICK	EUDALY	NOVICK	EMMONS	STEWART	NOVICK
MULTCO 26-174 HISTORY	YES	YES		YES	NO	YES
PTLD 26-173 STREET	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO

BALLOT

OFFICE	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENT
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
US PRESIDENT	☐ Hillary Clinton	THE SKANNER
US PRESIDENT	☐ Bernie Sanders	WILLAMETTE WEEK PORTLAND MERCURY
US SENATOR	☐ Ron Wyden	Incumbent WILLAMETTE WEEK THE SKANNER
	☐ Paul B Weaver	Retired locomotive engineer. Voters’ Pamphlet statement was not found.
	☐ Kevin H Stine	Medford City Council
US REPRESENTATIVE OR 3RD DISTRICT	☐ Earl Blumenauer	Incumbent THE SKANNER
OR GOVERNOR	☐ Kate Brown	Incumbent WILLAMETTE WEEK THE SKANNER
	☐ Julian Bell	Intensive care physician
	☐ Chet Chance	Voters’ Pamphlet statement was not found. Website expired notice when visited six days before the election.
	☐ Kevin M Forsythe	Voters’ Pamphlet statement was not found. A Facebook page was blank.
	☐ Dave Stauffer	Inventor “Working to secure water resources for Eastern and Southern Oregon. “
	☐ Steve Johnson	Home care worker. Voters’ Pamphlet statement was not found.
OR SECRETARY OF STATE	☐ Richard Devlin	State Senator; Legal Investigator OR SENATE MAJORITY LEADER GINNY BURDICK FMR OR STATE TREASURER RANDALL EDWARDS FMR US REPRESENTATIVE DARLENE HOOLEY PLANNED PARENTHOOD PAC OREGON NURSES ASSOCIATION OREGON BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL
	☐ Brad Avakian	Oregon Labor and Industries Commissioner FMR OR SECRETARY OF STATE BILL BRADBURY FMR. US REPRESENTATIVE ELIZABETH FURSE THE SKANNER OREGON LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS OREGON CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB NARAL PRO-CHOICE OREGON PAC WORKING FAMILIES PARTY OREGON SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION BASIC RIGHTS OREGON EQUALITY PAC OREGON PROGRESSIVE PARTY
	☐ Val Hoyle	OR State Rep OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TINA KOTEK WILLAMETTE WEEK REGISTER GUARD EUGENE WEEKLY
OR STATE TREASURER	☐ Tobias Read	THE SKANNER
OR ATTORNEY GENERAL	☐ Ellen Rosenblum	THE SKANNER
OR STATE SENATOR 21ST DISTRICT	☐ John Sweeney	No campaign website was found. A perennial candidate who filed for State Rep (2014), EMS&W (2012), US Rep (2010)
OR STATE SENATOR 21ST DISTRICT	☐ Kathleen Taylor	OR State Rep Dist 41; Auditor - Oregon, Multnomah County, City of Portland; Boly/Welch Account Executive OR DIST 21 STATE SEN DIANE ROSENBAUM OR DIST 41 STATE REP ROB NOSSE FMR GOV BARBARA ROBERTS WILLAMETTE WEEK THE SKANNER NARAL PRO-CHOICE OREGON PAC OREGON LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS OREGON EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OREGON BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL PORTLAND ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OREGON STATE FIRE FIGHTERS COUNCIL OREGON NURSES ASSOCIATION SEIU LOCAL 503
OR STATE REPRESENTATIVE 42ND DISTRICT	☐ Rob Nosse	Incumbent.
NONPARTISAN STATE JUDICIARY OFFICES
OFFICE	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENT
OR JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT POSITION 5	☐ Jack L Landau INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, POSITION 2	☐ Rebecca Duncan INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, POSITION 3	☐ Darleen Ortega INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, POSITION 7	☐ Meagan A Flynn INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 9	☐ David F Rees INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 15	☐ Bronson D James INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 17	☐ Kelly Skye INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 20	☐ Eric J Bloch INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 22	☐ Angel Lopez INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 25	☐ Kathleen M Dailey INCUMBENT
OR JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, 4TH DISTRICT, POSITION 26	☐ Karin J Immergut INCUMBENT
NONPARTISAN STATE OFFICES
OR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, MULTNOMAH COUNTY	☐ Rod Underhill
COUNTY OFFICES
MULTCO COMMISSIONER DIST #1	☐ Eric Zimmerman	Multnomah County Dist 4 Commissioner Diane McKeel’s Chief of Staff MULTNOMAH COUNTY COMMISSIONER DIANE MCKEEL MULTNOMAH COUNTY COMMISSIONER LORETTA SMITH MULTNOMAH COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION MULTNOMAH COUNTY CORRECTIONS DEPUTY ASSOCIATION MULTNOMAH COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION BASIC RIGHTS OREGON EQUALITY PAC PORTLAND TRIBUNE BYRON BECK
	☐ Mel Rader	Upstream Public Health Executive Director BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, EQUALITY PAC (GREEN LIGHT)
	☐ Brian Wilson	Financial consultant; family business. AFSCME LOCAL 88 - EMPLOYEES UNION OF MULTNOMAH COUNTY PORTLAND COMMISSIONER NICK FISH FMR PORTLAND MAYOR SAM ADAMS PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE HARSCH INVESTMENT PROPERTIES HOMER WILLIAMS BASIC RIGHTS OREGON EQUALITY PAC BYRON BECK
	☐ Marisha Childs	Attorney THE SKANNER
	☐ Ken Stokes	Retired “Green” economist. (No campaign website found).
	☐ Wes Soderback	“Systems Integrator/VAR” Perennial candidate; previously filed for MultCo Chair (2014, 2010), MultCo Dist 1 Commissioner (2012, 2008),
	☐ Sharon Meieran	Emergency Room Physician MULTNOMAH COUNTY CHAIR DEBORAH KAFOURY MULTNOMAH COUNTY DIST 3 COMMISSIONER JUDY SHIPRACK WILLAMETTE WEEK PORTLAND MERCURY NARAL PRO-CHOICE OREGON PAC BASIC RIGHTS OREGON EQUALITY PAC APPROVED
CITY OF PORTLAND OFFICES
CITY OF PORTLAND MAYOR	☐ Bruce Broussard	A business owner; Oregon Republican Lincoln Engagement Chair
	☐ Patty Burkett	A psychic medium. No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. One of seven candidates for Multnomah County Chair in 2014.
	☐ Jules Bailey	Multnomah County Commissioner; former OR State Representative. PORTLAND POLICE ASSOCIATION PORTLAND FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION LOCAL 43 BASIC RIGHTS OREGON-- GREEN LIGHT FMR OR GOV BARBARA ROBERTS MULTCO CHAIR DEBORAH KAFOURY MULTCO COMMISSIONER LORETTA SMITH
	☐ Ted Wheeler	OR State Treasurer; former Multnomah County Chair FMR MAYOR VERA KATZ FMR MAYOR TOM POTTER FMR MAYOR SAM ADAMS CITY COMMISSIONER NICK FISH MULTNOMAH COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROD UNDERHILL FMR PORTLAND AUDITOR LAVONNE GRIFFIN-VALADE FMR MULTCO COMMISSIONER SERENA CRUZ WALSH FMR MULTCO COMMISSIONER MARIA ROJO DE STEFFEY FMR MULTCO COMMISSIONER BARBARA WILLER FMR MULTCO COMMISSIONER LONNIE ROBERTS WILLAMETTE WEEK THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE THE SKANNER THE OREGONIAN PORTLAND FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION LOCAL 43 PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE PORTLAND METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS BASIC RIGHTS OREGON (GREEN LIGHT CANDIDATE) JUAN MARTINEZ JORDAN SCHNITZER, HARSCH INVESTMENT PROPERTIES JUNKI YOSHIDA, THE YOSHIDA GROUP KATE SOKOLOFF, LIVE WIRE RADIO
	☐ Eric Alexander Calhoun	No statement found in voters’ pamphlet.
	☐ Bim Ditson	A “musician, craftsman, small businessman”. No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. Website had error.
	☐ Sean Davis	A community college adjunct English professor; Post Commander of American Legion Post 134.
	☐ David Schor	An OR DOJ Assistant Attorney General. OREGON PROGRESSIVE PARTY
	☐ Jessie Sponberg	An activist and wedding officiant(?). No statement found in voters’ pamphlet.
	☐ Sarah Iannarone	Assistant Program Director PSU First Stop; cafe owner.
	☐ David (The Ack) Ackerman	No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. No campaign website found. Filed for mayor in 2012 and 2008.
	☐ Lew Humble	No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. No campaign website found. Filed for mayor in 2012 and 2008.
	☐ Deborah Harris	No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. No campaign website found.
	☐ Trevor Manning	No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. No campaign website found.
	☐ Steven J Entwisle Sr	No statement found in voters’ pamphlet. No campaign website found. Filed for mayor in 2008(?).

CITY OF PORTLAND COMMISSIONER, POS 1	☐ Lanita Duke	A KBOO “musicologist” and political commentator
	☐ Amanda Fritz	The incumbent; registered nurse. MAYOR CHARLIE HALES MAYOR CANDIDATE / OR TREASURER TED WHEELER COMMISSIONER NICK FISH WILLAMETTE WEEK THE OREGONIAN PORTLAND MERCURY PORTLAND TRIBUNE THE SKANNER FMR MAYOR TOM POTTER FMR COMMISSIONER MIKE LINDBERG BASIC RIGHTS OREGON EQUALITY PAC GREEN LIGHT
	☐ Ann Sanderson	A hair studio and photography business owner
	☐ Tabitha Ivan	A 2015 Rose Festival princess
	☐ Sara Long	(NOT FOUND IN VOTERS PAMPHLET)
	☐ David Morrison	An anti-wireless activist

CITY OF PORTLAND COMMISSIONER, POS 4	☐ Michael W Durrow	A photographer, software engineer, Realtor. Currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Multnomah Educational Service, Position 5, Zone 1.
	☐ Leah Marie Dumas	(NOT FOUND IN VOTERS PAMPHLET)
	☐ Steve Novick	Incumbent; attorney WILLAMETTE WEEK BASIC RIGHTS OREGON PAC PORTLAND FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION US SEN JEFF MERKLEY MULTCO COMMISSIONER LORETTA SMITH MULTCO COMMISSIONER / MAYORAL CANDIDATE JULES BAILEY OR HOUSE SPEAKER TINA KOTEK OR REP ROB NOSSE GREG KAFOURY
	☐ Suzanne Stahl	A health activist
	☐ Fred Stewart	A real estate broker THE SKANNER BYRON BECK
	☐ Joseph Puckett	A former PSU Philosophy student.
	☐ James Bernard Lee	A retired physicist. One of 14 candidates for mayor in 2008.
	☐ Chloe Eudaly	A bookshop & gallery Owner PORTLAND MERCURY MESD BOARD MEMBER STEPHEN MARC BEAUDOIN -
	☐ Shannon Estabrook	(NOT FOUND IN VOTERS PAMPHLET)
	☐ Stuart Emmons	An architect, urban designer THE OREGONIAN FMR MAYOR TOM POTTER
METRO OFFICES
METRO COUNCILOR, 6TH DISTRICT	☐ Bob Stacey	INCUMBENT
COUNTY MEASURE
MULTCO 26-174: Five Year Levy: Oregon Historical Society Library, Museum, educational programs.	☐ YES	WILLAMETTE WEEK THE SKANNER FMR GOV. BARBARA ROBERTS THOMAS LAUDERDALE MARGARET CARTER
	☐ NO
CITY OF PORTLAND MEASURE
PTLD 26-173: Temporary Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax for Street Repair, Traffic Safety	☐ YES	WILLAMETTE WEEK PORTLAND MERCURY PORTLAND TRIBUNE PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE CITY CLUB OF PORTLAND MAYOR CHARLIE HALES COMMISSIONER NICK FISH COMMISSIONER AMANDA FRITZ COMMISSIONER STEVE NOVICK COMMISSIONER DAN SALTZMAN
	☐ NO	THE SKANNER

I thought I put this behind me...

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 16:05:00 +0000

(Hello, blog, long time since I've been here, but some things just don't work on Facebook.)

About a month ago, Basic Rights Oregon solicited testimonies from survivors of conversion therapy. BRO is hoping to make Oregon the third state to ban conversion therapy for minors with HB 2307.

I was a little hesitant about contacting BRO because I'm not comfortable speaking publicly (or privately really); however, I figured I've done enough gossiping online about the demise of the ex-gay industry and this was a worthwhile opportunity to actually have an impact and protect LGBT youth. So, I wrote a one-paragraph description of my ex-gay experience and sent it to BRO.

BRO quickly replied and helped me fine tune the testimony that I read to the legislative committee in Salem. I was more concerned about speaking publicly and keeping the testimony factual, concise, and specific to the bill that I didn't let myself ponder my feelings. After all, I left the ex-gay drama eighteen years ago. I am now out to my friends, family, and coworkers. I have left religious fundamentalism. I now have a loving partner who I will be celebrating our tenth anniversary with this year. And I even aired my complaints to Portland Fellowship's leader back in 2004 in a two-hour talk. I've obviously put all of this ex-gay stuff behind me.

As I spent Monday of last week with other ex-gay survivors, I recalled some of those old feelings that I assumed I had overcome. As I started to read my testimony, I heard my own voice amplified in the hearing room. I realized that the last time I nervously shared my personal story into a microphone to a room full of people was in 1995 when I confessed my 'struggle with sexuality' to a Campus Crusade For Christ revival meeting at Oregon State University. As I listened to my wavering voice, I realized that the story it told was sad.

All of the pain and self-doubt came flooding back. I remembered:
--the 19-year-old young guy with optimistic plans about his future and his religious commitment to fix this little problem;
--the nervous joy of meeting other Christians with "same-sex attractions" and knowing I wasn't alone;
--the many hours sitting in one-on-one counseling sessions throughout the Portland Fellowship house and the therapist's office in Milwaukie discovering that I was "sexually broken", "lacking masculinity", "developmentally stunted", etc.;
--the humiliation of sitting in small group sessions in Portland Fellowship's basement confessing whether I masturbated or lusted that week;
--the constant struggle to reconcile the numerous conflicting messages (e.g. 'the goal is holiness not heterosexuality, but you should remain open to (hetero) marriage'; etc.);
--the empty feeling I had after each Portland Fellowship meeting or therapist session that nothing had really changed;
--the embarrassment of failing my courses as I was too distracted to concentrate on non-sexuality/Christian issues; and
--the devastating realization when I 'graduated' from the ex-gay program and left the Portland Fellowship that I was basically a spiritual, academic, and psychological failure who was no longer in the Christian club and without a sense of direction.

How dramatic. I patted myself on the back for emotionally recovering enough to read my testimony and was encouraged by the many supporters and fellow survivors I met at the capitol. However, in the days that followed, I realize that I am still carrying these feelings and doubts. It was enormously helpful to meet and listen to a couple of other ex-gay survivors who know the experience on Friday and Monday. I'm starting to feel less distracted and nervous, but I'm still surprised that occasionally I feel like I'm on the verge of tears or too agitated to sleep or concentrate. Wow, I had no idea all this stuff was still lurking under the surface.

2014 General Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 19:00:00 +0000

RACE	ME	WILLAMETTE WEEK	THE OREGONIAN	PORTLAND MERCURY	PORTLAND TRIBUNE	BASIC RIGHTS OR	PLANNED PARENT.
US SEN	MERKLEY	MERKLEY	("UGH.")	MERKLEY			MERKLEY
US REP 3RD	BLUMENAUER	BLUMENAUER	BLUMENAUER
OR GOV	KITZHABER	KITZHABER	KITZHABER	KITZHABER	(NONE)	KITZHABER	KITZHABER
OR REP 42ND	NOSSE	NOSSE				NOSSE	NOSSE
OR 86 COLLEGE FUND	YES	YES	NO	YES	YES	YES
OR 87 NAT'L GUARD	YES	YES	YES
OR 88 DRIVER LICENSES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
OR 89 SEX EQUALITY	YES	YES	NO	YES			YES
OR 90 TOP TWO PRIMARY	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES		NO
OR 91 MARIJUANA	YES	YES	YES	YES
OR 92 GMO	NO	NO	NO	NO
PTLD 26-159 PARKS	YES	YES	YES	YES
METRO 26-160 DENSITY	NO	YES		YES	YES
PPS 26-161 LEVY	YES	YES	NO	YES

THE DETAILS:

ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
US SENATOR
[_]	Mike Montchalin LIBERTARIAN
[X]	Jeff Merkley [INCUMBENT] DEMOCRAT \| INDEPENDENT \| WORKING FAMILIES	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| PLANNED PARENTHOOD
[_]	Christina Jean Lugo PACIFIC GREEN
[_]	James E Leuenberger CONSTITUTION
[_]	Monica Wehby REPUBLICAN
Keeping the US Senate and judicial confirmations out of Republicans' control trumps all other considerations.
US REPRESENTATIVE, 3RD DISTRICT
[_]	Michael Meo PACIFIC GREEN
[_]	James Buchal INDEPENDENT \| REPUBLICAN \| CONSTITUTION	RIGHT TO LIFE
[X]	Earl Blumenauer [INCUMBENT] DEMOCRAT	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| THE OREGONIAN
[_]	Jeffrey J Langan LIBERTARIAN
[_]	David Walker
It's annoying that Democrats have pretty much given-up on taking back the House. Trying and losing is better than giving-up.
OREGON GOVERNOR
[_]	Dennis Richardson REPUBLICAN \| INDEPENDENT	RIGHT TO LIFE
[_]	Chris Henry PROGRESSIVE
[_]	Aaron Auer CONSTITUTION
[X]	John Kitzhaber [INCUMBENT] DEMOCRAT \| WORKING FAMILIES	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| THE OREGONIAN \| BASIC RIGHTS OREGON \| PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE \| NARAL PRO-CHOICE \| OREGON LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS \| SIERRA CLUB \| PLANNED PARENTHOOD \| FMR GOV TED KULONGOSKI \| US SEN RON WYDEN & JEFF MERKLEY
[_]	Paul Grad LIBERTARIAN
[_]	Jason Levin PACIFIC GREEN
While I respect Governor Kitzhaber for setting high goals for CoverOregon, he deserves criticism for its spectacular failure and mismanagement. I was also disappointed that he continued to support and waste funds on the Washington State SUV Bridge. His fiancee's recent confessions about past illegal interests are irrelevant -- she isn't running for office. However, that Kitzhaber bestowed the First Lady title on a long-time girlfriend and then allowed her to use the title for lobbying and business connections is troubling -- especially for an experienced statesmen. Unbelievably Kitzhaber remains a better choice than the GOP's guy. I admit that I kinda admire Republican State Rep. Dennis Richardson plucky campaign. He started his campaign early spamming an impressively large number of Oregonians' e-mail boxes -- although the e-mails seemed more like the rants from that fringe right-wing conspiracy theorists relative or friend we all have. He touted that he would live in the Portland-area for the summer to connect with urban voters -- but ended-up staying rent-free in a 3,000 sf house in the wealthy Lake Oswego enclave. While he understandably tries to campaigns on the Democratic governor's bad press, he hasn't explained why Oregonians should elect their first Republican to statewide office in 12 years.
OREGON STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 42ND DISTRICT
[X]	Rob Nosse DEMOCRAT \| WORKING FAMILIES	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| BASIC RIGHTS OREGON \| PLANNED PARENTHOOD
[_]	Bruce Alexander Knight LIBERTARIAN
OREGON STATE JUDICIARY: 4TH DIST CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, POSITION 12
[X]	Gregory F. Silver [INCUMBENT]
EAST MULTNOMAH SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: DIRECTOR AT LARGE 2
[X]	Nellie McAdams
EAST MULTNOMAH SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT: DIRECTOR ZONE 3
[X]	Michael Guebert

OREGON MEASURE 86 Amends Constitution: Requires creation of fund for Oregonians pursuing post-secondary education, authorizes state indebtedness to finance fund
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| BASIC RIGHTS OREGON \| LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS \| ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY \| THE SKANNER \| PORTLAND TRIBUNE \| WORKING FAMILIES \| PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE
[_]	No	THE OREGONIAN
Apparently this scheme involves borrowing money to invest in the stock market and using the profits to offer financial aid. Willamette Week still endorsed the measure even though they had concerns: "...some of the details of how his proposed funding mechanism would work worry us. "The state would be playing the stock market with borrowed funds, which some financial experts view as irresponsible investing. Oregon runs the risk of another stock-market crash and spending the next decade trimming budgets to pay it back..." The bigger risk though is the state continuing its trend of completely giving-up on college education. This modest plan is better than no plan.
OREGON MEASURE 87 Amends Constitution: Permits employment of state judges by National Guard (military service) and state public universities (teaching)
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| THE OREGONIAN \| THE SKANNER \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY
[_]	No
[_]	No	THE OREGONIAN
The only argument I could find opposing this measure was concerns about having judges work for two branches of government. However, judges are already allowed to work for private universities and Oregon barely funds it's state colleges, so I doubt judges are scheming to unduly influence legislation for fat college paychecks. Nor do I think a judge serving in the National Guard will lead to a Judge Dredd scenario.
OREGON MEASURE 88 Provides Oregon resident "driver card" without requiring proof of legal presence in the United States
[X]	Yes VOTEYESON88.COM	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| ACLU \| ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON \| LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS \| THE OREGONIAN \| PORTLAND TRIBUNE \| THE SKANNER \| GOV JOHN KITZHABER \| FMR GOV TED KULONGOSKI & \| BARBARA ROBERTS \| US REP EARL BLUMENEAUR \| BASIC RIGHTS OREGON \| CITY CLUB OF PORTLAND \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY \| WORKING FAMILIES \| PRIDE FOUNDATION \| Q CENTER \| NARAL PRO-CHOICE \| PLANNED PARENTHOOD \| BUS PROJECT \| SIERRA CLUB \| ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OR \| AINSWORTH UCC \| BRIDGEPORT UCC
[_]	No PROTECTOREGONDL.ORG
A drivers license is about driving -- not enforcing unrelated policies. While I understand the sentiment that undocumented migrant workers should not be 'rewarded' with official state documents -- to my knowledge -- convicted felons, registered sex offenders, and delinquent taxpayers can still obtain drivers licenses. Ultimately immigration policy is a federal issue.
OREGON MEASURE 89 Amends Constitution: State/political subdivision shall not deny or abridge equality of rights on account of sex
[X]	Yes VOTEERA.ORG	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS \| ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON \| PLANNED PARENTHOOD \| THE SKANNER \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY \| GOV JOHN KITZHABER \| US SEN RON WYDEN & JEFF MERKLEY \| US REP EARL BLUMENAUER, SUZANNE BONAMICI, PETER DeFAZIO, KURT SCHRADER & DARLENE HOOLEY
[_]	No	RIGHT TO LIFE \| ACLU \| THE OREGONIAN \| CITY CLUB OF PORTLAND
Besides Oregon Right To Life's obvious bias against women, the argument against this amendment is that it's not needed. While there probably are some murky case laws that make this constitutional amendment unnecessary, citizens should be able to point to a clear constitutional principle that the government should treat genders equally.
OREGON MEASURE 90 Changes general election nomination processes: provides for single primary ballot listing candidates; top two advance
[X]	Yes 90FOROREGON.ORG	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| THE OREGONIAN \| PORTLAND TRIBUNE \| THE SKANNER \| WORKING FAMILIES \| GOV JOHN KITZHABER \| FMR GOV VIC ATIYEH \| PTLD MAYOR CHARLIE HALES
[_]	No NOONMEASURE90.ORG	PORTLAND MERCURY \| RIGHT TO LIFE \| THE SKANNER \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY \| REPUBLICAN PARTY \| CONSTITUTION PARTY \| LIBERTARIAN NAT'L CMTE \| PROGRESSIVE PARTY \| FMR GOV BARBARA ROBERTS \| OUR OREGON \| BUS PROJECT \| OR LEA. OF CONSERVATION VOTERS \| PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE \| PLANNED PARENTHOOD
It's been TWELVE YEARS since a non-Democrat won statewide (partisan) office. While I love that Oregon is a blue state, I am concerned that elected leaders are being decided in little-watched Spring primaries. General elections should be between the two most viable candidates -- not a list of fringe candidates. The factions that oppose top-two are basically groups that have learned to dominate the current party system and want to keep the status quo. That said, my only tweak to this law would be that party primaries should remain for legislative candidates since party control is more important in congresses.
OREGON MEASURE 91 Allows possession, manufacture, sale of marijuana by/to adults, subject to state licensing, regulation, taxation
[X]	Yes VOTEYESON91.COM	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| THE OREGONIAN \| THE NEW YORK TIMES \| THE SKANNER \| ACLU \| CITY CLUB OF PORTLAND \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY \| WORKING FAMILIES
[_]	No VOTENO91.COM	REPUBLICAN PARTY \| AMERICAN MED ASSOC
OREGON MEASURE 92 Requires food manufacturers, retailers to label "genetically engineered" foods as such; state, citizens may enforce
[_]	Yes OREGONRIGHTTOKNOW.ORG	ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON \| CITY CLUB OF PORTLAND \| THE SKANNER \| DEMOCRATIC PARTY \| PACIFIC GREEN PARTY \| US REP EARL BLUMENAUER \| US REP PETER DeFAZIO \| BEN & JERRY'S
[X]	No VOTENOON92.COM	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| THE OREGONIAN
CITY OF PORTLAND MEASURE 26-159 Bonds to fix playgrounds, trails; improve park facilities, safety, accessibility.
[X]	Yes FIXOURPARKS.ORG	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| THE OREGONIAN \| THE SKANNER \| LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS \| PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE
[_]	No
METRO MEASURE 26-160 Retain prohibition on Metro-required single-family neighborhood density increases
[_]	Yes PORTLAND MERCURY \| STOPTHEDEMOLITION.ORG	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| THE SKANNER \| PORTLAND TRIBUNE*
[X]	No
Maybe I'm just dumb, but I read this three times to figure out what was going on. The Tribune's editorial endorsement only further confused me. From what I gather though this measure basically renews a 12-year-old ban that prohibits Metro (AKA the metro area's urban sprawl prevention czar) from requiring "single-family" neighborhoods to become more dense. HOWEVER, this measure apparently doesn't prevent cities from increasing density on their own nor does it prevent Metro from increasing density in other ways. My concern is that this law only benefits "single family neighborhoods" (e.g. wealthy suburban neighborhoods) while putting the burden of density on urban neighborhoods. Ultimately, all neighborhoods will have to increase density in order to protect rural lands. It seems unfair to place the burden on some neighborhoods but not on others.
PORTLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT #1JT MEASURE 26-161 Portland Public Schools levy renewal for schools and educational programs.
[X]	Yes YESFORTEACHERSYESFORKIDS.ORG	WILLAMETTE WEEK \| PORTLAND MERCURY \| THE SKANNER \| PORTLAND BUSINESS ALLIANCE
[_]	No	THE OREGONIAN

2014 Primary

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:11:00 +0000

RACE

WILLAMETTE
WEEK

THE
OREGONIAN

PORTLAND
MERCURY

PORTLAND
TRIBUNE

SIERRA
CLUB

BASIC
RIGHTS OR

US SEN

MERKLEY

CONGER

WEHBY

US REP 3RD

BLUMENAUER

OR GOV

KITZHABER

RICHARDSON

KITZHABER

RICHARDSON

KITZHABER

OR REP 42ND

NOSSE

OR BOLI

AVAKIAN

MULT CHAIR

KAFOURY

MULT DIST 1

BAILEY

WILSON

MULT AUDIT

MARCH

MULT SHERIFF

STATON

PTLD POS2

FISH

PTLD POS3

SALTZMAN

CALEB

SALTZMAN

PTLD AUDIT

CABELLERO

METRO PREZ

HUGHES

METRO AUDIT

EVANS

PTLD WATER

YES

THE DETAILS:

D

E

M

O

C

R

A

T

I

C

P

R

I

M

A

R

Y

ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
US SENATOR
[_]	Pavel Goberman	A perennial candidate.
[X]	Jeff Merkley INCUMBENT	Former OR House Speaker first elected to US Senate in 2008 with Obama-Dem sweep. ENDORSEMENTS:Willamette Week \| The Skanner
[_]	William Bryk	Bizarre candidate from New York City who is simultaneous running in Alaska's and Idaho's US Senate primaries (HUFFINGTONPOST.COM).
Although now-Senator Merkley wasn't my first Democratic choice in 2008, he has followed-through on his campaign promise to seek senate filibuster reform. I concede to 2008's Democratic primary voters that Merkley was probably a better fit than Novick who I've become somewhat disenchanted with in on Portland's council.
US REPRESENTATIVE, 3RD DISTRICT
[X]	Earl Blumenauer INCUMBENT
OREGON GOVERNOR
[_]	Ifeanyichukwu C Diru	Someone from Salem (PAMPLINMEDIA.COM).
[X]	John Kitzhaber INCUMBENT	Practically unopposed incumbent. ENDORSEMENTS: The Oregonian \| Basic Rights Oregon
I still support Kitzhaber despite Cover Oregon being a national embarrassment and his bizarre fixation on making Oregonians pay to bring job-stealing, tax-dodging Washington SUV drivers into Portland.
OREGON STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 42ND DISTRICT
[_]	Don Gavitte	A high school teacher endorsed by teachers unions.
[X]	Rob Nosse	A nurses union representative and gay rights activists. ENDORSEMENTS:Willamette Week \| The Oregonian \| Basic Rights Oregon
[_]	Kathleen O'Brien	An adoption lawyer.
[_]	Teddy Keizer	An environmental activist and former chair of Multnomah County Democrats. ENDORSEMENTS: Sierra Club
[_]	Dan Shaw	A "Game Designer; Solar Energy; Political Activist" according to his voters' guide statement.
[_]	John Sweeney	A perennial candidate.
I briefly spoke to Rob Nosse on our embarrassing cat-pee soaked porch when he knocked on our door one weekend morning. I wasn't willing to consider myself a supporter until I knew who else was running for this open seat. I was a little hesitant to automatically support him just because he is a partnered gay man with kids. It doesn't seem there is much else the state legislature can do to support gay rights -- the issue will be decided by either the federal courts or state voters. From what I can tell online, it seems all of the candidates tout progressive issues. When Nosse asked me what my concerns for the state were, I was caught unprepared. Of course, jobs, wages, economy, etc., are my top concerns. But for the legislature, I'm more concerned about fixing Cover Oregon, stopping Columbia River Crossing (AKA the Vancouver SUV Bridge), and getting the bankrupt rural counties to get their acts together (without making Portlanders pay for it).

CANDIDATE

ENDORSEMENTS

OREGON NON-PARTISAN

OR COMMISSIONER OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[X]

Brad Avakian INCUMBENT

Unopposed incumbent seeking re-election. ENDORSEMENTS: Basic Rights Oregon | Sierra Club

OR NON-PARTISAN JUDICIARY

OR SUPREME COURT JUDGE	[X]	2 POSITIONS ALL UNOPPOSED INCUMBENTS
OR COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE, POS. 1	[X]	5 POSITIONS ALL UNOPPOSED INCUMBENTS
OR TAX COURT JUDGE	[X]	Henry C Breithaupt INCUMBENT
OR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, 4TH DIST	[X]	18 POSITIONSALL UNOPPOSED INCUMBENTS

MULTNOMAH COUNTY

MULTNOMAH COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR: UNEXPIRED TERM THROUGH DEC 2014

[_]

Aquiles Montas

Skimpy campaign website without endorsements, Republican slogan (e.g. "Restrict the growth of government"). Failed to file a voters' pamphlet statement.

[_]

Steven Reynolds

I couldn't find his campaign website. His voters' pamphlet statement was an assortment unlikely plans. In 2012, he ran for congress as a self-described "unemployed, disabled veteran" (KGW).

[_]

James O Rowell

Apparently withdrawn -- he didn't file for next term (below). I couldn't find his campaign website or voters' pamphlet statement.

[_]

Patty Burkett

Impressive voters' pamphlet statement, but no applicable experience. I couldn't find her campaign website, but a 2012 article described her as an "activist, mom, and psychic medium" (PORTLAND MERCURY).

[X]

Deborah Kafoury

[_]

Wes Soderback

A perennial candidate.

[_]

Jim Francesconi

YIKES: Won union endorsments "after making explicit promises that, if elected, he would work to increase union membership under county contractors—something that could violate laws preventing elected officials from actively favoring unions..." (WILLAMETTE WEEK). ENDORSEMENTS: Sierra Club | Basic Rights Oregon Green Light | The Skanner

MULTNOMAH COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIR: FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JAN 2015

[_]

Aquiles Montas

(See above)

[_]

Steven Reynolds

[_]

Patty Burkett

[X]

Deborah Kafoury

[_]

Wes Soderback

[_]

Jim Francesconi

MULTNOMAH COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1: TWO-YEAR UNEXPIRED TERM

[_]

Brian Wilson

A financial planner (KATU) with extensive civic volunteer experience. ENDORSEMENTS: Basic Rights Oregon Green Light | fmr County Commissioners Maria Rojo de Steffey and Barbara Willer | fmr Portland Mayor Bud Clark

[X]

Jules Kopel Bailey

Jules Bailey, who was my district's state representative, has a slightly more relevant background. Brian Wilson seems like a good candidate, but I haven't seen a compelling reason to vote for him over Bailey.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY AUDITOR

[X]

Steve March INCUMBENT

Unopposed incumbent seeking re-election.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY SHERIFF

[X]

Dan Staton INCUMBENT

Unopposed incumbent seeking re-election.

CITY OF PORTLAND

PORTLAND COMMISSIONER, POSITION 2

[_]

Sharon Y Maxwell

General contractor.

[_]

Michael W Durrow

An activist.

[X]

Nick Fish INCUMBENT

I appreciate that Nick Fish sold the infamous water house (unfortunately at a loss). And I cynically appreciate that he conveniently opposes the dubious transportation tax like the other commissioner up for re-election. I'm tempted by Maxwell's candidacy. Adding a small business owner, building contractor, and woman of color to the council would add much needed diversity to council and city government. One of the major drawbacks to Portland's quirky five city-wide elected commissioners is that there are few opportunities for candidates to build-up support and experience like what be possible in having commissioners elected by local neighborhood.

PORTLAND COMMISSIONER, POSITION 3

[_]

Joe Meyer

KBOO reporter. "...does not expect to raise or spend more than $750 in the race." (PORTLAND TRIBUNE)

[_]

Leah Marie Dumas

A 17-year Portland Community College employee. "...does not expect to raise or spend more than $750 in the race." (PORTLAND TRIBUNE)

[_]

Nicholas Caleb

Concordia University professor. ENDORSEMENTS: Portland Mercury | Bike Walk Vote | Socialist Alternative | Pacific Green Party | 15 Now PDX

[X]

Dan Saltzman INCUMBENT

I respect that Dan Saltzman has stayed on the council for so long and seems to genuinely motivated in improving the city and its government. I also appreciate that, like the other commissioner up for re-election, he has come-out against the proposed transportation tax.

Of the three challengers, Nicholas Caleb has the most organized campaign online. He proposes a lot of big ideas (e.g. $15 minimum wage, rent controls, stop gentrification, stop police brutality, teacher reform, etc.) that seem unlikely. I was surprised he supports an effort remove the city's management of the water bureau, but realized that he supports a third group that failed to get its initiative on the ballot. It's unclear whether he supports the current water initiative that he shares the ballot with.

PORTLAND AUDITOR

[X]

Mary Hull Cabellero

Unopposed Metro Performance Auditor, former ODOT Performance Auditor, and former reporter.
ENDORSEMENTS: fmr City Auditors Gary Blackmer & Jewel Lansing | Working Families Party of Oregon | Portland Business Alliance

METRO

METRO COUNCIL PRESIDENT

[X]

Tom Hughes INCUMBENT

Incumbent, former Hillsboro Mayor, and former high school teacher. ENDORSEMENTS: Willamette Week | The Oregonian | 3 of 6 Metro Councilors Kathryn Harrington (Dist 5. ~N. Washington Co.), Bob Stacey (Dist. 6 ~NE/SE/SW Ptld), Sam Chase (Dist. 5 ~NW/N/SW/NE Ptld), fmr Gov Barbara Roberts, fmr OR State Rep. Jules Bailey | Portland Business Alliance

[_]

Jeremiah William Johnson

Bottling company Admin Asst., Community Organizer

METRO AUDITOR

[X]

Brian Evans

Unopposed auditor. ENDORSEMENTS: Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn, OR Dir of Audits Gary Blackmer, MultCo Auditor Steve March | Portland Business Alliance

CITY OF PORTLAND

PORTLAND MEASURE 26-156: Amends Charter: Creates water and sewer district with elected board.

[X]

Yes

Water District will end City of Portland practice of raising rates for councilors pet projects. SUPPORTERS: Taxpayers Assoc. of OR

[_]

Yep, I'm letting my secret anti-government side show. While much of the increase in the city's water and sewer rates is due to the huge big dig sewer project, it is obvious that the current and past mayors and commissioners have improperly managed the city utilities and continue to use ratepayers' bills to fund pet projects. Sure, the current initiative has several flaws and is far from perfect; however, I believe it is more important for voters to take action now instead of waiting for the perfect initiative to come along. After all, voters can revise the charter again if the current initiative is unworkable.

2013 Special Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:01:00 +0000

I'm late and haven't been doing much with this blog, but for tradition's sake I'll post my vote for my own reference.

ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
MULTNOMAH EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT
OR SECRETARY OF STATE
[_]	Patrick Lasswell NON-PARTISAN
[X]	Nels Johnson NON-PARTISAN	Willamette Week

PORTLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT #1JT
DIRECTOR, ZONE 4
[X]	Martin Gonzalez NON-PARTISAN	Willamette Week, The Oregonian
[_]	Steve Buel NON-PARTISAN

DIRECTOR, ZONE 5
[X]	Pam Knowles NON-PARTISAN

DIRECTOR, ZONE 6
[X]	Tom Koehler NON-PARTISAN	Willamette Week, The Oregonian
[_]	David Morrison NON-PARTISAN
"...Morrison filed a 2011 federal lawsuit, alleging Wi-Fi is a health hazard to students. (As WW has reported, PPS has spent more than $170,000 defending itself against Morrison’s claim.) His campaign is based on his Wi-Fi obsession...." - WILLAMETTE WEEK
CITY OF PORTLAND
MEASURE 26-150: Renew five-year levy to prevent child abuse child hunger.
[X]	Yes	Willamette Week, Portland Mercury, The Oregonian
[_]	No
Technically, social services is county responsibility not a city responsibility. However, considering all of the other strange tasks the city takes on (i.e. streetcars, arts education, selling toilets to other cities, etc.), Portlanders don't seem to care about such technicalities. What is more troubling is why do Portlanders have to cover what the county and state should be doing.
MEASURE 26-151: Fluoridation of Portland drinking water supply.
[X]	Yes	Willamette Week, Portland Mercury, The Oregonian
[_]	No
"...Among the hundreds of fluoride studies, there is little evidence that fluoridation is harmful. Here’s how the CDC put it: 'The weight of peer-reviewed scientific evidence does not support an association between water fluoridation and any adverse health effect or systemic disorders.'... ...Fluoridation critics cannot produce any nefarious explanation for why government scientists, public health officials and dentists all support fluoridation.... ...The fact is, the health benefits of fluoridation would accrue primarily to those who have bad teeth now—disproportionately low-income and minority children." - WILLAMETTE WEEK
METRO
MEASURE 26-152: Local option levy: Improve natural areas, water quality for fish.
[X]	Yes	Willamette Week, Portland Mercury, Portland Tribune
[_]	No	The Oregonian

Oz The Great and Powerful: C

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:57:00 +0000

Scott and I saw Oz The Great and Powerful a couple of weekends ago. I was a little reluctant to see it. While I enjoyed the musical Wicked's jaded retelling of the Wizard of Oz story, I was concerned this retelling of Oz would merely be a pointless CGI update of a classic movie like 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

James Franco's performance as the wizard was more convincing than I expected. While it's hard not to recognize familiar actors, his character seemed plausible. Zach Braff's two characters were basically Zach Braff which I didn't feel fit well. And through no fault of Mila Kunis's performance, I couldn't help but affectionately think "Meg" each time she spoke.

There were little things that annoyed me. The movie tried to pay respect to the original classic, but the effort was weak. The opening title and first scenes were in black & white to reference the 1939 movie. However, instead of actually using 1930s film techniques, the title sequence was merely a CGI rendering -- like the motion picture version of a cheap Instagram retro filter.

What concerned me the most though was that this prequel was setting-up to a Wizard of Oz remake. I know corporate Hollywood now merely regurgitates the same few movie franchises repeatedly, but the Judy Garland Wizard of Oz is practically sacred and timeless. A reboot should be a fully creative reboot -- not retro-looking.

Overall, not a terrible movie, but predictable.

Argo: A

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:51:00 +0000

Scott and I saw Argo just before the Oscars. It was an enjoyable movie with an interesting story and great cast. I prefer historically-based movies -- even though I always wonder how much of it was true. However, I haven't heard any complaint about the movie's accuracy. It even compared the actors with the real life characters in the end titles.

Zero Dark Thirty: C

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:02:00 +0000

Scott and I saw Zero Dark Thirty about a month ago. I remember it was a compromise selection as there wasn't anything playing that we really wanted to see.

I enjoyed director Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker, so I had high hopes for this movie with similar military themes. Like the bomb-defusing scenes of The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty had some intense scenes waiting for a potential explosion. However, the suspense for me waned as we all knew the main character probably wouldn't be killed.

The much discussed interrogation scenes were disturbing and were definitely torture. Is it just me though, but I'm a bit weary of re-opening the torture debate of the last decade. I suspect many of us would prefer to put the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfield days behind us and hope that doesn't happen any more -- or at least we won't hear about it.

The movie was well-paced, which I appreciate. The movie's biggest drawback was it basically ended at the completion of the Bin Laden killing mission, which was not very suspenseful considering the details of the raid have been widely reported. Like The Hurt Locker which focused on a soldier's struggle to transition to civilian life, I would have much rather have seen what happened to the characters after the Bin Laden mission ended.

Les Misérables: C (B for musical)

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 19:02:00 +0000

Scott, ma, and I saw Les Misérables several weeks ago, but I'm just now posting my thoughts before tonight's Oscars. Having never seen the stage version, I didn't know what to expect other than a lot of singing. There was almost no dialogue. The constant singing seemed like a endless medley, but I don't watch many musicals.

One of the promotional clips mentioned that the singing was filmed live with an elaborate system of hidden earpieces and carefully mic'd stages. While live singing would seem to be better than voice over, I can't say it made much difference to me. Other than Anne Hathaway's Oscar-baiting performance [of that Susan Boyle song :)] filmed in a confined space, the sound quality was still fainter and less clear than voice over. And, regardless of the terrific technical efforts, singing dialogue inherently undermines authenticity of any scene.

Weeks later, I recall that Hugh Jackman's performance was good, but I can't recall any songs he sang. Russell Crowe's singing has been widely criticized; however, I thought his less than stellar singing brought made his ill-thinking character more realistic. After all, wouldn't all of us sign imperfectly if thrown into a musical? That said though, I'm not sure what Russell Crowe was thinking.

Overall, an okay musical, but a long dreary story with only a few likable characters. I probably would have appreciated seeing the stage version more.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: A

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 05:50:00 +0000

Scott, Jay, and I saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey today. There's not much to say about this movie. It's as high-quality and well done as any of the prior The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. In fact, I would say it's even better as the story is far less complicated without the confusing multiple storylines and far less Middle Earth jargon.

That said, my only complaint is the same as the LOTR trilogy: How can a three-hour movie with dozens of characters have only one woman? Well, okay there were some female extras doing domestic chores in the background - 'cuz someone's got to do the laundry. If a similar movie was made with a 99% female cast it would be derided as a chick flick, but I have yet to hear anyone call The Hobbit a guy movie. I know, I know, the filmmakers were probably staying true to J. R. R. Tolkien's chauvinist writings and yet the same filmmakers have taken many other liberties such as stretching a book out to three feature movies...

Anyways, my main motivation for the seeing the movie was to see the nine-minute sneak peek at Star Trek Into Darkness. Wow!

Lincoln: A

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 05:18:00 +0000

Scott and I saw Lincoln a few weekends ago. I looked forward to seeing this movie ever since I heard a movie about about Lincoln was being made. (I have to admit to some embarrassment when I momentarily mistook this summer's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter for the Steven Spielberg movie.)

Lincoln should be subtitled "Politicking The 13th Amendment" although I understand the studio's reason not marketing the movie's emphasis on the legislative process. I do appreciate that the movie didn't rely on any non-linear or flashback gimmick like so many biopics. Instead, the movie assumed the audience already knew the basics about Lincoln's life and revealed more about the obscure details his life as president.

Before seeing Lincoln, my impression was that he fought for the 13th amendment for more pragmatic reasons rather than being an ardent abolitionist. I was a little concerned that Spielberg was glossing over Lincoln's complicated racial politics in the opening scene. The film opens with two African-American soldiers paying tribute to the president as he sits on an elevated covered platform -- much like people today walk-up the Lincoln Monument today. I did wonder how plausible the scene was that African-Americans would be allowed to address the president; however, it doesn't seem impossible either. I'm not a historian and have to rely upon historians such as Doris Kearns Goodwin whose Lincoln biography the movie was inspired from.

Overall, the movie was great. Well-paced with great performances that made the legislative process seem exciting. My only concern is whether or not the movie whitewashed Lincoln's view on race. My understanding is that Lincoln probably didn't believe in racial equality or civil rights as we understand these values today. However, there's no denying that he made considerable sacrifices to pass the 13th amendment which undermines doubts that Lincoln only opposed slavery to reign-in the South.

Skyfall: B

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Scott, ma, and I saw Skyfall several weekends ago. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise, so Skyfall was filled with tributes to the first Bond movies which culminated into the final scenes. Daniel Craig's James Bond is so well-established now it's easy to forget that this is only his third Bond movie. Javier Bardem's flirty, campy villain was fun to watch and left me wanting a few more scenes.

Admittedly, the Bond genre has always had a bit of fantasy and, like any movie, audiences are willing to let unbelievable technobabble and coincidences slide for a good story. So, I'm willing to overlook that Bardem's Bond villain can hack into a government spy agency's network and control a building's security system. However, I was a little irked that Bond seemed to act too slow to save innocent bystanders' lives.

Regardless, the movie was great. My only complaint is that in honoring the franchise, the sequel didn't bring much new to the franchise. I appreciate that Daniel Craig did reveal more of Bond's vulnerability (i.e. age) and the story revealed a bit more about Bond's back story.

The Cabin in the Woods: B

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Scott didn't quite drag me to The Cabin in the Woods a couple of weekends ago. I was a little more willing to see this horror movie because Joss Whedon was involved, so I figured it would not be a typical horror movie and have a little more wit. Like most movie genres, the horror movie formula is so overdone that even the parodies are formulaic. Cabin in the Woods isn't quite a parody, but it still seemed to drag a bit going through the usual horror movie set-up.

Overall, I liked the movie. Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) and Bradley Whitford (The West Wing) were great playing their usual characters. It had a good pace and a quick ending.

2012 General Elections Results

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:51:00 +0000

We were so relieved Obama won re-election Tuesday night. Although I figured the race was in Obama's favor, I worried throughout the evening that this election would turn into a prolonged mess like 2000. When the east coast results finally started to trickle in, I nervously watched Virginia as the experts had predicted Romney had to win it. However, I became frustrated as no one called Virginia.

At 8:00 PM, I flipped between the local TV channels for the local results and the national coverage for the presidential results. Finally, at around 8:15 PM, I was surprised the decisive result came not from Virginia, but Ohio. Although Facebook did crash during the announcement, this year's re-election was much more anti-climactic than 2008's euphoria.

I was a little frustrated that the local results were so hard to find. There seemed to be a technical problem publishing the Oregon results as KGW's website and broadcast scroll showed "0%" or "12345" results. I also had problems finding updated Washington state results regarding the same-sex marriage referendum.

This seemingly long election cycle is thankfully over and now the analysis has been begun. It was entertaining seeing Oregon GOP leader Allen Alley optimistically predicting his party's statewide victory and then a short time later standing in an abandoned ballroom muttering that he just didn't understand how they lost again. Like the national GOP, it seems he really is out of touch with the new realty that Oregon voters.

Don't take away my donkey membership, but I admit that I like Allen Alley and secretly feared he would have been a far better candidate for governor in 2010 than the political-novice celebrity his party desperately chose. I believe democracies require competitive opposition parties and fear that any party can overreach without serious challenge. It would be great if the Oregon GOP sincerely reinvented itself, embraced gay marriage as a genuine family value, accepted reproduction as a personal health matter, and actually discussed what they want state government to do instead of merely reducing taxes and cutting services.

RACE

RESULTS

US PRESIDENT

OBAMA

OBAMA RE-ELECTED 303 E.V. (60.6M)

ROMNEY 235 E.V. (57.8M)

OBAMA 60.6M

ROMNEY 57.8M

US REP 3RD

BLUME- NEAUR

BLUMENEAUR RE-ELECTED 220K

GREEN 60K

OR SEC OF STATE

BROWN

BROWN RE-ELECTED 783K

BUEHLER 679K

OR TREASURER

WHEELER

WHEELER RE-ELECTED 866K

COX 571K

OR ATTY GEN

ROSEN- BLUM

ROSENBLUM ELECTED 831K

BUCHAL 598K

OR SEN 21ST

ROSEN- BAUM

ROSENBAUM RE-ELECTED 47K

OR REP 42ND

BAILEY

BAILEY RE-ELECTED 21K

OR BOLI

AVAKIAN

AVAKIAN RE-ELECTED 620K

STARR 562K

OR SUPREME POS 3

COOK

BALDWIN 581K

COOK 556K

OR APPEALS POS 6

VOLPERT

EGAN 638K

VOLPERT 444K

PORTLAND MAYOR

HALES

HALES ELECTED 127K

SMITH 61K

PORTLAND COMMISH POS 1

FRITZ

FRITZ RE-ELECTED 91K

NOLAN 65K

EMSWCD
DIR 1

TILL

TILL 38K

CALDWELL 27K

SWEENEY 22K

BAUER 18K

RACE

RESULTS

OR #77 DISASTER PREP

YES

YES 870K

NO 624K

OR #78 CONSTITUTION
LANGUAGE

YES

YES 1,067K

NO 418K

OR #79 TRANSFER TAX BAN

YES 902K

NO 612K

OR #80 LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

YES

NO 860K

YES 725K

OR #81 GILNET BAN

NO 988K

YES 515K

OR #82 CASINO

NO 1,122K

YES 445K

OR #83 WOOD VILLAGE CASINO

NO 1,105K

YES 458K

OR #84 LARGE ESTATE TAX BAN

NO 830K

YES 718K

OR #85 CORP KICKER TO K-12

YES

YES 911K

NO 627K

MULTCO #26-143 LIBRARY DIST

YES

YES 137K

NO 86K

PTLD #26-145 PENSION REFORM

YES

YES 125K

NO 42K

PTLD #26-146 ARTS TAX

YES 111K

NO 75K

PTLD #26-144 $482B SCHOOL BOND

YES

YES 103K

NO 55K

2012 General Election

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:36:00 +0000

It's that time again where I openly ponder my ballot.

RACE

WILLA- METTE WEEK

PORTLAND MERCURY

THE OREGONIAN

OUR OREGON

BASIC RIGHTS OR

PLANNED PARENT- HOOD

US PRESIDENT

OBAMA

(ROMNEY)

OBAMA

US REP 3RD

BLUME- NEAUR

OR SEC OF STATE

BROWN

BUEHLER

BROWN

BUEHLER

BROWN

OR TREASURER

WHEELER

OR ATTY GEN

ROSEN- BLUM

OR SEN 21ST

ROSEN- BAUM

OR REP 42ND

BAILEY

OR BOLI

AVAKIAN

OR SUPREME POS 3

COOK

BALDWIN

COOK

BALDWIN

OR APPEALS POS 6

VOLPERT

PORTLAND MAYOR

HALES

SMITH

PORTLAND COMMISH POS 1

FRITZ

NOLAN

EMSWCD
DIR 1

TILL

RACE

WILLA- METTE WEEK

PORTLAND MERCURY

THE OREGONIAN

OUR OREGON

ECUME- NICAL MINISTRIES

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

OR #77 DISASTER PREP

YES

OR #78 CONSTITUTION
LANGUAGE

YES

OR #79 TRANSFER TAX BAN

OR #80 LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

YES

OR #81 GILNET BAN

OR #82 CASINO

OR #83 WOOD VILLAGE CASINO

OR #84 LARGE ESTATE TAX BAN

OR #85 CORP KICKER TO K-12

YES

MULTCO #26-143 LIBRARY DIST

YES

PTLD #26-145 PENSION REFORM

YES

PTLD #26-146 ARTS TAX

YES

PTLD #26-144 $482B SCHOOL BOND

YES

NATIONAL

US PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

[X]

DEMOCRAT

Barack Obama
PRESIDENT

Joe Biden
VICE PRESIDENT

[_]

PACIFIC GREEN

Jill Stein
PRESIDENT

Cheri Honkala
VICE PRESIDENT

[_]

PROGRESSIVE

Ross C (Rocky) Anderson
PRESIDENT

Luis J Rodriguez
VICE PRESIDENT

[_]

LIBERTARIAN

Gary Johnson
PRESIDENT

James P Gray
VICE PRESIDENT

[_]

REPUBLICAN

Mitt Romney
PRESIDENT

Paul Ryan
VICE PRESIDENT

[_]

CONSTITUTION

Will Christensen
PRESIDENT

Kenneth L Gibbs
VICE PRESIDENT

US REPRESENTATIVE, 3RD DISTRICT
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Earl Blumenauer DEMOCRAT	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, PLANNED PARENTHOOD
[_]	Woodrow Broadnax PACIFIC GREEN / PROGRESSIVE
[_]	Michael Cline LIBERTARIAN
[_]	Ronald Green REPUBLICAN
Obviously, there is little reason not to support our long-time congressman Earl Blumenauer.
STATE OF OREGON
OR SECRETARY OF STATE
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Seth Woolley PACIFIC GREEN
[_]	Robert Wolfe PROGRESSIVE
[_]	Bruce Alexander Knight LIBERTARIAN
[X]	Kate Brown DEMOCRAT, WORKING FAMILIES	THE PORTLAND MERCURY, OUR OREGON, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, GAY & LESBIAN VICTORY FUND, PLANNED PARENTHOOD
[_]	Knute Buehler REPUBLICAN, INDEPENDENT	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE OREGONIAN, JACK BOGDANSKI
"Kate Brown is a fairly unexciting career politico, who's made some high-profile stumbles and now faces the awful prospect of becoming the rare Democrat who actually manages to blow a race for statewide office... ....But [Buehler]'s also made some troubling comments about voter fraud and ID requirements, repeating the same dark tone as his GOP peers across the country." -THE PORTLAND MERCURY Buehler is this election's token Republican endorsement some newspapers have anointed to maintain some appearance of being bipartisan. While incumbent Kate Brown may have made some mistakes, I'm not convinced Buehler is a better choice. Buehler has never previously held elected office which is especially concerning considering the Secretary of State is first in line of succession to the Governor. And while Buehler claims to be bipartisan, he hasn't made any effort to differentiate himself from typical Republican rhetoric.
OR STATE TREASURER
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Ted Wheeler DEMOCRAT, WORKING FAMILIES	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, JACK BOGDANSKI
[_]	Cameron Whitten PROGRESSIVE
[_]	John F. Mahler LIBERTARIAN
[_]	Michael Paul Marsh LIBERTARIAN
[_]	Tom Cox REPUBLICAN
"Ted Wheeler! He's a stand-up guy! Hopefully he'll do what he says he will and punch the bloated state retirement system into some sort of manageable order! As for challenger Cameron Whitten—well, he's a good kid, makes a mean vegan smoothie, and definitely shouldn't be in charge of a state office just yet." -THE PORTLAND MERCURY
OR ATTORNEY GENERAL
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Chris Henry PROGRESSIVE
[_]	James L. Buchal REPUBLICAN
[_]	James E Leuenberger CONSTITUTION, LIBERTARIAN
[X]	Ellen Rosenblum DEMOCRAT	THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, JACK BOGDANSKI
"...yeah. We liked Rosenblum in the primary. We still do. Even if her husband co-owns the Willamette Week." -THE PORTLAND MERCURY I voted for Rosenblum in the primary and she has since been appointed to the office. None of the other candidates are serious contenders. James Buchal won the Republican primary as a write-in because the GOP was unable to recruit a suitable candidate for their primary. I couldn't find that he had any experience as a prosecutor or that he ever practiced criminal law.
OR STATE SENATOR, 21ST DISTRICT
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Cliff Hutchison REPUBLICAN
[X]	Diane Rosenbaum DEMOCRAT, WORKING FAMILIES	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE OREGONIAN, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, PLANNED PARENTHOOD
"...[Rosenbaum] has proven to be an effective legislator, even when given the thankless job of serving as Senate majority leader and trying to keep her fractious Democratic caucus in line. She led the fight to extend unemployment benefits and institute protections for Oregonians facing foreclosure..." -WILLAMETTE WEEK
OR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 42ND DISTRICT
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Jules Kopel Bailey DEMOCRAT, WORKING FAMILIES, REPUBLICAN	BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, PLANNED PARENTHOOD
COMMISSIONER OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Bruce Starr
[X]	Brad Avakian	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, OUR OREGON, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, THE OREGONIAN, JACK BOGDANSKI
JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT, POSITION 3
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Richard C Baldwin	WILLAMETTE WEEK, OUR OREGON, JACK BOGDANSKI
[X]	Nena Cook	GAY & LESBIAN VICTORY FUND, THE OREGONIAN
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, POSITION 6
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	James C Egan	JACK BOGDANSKI
[X]	Tim Volpert	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE OREGONIAN
Apparently I voted for Volpert in the primary.
CITY OF PORTLAND
MAYOR
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Jefferson Smith	BASIC RIGHTS OREGON GREEN LIGHT
[X]	Charlie Hales	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, PORTLAND TRIBUNE, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON GREEN LIGHT
Neither of these candidates are very inspiring. I am bothered that Hales chose to evade Oregon taxes while still claiming Oregon residency for political purposes. I like Jefferson Smith's politics, but I'm not convinced he can manage a large government, which includes traffic police, if he can't keep his own drivers license valid. As a former commissioner, Hales is the more experienced option. I voted for Hales in the primary and see no reason to change my vote. UPDATE: I feel a little vindicated that Jefferson Smith's candidacy is imploding in light of a messy criminal arrest 20 years ago uncovered by Willamette Week. While he argues that he is not the same person he was back then, his poor handling of this revelation (not disclosing it earlier, showing-up at his victim's house, etc.) further shows that his political ambition is premature. It's also disturbing that Smith seems to have a pattern of making impulsively aggression. While aggressive enthusiasm is great (and often lacking in Portland's homogeneous political culture), potential government leaders still should have some maturity and experience.
COMMISSIONER, POSITION 1
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Mary Nolan	BASIC RIGHTS OREGON GREEN LIGHT, PLANNED PARENTHOOD
[X]	Amanda Fritz	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, JACK BOGDANSKI, BASIC RIGHTS OREGON GREEN LIGHT
"...In the May primary, we endorsed Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Portland) over Amanda Fritz, the incumbent in this race. We’ve changed our minds...[Fritz]’s taken a firm stand alongside Adams to draw the line on the police bureau and joined Commissioner Dan Saltzman in scrutinizing the fire bureau. Her penny-pinching appears more admirable as Portland’s budget gets closer to being swallowed by urban renewal areas and fire and police pensions...Fritz made a compelling case that her background as a psychiatric nurse is an important tool in helping cops change their approach to public safety....[Nolan] has also demonstrated during this campaign that she marches in lockstep with the public employee unions—especially fire and police—who are backing her...Nolan offered few specifics about how she’d rein in an inefficient fire bureau, while Fritz offered clear and innovative ideas. Nolan was unpersuasive in claims she would be an independent thinker when it comes to reforms...-WILLAMETTE WEEK
EAST MULTNOMAH SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
DIRECTOR, AT LARGE 1
ME	CANDIDATE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	John Sweeney
[X]	Rick Till INCUMBENT	EMSWCD DIRECTORS BOB SALLINGER, DIANNA L. POPE, JILL KUEHLER
[_]	Eric Mader
[_]	Justin Bauer
[_]	Kelly Caldwell
I initially assumed some candidates for this little-known office would be a bit flaky. However, all five candidates seem serious. They all provided statements to voters guide (PDF) and responded to the League of Women's Voters' (PDF) questionnaire. Kelly Caldwell stands-out, in a bad way, as an activist for an anti-GMO group. It seems she would seek to use the conservation agency to advocate her pet issue. I'll vote for Rick Till who earned the endorsements of three of the four other EMSWCD directors. I'm inclined to support any incumbent who seeks to return to a thankless, unpaid position -- especially considering the EMSWCD doesn't have regulatory authority clout. Also, none of Till's challengers explained why he should be tossed-out of office.

OREGON STATE MEASURES
REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
77: Amends Constitution: Governor may declare “catastrophic disaster” (defined); requires legislative session; authorizes suspending specified constitutional spending restrictions.
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, OUR OREGON
[_]	No	OFFICIAL VOTERS' GUIDE: NO ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION WERE FILED., JACK BOGDANSKI
"...the measure would enable the governor to make initial decisions...without legislative approval...Planning for the future has not been a legislative strength...So, it's encouraging to see a practical, forward-looking piece of legislation such as Measure 77, which the Legislature approved by a combined 87-3 vote in the House and Senate." -THE OREGONIAN
78: Amends Constitution: Changes constitutional language describing governmental system of separation of powers; makes grammatical and spelling changes
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, OUR OREGON
[_]	No	OFFICIAL VOTERS' GUIDE: NO ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION WERE FILED, JACK BOGDANSKI
"makes language changes to a section of the constitution on separation of powers....though desirable for clarity, is of little consequence." -THE OREGONIAN
PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
79: Amends Constitution: Prohibits real estate transfer taxes, fees, other assessments, except those operative on December 31, 2009
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Yes
[X]	No	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), OUR OREGON, STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
"...This measure is one of the most cynical and unnecessary initiatives we’ve seen in years. Real estate agents—middlemen—want to amend the constitution to ban a real estate transfer tax that’s already been illegal under state law since 1989...But in the past two decades, no one has even gotten close to enacting a tax on the sale of property..."WILLAMETTE WEEK "This anti-tax initiative, sponsored by the Oregon Association of Realtors, is a solution in search of a problem. ....state law already prohibits local governments from establishing real estate transfer fees..." -THE OREGONIAN
80: Allows personal marijuana, hemp cultivation/use without license; commission to regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, FMR SOS BILL BRADBURY, PTLD COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD, STREET ROOTS
[_]	No	THE OREGONIAN, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), JACK BOGDANSKI
"...The measure is flawed—lawmakers will have to fix provisions, and it may not survive a test in court because of the way it could conflict with federal drug laws. It would also create an Oregon Cannabis Commission stacked with marijuana growers—not a great idea....But passage will force lawmakers to confront reality. No one benefits—least of all the state coffers—from the prosecution of otherwise law-abiding citizens who use a drug that is already in wide circulation...."-WILLAMETTE WEEK I support the decriminalize of marijuana -- not because I specifically support marijuana use -- but because criminalization is pointless, ineffective, and costly. Admittedly, this measure is extreme and written like, well, like a bunch potheads got together a wrote a meandering law while in a fuzzy haze. However, I believe the legislature and governor will fix this measure after it is passed.
81: Prohibits commercial non-tribal fishing with gillnets in Oregon "inland waters," allows use of seine nets
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Yes	(INITIATIVE SPONSOR CEASED ITS CAMPAIGN)
[X]	No	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), OUR OREGON, JACK BOGDANSKI
"...The real issue here is that fancy folks who fish for sport want a bigger catch of the annual salmon haul—banning gillnetting would squeeze commercial fishers out of the yearly harvest while still killing the same number of fish per year in the state. But measure-backers have pretty much dropped their campaign after Governor John Kitzhaber said he would bring a compromise bill to the legislature this year..." -THE PORTLAND MERCURY
82: Amends Constitution: Authorizes establishment of privately-owned casinos; mandates percentage of revenues payable to dedicated state fund
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Yes
[X]	No	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
83: Authorizes privately owned Wood Village casino; mandates percentage of revenues payable to dedicated state fund
[_]	Yes
[X]	No	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
"...The developers say that will add up to $100 million a year for the state—but that's assuming the casino will make $400 million annually, which is insane because Oregon's nine other casinos combined make $470 million a year. What will happen is that a private company will be allowed to move into the state and eat up a large chunk of the money that goes to the Oregon Lottery and native tribes, under agreements that the state struck that barely begin to address the historical fact that we screwed the tribes out of their traditional ways of supporting themselves....let's not rewrite our constitution to cut out tribes just so 3,000 people can construct a monstrosity of regret and addiction that will allow a Canadian private equity firm to profit off Portlanders." -THE PORTLAND MERCURY
84: Phases out existing inheritance taxes on large estates, and all taxes on intra-family property transfers
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Yes
[X]	No	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), PLANNED PARENTHOOD, OUR OREGON, STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
"...Measure 84 does ask a good question: Is it beneficial for Oregon to...tax the estates of dead people? Perhaps not. But answering that question is best left to the Legislature... ...both the sweep and the financial impact of the provision are unclear. Even its creator, Kevin Mannix, concedes the Legislature will probably have to step in and clarify this. As a rule, it's best to oppose ballot measures that even supporters concede are flawed..." -THE OREGONIAN "...But there's a darker secret hiding in the fine print: Wealth transfers between relatives would also become tax-exempt—opening a gaping capital gains loophole. Let's say someone's been sitting on a pantsload of Apple stock since the late 1980s. Cashing it out, after years of appreciation, would mean forking over big bucks to the government. But if that stock were 'gifted' to a relative, who then sold it? That relative would pay taxes only on the stock's gains since the transfer—not the original amount of appreciation. Another 'gift' could then see all that money sent back to the stock's owner. The state revenue office says that loophole will add hundreds of millions more to the cost of this measure..." -THE PORTLAND MERCURY
85: Amends Constitution: Allocates corporate income/excise tax "kicker" refund to additionally fund K through 12 public education
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES OF OREGON (PDF), OUR OREGON, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
[_]	No	THE OREGONIAN

MULTNOMAH COUNTY MEASURE
26-143: Form Library District with permanent rate to fund library services Question: Shall dedicated library district fund Multnomah county library hours, services; rate limited to $1.24 per $1000 assessed value beginning 2013?
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, PORTLAND TRIBUNE, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
[_]	No	THE OREGONIAN
"...The Multnomah County Library system really is one of the finest in the nation. Its popularity is earned by circulating twice as many materials per resident as the average library...here is the rare case of a public entity striving for excellence, not racing to the bottom...." -WILLAMETTE WEEK
CITY OF PORTLAND MEASURES
26-145: Amends Charter: Changes Provisions of Fire Police Disability Retirement System. Question: Shall limited provisions of the retirement and disability system for police and fire be changed?
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, STREET ROOTS, JACK BOGDANSKI
[_]	No	OFFICIAL VOTERS' GUIDE (PDF): NO ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION WERE FILED.
"This measure ends a loophole that has allowed police and firefighters to juice their lifetime pensions by retiring when there’s an extra pay period in the calendar year, inflating the final pay used to calculate retirement benefits. This change and other needed fixes will save taxpayers $46.6 million over the next 25 years..." WILLAMETTE WEEK "...The Fire and Police Disability and Retirement Fund is a $110 million-a-year, pay-as-you-go relic that snags 26 cents of every property tax dollar raised from Portland residents. Yet the fund continues to pay out some bloated pensions and be overexposed to disability claims...Measure 26-145 is both effective at saving taxpayers money while honoring the best intentions and core provisions of FPDR." - THE OREGONIAN
26-146: Restore School Arts, Music Education; Fund Arts through Limited Tax. Question: Shall Portland restore arts, music for schools and fund arts through income tax of 35 dollars per year?
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[_]	Yes	THE PORTLAND MERCURY, STREET ROOTS
[X]	No	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE OREGONIAN, PORTLAND TRIBUNE, JACK BOGDANSKI
"This measure is tricky to support, both because its campaign has been misleading and the tax itself is regressive..." THE PORTLAND MERCURY "...This measure is being sold as a solution for schools, when the original (and as far as we can tell, primary) motivation was to provide a new subsidy for nonprofit arts groups that already enjoy tax breaks and have other ways to raise money...Many arts organizations are small and deserve help; we suggest you write them a check right now. But should we tax low-income Portlanders to help support a night at the opera? Horsefeathers." -WILLAMETTE WEEK This is a bizarre and suspicious-looking tax scheme that is faulty in many way: Creates a slush fund for politically-connected artists. The most despicable aspect of this law is that it exploits sympathy for school kids while as much as half of the funds will not even go to schools. Much of the funds will be distributed to the unelected Regional Arts & Culture Council. Arts is a completely subjective and it's likely only those artists that favored by council members will receive funding. It creates a whole new tax filing burden for all Portlanders. Even the simplest tax return form can be a burden -- especially when added to the federal and state income tax filings. Setting-up a whole new tax system for a relatively minor tax is unneeded. This is a regressive tax that will be a burden on many low income Portlanders. This is NOT an income tax. It's a flat fee that is imposed on nearly everyone regardless of income. Portlanders that only make minimum wage will probably have to pay this tax. Only the lowest of the low-income are exempt and they will be required to pay for copies of their federal returns to get out of paying the tax. The new tax is unenforceable. To my knowledge, employers are not required to file W-2s to the city. The city has no way of knowing who is dodging the tax and is unlikely to provoke a backlash through enforcement. This new tax will be based on the honor system similar to last decade's county ITAX. Anyone paying this silly tax will feel like a chump knowing many new residents, former residents, and tenants will never pay it. The City of Portland is not an education district and should not micromanage education. Why not a tax to fund for physical education, science, math, and other important curriculum? Portland overlaps several school districts, so it's unclear how the City will implement this program in districts not exclusive to Portland. While the City has major challenges such as unpaved streets, chronic homelessness, unaffordable housing, high unemployment, and many other issues, it's bizarre the City is micromanage public school education. I can't help but suspect this is merely outgoing Mayor Sam Adams' thank you to his clique of supporters.
PORTLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT #1JT MEASURE
26-144: Portland Public School District Bonds to Improve Schools Question: Is the Portland Public School District authorized to issue up to $482 million of general obligation bonds to improve schools? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
ME	MEASURE	ENDORSEMENTS
[X]	Yes	WILLAMETTE WEEK, THE PORTLAND MERCURY, THE OREGONIAN, PORTLAND TRIBUNE, LEAGUE OF WOMEN OF VOTERS, STREET ROOTS
[_]	No	JACK BOGDANSKI
"...At $482 million, the bond measure still constitutes a bold request. The school district, however, will spread the life of the bond across a greater number of years than was proposed for the $548 million measure narrowly defeated last year. That change...lowers the cost to a maximum of $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of a home assessed at $150,000, that translates to $165 per year — less than $14 per month." -PORTLAND TRIBUNE ~~I'm still pondering this tax.~~ I voted for the failed $500 M measure last year, so I'm leaning toward voting for this one. However, I still have some concerns. This tax is not comprehensive and only a few of the district's schools targeted. UPDATE: I've decided to support this bond. Although raising our taxes ~$14 per month (via mortgage escrow) isn't ideal, the fact is that Oregon property taxes are substantially lower than when I attended public school. I also remember the difference in attending an old elementary school building versus a remodeled middle school building in the 1980s. Although anti-tax activists have a point that remodeling buildings will not solve the challenges public schools face, environment does matter to both students and staff.

Brave: C

noreply@blogger.com (Norm!) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 05:27:00 +0000

Scott and I saw Brave yesterday. Scott convinced me to go because it was a Pixar movie and not merely a Disney princess movie (although technically it is). I forgot that I actually like Pixar (The Incredibles, WALL-E, Up, Finding Nemo, etc.).

The 3D CGI movie was visually beautiful and stylized. However, it didn't feel like an adult Pixar movie to me. It seemed too cartoonish. The castle in an enchanted forest setting just seemed too Disney cliche. Worse, the story took an unexpected turn becoming a sentimental mother-daughter movie with slap-stick animals thrown in.

A "C" rating is probably too harsh, but in terms of Pixar films, Brave just didn't wow me like their other films. It certainly isn't a bad film and I don't regret seeing it. However, it seemed a bit Disney average to me. And while it was beautifully done, the preceding animated short, La Luna, is more memorable to me.

		The Oregonian \| police union \| fire fighters union \| 6 unions Unfortunately Gonzalez has suffered from the tendency to project national political polarization on local politics. Gonzalez is NOT Trump. His positions are moderate and will likely be reigned-in by a progressive city council. Despite national statistics on reported crime, all Portlanders have experienced increased crime -- hence why 911 is continually overwhelmed. Portland is not the hellhole national conservatives like to portray us, but it's fair to admit crime is a problem. Like it or not, law enforcement is an essential part of steering people away from crime, drugs, and vandalism. Convincing prospective residents and business owners that Portland is committed to making our neighborhoods safer is the only way we will attract more investment and tax revenue to pay for the all the social services to help people get out of drug addiction, untreated mental illness, and homelessness. We cannot attract or keep people investing in Portland with reassurances that we will build a treatment center in 3-5 years to deal with the person in crisis who is doing drugs on your door step right now.
		1 union
		Willamette Week \| 3 Unions
		Portland Mercury 1 fmr Mayor \| 7 unions

		police union
		Portland Mercury \| 1 Commissioner \| 1 fmr Commissioner \| 11 unions
		The Oregonian \| 1 Commissioner \| 1 fmr Fire Chief \| 1 fmr Water Bureau Director \| 1 fmr Budget Director \| police union \| 2 unions
		former City Commissioner Willamette Week \| Portland Mercury \| The Oregonian \| 1 fmr Mayor \| 3 fmr City Commissioners \| police union \| 9 unions
		Portland Mercury \| 1 City Commissioner \| 1 fmr City Commissioner \| 7 unions
		The Oregonian \| 2 City Commissioners \| 2 fmr Mayors \| 7 unions
		12 unions
		1 City Commissioner \| police union \| 1 union
		Willamette Week
		Willamette Week