Showing posts with label Oregon legislature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon legislature. Show all posts
Feb 22, 2010
Feb 5, 2010
Sep 8, 2009
Dec 11, 2008
Double Your Property Taxes? What's The Big Idea, Anyway?
For some current and incoming Multnomah County Commissioners, the consensus "big idea" to solve their upcoming $25 million deficit doesn't seem to include forcing the County to live within their budget. One incoming County Commissioner even said it didn't matter how much they cut, they would never be able to make expenses match revenues.
In today's financial crisis, many East Multnomah County residents have no choice but to live within their means. We're cutting back on expenses. We're renting DVD's instead of going out to the movies. We're eating meals at home instead of going out to restaurants. We've put off major purchases, like buying new cars. Some people have been forced to delay retirement due to a significant reduction in their 401(k) accounts.
Unemployment has skyrocketed except in the government sector. Governor Kulongoski's proposed new budget includes over 1,000 new state government employees. The shelves of the region's food banks are emptying because many families can't even afford to buy food. For most East County residents, the option of a "bailout" isn't an option. The "big idea" for most everyone is to live within our means.
However, the answer to Multnomah County's financial woes does not seem to include living within their existing revenues like the rest of us. Instead, the consensus "big idea" for the new County Commission seems to be the pursuit of an elimination of Oregon's property tax limitation laws. They want to raise your property tax rates. Because of the current property tax limitation laws, most homes are taxed at far less than their market value. If you think you're having a hard time feeding your family now, how would you like your property tax bill to double or triple next year? That's what some County Commissioners have said they'd like to do.
In the Oregonian's December 4, 2008 Multnomah County Weekly insert, here's what some of the current and incoming County Commissioners had to say about how they'd like to solve the County's budget woes:
Ted Wheeler:
Jeff Cogen:
Deborah Kafoury:
In an April 2008 letter to County employees, County Chair Wheeler acknowledged the central problem- the County has failed to live within its means. In the letter, Wheeler stated,
In today's financial crisis, many East Multnomah County residents have no choice but to live within their means. We're cutting back on expenses. We're renting DVD's instead of going out to the movies. We're eating meals at home instead of going out to restaurants. We've put off major purchases, like buying new cars. Some people have been forced to delay retirement due to a significant reduction in their 401(k) accounts.
Unemployment has skyrocketed except in the government sector. Governor Kulongoski's proposed new budget includes over 1,000 new state government employees. The shelves of the region's food banks are emptying because many families can't even afford to buy food. For most East County residents, the option of a "bailout" isn't an option. The "big idea" for most everyone is to live within our means.
However, the answer to Multnomah County's financial woes does not seem to include living within their existing revenues like the rest of us. Instead, the consensus "big idea" for the new County Commission seems to be the pursuit of an elimination of Oregon's property tax limitation laws. They want to raise your property tax rates. Because of the current property tax limitation laws, most homes are taxed at far less than their market value. If you think you're having a hard time feeding your family now, how would you like your property tax bill to double or triple next year? That's what some County Commissioners have said they'd like to do.
In the Oregonian's December 4, 2008 Multnomah County Weekly insert, here's what some of the current and incoming County Commissioners had to say about how they'd like to solve the County's budget woes:
Ted Wheeler:
"How would you seek to address the county's rotten fiscal situation?
"We shouldn't shy away from looking for alternative sources of revenue where appropriate. (He lists changing the state's property tax limitations, using levies to fund services, and creating other fees such as document recording fees and bridge tolls.)"
Jeff Cogen:
"Describe the top issue facing the county and how you think the board should deal with it.
How we can keep providing the services to vulnerable people while revenues are plummeting. (He recommends carefully examining current spending, advocating that the state maintain human services funding, looking at ways to increase tax revenues.)"
"How would you seek to address the county's rotten fiscal situation?
I think I just answered that."
Deborah Kafoury:
"Describe the top issue facing the county and how you think the board should deal with it.
The No. 1 issue is the instability of our budget. ... The incoming revenues aren't going to match expenses no matter how much you cut every year; there's no end in sight."
"How would you seek to address the county's rotten fiscal situation?
I think in the short term to address the $25 million shortfall next year, I'm going to be looking to use whatever one-time-only money we have available to try not to make too many cuts. We're going to have three brand-new county commissioners. It's going to be difficult for us to have a really good grasp ... and make cuts."
Judy Shiprack:
"Describe the top issue facing the county and how you think the board should deal with it.
It's revenue. ... The immediate problem is going to be living within our means. (She recommends looking at ways to increase tax revenue by removing limitations on property taxes or local option taxes.)"
I realize the Multnomah County Commission provides many essential social and public services. The County Commission is faced with some tough choices. But wouldn't you like to see the County Commission make a better effort to find more cuts before they talk about doubling or tripling your property tax bill?
In an April 2008 letter to County employees, County Chair Wheeler acknowledged the central problem- the County has failed to live within its means. In the letter, Wheeler stated,
"In Oregon we are already experiencing impacts of the downturn in the national economy. In Multnomah County government those impacts compound the problems created when we failed to cut the budget to match the decline in revenue from the expiration of the Itax."
Wheeler knows what needs to be done. He needs to cut the budget to match the decline in County revenues. Will the new County Commission have the political courage to do the right thing and cut their budget to match existing revenues instead of trying to double or triple your property tax bill? It's your money.
If you want your property tax bill to double or triple in size, by all means, help out the County Commission and call your local legislator. Let them know it's ok with you. However, if you don't want your property tax bill to double or triple, contact your local legislator, Chair Wheeler or your County Commissioner and tell them you expect them to live within their means like the rest of us.
If you want your property tax bill to double or triple in size, by all means, help out the County Commission and call your local legislator. Let them know it's ok with you. However, if you don't want your property tax bill to double or triple, contact your local legislator, Chair Wheeler or your County Commissioner and tell them you expect them to live within their means like the rest of us.
Nov 6, 2007
Measure 50 Defeated.
Congratulations to Oregon voters. Better luck next time, Oregon legislature (not really. I'm just being polite).
Nov 5, 2007
M49/M50 White Noise
I read something funny yesterday. "Republicans know there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Democrats think that even if there were a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it probably belongs to the government." I don't know where I read it. But with only a glance, I remembered that one line. It made an impact. Compare that with the drivel we're being fed by these M49/M50 campaigns.
I have no interest in this election. . I already read, watched, listened to, talked about the pros and cons of and cast my votes regarding Measure 49 and Measure 50. Both sides of both ballot measures are running commercials that, if I described them as insipid, vapid, or bland, I'd be insulting the concept of insipid.
If I read one more blog that blames poor land use decisions made by local governments on Measure 37, I think I'll puke. If I see one more Measure 50 ad proclaiming it's "all about the children", I'll start wishing that maybe we could solve juvenile delinquency by forcing law-breaking children to watch these TV ads. But I think that would be called child abuse.
Our mailbox has been stuffed with pro/anti/they're lying/ no, THEY'RE LYING/ Tobacco companies are evil/ Republicans are Evil/ Democrats are evil/they're greedy, no, THEY'RE Greedy... for crying out loud. What a waste of full color, two-sided, folded paper products. And you people say you care about the environment.
You know what I'd like in the mail? At this point, I'm easy. Want my vote next time? Don't send me a glossy brochure filed with "The sky is falling" rhetoric. Send me a box of chocolates. That's right. Send me a toothpaste sample. Send me one of those little sewing kits, you know, the ones that insurance agents send to you on your birthday. Send me a coupon for a free 5-pound bag of dog food. Or better yet, offer to come over and cook dinner for the Mrs. and me. Now THAT kind of political campaigning will make you stand out from the other DRIVEL that's drowning our mailbox.
It all boils down to this: Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under socialism, it's the other way around. (I read that in MAD Magazine as a kid. SEE? I remembered it) Get a clue, campaign strategists. You don't have it, probably never had it. I wish I could suggest you hire some professional writers, but unfortunately, they're all out on strike right now.
I have no interest in this election. . I already read, watched, listened to, talked about the pros and cons of and cast my votes regarding Measure 49 and Measure 50. Both sides of both ballot measures are running commercials that, if I described them as insipid, vapid, or bland, I'd be insulting the concept of insipid.
If I read one more blog that blames poor land use decisions made by local governments on Measure 37, I think I'll puke. If I see one more Measure 50 ad proclaiming it's "all about the children", I'll start wishing that maybe we could solve juvenile delinquency by forcing law-breaking children to watch these TV ads. But I think that would be called child abuse.
Our mailbox has been stuffed with pro/anti/they're lying/ no, THEY'RE LYING/ Tobacco companies are evil/ Republicans are Evil/ Democrats are evil/they're greedy, no, THEY'RE Greedy... for crying out loud. What a waste of full color, two-sided, folded paper products. And you people say you care about the environment.
You know what I'd like in the mail? At this point, I'm easy. Want my vote next time? Don't send me a glossy brochure filed with "The sky is falling" rhetoric. Send me a box of chocolates. That's right. Send me a toothpaste sample. Send me one of those little sewing kits, you know, the ones that insurance agents send to you on your birthday. Send me a coupon for a free 5-pound bag of dog food. Or better yet, offer to come over and cook dinner for the Mrs. and me. Now THAT kind of political campaigning will make you stand out from the other DRIVEL that's drowning our mailbox.
It all boils down to this: Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under socialism, it's the other way around. (I read that in MAD Magazine as a kid. SEE? I remembered it) Get a clue, campaign strategists. You don't have it, probably never had it. I wish I could suggest you hire some professional writers, but unfortunately, they're all out on strike right now.
Aug 2, 2007
Swamped Is As Swamped Does
Thanks goodness Tuesday night's city council meeting will be the last one until August 28. Because I've been swamped with work related, well, work! No time to blog. But just for fun, I'll do a free flow, whatever pops into my mind blog entry now. And here we go.
The Oregon House Republicans seem to be in disarray. Karen Minnis, not running for re-election. Wayne Scott, not running for re-election. With the Democrat barbarians at the gate, so to speak, this doesn't look good for Oregonians. Coyote over at NW Republican covers the disastrous Democrat dominated 2007 Oregon Legislature, which can give us an idea what we're in for during the next session.
Over in Gresham, there's an open city council seat. The Gresham Outlook covers the story here.
According to the Outlook, there are four Greshamites who have expressed interest:
-John Kilian, a Troutdale dentist and Gresham resident
-David Widmark, a former Gresham planning commissioner, city councilor and Mt. Hood Community College board member.
-Tom Giusto, a local real estate broker.
-Jenni Simonis, a local web site designer and lefty activist. Simonis, being a web site designer, has her campaign site up and running at www.jennisimonis.com. At that site, Simonis writes, "Currently, the majority of our city council members live in the same area of town -- almost all of them in the same precinct (the central portion of the city south of Division). In a city like Gresham, it is very important that we have geographical diversity on our council. Each neighborhood within the city is different than the others -- the sourther areas in the buttes are quite unlike the NW neighborhoods in Rockwood or the NE neighborhoods near the college and hospital. Traffic issues, crime, neighborhood complaints, etc. all vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, and it is important that we account for this on our council."
Meanwhile, over at moonbat lefty site Loaded Orygun, Simonis wrote, "Since it is a non-partisan position, I tried to keep my partisan politics out of the explanation of my involvement in the community as much as possible."
What a concept! City councils that are nonpartisan. That's a hoot! That thought made me laugh! So, to finish up this meandering blog entry, enjoy some classic Rodney Dangerfield. Enjoy the rest of your week!
The Oregon House Republicans seem to be in disarray. Karen Minnis, not running for re-election. Wayne Scott, not running for re-election. With the Democrat barbarians at the gate, so to speak, this doesn't look good for Oregonians. Coyote over at NW Republican covers the disastrous Democrat dominated 2007 Oregon Legislature, which can give us an idea what we're in for during the next session.
Over in Gresham, there's an open city council seat. The Gresham Outlook covers the story here.
According to the Outlook, there are four Greshamites who have expressed interest:
-John Kilian, a Troutdale dentist and Gresham resident
-David Widmark, a former Gresham planning commissioner, city councilor and Mt. Hood Community College board member.
-Tom Giusto, a local real estate broker.
-Jenni Simonis, a local web site designer and lefty activist. Simonis, being a web site designer, has her campaign site up and running at www.jennisimonis.com. At that site, Simonis writes, "Currently, the majority of our city council members live in the same area of town -- almost all of them in the same precinct (the central portion of the city south of Division). In a city like Gresham, it is very important that we have geographical diversity on our council. Each neighborhood within the city is different than the others -- the sourther areas in the buttes are quite unlike the NW neighborhoods in Rockwood or the NE neighborhoods near the college and hospital. Traffic issues, crime, neighborhood complaints, etc. all vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, and it is important that we account for this on our council."
Meanwhile, over at moonbat lefty site Loaded Orygun, Simonis wrote, "Since it is a non-partisan position, I tried to keep my partisan politics out of the explanation of my involvement in the community as much as possible."
What a concept! City councils that are nonpartisan. That's a hoot! That thought made me laugh! So, to finish up this meandering blog entry, enjoy some classic Rodney Dangerfield. Enjoy the rest of your week!
May 7, 2007
OR Dems: Let Cities, Metro Set House Prices
Oregon State Rep. Buckley, Senator Bates, and Representative Shields have co-sponsored
HB 3284, would allow local governments to establish sales prices for housing units or residential lots as a condition of approval in a land use application.
HB 3284 would also allow local governments to limit the availability of some housing units or residential lots to a class or group of purchasers, also as a condition of approval.
(A tip of the hat to fellow Troutdale City Councilor Barbara Kyle for this information).
What's next, just forcing landowners to build homes, then turn them over at no cost to government? Why don't we all just give all of our land and our money to government now, and get it over with?
HB 3284, would allow local governments to establish sales prices for housing units or residential lots as a condition of approval in a land use application.
HB 3284 would also allow local governments to limit the availability of some housing units or residential lots to a class or group of purchasers, also as a condition of approval.
(A tip of the hat to fellow Troutdale City Councilor Barbara Kyle for this information).
What's next, just forcing landowners to build homes, then turn them over at no cost to government? Why don't we all just give all of our land and our money to government now, and get it over with?
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