MEASURE NO. 24-78

City of Salem

Argument Against:

Campaign finance reform is a very important issue and we should take the time to pursue the issue correctly and legally.

Ballot measure 24-78 raises issues of free speech, added time and confusion at public meetings and other constitutional questions.

The measure was rushed through at a special meeting with little or no public input. In fact, it was done in such a rush that the City Councils own attorney said they did not have time to review and analyze the measure and that “this measure could be postponed to a later election date, rather than the May election.”

That’s not all the City Attorney had to say about this rushed and unwise measure. In a March 4th staff report to the City Council, she said:

“This will add to the time the process takes and may frustrate meeting mandatory time lines...”

“Application of the law can easily become unworkable.”

(this) “raises questions of decision making authority.”

“The scope of the decisions contemplated by the measures is not clear.”

“Many of the terms used in the measure are undefined and ambiguous.”

“this provision may be used to manipulate the decision making process...”

These comments are just some from a multi-page list of issues that the City Council ignored in the rush to get this measure out.

As past mayors, we are shocked and saddened to see such disregard for the City Attorneys thoughtful legal advice. The push to put this flawed measure in our City Charter is irresponsible and highly unwise.

Join with us in turning back this poorly thought out measure and give the public a chance to provide input.

Vote “NO” Ballot Measure 24-78

Former Mayors:

Tom Neilson

Sue Miller

Kent Aldrich

 

(This information provided by Mike McLaran)

 



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