Measure 24-94Arguments Against:Dear Marion County Voters I urge a NO VOTE on the Marion County tax increases. Marion County voters want government growth limited but our Commissioners have ignored Ballot Measures #47 and #50. Marion County has not responded to its voters demands to streamline programs and services for more efficient and cost-effective government. I live in Salem and chaired the County Budget Committee for a number of years. We worked to keep faith with County voters. I know it's not easy to make program and service cuts and deny budget increase requests ... but we did. The City of Salem showed real leadership by crafting its budget reflective of local voter direction for less not more government. Real reductions. Real job cuts. Tough, honest decisions reached with a great deal of public involvement. In contrast, Marion County Commissioners have moved to increases taxes on their own. It's a tax grab. I cannot support a patchwork of added taxes on gasoline, aggregate, vehicle registration, diesel fuel and hotel/motel accommodations. We need to get our Marion County house in order first. Marion County must work for a positive Growth and Tax Management Plan that incorporates rather than excludes the needs of voters in all our cities and supports other taxing district needs in the County. Public taxation policy should not be set through a series of local patchwork political campaigns that force local taxing districts to fight with each other. Marion County should be a leader in creating a taxation plan that fosters cooperation, compromise and consolidation of government programs. I will continue to fight for Marion County taxpayers. Commissioner Mary Pearmine has told me she is not going to run for re-election. I intend to campaign for her vacant position. I won't let you down. Please let me know your thoughts. Write to me % P.O. Box 13282, Salem, OR 97309, or send E-Mail to MRyan22328@aol.com Sincerely, Mike Ryan The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Marion County nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument. Marion County does not correct errors in spelling or grammar.
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