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Argument Against:
Salem Mayors for Responsible Planning
As former mayors of Salem, we have a deep commitment to, and love for, this fine city. That’s why we are opposed to Ballot Measure # 24-34. We hope you will join us in voting no on Measure # 24-34.
The process for annexing land into the city limits is part of a long range plan, developed over many years with thousands of hours of staff time, and citizen input. The city has a Comprehensive Land Use Plan; an Urban Growth Boundary; a Growth Management Plan; Water, Sewer, Park and Street Master Plans; Intergovernmental Agreements, and a number of policies that define when and where annexations to the city limits are appropriate.
Asking that the citizens be made to vote on every annexation wastes time and money. For example, should the School District have to wait for an election to bring in a school site that the community wants and needs? Should someone on a failing well or septic tank have to wait, perhaps a year, to have a vote to annex their home to get water or sewer service? Does it make any sense for the City to incur the extra cost of an election to annex land it has purchased for a future city park? These examples point out the unintended consequences of this measure.
That’s why the Governor of Oregon has expressed concern about voter approved annexations. That’s why the Land Conservation and Development Commission, in charge of Oregon’s land use laws, has opposed these measures. That’s why the city’s own planning staff advised the City Council against voter annexation.
Vote no on measure # 24-34
Kent Aldrich Sue Miller Tom Neilsen
Mayor 1976-82 Mayor 1983-88 Mayor 1989-90
(This information provided by Sue Miller)
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.
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce encourages a “No” vote on measure 24-34. Any measure that would implement the requirement of voter approval of annexations is bad public policy and will create many unintended consequences.
The Oregon planning system is predicated upon preserving farm and forest lands by directing growth in and around the cities. This measure will produce these unintended consequences:
n An increase in regional commuter traffic due to increased growth in smaller communities surrounding Salem
n The destruction of farm lands, negatively impacting the development of the region as a whole
Additionally, this measure will increase the costs of city government, and will destroy coordinated planning between city, county and state governments.
The Department of Land Conservation and Development provided testimony to the 1997 State Legislature stating that measures such as this will:
n Likely increase sprawl and loss of farmland
n May cause land to be used less efficiently
n Bypass a planning process in which Oregonians have invested a great deal of time, money, and energy.
Proponents describe voter annexation as a way to let people have a say in how their community will develop. BUT WE ALREADY HAVE THAT SAY! That’s what Oregon’s land use planning is all about: it is a proven process which involves each community in long-range, coordinated decisions about land, natural resources, and public services.
Elected officials, appointed citizen boards and commissions, and city staff are all held responsible for ensuring that development decisions, including annexations, are consistent with adopted public policies. Oregon land use law requires that citizens are
provided notice and a right to participate in these development decisions.
This measure is bad public policy. It will create inefficiency in local government.
If you, as a voter, feel the need to support a modification to the current planning process, do not support this measure. It is too radical with numerous unintended consequences.
VOTE “NO” ON MEASURE 24-34.
(This information provided by Mike McLaran,
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce)
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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