FRIENDS OF MARION COUNTY SAY: VOTE NO! 24-193.

There is less to 24-193 than meets the eye. That was deliberate.

Through grassroots efforts, Salem’s citizens gave themselves the right to have the final say on annexations. The idea was simple: tell us what you plan to do, and let us decide.

The idea worked. Voters soundly defeated the Hazel’s Hill annexation because it did not measure up to your expectations for your community.

The City Council, bowing to the developer who owns the Chemawa Interchange property, diluted the requirement to inform YOU, THE VOTER, of their plans for the land.

Two city councilors violated the City Charter through their dealings with this developer. The owner of this property then successfully lobbied the city to turn your vote into nothing more than a rubber stamp.

You do not know how the land will be used. A “no” vote is your only means of exercising your voice in the process. Send a message.

This measure is bad. It gives a developer too much power and cheats the voters out of their right to know.

The fair share for 24-193 is unknown.

First the Statesman Journal reported that annexation 24-193 could COST us taxpayers $127,300 per year. (See: “City annexation would bring revenue”, 6/27/06.)

Then the Statesman Journal reported that Council, staff, and the developer realized taxpayers might reject a $127,300 a year tax loss. So, the city simply changed the proposal. They made it appear to PAY an $87,349 yearly tax profit to the city. (See: “Ballot changes boost annex’s chances”, 7/11/06.)

But the developer has not revealed his exact plan for 24-193. Without that plan, we won’t know if the city gains $87,349 or loses $127,300 per year.

The ballot doesn’t reveal the exact plan for this 55-acre annexation.

Without an exact plan, there is no exact price tag for taxpayers to consider. Even the zone designation keeps you guessing since all zones allow multiple uses. For example, there’s a big difference between “light-industrial” and “heavy-industrial”. Some zones could even have negative impacts on existing businesses and neighborhoods.

Without a published plan for this property, it could be used for almost anything. We will not know what will be built until after the election is over . . . too late for citizen involvement.

Taxpayers should avoid this “bait and switch”.

Vote NO on annexation 24-193.

Thank you,

The Board and Members of CityWatch

P.O. Box 3062 Salem, OR 97301

(This information provided by Richard Reid, CityWatch)

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