Measure 30: deeper look

I am very concerned about funding our schools and social services adequately and would ask that those in the community join me in educating themselves about this and not depend on newscasters, newspaper writers, pollsters or others to tell us what to believe. I am concerned that newspaper headlines tell us that “no new taxes” will prevail. Some might say, “What’s the use of voting yes, if the Measure 30 is going to fail?”

When it comes to Measure 30, I want to know both sides of the story. What I have learned so far is that the legislators, in the past legislative session, did their best to come up with a plan to move forward and help save the state’s budget crisis. Senator Morse is a highly respected person who has said it’s the best solution at this point.

I also learned that Citizens for a Sound Economy, which provided some funding of the approximate $1 million raised to help obtain signatures to place the referendum on the ballot in February, is headquartered in Washington D.C., and largely funded by corporate money, including Philip Morris, Exxon and General Electric.

Their Web site was designed and developed in India, but headquartered in Portland. Isn’t it interesting that they go to where the labor is cheap to obtain what they need? Several others use this facility for development of software or newsletters/flyers, including the Oregon Restaurant Association and the Republican Party Oregon (Mannix for governor). For those who want to check it out, go to www.stoporegontax.com and investigate techspeed. A few e-mails to such organizations might change their mind on how and where they do business.

On the www.stoporegontax.com Web site, seven reasons are given to vote on increased taxes in Oregon. I’m wondering who will stand to benefit in the long run if Measure 30 is defeated? Will it be big business or you or I?

Pat Kelley, Albany