Lake Oswego. Clackamas County. November Ballot Measures 3-388 and 3-386

There are two measures on the November ballot that once again are stirring some controversy. I have read parts of each of the measures but, frankly, I need to read them again to decide how I will vote.

Those In Favor Of Measure 3-388

According to the Lake Oswego Review:

“Clackamas County voters have a choice in the Nov. 8 election between two measures that would require voter approval of urban renewal districts. One of these proposals – Measure 3-388 – would allow each community within the county to decide if it wants to use urban renewal as a tool to encourage new jobs, economic development and public safety.”

“Voters should approve that measure, while rejecting a competing measure – No. 3-386 – that would have the likely effect of shutting down urban renewal in unincorporated Clackamas County by requiring a countywide vote for each new renewal district.”

“Urban renewal has been used in unincorporated Clackamas County to achieve such notable ends as the development of the area around Clackamas Town Center or the revival of Government Camp. Mostly, the dollars generated by urban renewal districts have been used to fund basic things that all citizens want – roads, sidewalks and related infrastructure.”

“However, critics of urban renewal argue that the tool has been abused and that it siphons money away from other government services. There is a grain of truth in such arguments, of course, but what taxpayers must recognize is that urban renewal costs them almost nothing (? my question mark), but still allows the county to pay for things that otherwise would have to be funded through direct taxation.”

Pros And Cons Of Measures 3-388 and 3-386

Here is the voter pamphlet. You might want to read, as I am going to do again, so that we can all vote on what the proper course of action should be for Lake Oswego.  Far too often, it seems of late, that voters are making decisions they regret later.

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