LO Citizen Raises Interesting Alternative to Sellwood Bridge Fee

To all COLA LO Members,

An Article in the Review today raises an interesting alternative to the Sellwood bridge fee proposed in County Measure 3-372.    In it a local citizen shows the inequity in its fee structure.   The article in a letter to the editor is below

Here’s a deal on Sellwood Bridge

To the Editor:

County officials are encouraging Lake Oswego residents to vote for Measure 3-372 which assesses a $5 fee/year on each county-registered vehicle.

For years anyone living within the Lake Oswego city limits has been assessed a monthly street maintenance fee even though a significant percentage of city street users don’t live in (or anywhere near) Lake Oswego, and don’t pay these fees.

Here’s a fair deal: I’ll support the Sellwood Bridge project if the county starts assessing all county residents the same street maintenance fee that Lake Oswego residents pay. This is just as rational a proposition as the arguments put forth by Measure 3-372 supporters. At least the money would all stay within the county, which won’t be the case under 3-372.

I, for one, am tired of fees being assessed for issues that should be covered by property taxes.

Jack Carter

Lake Oswego

It can also be found at:   http://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=130516076626192400

Please notify all members, friends and contacts.