Oregonian Opinion May Resonate with LO Voters

To All COLA LO Members,

This week an opinion in the Oregonian by a retired professor provided additional insight into the cost of local government and provided some options for Oregonians.    Given the rising cost of utility rates in Lake Oswego and increasing fees, some of the options presented in the article might appeal to residents.  

In the article Limit the local taxes, the author proposes specific limits that can be placed at the local level in the city charter or the state level in the state Constitution.     Its an interesting concept.  

Rumor has it that certain residents are already considering a charter amendment requiring that increases in utility fees be subject to a vote of residents.   


That would present an interesting quandary for the city given the cost of the LO Tigard Water Project.    Will the charter amendment actually be placed on the ballot?  

Only time will tell.........

All of this comes following the recent election where voters in Clackamas county passed a largely symbolic vote against light rail spending by the county.   Clackamas Votes Down Light Rail Again... 

While the vote was symbolic it continued a theme in the county where voters believed they are being bypassed on key decisions and have passed several ballot initiatives requiring votes for a variety of government activities including vehicle registration fees for bridges, light rail spending, and approval of new urban renewal districts.   

Its clear voters across the county are tired of new fees, taxes, and rates passed by elected officials without voter approval.     COLA will be keeping an eye out for any charter amendment initiatives that may be coming from residents or outside groups so we can clearly inform members.  

Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.