How many Commissioners does it take to protect the environment?

In Marion County, some say five is the magic number.

The Marion County Commission has made some unpopular decisions when it comes to protecting the environment. For example: The approval of the Elkhorn Resort, a  destination resort tucked into the North Santiam Canyon, despite evidence that it would jeopardize critical fish and wildlife habitat along the Little North Fork; the sale of park land from Spong's Landing Park to a private property owner despite strong opposition from the public and the Parks Commission; and the approval of the Laack subdivision after the passage of Measure 49.

But it can't be easy for three commissioners, or in some cases only two (two votes constitute a majority on the Marion County Commission) to make decisions that affect more than 300,000 people, especially when you consider the diverse needs in Marion County. Farms, nurseries and vineyards blanket the rolling hills of the western side of the county while thick forests and pristine waterways, including reservoirs for Marion County's drinking water, dot the landscape on the eastern side.

Have a Voice Everyone (H.A.V.E.), a local organization managed by an all-volunteer group of community leaders in Marion County, formed to find a solution to this dilemma. For the past two years, they've been researching county charters and talking to county commissioners around the state to identify what works and what does not.

H.A.V.E. compiled their findings and drafted the proposed Marion County Home Rule Charter Initiative. 

In the 2010 May Primary, Marion County voters will get the chance to adopt H.A.V.E.'s recommendations by voting YES on the Marion County Home Rule Charter Initiative.

Adoption of the Charter would lead to some big changes.

Passage of the Charter will:

• Increase the Marion County Commission from three members to five members
• Divide Marion County into five non-partisan districts by equal population, each represented by one commissioner
• Foster conditions that would lead to more transparency and accountability

What does this mean for you?

If the Marion County Home Rule Charter Initiative passes, county residents in districts with a population of less than 60,000 will have non-partisan representation from the community instead of from a partisan commissioner who represents more than 300,000 residents countywide.

Adding two more commissioners also increases the odds for more diversity on the commission, creating opportunities for more voices to be heard.

Visit the Have a Voice Everyone website to find out how you can get involved.