Two early endorsements in Marion County
Chuck Bennett for Salem Mayor
Chuck Bennett is running in a crowded race to be Salem's next mayor. But his ideas to make sure Salem families get what they deserve--clean air and water, affordable transportation choices, and safe, walkable neighborhoods--set him apart.
Bennett’s past experience in various levels of government, combined with his history of activism on environmental issues, including being one of the founding members of Friends of Opal Creek, is evidence of his commitment to both public service and environmental protection.
Chuck Bennett is the best choice for Salem's next mayor. Check OLCV's website in January for more information on how you can get involved with Chuck's campaign.
Vote YES on the proposed Marion County Charter Initiative
If passed, the charter will:
- Eliminate partisan politics on the Board of Commissioners
- Open up county commission races to a more diverse pool of candidates including those who will work hard to protect Marion County's air and water and fight for responsible land use
- Reduce the costs associated with educating voters on important air and water quality issues and critical land use decisions
- Increase transparency and improve accountability on environmental decisions made by commissioners
Learn more about the proposed Marion County Charter Initiative.
The election is May 18, 2010. Check out the growing list of OLCV's 2010 endorsements around the state.
Protection of remaining intact wilderness for its intrinsic value to all living inhabitants is as noble and worthy a goal as any development could possibly be. That's why we support organizations such as OLCV and our political representatives who work hard to protect Oregon's natural legacy.
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@Anonymous
You want more liberals to have a shot at being elected, but the electorate at-large is simply more conservative in Marion County. You want to break it up to give environmentalists a better shot by changing the system at the expense of everyone else.
I didn't know that only liberals cared about the environment. I have met many Republicans who care about clean air and clean water, as well as protected natural areas to visit for fishing, hiking and camping.
There is no real reason for voters to choose a candidate for County Commission based on their party affiliation.
Thus making this a non-partisan elected position is a long-overdue, responsible improvement.
I agree "Shasta." But show me a republican that was endorsed by the OLCV. Better yet...show me a republican in Marion County that was endorsed by the OLCV. I know plenty of pro-environment republicans, but they will never get an endorsement from this organization, because OLCV knows their bread is buttered by the fringe left. It's not any different for some of the conservative groups too...but let's be intellectually honest about it.
> But show me a republican that was endorsed by the OLCV...
I believe they endorsed Senator Mark Hatfield, probably several times. And I'm sure they would have endorsed Tom McCall, and perhaps did. As for the predominance of folks that wear the scarlet letter "R" in Marion County, I would agree.
That is the problem. Many of the traditional, progressive Republicans like Hatfield and McCall were supplanted years ago by the "Jesus Wing(nut)" faction of the once great GOP, which was actually the leading party for progressive ideals for many years. Why blame to Democrats for the lack of quality of Republican party members?
The problem is with the Republican leadership, and their greedy take on reality, under the guise of "pro-jobs" and cynical manipulation of folks to work and vote against their own interests, under the guise that "evil liberals" are out to tax them to death.
~EIO
In answer to the post by Anonymous dated December 29, 2009—12:16 PM re: Marion County Measure 24-292 adopting a Home Rule Charter:
Regarding your statement about people not being allowed to run for county office: It is very difficult to run for the office of MC Commissioner at this time because a candidate must run “at large”. That is very expensive. The last commissioner to run had no opponent. This is not good for democracy. If the charter passes and thus districts are created, we will most likely get a great crop of candidates.
Regarding your thought that we who want the charter to pass want more representation for Salem makes no sense. Please study the map of the proposed districts. Also, in the past, the Board of Commissioners usually consisted of 2 from Salem and 1 from the north part of the county. This would protect us from that happening again.
Regarding the cost of educating voters about an issue impacting them: The cost of alerting citizens of a district of 60,000 people vs. a whole county of 300,000 would be considerably less.
Another reason to vote “yes” on M. 24-292: Many people feel that the members of the current BoC have consistently disregarded the will of voters at hearing after hearing on land use issues. Too many of the BOC decisions have cost the taxpayers untold county dollars as the citizens have had to pursue legal remedies to ensure land use laws were followed.
Seriously?!? It's not that expensive to run for a commissioner seat, unless you are stuck in the past habits of using direct mail exclusively. TV, radio and e-mail are pretty darn cheap when you cost it out. So you would have us believe the charter change is being done just so people could AFFORD to run for the office? What a ridiculous red herring!! And likewise, the cost of "alerting" voters about an issue is a diversion as well. Do you think each commissioner sends out a notice to citizens about every issue, and it is somehow a burden to them financially? The commissioners meet every week in public meetings, with published agendas, open to anyone to speak and submit opinions, etc. How is this less efficient?
I just wish you would be honest about your intentions. You want more liberals to have a shot at being elected, but the electorate at-large is simply more conservative in Marion County. You want to break it up to give environmentalists a better shot by changing the system at the expense of everyone else. Under your system, people would only have one commissioner that would care about their issues....now they have three commissioners they can approach. Now, if your ideas are crazy and from the lunatic fringe....you might not get the play you are looking for. But for normal folks...this system works pretty darn good.
I was unaware that pro-environment candidates were not allowed to pursue public office at the county level. At least be intellectually honest about the reason to change the county's charter: Concentrate power in Salem where there is a higher chance of electing an environmentalist than if everyone in the county has an at-large vote, while marginalizing the outlying areas which generally produce self-sufficient people who are less reliant on government programs and left-leaning groups to speak for them.
And how in the world will expanding the board of commissioners possibly reduce the cost of educating voters? Or are you talking about YOUR organization's educational expenses...assuming there might be less to have your panties in a bunch over?