OCTOBER 2007, FORUM
The land-use debate
In November, Oregonians once again will be asked to weigh
in on land-use laws. The debate has been heated since 2004,
when Oregonians approved Measure 37 by a wide margin. M37
requires local governments to compensate landowners for
development restrictions passed after purchase that reduce
property value or to waive the restrictions. Since then, more
than 7,500 claims have been filed and the controversy has
raged. Measure 49, a revision to M37, is just as controversial:
It limits development rights gained with M37 to protect
farmland, forestland and groundwater. Here’s some early
handicapping on what might happen on Nov. 6.
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MEASURE 37
If the vote on Measure
37 were held today, how would you vote?
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MEASURE 49
If the vote on Measure
49 were held today, how would you vote?
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WHY DO YOU FAVOR
MEASURE 49?
“Measure 37 was cast as a fairness issue but due to
poor or intentional drafting its effect was to
significantly undo the land-use policies and balances
that have made Oregon the amazing place it is.”
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WHY DO YOU OPPOSE
MEASURE 49?
“Because I believe it directly opposes the will of
the majority of the voters and further empowers the
totalitarian land-use laws that have been forced down our
throats by elitist activists.”
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Responses provided by 621 Oregon Business readers in an
online survey conducted by research partners Conkling Fiskum
& McCormick.
Have an opinion? E-mail feedback@oregonbusiness.com