After careful consideration of the pros & cons of the various statewide ballot measures on the 2008 General Election ballot, the Multnomah County Democratic Central Committee made the following endorsements:

Measure 54

Yes
Allows 18 year olds to vote in school board elections. (Eliminates conflicting language in the State Constitution.)

Measure 56

Yes

Repeals Sizemore's 1996 double majority law for primary and general elections that gave deciding power to no-shows.

Measure 57

Yes

A tough, smart measure to reduce property and drug crime, with penalties and treatment.

Important note. Since M57 & M61 address the same issue, the Legislature's referral of M57 carries this important provision: If they both pass, whichever of the two gets the most votes is the one that goes into effect. We strongly oppose M61, an expensive, shortsighted Kevin Mannix initiative, so we urge voting No on M61 and Yes on M57.

Measure 58

No

Bill Sizemore dictating how to teach students who are learning English. (Like he's an expert!)

Measure 59

No

Bill Sizemore's tax relief for rich people. Would cut up to $2.4 billion from State budget with no replacement proposed, affecting core State functions.

Measure 60

No

Bill Sizemore dictating to local school districts how to evaluate and pay teachers. Eliminates cost of living raises.

Measure 61

No

Expensive and ineffective. Requires State debt to build and operate more prisons. Fails to address causes of crime.

Measure 62

No

Diverts lottery funds away from schools and economic development to fund new crime programs.

Measure 63

No
Bill Sizemore's proposal to allow unsafe construction. Opposed by firefighters.

Measure 64

No
Bill Sizemore seeking yet again to silence the voices of working Oregonians and nonprofit organizations.

Measure 65

No
Eliminates all party nominations for all offices except President. Only top two in Primary advance to General Election regardless of party affiliation. Increases total cost of running for office and restricts access to General Election ballot. Chock full of hidden consequences — like the virtual elimination of minor parties.