Mail Tribune
Oregon’s system of initiative and referendum gives voters the power to enact laws themselves when the Legislature cannot or will not, and to overturn laws voters don’t like. Needless to say, lawmakers are not always pleased with this populist process, but most of the time, they let it take its course. This week, though, the House stuck its nose where it doesn’t belong.
At issue is a law the Legislature passed allowing immigrants in the United States illegally to obtain permits to drive in Oregon. We supported the law and still do: The immigrants in question are here, and they’re driving whether anyone likes it or not, so why not encourage them to know the rules of the road and to get insurance?
An Oregon nonprofit has mailed out 10,000 letters to voters, including some in Jackson County, inviting them to participate in a review panel to help inform fellow voters on ballot measures. “This is a really special opportunity,” said Elliot Shuford, a co-director of the nonprofit and nonpartisan organization Healthy Democracy Oregon. “Rarely do we get the chance to inform every voter about measures.”
Jackson County commissioners headed into potentially controversial territory Tuesday to pursue land-use regulations that could curb large-scale medical marijuana operations. Responding to complaints from neighbors of medical marijuana gardens, the commissioners directed planning and legal staff to craft an ordinance that would regulate traffic, noise, smell, visibility of the gardens and lights used for growing and prohibit cultivation within 1,000 feet of a school.
You can still fight City Hall, but it’s not going to be as easy or as cheap as it used to be.The City Council has instituted a $500 deposit for filing a referendum, and a proposal before the council tonight would add language to limit the time for collecting signatures.
The deposit requirement surfaced after the council discussed a local fuel tax, and local business owners virtually promised they would ask voters to approve any tax the council approved.