News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The "Final Determination of Possible Violation of Oregon Election Law," was mailed to the county commissioners and Charles L. Horlacher on December 14 by Brenda Bayes of the Secretary of State's office.
While the commissioners did pay to an place an argument in favor of the bond in the Deschutes County voter's pamphlet, no public funds were spent. The commissioners had formed an independent political action committee to submit the argument and filed all the proper forms with the state.
A brochure compiled by the Deschutes County Community Corrections Department was determined to be an "informational piece." While county employee time and county money was used to develop the brochure, this is allowed under Oregon law "if the information is not used to lead voters to support or oppose a particular position in the election."
The secretary of state's office "determined that the presentation is made in a sufficiently factual and objective manner," and decided the brochure did not lead voters to vote for or against the measure.
In conclusion, the State of Oregon dismissed the complaint, saying that "there is not evidence submitted that would conclude that public funds were spent in the support of this bond issue. Therefore, based on the information no further action by this office is appropriate."
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