Opinion

How we vote...

Circuit Court Judge: We support Stephen Forte for this newly-created circuit court position.

Forte's day-in, day-out work on the bench -- which includes regular handling of the kinds of cases he would hear as a circuit court judge -- qualifies him for this position.

Forte has earned the respect of his professional peers, as evidenced by their significant support in an Oregon State Bar preference poll.

Local attorneys believe Forte is highly qualified; they praise his work ethic and, most importantly, they believe him to be fair-minded and even-handed.

Governor: We would like to see Ron Saxton win the Republican primary and stand against Democrat Ted Kulongoski in November. These are both responsible, thoughtful men whose approach to the issues is pragmatic rather than ideological.

Deschutes County Assessor: We support Scott Langdon for Assessor.

Mr. Langdon has effectively been acting as assessor since he was brought to the assessors office. He has improved communications and operation of the agency, and should continue in the job.

Deschutes County Commissioner: We support incumbents Dennis Luke and Tom DeWolf. Both men have performed well and bring useful experience to the board.

Central Oregon Community College Bond ($35.8 million to fund construction of new buildings and renovations of existing facilities): Yes. We regard this as an investment in the Central Oregon community.

COCC fills a vital niche for higher education in the region and its programs have wide benefits to the local economy and community. Demand is growing swiftly within the region and it is important that the college have the facilities to meet the demand.

The bond will cost individual taxpayers an estimated 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the first year.

Measure 10 -- Allows public universities to receive equity in technologies that schools create: Yes. This modernization of rules that apply to public universities and colleges will boost Oregon's standing in a competitive global economy.

Measure 11 -- Authorizes less expensive general obligation bond financing for Oregon Health Sciences medical research and other capital costs: Yes. This measure better positions Oregon to compete in a world economy -- in the vital biotechnology sector.

Measure 13 -- Authorizes using education fund principal in specified circumstances; transfers $220 million to school fund. No.

The time has come for solving Oregon's school financing crisis. Measure 13 merely postpones that day. Income from the endowment fund has paid a portion of public education costs. Now some would like to spend the principal of the fund, which will leave less income available in the future.

Measure 13 takes most of the endowment for current expenses without answering the question of what we will do when that money is gone. Which it soon will be.

Measure 13 is not a solution for Oregon schools. It's a pain killer that will keep school financing from getting much needed medical attention. The Oregon Legislature needs to feel a little of this pain. It needs to find a long term solution to funding the education of children in Oregon. Measure 13 allows legislators to dodge this responsibility.