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Posted Thu, 06/10/2010 - 14:17 by jim

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictement of a Grand Jury...

Constitution of the United States, Amendment V

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Jim's Election Recommendations

Posted Thu, 10/14/2010 - 13:43 by jim

Following are my personal recommendations on how to vote in the November election.

Election recommendations
United States Senator Ron Wyden or Bruce Cronk Ron Wyden deserves to be returned to DC.  If you want to send a message for more progressive issues, then you could vote for Bruce Cronk, but unfortunately Oregon does not have an instant runoff system, so voting for any progressive candidate other than Wyden simply helps the Republican come closer to winning.
US Congress, 3rd District Earl Blumenauer Earl has worked hard for Oregon, and there is no chance of him losing.  A vote for Michael Meo would express a progressive vote, but Earl should return to DC.
Governor John Kitzhaber 'nuf said.
State Treasurer Ted Wheeler While I like Walt Brown's stand on many issues, Ted is quickly proving himself to be an effective and skilled State Treasurer.
State Senator, 22nd District Chip Shields The obvious choice.  An excellent legislator.
State Representative, 44th District Tina Kotek Tina is representing the District well, and should continue.
Judges All are unopposed. I have reservations about Karin Immergut, because of her service as US Attorney, so will likely write-in someone for that position.
Measure 70 Yes Just makes sense.
Measure 71 Yes It will help the state deal with budgets, without having to call special sessions.
Measuer 72 Yes Saves money in the long run.
Measure 73 No More mandatory minimum sentences will hurt the state.
Measure 74 Yes Will help people with legitimate medical needs.
Measure 75 No It is designed to create a monopoly exception for one business.
Measure 76 Yes Continues Oregon's ability to have watershed protection and parks.
Multnomah County Commissioner District 2 Loretta Smith With two very good candidates, I feel best about Loretta's focus in work at the county.
Metro Council President Tom Hughes A tough choice.  I want to support Stacey's focus on environmental protection, but Hughes is certainly not anti-environment.  In balance, they are both progressive candidates, and I feel Hughes will be better able to balance interests and work with leaders in the region to complete Metro's mission.
East Multnomah SWCD At Large 2 Jill Kuehler She has a strong set of experience working on projects directly relevant to the Conservation District, and can bring a strong commitment to the mission of the District.
Multnomah County Measure 26-109 Yes

I just don't like term limits in general.
Multnomah County Measure 26-110 Yes Would allow more options for electing good candidates.
Multnomah County Measure 26-111 Yes Take politics out of setting the salary.
Multnomah County Measure 26-112 Yes Move out?  Leave office.
Multnomah County Measure 26-113 Yes Would save the county money in the long run, without hindering democracy.
Multnomah County Measure 26-114 Yes Allows another option for funding libraries.
Multnomah County Measure 26-118 Yes Keep history accessable.
Portland Measure 26-108 YES This is the best way to ensure fair elections, with working people being able to run.
Portland Measure 26-117 No I'm not convinced it's needed, and it should have been included in the City's general fund discussions.
TriMet Measure 26-119 Yes While there are some other changes TriMet should make, it is clear that TriMet needs to replace aging buses, and make other improvements.