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2005-02-17 Alert
Metro Bill to allow 195
LEGISLATIVE ALERT
The long anticipated bill to revoke the ORS-268.354 prohibition against Metro cities using ORS-195 to annex property has been introduced: Senate Bill 648. Sponsorship is listed as the Senate Environment & Land Use Committee. The bill is currently sitting on Senate President Courtney's desk awaiting committee assignment.
We know this was coming. We also knew initial reports that the bill would be DOA were without merit. This also might explain why SB 380 (one of the bills we're supporting for 195 reform) was scheduled for a hearing by the same committee, and the hearing subsequently cancelled. Ditto for the scheduled work session on 380 this past Monday that was postponed. Adding to the mix is a report that the committee chair, Senator Charlie Ringo, has introduced a bill to exempt Nike (nobody else) from Beaverton's forced annexation crusade! I haven't seen the bill yet, but the report is from a reliable source.
Former OCVA Chair Jeff Lamb always said, "follow the money." And he was always right. 648 would be OK ONLY AFTER HB 2484 or SB 380 IS SIGNED INTO LAW AS WRITTEN!
Regarding Metro, there can be no doubt where that organization stands on "double majority" votes for annexations. However, their spokesman, Randy Tucker - whom many of you know and whom I've known and respected for a long time - advised me that his testimony yesterday was NOT in opposition to the bill, but instead aimed at seeking solutions to annexation problems. I didn't get to hear all of Randy's testimony as I was called into a private meeting with Rep. Ackerman. I heard about his testimony second hand. I told Randy I'd pass his comments on to our group and am doing so.
SB 491 - another bill to reform ORS-195 the way we want, plus address some of the current "no vote" situations in ORS-222, has been assigned to the Senate General Government Committee (Senators Frank Shields - Chair, Gary George, Bruce Starr, Joanne Verger and Vicki Walker). I don't have a feel for the support level on that committee, except for Sen. George, whom I'd expect to oppose the bill. Email contacts are sen.fullname@state.or.us.
I believe our main focus must remain on HB 2484. When SB 648 lands in a committee, we can go to work on that one as well. There is a rising groundswell of anger in this state against unfair annexation practices. It will be more difficult for this Legislature to just sweep it under the rug - but we'll need NUMBERS!
I again want to apologize to this group and to 1000 Friends for my error yesterday. It also now appears I may not have been accurate in my reporting of the Metro testimony yesterday. Obviously not a good day for me. No excuses - but certainly there's an opportunity for improvement.
Jerry Ritter
Secretary, OCVA
This page last modified on 2005-11-16 08:29.
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