8 MORE INITIATIVES SET FOR SIGNATURE-GATHERING

Elections officials cleared eight more statewide initiatives for
signature-gathering this week, including several that would repeal the
Measure 7 property compensation initiative.

Others would increase the amount of marijuana that patients can possess
under Oregon's medical marijuana program and amend the state constitution
to include "the inalienable right" to display the Ten Commandments in
public schools.

More than 40 initiatives have been approved for circulation for the Nov. 5
ballot.

Several of the latest proposals deal with land-use planning. Two would
amend the constitution to provide property owners with the right, under
some circumstances, to compensation for land-use rules that reduce their
property's value, but only after voters approved a new money source.

Those are among several of the latest initiatives that would repeal Measure
7, which voters approved in November 2000. The measure requires governments
to compensate owners if regulations reduce their property's value, but
legal challenges have blocked it from taking effect. The Oregon Supreme
Court is expected to rule on its constitutionality this year.

Another initiative would create disclosure requirements for officials who
decide land-use applications and prohibit their participation in some matters.

One initiative would allow people older than 21 to possess, deliver or grow
limited amounts of marijuana. Another, cleared last year, would legalize
private cultivation, use and possession of marijuana.

No initiative petitioners had submitted signatures to the Elections
Division for counting as of Friday. The deadline is July 5.

For initiative information, visit
www.sos.state.or.us/elections/other.info/irr.htm or call 503-986-1518.