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Letters to the Editor:
Mark Zusman - mzusman@wweek.com

DR. NO STRIKES AGAIN

Last week Gov. John Kitzhaber made headlines when he announced his
opposition to Ballot Measure 64, a proposed ban on clearcuts that he said
was too extreme and divisive. We asked the governor his stance on the other
November measures. It turns out that Kitzhaber, who vetoed a record number
of bills last session, is giving the thumbs down to all but two of the 11
ballot measures. With the possible exception of his opposition to measures
58 (which would give adoptees equal access to their birth certificates) and
66 (which would steer lottery money to parks), there are no real surprises.
Here's how Kitzhaber will vote in November.

MEASURE 57: Stops 1997 legislation that would recriminalize possession of
small amounts of marijuana. No

MEASURE 58: Gives adopted people age 21 and over who were born in Oregon
access to their original birth certificates without consent from either
birth parent. No (Kitzhaber aide Bob Applegate says he's not sure why his
boss opposes the measure but he may fear it will make women less willing to
give up their children for adoption.)

MEASURE 59: Prohibits the state from helping groups collect political
donations through union paycheck deductions. No

MEASURE 60: Requires that all statewide elections are conducted by mail
balloting only. Yes

MEASURE 61: Sets minimum sentences for certain crimes and increases
sentences for repeat offenders. No

MEASURE 62: Strengthens contribution-disclosure regulations for ballot
measures and protects public employee unions from using paycheck deductions
as a legal means of fund-raising. No

MEASURE 63: Requires two-thirds of voters to vote yes on future measures
that would mandate a two-thirds voter turnout to pass tax and bond
measures. Yes

MEASURE 64: Stops clear-cutting and restricts the use of chemical
pesticides and herbicides in logging. No

MEASURE 65: Allows citizens to challenge rules created by state agencies by
petitioning legislators. No

MEASURE 66: Sets aside 15 percent of all lottery revenues for parks and
wildlife habitat protection. No (The governor says ongoing expenses, such
as parks maintenance, should come from the general fund, not the lottery.)

MEASURE 67: Allows people with certain illnesses to cultivate and possess
small amounts of marijuana if their doctors recommend it. No

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Checked-by: Pat Dolan