SHERIFF'S LEVY FACES TOUGH BATTLE

ST. HELENS, Ore. --- A Columbia County Sheriff's levy made it to the
November ballot Wednesday, but that's just the first hurdle for
Sheriff's department supporters.

Not only do they have to convince voters to raise their property taxes
by 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value --- or $39 for a
$100,000 home --- but more than 50 percent of voters must turn out in
order for the measure to pass. "I'm not worried that people do not
believe in this," said campaign chair Diane Dillard. "If I have any
concerns, that's it."

Supporters maintain the increase in crime is related to a growth in
population and in methamphetamine use.

"It seems to be an issue that people understand," County Commissioner
Rita Bernhard said. "You almost can't go anywhere without hearing
about how meth affects crime. Identity theft, fraud. It affects
children who are abused."

The $6.3 million over five years --- between $1.2 million and $1.3
million a year --- will triple the number of deputies patrolling the
road, which supporters say is necessary to fight crime in Columbia
County. It also provides for a treatment program at the jail.

The levy would increase the Sheriff's budget by more than 80
percent.

Supporters will need more than 13,864 ballots out of more than 27,728
in order for the levy to pass, said elections supervisor Pam Benham.

With no other statewide or countywide measure on the ballot, that
could be a challenge. Last year's first try for the Columbia 911
operating levy failed despite widespread support because of a lack of
turnout. Columbia 911 eventually got its levy passed during the
presidential primary, Benham said.

Supporters also must convince a public that has so far been skeptical
of raising property taxes for the Sheriff's department.

In the past 10 years, support for three different Sheriff's levies has
been lacking. In 2003, 42 percent of voters approved a 68 cent per
$1,000 levy. In 2002, 45 percent of voters supported a $14 million,
five-year levy. In 1995, with an unpopular Sheriff in office, 48
percent of voters voted for a $3.4 million sheriff's levy.

Dillard said that people are becoming more aware of the increase in
crime and drugs.

"People are getting fed up," she said. "And they realize it's because
of a lack of law enforcement."