August, 2018 (Tualatin, Ore.) -As stewards of a strong business climate, it is the responsibility of the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the interests of business are being represented in the political process. With more than 50% of Tualatin’s tax base paid for by the business community, we take this responsibility very seriously.
The following endorsements were determined through a quantitative process comparing the Candidates and Measures to our Core Priorities and Legislative Agenda. It was led by the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Council (BAC) and then approved by the Tualatin Chamber’s Board of Directors.
With the best interest of the business community and the jobs they provide in mind, the Tualatin Chamber is recommending that the voters support the following positions:
- NO on the Metro Bond for Affordable Housing. While it was agreed that Affordable Housing is needed, Metro is not an expert on building housing and this measure is inefficient in how it will be applied to the cities. Washington County is already building affordable housing at a rate that will exceed the Metro Bond and it is doing so without a new tax that will last for 30 years.
- NO on M102-Allow Municipal Bond Revenue to Fund Privately Owned Affordable Housing Amendment (2018). Using public dollars for a project with private owners or stakeholders should be avoided.
- YES on M103-Ban Tax on Groceries Initiative (2018). This constitutional amendment will once-and-for-all keep our groceries tax free.
- YES on M104-Definition of Raising Revenue for Three-Fifths Vote Requirement Initiative (2018). This constitutional amendment insures that what voters passed over 20 years ago, requiring a super majority vote, stands. It will also make sure that loop holes are not created for adding fees, raising taxes or eliminating exemptions, deductions, and credits.
With the best interest of the business community and the jobs they provide in mind, the Tualatin Chamber is recommending that the voters support the following Candidates:
- House District 37 – the Chamber recommends endorsing Representative Julie Parrish for re-election, due to her strong alignment with our Legislative Agenda and Priorities.
- Senate District 19 – the Chamber has decided to remain neutral on this position. Both Senator Wagner and Challenger David Poulson are new to the Legislative process and we had insufficient information to make this decision but look forward to working with whoever wins the election.
- Chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners – The Chamber recommends endorsing Bob Terry. While Kathryn has a wealth of experience with Metro Council, Bob better aligns with our Legislative Agenda and priorities.