Do you love billboards?

So they're trying to correct Measure 37 this year.  I'm not a huge fan of the initiative process, though I can  see some positives in it.  My usual take is: elect good legislators - crafting good legislation is their job, not ours.  In my opinion, the whole Measure 37 mess proved that when lay persons write legislation it is either over the top, unconstitutional, unworkable, or something.  But since measure 37 did pass, and it's got some serious downsides, I'm prepared to support Measure 49 to clean up 37.

Sometimes I just vote to express my opinion.  Other times I get all wound up and feel the need to do more than just check that box.  And this is one of those "other" times.  Why?  BILLBOARDS.  OK, so I'm biased, I wrote my graduate school masters project for a N.C. state legislator on billboard control.  I HATE them.  Which is why when I read The Oregonian's recent article on how Measure 37 could thicken our roadsides with 100's more of them, I decided that this is an issue that warrants more than a check on the ol' ballot. 

Are you going to vote for Measure 49?  Host/cohost or attend a house party?  Donate money?  The Yes on 49 web page is chock full of info and ways to get involved.  Or, are you fine with Measure 37 just the way it is???  Plenty of folks are, including Oregonians in Action, who authored the original Measure 37.  Do tell. 

And, if by some chance you're as emotional about billboards as I am, check out Scenic America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's scenic beauty.  They're all over the billboards issue.

Comments

[LeeAnn]

We co-hosted a very big "No on 37" party back when it was on the ballot & raised a lot of cash. Oh well. My husband is co-hosting a big "Yes on 49" party this Friday - one of the other co-hosts managed to snag Storm Large as a special guest! Rock and roll!

In my mind, the pre-Measure 37 Oregon is the one I wanted to preserve and pass down to my daughter... Measure 49 will help do that.

[Lisa]

Lee Ann - Is the party open to any Urban Mamas who are so inclined? If so, can you provide details? Thanks! You go. Lisa

[LeeAnn]

Hell yea, the party is open to all comers (esp. those willing to donate). Unfortunate news flash: Storm has bailed out, so we're hustling to find a replacement - maybe the Sprockettes. (The bikey mamas should appreciate that) In any event, you'll have the opportunity to meet candidates and officials of various stripes, an attraction of a different sort.

Below are the deets from my husband, edited somewhat for brevity. Hope to see mamas, papas, and other folks there for a really important cause... Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to the party myself 'til 8:30, but the party will be going
til 10 or so, at least, so stick around!

"It's a great cause, and if you aren't familiar with the Measure 49, this event is a fun way to get a little education. More importantly, it's a kick-ass party (many claim it is the best party of the year!) There will be wine from a host of local vineyards, crafty microbrews, a well stocked bar and all sorts of tasty artisan foods too numerous to mention. There will be good music and shiny happy people, including a bevy of local elected officials and candidates.
>
> What: 13 Enviros Party to Fix Measure 37
> Where: 2143 SE 57th, Portland, OR
> When: Friday, September 7, 5:30 PM
> Who: Everyone. Forward this freely.
> Hosts: Rhett, Katy, David, Evan, Scott, Charlie, Laura, Tom, Mari, Nicole, Paul, Jeff, Jeremiah, Sam, Cassie

Cost: Free, but please bring your checkbook or credit card to help out as much as you can. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

RSVP: Yes, please, to Evite (http://tinyurl.com/2hk5oz) –
we need a rough count to ensure sufficient procurement of booze and food."

[LeeAnn]

Here's another way to RSVP, since it appears that the link as forwarded is in my hubby's name:

http://13enviros.com/

[Lisa]

OEC is hosting a Yes on Meaure 49 party with State Senator Ben Westlund on Tues 9/25 from 5-8 PM.

Yes on Measure 49 Party

Oregonians want fairness in our land use laws. We want to be protected from unchecked sprawl eating up farmland and forests. We want to protect this special place we love and call home: Oregon.

At the core of the Oregon Environmental Council's mission is the idea that we all have a shared stake in Oregon’s future and with that a shared responsibility to protect it and do our best to make it better. That's what we mean when we say, “It’s Your Oregon.” Join us and special guest State Senator Ben Westlund for an evening of cocktails and refreshments, and information on how Measure 49 will help protect Oregon's farms, forests and water supplies as well as property owners. There is no minimum contribution. Please come and make a donation in any amount that you can.

When: Tuesday, September 25th, 5-8:00 PM

Where: 330 NW 10th Avenue, the Isabel restaurant -- Get a sneak peek at this Pearl District hotspot before it opens!

RSVP: Contact Cheryl Bristah at cherylb@oeconline.org, or 503-222-1963 x100. (RSVP requested by Friday, September 21st.)

[olivia]

Just got an email from Onward Oregon that "Yes on 49" lawn signs and stickers are now available: http://www.yeson49.com/2007/09/sign_depots.html

The website also has handy and quick info on Measure 49 and how it helps close the open loops that Measure 37 created.

I love and ditto LeeAnn's comment above: "In my mind, the pre-Measure 37 Oregon is the one I wanted to preserve and pass down to my daughter... Measure 49 will help do that."

[hau]

Coincidentally, we were handed a lawn sign yesterday eve at People's Co-op harvest festival. It's being displayed on our lawn.