Dear Editor:
I was disappointed to find that the Measures on the Tillamook County ballot were not included in the voter’s pamphlet. A helpful employee at the County Clerk’s office told me they are available on the Clerk’s website. https://www.co.tillamook.or.us/clerk/elections/2022-may-primary-election
Here is some information about each of the measures and how I am voting.
Measure 29-161
Question: Should Tillamook County officials be prevented from enforcing most state, federal and local firearm regulations?
Paragraph 1 of Summary: This ordinance would prevent Tillamook County and its employees from devoting resources or participating in any way in the enforcement of any law or regulation that affected an individual’s right to keep and bear arms, firearm accessories or ammunition.
I urge you to join me in voting NO on 29-161. This measure is unnecessary, confusing, potentially dangerous and probably unconstitutional. I don’t believe that Second Amendment rights are under attack.
I also urge you to join me in voting YES on all three of the following measures.
A new healthcare education building at TBCC would be a great boon to our county. Currently healthcare positions are not being filled and/or cost the healthcare organization much more to hire temporary employees at higher rates. Many of these positions are not being filled because of lack of housing. This is a creative solution to the housing crisis by filling healthcare positions with local, trained residents who already live here.
The library is a vital resource that we cannot do without.
Many veterans endured trauma on our behalf and deserve our support.
If your home is ASSESSED at $200,000, these three measures would cost you $182 a year or a little over $15 a month at the published rates. For me that is equivalent to 3 lattes or 3 Wanda’s scones a month. I am definitely willing to forgo these treats to be able to pay my share for a library, a healthcare education building and support our veterans who sacrificed on my behalf.
Measure 29-165
Question: Shall Tillamook Bay Community College issue $14,400,000 principal amount of general obligation bonds to construct a Healthcare Education Building?
Summary:
If approved, this measure would finance the construction, equipping and furnishing of a new healthcare education building on existing TBCC land. The Oregon legislature has approved an $8,000,000 grant if the District can provide matching funds.
A new building provides the capacity to add a nursing program, additional healthcare occupations training programs, expand and add new degrees and certificates to meet the community’s growing workforce training needs. It will include state-of-the-art simulation labs, high-tech classrooms, office space and a large community event center that the college, local businesses and community organizations can utilize.
TBCC is the only community college in Oregon that does not have its own nursing program. TBCC students have to enroll in other colleges for this training and certification.
Bonds would mature in 20 years or less from the date of issuance and may be issued in one or more series. If approved the total bond tax rate is estimated to be $0.19 per $1000 of assessed value. Actual rates may vary based upon interest rates incurred and changes in assessed value.
Measure 29-164
Question: Shall Tillamook County continue countywide library operations by levying $0.65 per $1000 of assessed value for five years, beginning in 2022? This measure renews current local option taxes.
Measure 29-163
Question: Shall Tillamook County levy a five-year tax of $.07 per $1000 assessed value for County Veteran’s Office beginning 7-1-2022? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
There is also a Bay City levy for fire protection that I am not able to vote on since I am not a resident of Bay City. https://www.co.tillamook.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/clerk039s_office/page/69486/29-162cityofbaycityfire5172022.pdf
Thank you!
Barbara McLaughlin, Nehalem