I spoke with Senator Weber for an hour and a half several months ago. We discussed the gas tax issue, Rep. Javadi, and other concerns. Not only is the gas tax set to increase, but so are vehicle fees, which are already high. My parents grew up during the Great Depression, so I learned early on to live within my means. We taught our children the same values—to be responsible, yet generous in spirit and willing to help family and neighbors whenever possible.
One issue emerging nationwide is widespread fraud—money laundering and the mishandling of taxpayer funds. Too many nonprofits and NGOs that receive substantial federal and state grants abuse that privilege. It’s frustrating when people dismiss these losses as trivial, but it all adds up. We heard similar arguments in recent years about raising the excise tax in the Nestucca Valley School District. These increases, combined with local property taxes and high state taxes, contribute to the escalating cost of living. Many in our community, including us, are on fixed incomes. Countless others are struggling, living on credit, and trying not to rely on government assistance.
My husband and I became involved when Pacific City’s water/sewer board proposed building an oversized treatment plant. Many ratepayers were already struggling, and we stood up for them. Some board members had clear conflicts of interest, working for Mary Jones and Jeff Schoens—developers who would benefit from a larger plant. The board falsely claimed that more users would lower costs for everyone, and that it was illegal to charge developers buy-in fees. We showed them the relevant ORS law, but they admitted they simply made more money charging homeowners than developers—and ignored the law. Increased fees and taxes will only further burden hardworking, taxpaying residents. Our Oregon taxes are already exorbitant, and government waste is rampant.
I asked Senator Weber why the Oregon Department of Transportation hasn’t been audited to account for all the money it spends. She said they claimed the records are no longer available. Meanwhile, the slide on Hwy 6 was repaired in record time by a private contractor—proof that efficiency is possible. In contrast, we often see Department of Transportation crews with a dozen workers, but only a few actually working. No private business could survive with such inefficiency.
Until we demand fiscal responsibility, our tax dollars will continue to be misused and fall into the hands of the corrupt. Inflation and rising costs are hurting everyone, which is why people across party lines are coming together. Rep. Javadi, who is well off, seems out of touch with the struggles of everyday people in our county. Seniors like us, and many others, are on fixed incomes. Many residents must drive long distances and simply can’t afford to keep paying more. We shouldn’t have to, if only government practiced transparency and accountability. We’re tired of scare tactics, and grateful that many people haven’t bought into them.
People from both sides of the political spectrum are voting NO. The waste in our state is staggering. I recently learned that during COVID, we spent $19,000 per homeless person—but now, that figure is up to $95,000 per person, more than most people ever earn. Who is really benefiting from this spending? The level of money laundering we’ve seen nationwide raises real concerns.
Our state government’s spending is out of control, and our leaders are failing to be good stewards of taxpayer money. For these reasons, we are VOTING NO on Measure 120, which will raise gas prices and vehicle fees even further.
Robin Kostrikin, Pacific City