Positions of the League of Women Voters of the United States
Positions of the League of Women Voters of Oregon
Positions of the League of Women Voters of Lane County
The 2008 publication Issues for Action contains the current positions of the League of Women Voters of Lane County (LWVLC). It appears below. The Table of Contents is set up to allow access to each of the positions. Simply click on the highlighted title or position name to go to that section and click on Return to Table of Contents to return to the top.
ISSUES for ACTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission Statement of the LWVLC
Purpose and policy of the League
Principles of the League
INTRODUCTION
GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE AND PROCESS
Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Campaign Finance Reform (LWVUS position
Lane County Government
Urban Services
Reapportionment (LWVUS position)
Structure of Local Government
ECONOMIC POLICY
Capital Improvement Financing
Local Government Finance
Sustainable Economic Management
Tax Increment Financing
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Housing
Planning and Zoning
Sign Control
Sustainable Metropolitan Management
Transportation
GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES
Elementary and Secondary
School Facilities
Library Services
Mental Health Services for
Adults in Lane County
Parklands
NATURAL RESOURCES
Solid
SOCIAL POLICY
Ending Violence in Lane County
STATE AND NATIONAL ACTION
A GLOSSARY OF LEAGUE ACTION TERMS
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE LEAGUE
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Purpose and policy of the League:
The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government and to act on selected governmental issues. The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate.
- The League of Women Voters believes in representative government and in the individual liberties established in the Constitution of the United States.
- The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens and requires that governmental bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.
- The League of Women Voters believes that every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; that every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and that no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination.
- The League of Women Voters believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.
- The League of Woman Voters believes that responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people; that government should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems that affect the general welfare, promote a sound economy and adopt domestic policies that facilitate the solution of international problems.
- The League of Women Voters believes that cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems and that development of international organization and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace.
This publication outlines the current positions for the League of Women Voters of Lane County and a brief note on action taken on specific positions since July 1, 2000.
Action may be taken after a position had been established. Local Leagues may use positions reached in all three League levels – national, state and local. In League action, it is important to avoid public confusion and to assure that all League positions are interpreted consistently. Positions are the expressions of general agreement by a substantial and representative number of members about certain government policies. All League positions must be consistent with Board approved policies, a principle applying at all levels of League functioning. For the Board and the Action Committee, the position is the yardstick against which to measure governmental proposals. Each position affirms a basic philosophy in general terms, defines the goals desired and establishes guidelines against which proposals can be measured. Each position is reexamined biennially by local Leagues in their program planning discussion before local annual meetings and biennial state and national conventions.
Revised League Positions:
Many positions show “concurrence 1996.” This means that our membership agreed to the editorial committee’s recommendations for revised and edited wording for these positions. No new or updated study was done at that time.
GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURE AND PROCESS
BOARDS, COMMISIONS AND COMMITTEES
Consensus 1974, Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports the formation of citizen advisory groups as a tool to increase citizen participation in the decision-making process of government. Citizen advisory groups will be more effective in advising public bodies and may feel that their efforts are more worthwhile if the purpose and reason for the formation of the advisory groups are as follows:
1. Membership should represent a variety of viewpoints in the community;
2. The formation of the advisory group and vacancies on it should be publicized in order to attract interested citizens.
3. Fixed term length for membership on the group enables citizens to understand their time commitment and allows for member turnover. A required attendance rule is desirable to insure the group a full membership of interested citizens.
4. Ordinarily, advisory groups should have at least five members, with the maximum number to be determined by the purpose of the group.
5. Orientation of advisory group members should be provided and should include the following information:
a. background information on the nature and organization of the appointing entity,
b. the purpose of the committee,
c. its scope and responsibility
d. its working relationship with the staff and elected official. ====================================
Action taken using this position between 2000-2007
2006. See under structure of local government.
LWVLC uses the LWVUS position on Campaign Finance Reform which speaks to a level playing field for all candidates with regard to contribution and spending limits, public funding and the eliminations of soft money and issue ads.
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Local Action taken using this National position between 2000-2007
2001. Letter to City Council requesting adding Campaign Finance Reform to Charter Revision committee.
2002. Supported Council actions to place contribution limits on Council races when the General Election contest has more than one candidate.
2003. See State Action
LANE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Consensus 1961,1976, Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that the responsibility for governing Lane County should rest with an elected Board of Commissioners. The duties of the Board should be clear and limited:
1. The Lane County Home Rule Charter should provide for separation of administrative and legislative authority.
2. The Board should be the County’s legislative and policy-making body.
3. The Board should appoint a professional administrator, accountable to the Board, and establish the administrator’s duties.
4. The Board should appoint other officials necessary to assure the efficient management of the County.
The Board of Commissioners should have at least five members, elected from districts, in order to insure representation of all parts of the Country. If the Board has only five members, each commissioner should serve full-time and be paid a salary high enough to attract an able candidate but still at a level acceptable to the electorate. If the Board is enlarged to seven or more members, consideration should be given to part-time commissioners, paid a salary commensurate with their responsibilities. Commissioners should serve four-year terms and preferably be elected on a partisan basis.
When three or more individuals compete for a single elective position, a run-off election should be held, if necessary, to insure that the winning candidate receives at least 50% of the votes cast.
The meetings of the legislative body at which decision are made should be public, announced in advance, and regularly scheduled. A published agenda should be provided.
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Action taken using this position between 2000-2007
2001, 2002, 2003. Testimony and letters to the Board of Commissioners about elimination of punch card ballots, with emphasis after the passage of the federal Help America Vote Act in October 2002. The country is receiving money to implement a new ballot system which will be in place by February 2004.
2001,2002. Testimony and letters to Board of Commissioners regarding the aggregate mining request for gravel pits on agricultural lands on River Road with opposition to granting the permit. Subsequently the Board denied the request for rezoning, there was an appeal to State Land Use Board of Appeals which also denied permission to open gravel pit.
2003. Letter to Lane County Board of Commissioners regarding citizen participation in and access to Commissioner meetings. President and Action Chair invited to address the issues of adequate seating space, public address system and use of Harris Hall for regular meetings. Subsequently, the Board began using Harris Hall.
2003. Letter to Board of Commissioners requesting support for appropriate action to question the US Patriot Act and any attempts to broaden it.
URBAN SERVICES POSITION
(Formerly Metropolitan Government)
Consensus 1969, 1977, Concurrence 1996, 2006
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that because urban areas require more governmental services than do rural areas, site-specific urban growth boundaries must be delineated. Eugene-Springfield and other cities of Lane County also need a systematic method of reviewing and adjusting such boundaries when necessary.
Urban services, such as sanitary sewer and water systems, should not be provided to areas outside the urban growth boundary. In areas that have been allowed to develop to urban density outside existing city limits, services ordinarily should be provided only after annexation to the nearest city. These services must be provided in urban areas and should be furnished, in priority order by
Annexation to the nearest city,
Formation of county service district, or
Formation of a special district.
The League also supports the provision of emergency and public safety services, libraries, parks, and other services in the urban areas. In evaluating the type of entity to provide these services, the criteria in the LWVLC Structure of Local Government position should be considered.
The League of Women Voters uses LWVUS position on redistricting which calls for equal population among districts using a narrow deviation formula; using existing and natural geographic boundaries; recognizing communities of interest; contiguity. These are based on the U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
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Local Action Taken using the National position between 2000-2003
2001. Request to Board of Commissioners that they apply U.S. Supreme Court and Oregon criteria for redistricting county commissioners districts.
2001. Meeting with Eugene mayor. Testimony and letter comments regarding the plans for redistricting the Eugene city wards, with emphasis on the League’s criteria.
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STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Concurrence 1992, Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that any government structure that provides urban services should be evaluated by these criteria:
1. Adequacy of Services. Services should meet the needs and protect the health and safety of those being served at a reasonable cost.
2. Organizational Simplicity. The plan should provide easily understood local governmental structure, fix responsibility for particular tasks and resolve conflicting interest.
3. Flexibility. The plan should be broad enough in scope and authority to allow adjustments for future growth and changing social needs.
4. Citizen Participation. Realistic opportunities for citizen involvement should be provided.
5. Equitable Cost-Benefit Relationship. The cost should be fairly distributed according to benefits received and with consideration of ability to pay.
6. Political Feasibility. The plan should follow legislative mandates and be acceptable to the electorate.
7. Legal and Administrative Authority. The governmental unit should have authority to enforce its decisions and carry out its assigned duties.
8. Effectiveness of Governance. The decision-making body should be organized to plan for urban services and to ensure that those plans are implemented.
9. Economy of Administration. The unit of government should be large enough to be economically viable.
10. Intergovernmental Cooperation. Governmental bodies should avoid overlap and duplication by working together to provide services and coordinate activities which are more effectively and efficiently done jointly.
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Actions taken with this position between 2000-2006
2000. Meetings with City Club committee to draft recommendations for Eugene City Charter revisions.
2001.Comments on Eugene City Charter revisions to Eugene City Council and meeting with Charter chair and committee member concerning recommendations.
2002. Support Charter Amendments on ballot.
2006. Supported measure establishing an independent Citizens Police
Commission.
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ECONOMIC POLICY
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FINANCING
Consensus 1983, Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that revenue sources for public capital improvements should be evaluated in terms of equity, adequacy, ease of administration, feasibility and the benefits received. Equity is the most important of these factors.
Ease and cost of administration are the most important considerations in determining which level of government should levy and collect funds for capital improvement.
Among the alternatives to property tax, the League prefers user fees for funding capital improvements; however, it recognizes that user fees cannot support all government services. A local sales or income tax should be used only when it can be administered jointly with a state sales or income tax.
Local governments should strongly emphasize the maintenance of capital improvements. Long-term maintenance costs should be considered when capital improvements are planned and built and provided for in general fund budget.
.
The League believes user fees, but not general sales and income taxes, may appropriately be designated for maintenance costs.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE
(Formerly Lane County Finance)
Consensus March 2000, Concurrence 2006
Position: The League of Women Voters Lane County believes that the following governmental principles apply to the finances of all local governments: county, city, and special district.
Democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens.
Governmental bodies should protect the citizens right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.
Local governments must be responsive to the will of the people.
The League believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing, and coordination among the different government agencies.
Consolidation and coordination of services should be pursued when substantive analysis demonstrates it will eliminate overlap of responsibilities and improve employee efficiency and cost savings.
Contracting for services should be approached cautiously. A cost-benefit analysis should demonstrate savings and assure fair benefits and working conditions for both local government and contracted employees.
If cuts are necessary, preference should be based on established priority of services so that least essential services are reduced or eliminated first. There should not be across-the-board decreases.
If additional funding is available, decisions should be based on established priorities.
The League believes that local governments should maintain an equitable, adequate, stable, and flexible system of taxation that is understandable and easy to administer.
Local tax systems should recognize the individual’s responsibility for government services by providing a broad sharing of the tax burden.
Tax systems should be based on the ability to pay but may apply a benefits-received principle wherever reasonable.
User fees may be appropriate for specific services, but consideration should be to sliding scales and the cost of collection before such fees are imposed.
.Systems development charges are an appropriate way to recover the cost of growth, but exemptions for low-income housing should be provided.
Tax systems must be flexible enough to adjust to social and economic changes.
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Action taken with the position between 2000-2007
2000-2001. Participation in the County discussions for strategic financial planning and the focus groups.
2002-2007. Monitoring of the County budget process.
2006-2007. Support for county public safety income tax through BCC testimony and active work on the campaign.
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SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT
Concurrence 1998
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County recognizes the importance of a strong and vital economic base in Lane County. The League advocates
1. periodic review of public processes to assure a respectful and informed level of civic discourse in pursuit of community goals
2. community involvement in establishing criteria for governmental assistance to economic development.
In order to maintain and strengthen the local economy, the League supports the following:
1. Diversification of the economic base of the county;
2. Establishment of standards of community sustainability for programs which assist existing business/industry in expansion and development and which will enhance sustainability of Lane County communities;
3. Monitoring and enforcement of air, water, and soil-protection standards;
4. Promoting maximum recycling and reuse of materials and minimum consumption of energy and material goods;
5. Systematic land-use planning, recognizing the need for an amendment process which allows for changing circumstances without erosion of existing standards;
6. County-wide coordination of economic development with special attention to the development of family-wage jobs and local, non-polluting enterprises. Governmental assistance might include capital improvement programs, tax incentives, and training and retraining programs, which enhance employment opportunities.
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Action taken with this position between 2000-2007
2003. Letter to EWEB requesting tiered rates be kept in the interests of conservation and wise use.
2004. Measure 37- see State and National action.
2006. Emission standards – See State and National action.
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TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
Consensus 1991, Concurrence, 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports tax increment financing (TIF) as one means of funding public urban renewal projects such as a downtown projects, parking, wetlands, low-cost housing, a library, and a transit station if they are public benefit. In general, the League could also support TIF for private projects if they are of public benefit.
The League believes that there should be a public vote on the creation of a new urban renewal district, on expanding an existing district, and on termination of an existing district, but not on the original plan or substantial changes in the plan for such a district. Not every project in an urban renewal district should be referred to the voters, but there should be a vote on projects which the city council determines will have a major impact on the community.
Action taken using this position 2007
2007. The League remained neutral on the Eugene ballot measure to increase the Development Fund on the Downtown Urban Renewal District after position review and discussion.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
Consensus 1978, 1991
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports a mix of housing types in all neighborhoods. The League urges that new areas be developed with housing of varying prices and styles and that developers of large new subdivisions be encouraged to include low and moderate cost housing.
The League supports multiple-family housing (duplexes, four-plexes, condominiums, quads or apartment buildings) in all areas if height, total size, landscaping, and open space are regulated adequately. If adequate provisions are made for traffic, schools, and other public facilities, multiple-family housing can be compatible with single-family homes. Mobile home subdivisions are acceptable in residential areas but not mobile homes on individual lots. Manufactured housing is acceptable in residential areas within specific guidelines.
The League supports provisions to achieve greater density within the metropolitan area and to maintain the urban service area boundary. Smaller lot sizes, panhandle lots, zero lot lines, and planned unit developments (PUDs) are supported, especially in new areas.
Careful planning, high constructions standards, and the development of design restrictions should be encouraged to allow the economical use of land while still preserving such amenities as privacy and quiet.
The League supports governmental subsidies to aid the building of new low income housing and for renovation of existing homes. Tax incentives, such as reduced local property taxes for a specific period, should be used to encourage the building and maintenance of multi-family housing.
The League supports financial programs such as delayed down payments, variable interest rates, and variable payment schedules to make home ownership more accessible to middle income people. We also favor state-financed loans with favorable interest rates similar to the present veterans loan program.
Finally, the League believes that tax revenues should not be used to provide services which encourage extension of the city. New areas should pay their own costs.
Actions taken using this position between 2000-2007
2001. Letter to Eugene City Council with suggestion for lower cost housing in new areas with various price ranges and styles, and the encouraging of developers to include low and moderate housing.
2006. Housing Alliance legislative agenda – See State and National Action.
PLANNING AND ZONING
Consensus in 1963, 1989
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports the principles of planning and zoning believing a unified planning approach to our metropolitan area is essential.
The League supports the concept of councils of governments. The Lane Council of Governments will be most effective when it meets the following criteria:
1. Adequate financial support;
2. Broad representation of local government subdivisions;
3. Public support and understanding, encouraged by education.
The League favors coordination of city and county zoning ordinances and notifications by mail of affected property owners when there is an impeding hearing on rezoning or variance petition.
The League believes that a zoning ordinance should possess these features:
1. Provision for zoning districts based on present conditions and directed at guiding growth in accordance with future land use plans;
2. Flexibility to adjust to changing conditions, while retaining the essential quality of stabilizing land use plans;
3. Emphasis on positive statements of objectives rather than on negative statements of prohibitions;
4. The recognition that all of the various uses outlined and arranged on the zoning map have a vital place in the economy of the community. Each has its own particular characteristics and requirements. Zoning has heretofore been considered in terms of higher and lower uses. A change of directions to thinking in terms of mutual compatibility of land use is desirable.
SIGN CONTROL
Consensus 1967,1989, Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports a sign ordinance which provides safety, suitable controls, and public participation. Such a sign ordinance:
1. Requires that signs conform to the Uniform Building Code of Oregon.
2. Specifies control for all types of signs in all urban areas:
a. limits their purpose to identification and information.
b. considers aesthetics.
c. limits projection of signs over any property and prohibits signs projecting over public property on the Eugene Mall.
d. limits sizes: limits flat wall signs to less than 30% of the building envelope.
e. prohibits signs which flash, blink, or rotate.
g. prohibits billboard brand-name product advertising.
3. Requires city-sponsored directory signs-both for downtown pedestrian and travelers entering the city.
4. Maintains a stringent code for newly developed or redeveloped areas.
5. Encourages adjoining governmental bodies to adopt comparable sign ordinances.
6. Supports the appointment of lay members to a Board of Appeals to rule on variances and enforcement. Members shall not be associated with sign industry.
SUSTAINABLE METROPOLITAN MANAGEMENT
Concurrence 1998
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County accepts the principle of sustainable development, which means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To further this goal the LWVLC supports an inter-jurisdictional planning authority with comprehensive citizen participation that supports and coordinates sustainable development and considered the impact of growth decisions on adjacent areas over the long term. Costs as well as benefits of growth should be considered. We support inter-jurisdictional cooperation which provides services and protects the environment, including natural resources and land. We believe that awareness of and education about growth and population issues are essential to the process of metropolitan development.
In matters pertaining to metropolitan development, the League supports the following:
1. Retention of present urban growth and service boundaries so long as there is land in incorporated cities not yet developed or set aside for particular purposes;
2. Increased density within the urban service boundary, thus preserving outlying resource land and allowing more efficient and sequential use of public services;
3.Economic growth management through careful industrial zoning, systems development charges sufficient to cover costs of growth, and use of the existing labor force when expanding economic activities.
4.Nodal development within the urban growth boundary: compact growth, a mix of housing types (including low-income housing), with convenient services, businesses, parks, and open spaces in or near all neighborhoods;
5. Development of land-use patterns which discourage pollution and encourage area livability, including preferential treatment for local, non-polluting enterprises;
6.Development of adequate public and alternative modes of transportation to reduce dependence on automobiles;
7. Establishment of benchmarks to measure progress toward sustainability and livability, with attention to jobs, population growth and movement, use of renewable resources, reduction of waste, reuse of non-renewable resources and environmental quality.
Action taken with this position between 2000-2007
2001. Letter-to-editor regarding the urban growth boundary and siting of the Oregon Military Department Armory on farm use land.
2002. Follow-up hearings where League continued to oppose the Armory location. Decision not to build.
2001-2002. Testimony and letters to County Commissioners and editor regarding aggregate mining on farm lands north of Eugene on River Road (see BCC action).
2001. Letter to editor regarding lack of public process in discussions about relocation of Sacred Heart Hospital.
2003. Letter to Lane County Boundary Commission opposing request for water rights expansion by Willamette Water Company and reiterating the importance to compact urban growth and delivery of services. Permit denied.
2004. Coburg energy plant- See State and National actions.
2004. Testimony to Lane BCC regarding the gas-fired energy plant for Coburg.
TRANSPORTATION
Consensus 1966, 1980, 1983, 1993, Revised 1996, 2005
Position: The League of Women Voters Lane County believes that improved transportation in Lane County is dependent upon comprehensive long-range planning. A broad and imaginative plan should encompass many factors.
1. Public transportation is essential. The League favors public financial support to the degree necessary to retain and improve services;
2. Parking facilities should be considered in relation to total planning;
3. A downtown plan for the most efficient use of land in the core areas is needed;
4. All possible methods and combinations of methods of financing should be explored.
Actions taken with this position between 2000-2007
2001. Letter-to-editor expressing concern that the transportation ballots for Eugene
on November are confusing and the Eugene City Council might not receive a clear answer from the vote.
2003. Letter-to-the editor expressing support for maintaining public improvements including transportation system and the user fees for road cost.
2007. Monitoring and discussing City of Eugene’s proposal to increase the gas tax for road repair.
GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITIES
Concurrence 2003
Position: The League of Women Voters Lane County believes the condition of elementary and secondary educations schools facilities is important to the efficiency and effectiveness of the educational program, the quality of the students’ experience, and the security of students, staff and teachers. Many issues need to be considered in the decision to close, renovate, or build a school. Proposals may be evaluated using criteria including (but not limited to) the following list:
Public process
* Current Status
* Alternatives
* Function
* Cost
* Student/Community impact
* Long-term needs
* Land use.
Public input is essential. The weight and significance of the other criteria will vary depending on the needs of each district.
Criteria:
Public Process. Has the public had adequate opportunity to understand and discuss the pros and cons of the alternatives? Have public opinions been heard by district policy makers?
Current Status. How is the current building used? Does the current building have historical significance in the community? What is the age and current physical condition of the existing building?
Alternatives. Could the cost of renovation/new construction be avoided by changing district boundaries or considering alternatives? Have neighboring districts been included in a discussion of possible alternatives?
Function. Will the change result in a higher quality education for students? Will the change result in better compliance with current building codes and today’s educational demands? How will the new/renovated building be used?
Cost. Has the district provided cost comparisons between continuing the status quo and the proposed alternative(s)? What are the immediate and long-term impacts to property owners in the district? Are there new “shadow” costs associated with the change, e.g., training or specialists needed to operate or maintain a new system? Will the proposed change result in a more efficient use of funds? In the context of the current taxation rate and economy in the district, is the cost reasonable? How is the district proposing to finance the change?
Student/Community Impact. How will the proposal affect the quality of the education experience? If the school is closed and not replaced, will increased travel time be a burden to students? Will the community lose a valuable social asset?
Long-term Needs. Given enrollment projections and the use of the structure in the community, how well will the community be served by this change? How well will the district be served over the expected life of the renovation or new building? Will the renovation increase the long-term use of the pre-existing building?
Land Use. Has compliance with state and local land-use goals been adequately considered? Has the impact on local transportation been adequately reviewed?
LIBRARY SERVICES
Combined and edited 2003 from:
Library Building for the City of Eugene
Concurrence 1987, Concurrence1997 and
Library Services in Lane County
Consensus 1957,1973,1988,Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters Lane County believes that every Lane County resident should have access to public library service. Such access could be provided through a cooperative library system with specific outreach services to rural residents, use of county-wide library card, establishment of a library district or districts, or implementation of a county-wide consolidated system.
Financing of library services should be stable and equitable. Operating budgets must be adequate to provide effective staffing, current materials, and ongoing services.
Long-range plans for development and implementation of county library services should be continuing and include participation by citizens, library professionals, and governments. There must be a provision for a regular and on-going professional consultation among county public librarians. Consideration should be given to establishing branch or satellite libraries, perhaps in leased quarters.
Action taken on this position from 2000-2007
2001-2002. Support letter to State Library for grant to Lane County Library League for rural services.
2002. Voter’s Pamphlet support statement for Eugene Library Levy. The League also donated to the library PAC and provided support in several ways, including a letter to the Register Guard.
2006. Support through contributions, letter-to-editor, and member activities for passage of Measure 20-111.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ADULTS IN LANE COUNTY
Concurrence 1986, 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that those suffering from mental and/or emotional illness (MED), alcohol and/or drug addiction (A&D), and mental retardation and/or developmental disability (MRlDD) can usually best be cared for in their own communities in the least restrictive environment consistent with their safety and well-being and that of society. Consequently, the League believes that it is the responsibility of county government to insure that a community-based mental health system is in place to meet the essential needs of such persons in Lane County.
Administration
The League believes that Lane County government is responsible for providing a comprehensive, long-range plan based on a periodic needs assessment and including procedures for setting priorities and for regular updating. The plan should be coordinated with the County’s overall long-range human services plan. To serve the public interest, an advisory board, composed mainly of lay people but with representatives of public and private providers as well, should assist in the planning, review, and evaluation of the mental health system, its funding, and services.
Financing
The League believes that an effective system should integrate state and federally funded services, supplementing these with such services as are necessary to meet essential needs. The County should fund any necessary additional services. The system should provide for the best use of community services for the total funding dollars.
Requirements
1. A stable and open administrative structure in which administrators and service providers have clearly defined roles and responsibilities
2. Coordination and communication among those responsible for the components of the system, both
public and private
3. Ease of access to the services
4. Monitoring of services to insure quality care and fiscal responsibility
5. Systematic review and evaluation of services
6. Community support based on understanding of the afflictions, the treatment needed, and the cost (financial and otherwise) to those in need of services, their families, and society.
Essential Components
I. Skilled assessment/diagnosis
2. Counseling services
3. Appropriate housing
4. Assistance in socialization
5. Assistance in employment, including job placement and training
6. Case-management programs that provide both short- and long-term coordination and continuity of care for persons in the categories of NIED, A&D, and MRDD
7. Adequate monitoring of necessary medication
8. A commitment process that protects the rights of interested parties
9. Crisis/emergency care, including a secure holding facility
Education
The League believes the County bears a responsibility for initiating public education to develop and enhance community support and to publicize available services.
PARKLANDS
Concurrence 1996
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that public parklands are an essential element of our society because they offer a sense of community, stress-free environments, healthy recreation, and natural resources preservation.
The League of Women Voters of Lane County believes that every county resident should have access to public parks and open space. Lane County and its local communities should acquire and maintain park and recreational facilities and open spaces to protect natural and cultural resources and to provide economic, social, and recreational benefits that respond to the needs of the community.
Lane County and local governments should work cooperatively to provide and maintain a full range of parks. Primary responsibility for regional parks and reserves should reside with the county. Cities should provide adequate park lands for both active and passive recreational activities, especially in areas of urban density.
Parklands Administration. The League:
1. Supports cooperation and coordination among local, state and federal jurisdictions in providing and maintaining public parklands in Lane County;
2. Recognizes that special districts for parks may provide better funding and have stronger citizen support than park departments within general purpose governments; however, they should be encouraged to work cooperatively with other jurisdictions;
3. Supports well defined channels for citizen input and review.
Parklands Funding. The League believes:
I. Basic financial support for parks is a public responsibility;
2. Funding for parks may come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to, property taxes, user fees, system development charges, special taxes, contracts, partnerships, grants and private gifts;
3. Ordinarily there should be no special fees for routine, low impact use; user fees are appropriate for such things as group activities, special events, vehicles, overnight stays, special facilities, and special amenities.
Parklands Acquisition. The League believes:
1. Acquisition and improvements of park lands and open space must be guided by a comprehensive plan;
2. Acquisition of land for future needs should take place when available, even if development is postponed;
3. Acquisitions and improvements are appropriately funded by, but not limited to, systems development charges, bonds, grants, enterprise projects, and donations;
4. Consideration should be given to safety issues in park siting.
Parklands Planning. The League believes that each park agency should have a comprehensive parks plan which defines the role of each park in the system. This plan should:
1. Consider the needs of all segments of the community;
2. Provide for protection of the environment;
3. Consider the views of both the immediate park neighbors and the community as a whole.
Parklands Development and Safety. The League recommends that:
1. Design standards for parklands be addressed in the comprehensive plans;
2. Safety standards be included in administrative policies and updated regularly;
3. Citizen park watch programs, resident park hosts, adopt a park programs, and park agency cooperation with public safety departments be encouraged.
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Action taken with this position between 2001-2007
2001. Letter to Board of Commissioners supporting systems development charge for parks.
2002. Letter of support for the Metropolitan Regional Parks and Open Space Study, and unit discussion.
Request that Creswell and Cottage Grove be included.
2002. Letter to to all county newspapers urging support for the county parks bond measure.
2004. Supported the Florence Park sale.
2006. Supported Eugene Parkland bond election
2006-07. Monitoring discussion of the Amazon Headwaters projects.
2007. Endorsement of Ridgeline Area Vision Plan.
NATURAL RESOURCES
SOLID WASTE
Concensus 1972, 1989, Concurrence
Position: The League of Women Voters of Lane County supports solid waste management policies that promote source reduction, resource recovery, and recycling. These policies should:
1. Preserve air and water quality.
2. Be compatible with sound land use.
3. Be long range and flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and regional differences.
4. Provide a uniform, equitable collection system in order to make it easier for the public to participate.
Waste Reduction
In order to decrease the quantity of waste material in need of handling and to use the least disposal capacity,
1. Over packaging and planned obsolescence should be avoided;
2. Containers (packaging) should be reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable; and
3. The price of a product should more closely reflect the true cost to the public for disposal; for example, by taxing items which contribute significantly to disposal problems.
Public Education
Public education concerning solid waste problems should include:
1. The contribution of various segments of society (individual, agricultural, industrial, municipal) to the solid waste stream.
2. The alternatives to disposal of solid wastes in landfills and incinerators.
3. The immediate and long-term economic and environmental benefits of source reduction, resource recovery, and recycling.
SOCIAL POLICY
ENDING VIOLENCE IN LANE COUNTY
Concurrence 1998
Position: Because the League of Women Voters of Lane County supports violence prevention and early intervention programs as more effective and less costly than incarceration; therefore, the League advocates the following:
1.Agencies which provide early intervention and prevention services such as training children, youth and adults In life management skills, respect for self and others, and patterns of healthy parenting and family living;
2. Programs in the schools which identify children at risk of being abused and of being potential abusers, and teaching skills in anger management and classes such as family life and parenting skills;
3. Cooperation and consolidation of social service providers in Lane County;
4. Programs, services and facilities for troubled girls adequate to meet their needs.
The League believes that effective violence prevention and early intervention programs are currently limited by inadequate funding and by lack of public recognition of their value. We, therefore, advocate for adequate funding and for public education of the value of these programs.
LOCAL ACTION ON STATE AND NATIONAL POSITIONS
STATE
2000. Letters and member support for passage of Measure #6, campaign finance reform through public financing.
2000-07. Participated in the “Think before You Ink” campaign about being informed before signing initiatives.
2000-07. Op Ed on the 2002 Special Sessions dealing with fiscal shortfalls, expressing the need for compromise concern for the future, and looking at revenue to avoid deeper cuts and more borrowing. Also letters to all county newspapers.
2002. Letter to Editor regarding campaign guidelines sent to all candidates by the state League regarding unethical conduct. It was sent as the result of several complaints by voters of irresponsible and unsigned campaign materials attacking one or more candidates.
2002. Letter to Editor supporting Measure 25 which would increase the minimum wage.
2002. Letter to Editor supporting Measures 19 and 20 which created an education stability fund and a cigarette tax increase to fund the Oregon Health Plan.
2003. Letter to Editor and member support for passage of Measure 23, state tax funding for schools, public safety and social services
2004. Testimony to Lane BCC regarding gas-fired energy plant proposed for Coburg.
2004. Testimony/letters supporting state budget and opposing referendum Measure 30 to block it.
2004. Support through letters and activities for District 4J local option levy to maintain programs and positions.
2004. Testimony before State Legislature’s Tax Reform committee in support of League’s positions for state stability and adequacy to provide state services.
2004. Testimony and action against ban on same sex marriages as proposed in constitutional amendment Measure 36.
2004. Oppositions to Measure 37, broad land use planning changes.
2004. Testimony to Lane BCC and letter to Eugene mayor recommending open discussions and public opportunities during implementation of Measure 37 claims.
2005. Letter to Oregon Legislator Bob Ackerman in opposition to SB 348 which would allow special exemption to a few property owners from the statewide land use planning laws.
2005. Guest editorial in Register Guard exposing myths about the Oregon tax system, based on LWVOR “Funding Oregon” report. Counter opinion by another guest editorial and a rebuttal from the Oregon Center for Public Policy support of the League’s facts.
2005. Letter to Lane BCC in support of the development of Public Safety Plan and public testimony.
2005. Monitoring of the public safety discussion throughout the year.
2005. Sponsorship, with ACLU, of public forum on the External Police Review issue.
2006. Several oral statements to BCC on the implementation of the Public Safety tax proposal and Letter to Editor in support of the Public Safety Charter Amendment, Measure 20-114, as well as member activity in support of the measure.
2006. Endorsement of the Housing Alliance legislative agenda for 2007 in support of low income housing opportunities.
2006. Support for Lane Community College local option levy, Measure 20-111.
2006. Letters to Gov. Kulongoski and the Environmental Quality Commission for passage of permanent rule requiring Oregon to meet low emission vehicle standards.
2006. Cooperation with the Voters Service Committee in developing questions for the primary and general election candidates, measures for the Eugene Celebration Straw Ballot, and participation in the Community Television programs on the candidates.
2007. Support for Measure 49 to revise Measure 37′s land use problems.
NATIONAL
2002. Letters to Sen. Wyden and Smith and Rep. DeFazio urging support for the Help America Vote Act which was subsequently passed by Congress.
2002. Letters to Sen. Smith and Wyden urging switching the ABM missile decisions to Congress from the President.
2003. Letters to Editor sent to Eugene, and Springfield, Cottage Grove urging President to work with the United Nations in resolving the Iraq problem.
2002. Letter to DeFazio to support election reform (HA VA).
2004. Letters to Congressional delegation opposing Clean Air Act and mercury contaminants rules decreasing safety.
2005. Letters to Eugene City Council, Lane BCC and Sen. Wyden expressing concerns abut the Patriot Act.
2005. Support for League of Women Voters of Georgia in their efforts to oppose the state’s “poll tax” ID Law.
2005. Letter to Sen. Wyden opposing privatization of Social Security.
2006. Letters to Sen. Wyden and Sen. Smith expressing opposition to sections in the reauthorization of the Patriot Act.
A GLOSSARY OF LEAGUE ACTION TERMS
ACTION – Any action taken by a League board in support of an adopted League position or of the more general League Principles for the purpose of influencing governmental decisions.
ACTION ALERT –Official requests to members and other League boards from local, state or national boards when support is needed for particular legislation of League interest. Background data is included in the action alert. The president responds in the name of the League; members respond as individuals.
LOCAL PROGRAM – Those local governmental issues which have been adopted by the membership at the Annual Meeting for study and positions on previously studied items upon which action may be taken.
NATIONAL PROGRAM – National governmental issues chosen for concerted study and action by delegates to the National Convention and action to implement the Principles. When adopted, the program is carried out by all Leagues.
POSITION – An expression of the League point of view which has been reached by the study of specific issue and informed member agreement through concurrence or consensus.
STATE PROGRAM – Governmental issues chosen by the State Convention for concerted study and action and also action to implement the Principles. When adopted by convention delegates, the program is carried out by all Leagues in the state.