Monday, October 22, 2007

Quick note: Yes on 49

If you are an Oregonian, your ballot should have arrived by now. Please vote. And, please consider a yes vote for Measure 49. Here is a page extolling its virtues. 37 is one of the worst laws this state has ever passed, gutting most environmental laws in one fell swoop. 49 begins the fix from that atrocious law.

If someone has a good argument against 49 I'd love to hear it. So far, I'm hearing fluff and bluster from the other side.

In a real-life example, a development was going in near Salem on groundwater-restricted land. 42 houses were proposed, and when concerns over available water at the site were brought up the developer said he would have a study done. The study said that no more than 3 houses could be sustained on that property without damaging wells in the surrounding properties. [see clarification of these details in comments below] The developer claimed 37 and went on his merry way with the original plan. Sorry, but that's wrong. Without a law in place to say they couldn't do this, the developer could ignore the facts and damage all the existing properties in the area. Here's a blog about the situation.

Wish I could be more eloquent or exacting, but I've got to jet.

Enjoy your voting rights,

Bp

8 comments:

Iciyapi Tate said...

good for you b man. i agree with this one and a good vote yes on 49 is in order

Bpaul said...

Mr. Hines sent a kind clarification to my muddled explanation regarding the M37 subdivision:

"A clarification: the independent water experts hired by Marion County concluded that there was insufficient evidence of water availability for the subdivision and the surrounding neighborhood (meaning, 42 more wells could cause problems for neighboring wells and springs). That should have triggered either a stop to the subdivision, or an extensive one-year Hydro Study that involves drilling of test wells and monitoring their effect on existing wells and springs."

Katye said...

Freaking Hippy!

Bpaul said...

By some standards yes, but others not by a long shot.

you.

Katye said...

No YOU!

Iciyapi Tate said...

Oh please i can smell the patchouli from here

Kate said...

I think I can smell it from *here* ;)

Anonymous said...

eeeewwwwwwwww. . .
*closes computer room door*