As a member of the Public Policy Committee for Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO), one of the responsibilities I share with other committee members is in making recommendations as to what ballot measures EMO should support or oppose each election cycle. EMO's Fall 2008 voter guide is now available. The introduction states:
This voters’ guide to ballot measures for the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, statewide general election in Oregon is provided as an educational resource by the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) Board of Directors and Public Policy Committee. EMO is a statewide, ecumenical association working to respond to the needs of Oregonians.
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s position statements reflect a vote of its board of directors based on the recommendations of its Public Policy Advocacy Committee.
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has adopted a “Statement of Social Principles,” which guides our public policy advocacy work. In this statement, we affirm the value of involvement with civic affairs and the governmental process:
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon believes that the demands of the Gospel and our understanding of our diverse religious traditions call us to participate in civic life. Our faith traditions give us a unique and important perspective to offer the community in deliberations on civic, legislative and governmental matters. EMO believes that every person should be given the opportunity to be informed about the policies and processes of government at every level.
As we consider each ballot measure, we keep in mind this statement of principles and seek to make recommendations that are consistent with our past positions and our biblical and theological core principles. We ask that you prayerfully consider the wisdom of your own tradition and process of discernment in exercising your civic duty.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland and the Greek Orthodox Church abstained from EMO’s deliberations regarding the November ballot measures. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese releases all public policy statements through the Oregon Catholic Conference.
Here is how we came down on the ballot measures up for consideration this fall:
Measure 54: Deletes unenforceable constitutional language
Vote YES
Measure 55: Minor redistricting change
No Position
Measure 56: Eliminates double majority requirement
Vote YES
Measure 57: Increases sentences for specified crimes
Vote NO
Measure 58: Limits bilingual education
Vote NO
Measure 59: Tax break for high-income taxpayers
Vote NO
Measure 60: Teacher evaluation based on “performance”
Vote NO
Measure 61: Mandatory minimum prison sentences
Vote NO
Measure 62: Dedicates lottery funds to law enforcement
Vote NO
Measure 63: Eliminates specified building permit requirements
Vote NO
Measure 64: Cuts political funds for public employee unions
Vote NO
Measure 65: Creates open primary elections
No Position
Download the full voter guide to read our reasoning on each of these recommendations. Copies of the ballot guides are available for bulk purchase for use in churches and other groups. Please contact EMO at 503-221-1054 or e-mail [email protected].
