03/06/2021

No Means No

Business owner at the door of a cafe welcoming customers-cm

Oregon’s state motto was adopted in 1987. It’s “Alis Volat Propriis,” which is Latin for “She Flies With Her Own Wings.” In many respects, that motto reflects the state’s pioneer spirit. But taken further, it’s almost become an excuse for Oregon to do things that none of the other 49 states are willing to do. A prime example is the…

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21/10/2020

Using Tax Dollars to Campaign for Tax Dollars

Media interview-cm

As voters in Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties are scheduled to decide on a payroll tax to pad Metro’s pockets, that agency is facing an elections complaint. The complaint was recently filed by Tootie Smith, the incoming chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners. In the May primary election, Smith defeated incumbent chair Jim Bernard, who has been found…

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16/09/2020

Living Within Our Means

Tax wording on wooden cubes with US dollar coins and bag.-cm (1)

To me, true fiscal conservatism means spending taxpayer dollars the same way in which you manage your household budget. Think about it this way—most people get paid on a regular basis and have to prioritize bills. Rent, utilities, and insurance usually come first, along with debt service like car and student loans and credit card payments. But before you even…

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02/09/2020

Getting What We Paid For

Paying Highway Toll-cm

I’ve long maintained that freedom of mobility is a critical component of our quality of life. We are, and should be, free to travel and come and go as we see fit. I believe that one of government’s most important roles is to provide the infrastructure that makes this all possible and keep it up. We benefit from the use…

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