Measure 4-235 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: We elected our City Council to make decisions. Why should our community vote on large spending projects?
Our City Council handles many vital tasks, but projects over $6 million – a significant portion of our annual revenue – have a lasting impact on Cannon Beach. The outcome of the Cannon Beach Elementary vote highlighted the need for community input on these major decisions. It's about ensuring alignment between our elected officials and residents on projects that shape our town's future.
Q: What does Cannon Beach Together want?
We want to foster a collaborative and transparent relationship between the city and its residents. Measure 4-235 is about empowering the community to have a meaningful voice in significant financial decisions, ensuring responsible development that reflects the priorities of Cannon Beach.
Q: Didn't we already vote on the school project? Why do we need this new measure?
The school project vote demonstrated the importance of community input. Measure 4-235 aims to establish a consistent, transparent process for all major projects, ensuring that voter participation isn't an exception, but a standard practice.
Q: Why is Measure 4-235 important for Cannon Beach?
Measure 4-235 promotes fiscal responsibility by ensuring voter input on significant financial commitments. It establishes a clear threshold for major projects, allowing residents to directly participate in decisions that impact our community's future. This isn't about hindering progress; it's about responsible governance and ensuring transparency.
Q: Are there one or two measures on the ballot?
There are two measures on the ballot. Measure 4-235 is the citizen-led initiative, and the city has introduced a competing measure. Understanding both is crucial for informed voting.
Q: What does Measure 4-235 actually do?
Measure 4-235 establishes a clear, objective threshold for voter approval on significant city expenditures, defined as projects exceeding 50% of annual governmental revenue. It also includes provisions for emergency situations, ensuring the city can respond effectively when needed. This is about responsible governance, not obstruction.
Q: What does the City's competing measure do (Measure 4-236)?
The city's measure largely maintains the status quo, limiting voter input to property tax-based debt. It does not address the broader issue of transparency and accountability in how tourism-generated revenue is spent.
Q: What does the current City Charter say about debt and voting?
Currently, voter approval is limited to General Obligation Bonds, which are tied to property taxes. This leaves a significant portion of city spending, funded by tourism revenue, outside of direct voter oversight.