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lesjoel's comments:
on Tax Measures
In print and electronic discussions of Measure 67, I often see "business can just pass through the extra tax to customers". This is a dangerously wrong assumption. My company services utilities in 11 Western states, providing 50+ family wage jobs in Oregon. However, none of my major competitors are based in Oregon. When I bid a project, I cannot include these extra Oregon taxes, as I must remain competitive with non-Oregon businesses.
I support thoughtfully revising the Oregon business tax structure - Unfortunately Measure 67 is not the correct revision.
posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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on Paper Mills
While I agree that the move towards electronic media has reduced demand for communication paper, and the demise of manufacturing has reduced domestic demand for packaging paper, another factor is worth discussing.
In the 1980's North American forest products companies were competitive in worldwide markets. They operated under the strictest environmental and safety regulations in the world. Raw materials were subject to cutting and replanting rules, production was under air and water regulation, and worker safety was monitored by state and federal OSHA. But, the environmental movement was not satisified and pushed for additional restrictions.
Fast forward 20 years. As additional logging plans were enacted, and air or water permitting became more onerous, forest product manufacturing began leaving North America. It moved to areas with little to no regulations - China, Russia, Eastern Europe, South America.
Unfortunately, the most heavily regulated, yet still competitive, North American forest product industry was flattened by an environmental movement who could not be satisfied! What they failed to understand was that the demand for forest products would still exist, and that the production would migrate towards less regulated countries.
FYI - I spent 15 years in the paper industry, leaving when I realized that the future was bleak
posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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on Measure 67
I'll will likely vote for 66 & 67, while feeling extremely "dirty", as our elected officials again duck the important issues. Most discussions on these measures focus on the taxing mechanics and fairness, yet bypass long term solutions. Here are just a few issues to consider:
- Ballot Initiatives - there is no connection between ballot measures that affect revenue and those that affect services. In the same election, we can approve revenue reduction and service increases - think Measure 5 and Measure 11. This clearly is not the path to a balanced budget!
- Kicker - instead of a refund, why not create a "rainy day" fund to balance the inevitable revenue fluctations?
- PERS - guaranteed, above market returns are not sustainable and have been abandonded by most private employers, and even Union shops. The State of Oregon needs a realistic, sustainable retirement plan
I am a small business manager and school supporter who gives generously to the local school foundation.
posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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on Tax Referrals
As a strong proponent of public education and the father of 2 school age children, supporting this tax increase is a given. What is dissappointing is the Governor and Legislature crafting yet another reactive revenue measure. When will they have the intestinal fortitude to create a multi-faceted revenue system and eliminate the kicker? Enough with the "blue ribbon" panels and additional "studies" of Oregon's taxation system!
posted 3 years, 8 months ago
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on Taxing Questions
The high wage earners I've known got there by either accepting greater responsibility within a corporation or by accepting greater risk with their own company. I have yet to hear a coherent arguement as to why this entitles the general populous to attach a greater tax burden. Can anyone defend this "fairness" with something other than "because they can afford to pay"?
posted 4 years ago
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