Re: Ballot Measures 68 and 69

LETTER SUBMITTED TO THE GAZETTE-TIMES (Has not been published, yet), 5/7/2010 by John Detweiler, Treasurer, Benton County Republicans - We need to read the sections on measures 68 and 69 in the May election voter pamphlet carefully. The "estimate of financial impact" for both measures says, "There is no financial effect on either state or local government expenditures or revenues." The text of measure 68 -- page 37 of the voter pamphlet -- Article X I-P Section 2 tells us that the money to repay these bonds may come from the general fund including taxes levied to pay the bonds. The text of measure 69 -- page 44 of the voter pamphlet -- Paragraph 1, the second section 1 (3) tells us that an amount of money matching the debt incurred by the borrowing institution may be appropriated from the general fund if specifically designated by the Legislative Assembly.

We have enough trouble allocating our sinusoidal general fund. In up years we start new programs that cannot be sustained and wring our hands in the down years as we cut these programs. If enacting these measures results in more bonds being issued, the payments may compete with other things funded by the general fund.