The Citizens' Initiative Review starts today!

CITIZENS' INITIATIVE REVIEW UNDERWAY
Posted: August 9th, 2010 5:31 AM


The Citizens' Initiative Review (CIR) of Ballot Measure 73 begins Monday, Aug. 9, at the Salem Conference Center and concludes Friday, Aug. 13.

Measure 73 requires increased minimum sentences for certain repeated sex crimes and incarceration for repeated driving under the influence.

The Citizens' Initiative Review is a reform to Oregon's initiative process meant to provide voters with clear and trustworthy evaluations of statewide ballot measures.  The CIR is a project of Healthy Democracy Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening citizen ownership of, and integrity to, the ballot initiative process.

How the CIR works:

A panel of 24 Oregon voters from around the state will review Measure 73 over the course of five days.  The panel was randomly selected, and demographically-balanced to fairly reflect the entire state electorate.   The panelists will participate in balanced hearings where advocates and policy experts present arguments and information about the ballot measures.

After five days of testimony and deliberation, the panelists will craft a "Citizens' Statement" to be published in the Oregon Voter's Pamphlet.  The Statement will detail the most important information and "key findings" about the measures and will also report the number of panelists who support or oppose the measures based on their evaluation.

"This is a great opportunity for the both the proponents and opponents to Measure 73 to engage the public in a meaningful conversation. The Citizens' Initiative Review is one of those rare opportunities in politics to really discuss the pros and cons of a ballot measure based upon sound information," said Tyrone Reitman, the Co-Director of Healthy Democracy Oregon.

A Review of measure 74, which establishes a medical marijuana dispensary system, will occur Aug. 16-20, also at the Salem conference Center.

Oregon voters can learn more about Healthy Democracy Oregon and the Citizens' Initiative Review at: http://www.healthydemocracyoregon.org


Contact Info: Tyrone Reitman 541-999-5088