Healthy Democracy Oregon

Healthy Democracy Oregon Blog

  • Measure 58 Citizens' Initiative Review Highlights
    Elliot Shuford
    November 6, 2008 6:49

    We just finished editing a video with some highlights from the Citizens' Initaitive Review of Measure 58. It gives a sketch of some of the things that happened each day. Think of it as a "sneak preview" of a longer, more comprehensive CIR video.

     

  • M58 Citizens' Initiative Review Highlights
    Elliot Shuford
    November 6, 2008 6:11

    We just finished editing a brief, highlight video from the Measure 58 review. This gives a brief look at a few things that happened each day. Take a look. Think of it like a "sneak preview" to a slightly longer, more polished CIR video.

  • Watch the panelists from Oregon's first Citizens' Initiative Review describe the groundbreaking experience in their own words
    J Bombardier
    November 4, 2008 3:06

    On the final day of the review, all 23 panelists came together in
    what was described as a 'Closing Circle' to share their personal
    reflections and their reactions to the process. In the voices of these
    citizens is where we find the greatest argument for the Citizens'
    Initiative Review. Listening to them, it is clear that this new
    democratic process not only provides an environment for enlightened and
    civil policy discussion, but that it can also serve as a catalyst for
    civic engagement.

    In the days and weeks ahead, we will be updating our website
    with more videos from the Citizens' Initiative Review demonstration, so
    be on the lookout. I can tell you from observing the entire review
    myself, that the 'Closing Circle' was just one of many fascinating and
    inspirational moments from the demonstration.

  • Nice show of support for the Citizens' Initiative Review in the Hillsboro Argus
    Tyrone Reitman
    October 7, 2008 11:22

    Show Initiative

    Tuesday, September 30, 2008 The Hillsboro Argus

    A panel of citizens have issued their verdict on Measure 58. Their recommendation: Reject it.

    Measure 58 would limit the number of years non-native students may be taught in the language of their birth: one year for elementary students, two for those in high-school.

    The evaluation came as the result of a demonstration Citizens' Initiative Review project from Healthy Democracy Oregon. This group has proposed state legislation that would convene panels, carefully selected to represent a cross-section of the state's voters, to review statewide ballot initiatives before general elections.

  • Citizens' Initiative Review press conference & Citizens' Statement
    Tyrone Reitman
    September 30, 2008 11:49

    UPDATE: Upon completing the state’s first ever Citizens’ Initiative Review and press conference was held on the steps of the state capitol to announce the results. The panel of 23 voters from across Oregon tasked with evaluating Measure 58, which deals with limiting bilingual education in public schools. After hearing testimony from the campaigns from and against Measure 58, along with background witnesses and policy experts, 9 panelists chose to support the measure, while 14 rejected it. The panelist drafted a Citizens’ Statement describing their reasons for support and opposition.

              Over the coming weeks Healthy Democracy Oregon will be releasing video from the Review along with documents provided to the panel as part of the advocacy team presentations.

    Click here for the Citizens’ Statement on Ballot Measure 58

    Here is video from the press conference held on 9/25/2008

  • Great Resource On This Year's Measures
    J Bombardier
    August 8, 2008 12:54

    For anyone interested in doing some self-guided research into this year's ballot measures, here is a link to the Oregon Secretary of State's official Elections Division.

  • Online Vote Inconclusive; HDO Moves to Plan B
    Elliot Shuford
    August 7, 2008 3:31

    The online survey revealed there's a lot of interest in most of the ballot measures. In fact, we basically had a five-way split with the results. So, we've decided to engage our supporters in a different way.

  • Get your news here at HDO’s Initiative Roundup!
    J Bombardier
    August 6, 2008 10:50

    With the November election quickly approaching, we at
    Healthy Democracy Oregon would like to extend an invitation to anyone
    interested in keeping-up with news and stories relating to this year’s ballot
    measures to use the ‘Initiative Roundup’ portion of our homepage as a “one stop
    shop” so to speak for the latest initiative news.

  • Oregon's First CIR Panel Selected
    Elliot Shuford
    July 31, 2008 10:06

    Our public event Tuesday night was a great success- we finished the selection of Oregon's first Citizens' Initiative Review panel!

    A big thanks to all who helped out or attended.

  • Public Event in Salem Tonight!
    Elliot Shuford
    July 29, 2008 11:00

    Thanks to everyone for the encouraging emails in support of the CIR.

    If you've not signed up to vote in the measure selection- do so soon (i.e. make sure we have a good email address). The vote is coming in a few days.