ANOTHER VOICE: Support Measure 88 for a healthy, safe community

Yard signs dot our landscape, appealing for us to vote for the kind of policies and leadership we most want for our community. Every campaign and every vote matters. But no choice offered to us on Nov. 6 is more important to families in our community than Measure 88.

A yes vote on Measure 88 approves Senate Bill 833, which was passed with broad bi-partisan support by the Oregon Legislature and signed by the governor. A yes vote affirms the thoughtful and measured action taken by our own elected officials-Republican State Sen. Chuck Thomsen and Rep. Mark Johnson.

Our elected officials got it right. After receiving input from farmers, orchardists, law enforcement officials, health care providers and small business owners they decided that Senate Bill 833 (now before the voters as Measure 88) is in the best interests of a healthy and safe community. The diverse supporters of Measure 88 include the Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers, the Oregon Wine Growers Association, Oregon Public Health Association and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

What would a yes vote on Measure 88 do? It would direct the Oregon Department of Transportation to issue a limited purpose and limited duration driver card to Oregon residents who pass the states written and behind the wheel test, provide proof of Oregon residence for more than one year, and provide proof of identity and date of birth.

What would a yes vote on Measure 88 do? It would allow many long-time residents of our community, who cannot currently obtain a license, to drive without fear. Gloria, a 20 year resident of Hood River, could take her children to their doctor appointments without fear. Oscar, who has harvested the fruit of this valley for more than 15 years, could drive to his work in a local orchard without fear.

What would a yes vote on Measure 88 do? It would allow us to know that the people on our roads, regardless of where they were born, have had the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe drivers.

What would a yes vote on Measure 88 do? It would allow thousands of Oregonians, including seniors, veterans, persons escaping domestic violence and immigrant workers who do not have the documents to obtain a license under current state law to obtain a limited purpose driver card. (The card could not be used to register to vote, enter a federal building, or obtain a government benefit requiring proof of citizenship.)

Last week, in Another Voice, a resident of Salem, writing on behalf of the Sheriffs of Oregon Political Action Committee (PAC), urged us to oppose 88. While he included a quote from the retired sheriff of Linn County, he neglected to tell us that our own sheriff Matt English did NOT sign on to the decision of the Political Action Committee to oppose 88.

Our sheriff, like many of our leaders, understands and respects the needs of ALL of our hard working neighbors. He understands that when families are under stress, when community members are denied the ability to support their families and live without fear, the security and well-being of EVERYONE is compromised.

We urge you to join with a broad based, community-minded, bi-partisan group of your neighbors to vote YES on Measure 88.

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ANOTHER VOICE: Support Measure 88 for a healthy, safe community