An Ashland May, 2007 ballot measures empowers City of Ashland to sell Lithia Park to developers, according to a community watchdog group.
According to Art Bullock of the Ashland Constitution dialog group. The power to sell Lithia Park to developers was included by using the “model charter” template written by a Portland attorney, whom City hired as consultant. “It’s one of several powers transferred from the people to City government…”
Bullock reveals in a webpost on Rogue IMC, “… I discovered it by digging for details, and disclosed the hidden power transfer to council on Feb. 20, 2007. Some councilors gave me that “deer-in-the-headlights” look. Others didn’t. City attorney Mike Franell, … confirmed (without checking, he already knew) that the proposed charter does indeed give City the power to sell Lithia Park.”
Charter Review Committee member Michael Riedeman dismissed these fears, in a email to Ashland Community Action listserve, “Lithia Park could only be considered for sale if it is no longer being used… plus, the governing body (city council) would have to determine, according to specific legal guidelines, that public interest would be furthered by such sale.” Insisting that neither the charter committee nor city council ever discussed the power to sell Lithia Park to developers.
On Wed, Apr 4, 6:30-8pm in Ashland Public Library, there will be a special Voter Education presentation on the 2 charter ballot measures. Library closes 3 days later. Please don’t miss this closing-door opportunity to learn about proposed power shifts in Ashland’s Constitution on the May 15 ballot.
AshlandConstitution.org, the community dialogue group sponsoring this voter education presentation, is not a PAC and does not endorse or oppose either ballot measure.
You can find frequently asked questions, plus updated voter education schedule, at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OfThePeople
You can publicly email your letter to the editor (questions or opinions) to OfThePeople@yahoogroups.com
