Cities across Oregon have designated September 13-17, as “City Hall Week.” In 20 host cities, city officials will lead a forum with legislators and candidates to discuss issues that support the economic vitality and stability of Oregon communities.

 

In Newberg, City Hall Week will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at the Public Safety Building (401 E. Third Street) beginning at 6:00 p.m.   The event will provide an opportunity for city officials, state lawmakers and legislative candidates to share ideas and perspectives prior to the 2011 legislative session. City officials, legislators and candidates will attend, and the public is welcome.  

 

Among the issues discussed will be maintaining and strengthening State Shared Revenues, addressing Measures 5/50 limitations, protecting municipal water rights and providing cities with greater local control. Cities are urging the Legislature to:

·       Maintain and strengthen the partnership between state and local government particularly with regard to State Shared Revenue funding formulas.

·       Provide local residents the ability to make decisions on their service levels by addressing limitations of Measures 5/50 that preclude such options.

·        Protect existing and future water rights from conditions that would prevent cities from meeting current or future demands and by opposing water use limits that interfere with approved water rights.

·       Expand the ability of cities to locally control the collection and allocation of funding for vital city services by removing preemptions that preclude their doing so. 

 

As city governments face increasing fiscal pressures they would like greater flexibility to manage their affairs, City Hall Week represents a proactive approach to raising awareness of these critical issues.   

 

“City officials know best the issues that impact their communities,” said Mayor Andrews.   “Local officials have been elected to represent their communities and legislators are elected to represent the same constituents. City Hall Week will ensure that local voices gain the attention of legislators and candidates.”