People in Portland will vote on four local issues in November election

(OCTOBER 18, 2020) November 3 is Election Day. Voters will make many choices. Some are national, such as the president of the United States. Some are statewide, such as new cigarette taxes. Some are local for the people in Portland.

A "measure" is an idea for a new law or a question about an important issue. Voters say "yes" to approve the measure. They say "no" to reject the measure. Voters in Portland have four local ballot measures in the November 2020 general election.

Measure 26-213 asks voters to approve a tax for parks. An average homeowner will pay about $151 per year. The city will use the money for parks and nature areas. The money will also pay for recreation programs, public restrooms, and playgrounds.

Measure 26-215 asks voters to approve money for Portland Public Schools. The money will be used to fix buildings and add technology. Other taxes are lowering. Therefore, this should not cost homeowners more money.

Measure 26-217 creates a new, independent police oversight board. This will be a group of people from the community. They will manage complaints about the local police. Members of this group will include people from diverse communities and not elected officials or police officers.

Measure 26-219 allows the city to use land from the water office for "incidental" things. The city has land for water service. Sometimes people want to use this land for other things. For example, they want a park or a community garden. If this new purpose does not interfere with water service, then the city will allow it.