FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 5, 2008
Contact: Matt Evans (503) 720-4740

AFP-OR Wins Key Victories in Damascus Ballot Measure Fight

DAMASCUS – The free enterprise grassroots group Americans for Prosperity - Oregon (AFP-OR) celebrated overwhelming victories in four Damascus ballot measure campaigns. The group has now had a part in seven straight wins in Oregon’s second-newest city. Voters emphatically rejected three city council-sponsored measures that would have effectively overturned last March’s measure requiring a vote on any tax hike or fee increase. The measures would have increased costs for residents’ utilities and for building a home. In another measure, citizens called for voter signatures before City Council proposes a change to the initiative process. Previously, changes were made without public input

“Voters in Damascus sent City officials another important message last night—they want limited government, low taxes and fees, and a city council that is completely independent of Metro,” said AFP-Oregon State Director Jeff Kropf. “The Damascus city council – and particularly the Mayor-elect – had better start hearing the people of this fine city lest the voters turn their attention from ballot measures to elected officials who are not carrying out their wishes.”

AFP-Oregon teamed with a local citizen group – Ask Damascus – as well as the Taxpayer Association of Oregon and Executive Club to again turn back the city’s rogue City Council.

“We are pleased to again be able to partner with Ask Damascus – whose leaders and members deserve much of the credit for last night’s victories,” said Kropf. “AFP-Oregon stands ready to help Ask Damascus expand the limits on the city council’s actions, should that become necessary. We hope, instead, that the city council will now come to Ask Damascus and the voters, ask what they want, and implement it without delay.”

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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