PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan broke from his colleagues Friday in opposing a proposed hike in the city's park levy on the Nov. 4 special election ballot.
The resolution would increase the parks levy by 75%. Portlanders have long voiced their love for the city's parks and natural areas, but the proposed hike comes amid growing frustration from voters and elected officials over the city's overall tax burden.
"I love our parks, but this levy asks Portlanders to pay for inefficiencies the bureau hasn't fixed," Ryan said in a statement . "The Parks Bureau can and should generate more of its own revenue instead of relying again on taxpayers. Until we see real institutional change, it's not fair to keep coming back to voters for another tax increase. I'm voting no."

KGW News

KOIN News
The Oregonian Public Safety
Raw Story
AlterNet
The Reporter-Herald
Detroit Free Press
Political Wire
Everett Herald News
KPLC
Newsweek Top