Measure 110 stays in the spotlight
By Terry Murry on Monday, November 6th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Legislature’s Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety meets today (Monday) at 11:30 a.m. to hear from the law enforcement community regarding Ballot Measure 110. That voter-approved mandate decriminalized the personal use possession of narcotics in the state and has been harshly criticized as making substance abuse disorder a bigger problem.
Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston will testify before the committee, along with other law enforcement officers across the state. Edmiston wrote an opinion piece opposing Measure 110 when it was on the ballot. As he sees property crimes increase in Hermiston, he is clear on one thing. Something has to change.
“What we’re doing is not working,” he said.
Many Oregon counties are calling for the lawmakers to put a measure on the ballot that would repeal some or all of Measure 110. Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer says that resolution will be before the board of commissioners Wednesday.
“I am not in favor of Ballot Measure 110 at all,” Shafer said. “The only thing I do like is the treatment fact, but we had that already. I think we could do a better job of that if we keep the marijuana dollars in place for the treatment.”
Money from marijuana taxes was a funding method established by Measure 110. The resolution being considered by the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners addresses treatment.
“The Oregon Legislature must take informed and deliberate action to enable recurring funding solutions that allow the treatment needs for those that are eligible through the justice system as well as the behavioral health systems to avoid incarceration and purposefully bring these people in need to a means of self sufficiency and safe living,” it states.
