KYAQ Radio to Host Forums on County-Wide Ballot Measures

KYAQ community radio will host two forums spotlighting the three county-wide measures on the November ballot. Representatives of groups supporting the measures have been invited to present information about the proposals and answer audience questions.

The forums will take place Wednesday, October 10, at Central Lincoln PUD in Newport, beginning at 7 p.m.; and on Thursday, October 11, at the Floweree Community Center (old Mary Harrison School building) in Toledo, also at 7 p.m.

Measure 21-144 proposes a five-year property tax levy at a rate of 35 cents per assessed valuation to support children’s programs and services. The measure would raise approximately $2.5 million a year for early childhood education and childcare; child abuse prevention and intervention; and outside-of-school child development. Representatives of the Children’s Trust of Lincoln County will be presenters.

A second tax measure, 21-147, would establish an animal services district to fund operation of the county Animal Shelter and pay for the three Animal Services officers with the Sheriff’s Office. If approved by voters, the remaining two years of the 11 cents per thousand levy approved in 2009 would be cancelled and replaced by the permanent tax rate. Speakers from the Board of County Commissioners and Central Coast Humane Society will share this presentation.

County voters are also being asked whether or not the County Commissioners should send messages on their behalf to Congress and the Oregon Legislature to support a constitutional amendment overturning the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United Case that invalidated limits on corporate and union spending in political campaigns. A representative of Occupy Newport will present on Measure 21-146.

The forums will be moderated by Alan Searle, volunteer project manager.

KYAQ has secured a construction permit from the Federal Communications Commission to place a community radio station serving Lincoln County on the air at 91.7 on the FM dial. The organization’s board of directors is now developing operating and funding plans and recruiting volunteers to help staff the station. For  information email KYAQ, or call us at 541-264-5917.