Voters in a giving mood as most money measures pass

By Jim Redden

The Portland Tribune, Nov 4, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

ADVERTISEMENTS

In spite of the worries about the overall economy, Portland area voters gave fairly easy victories to two local bond measures on the November ballot — and were narrowly approving one more with votes still being counted.

As of Wednesday afternoon, with votes still being counted, Portland voters were overwhelmingly approving a five-year renewal of the city's Children Investment Fund, by 71 percent to 29 percent. Click here to see updated results.

Meanwhile, Portland area voters also fairly easily were approving $125 million in bonds for renovation to the Oregon Zoo in Portland.

By Wednesday afternoon, the $374 million Portland Community College bond measure was also passing. It was behind in the morning but gained votes as Multnomah County ballots were counted throughout the day.

Children's Investment Fund campaign manager Emeral Bogue said the overwhelming victory was "Portland saying what matters most and making children a high priority."

The investment fund was written to raise an estimated $14 million to fund nonprofit agencies that provide services primarily to children from low-income and disenfranchised families.

Oregon Zoo bond supporters declared victory at 8:30 p.m. with the measure leading with 56 percent in the tri-county region of Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. It continued to hold that margin through wednesday morning.

Metro President David Bragdon thanked voters for their support of the zoo, saying the faltering economy had caused concerns among campaign workers. Metro operates the zoo.

1 | 2 Next Page >>