Both sides of Measure 34-327 claimed they had 70% of the vote in their corner going into the vote count last night. On the one side was the Yes For North Plains side, backed by North Plains Mayor Teri Lenahan, the City Council, the Portland Association of Realtors, and landowners. Their group raised over 80,000 dollars and hired a Portland consulting firm to win the day.
On the other side was a group of community members, Friends For North Plains Smart Growth. This group saw the massive growth that the City has proposed and went door to door to get signatures on the ballot to create the referendum. Labeled by the opposing side as a NO-GROWTH group, nothing could have been further from the truth. Their grassroots campaign raised approximately $10,000 dollars, so they could not hire consultants to “handle” the locals. Instead, they door knocked, put up signs, wore costumes and waived signs, and held a tractor rally and concert. During the awareness phase, it was common to see grade school kids, Seniors, and locals from all walks of life involved in many ways. This was perhaps one of the few times I have witnessed this many people working on such an issue in such an energetic way.
I attended the gathering held by the Friends Of North Plains Smart Growth last night at the Old HICH’EN Post in town. At about 7:45 PM, the nervous crowd heard that the early returns indicated a 70-30 Vote in their favor. A very loud cheer rose up, and the celebration was on. This was followed by some great speakers and an emotional outpouring of appreciation by the group’s leader, Aaron Nichols of Stoneboat Farms. The Votes have come in and show that not only did the people of North Plains slap down their leader’s proposals for massive growth, but they did it in a true landslide, landing almost 72% of the vote! Furthermore, over 50% of the town’s registered voters voted, which was over 10% more than the county-wide results last night. It was truly a landmark moment in Washington County history, I must say.
“We hope the city council is able to look at the facts, look at the votes, and be willing to sit down and negotiate a path forward. A path that listens to all of us, follows the laws, and is right for North Plains” said Ariel Goodwin, a leader in the Friends of North Plains Smart Growth group. “We are not looking to stop the city from growing, but to grow in a smart and well planned way.”
Let’s face it. This vote was a complete repudiation of those in power. It was an old-school playground ass-whooping. They will all be lucky to have their positions as elections roll along, and rightfully so. They did not listen to months of testimony. The Yes side painted this issue, and the other side, as a bunch of outsiders coming to town and stirring up a mess, and that the campaign had no legs and was not supported. The Vote shows the huge divide between the actual people of North Plains and their leaders. The Mayor, Council, City Attorney, and other consultants pushed an agenda for massive growth. They were supported by local Senator Janeen Sollman and the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors- talk about outside influence. And here is where we find ourselves in Oregon: our leaders are doing what few of us support. Last night, that was proven.
In the Hillsboro Newstimes article, North Plains voters appear to reject city push to expand urban growth boundary, Mayor Lenahan makes statements that seem to indicate she wants to extend the olive branch to her people, but at the same time, she blamed many of them from spreading misinformation about the campaign. Based on my coverage, that is one of the most disingenuous things I have ever heard. It indicates North Plain’s real issues reside within her and her Council. I know all sides will come together, and North Plains can grow smartly, just as it has slowly since the first time I was there 55 years ago.
One resident of Washington County who has been closely following this race made a salient comment about the Mayor’s comments that I feel must be shared.
“Hoping you may have a change of heart Mayor Lenahan–and respond to what your residents have clearly demonstrated. But I am concerned that these quotes from you in YourOregonNews today are not reflecting this: “confusion could have played a role in the results, claiming that opponents of the measure “resorted to spreading misinformation” & this vote “has sparked necessary and difficult discussions.”
I actually saw “misinformation” on your part–clearly in the voter’s pamphlet–see p. 34- an argument in Favor signed by the Councilors, Yourself and others (submitted by the hired PR firm from Portland, which specializes in swaying public opinion), stating:
“in a survey… of North Plains voters, 70% …definitely plan to vote YES”——–well, well, well, So ironic, and I do hope it gives you at least some pause: the exact percent+ that voted NO!” Charolyn Concepcion
Last night may have been a victory, but it is one small step in a larger legal problem. Governor Kotek, pushed on by Senator Sollman and the North Plains leaders, passed a bill making this Vote all but meaningless. The controversial bill passed in the 2024 short session (House Bill 4026) limits public oversight of city expansion plans (urban growth boundaries). The bill applies retroactively, affecting proposals dating back to 2023, and was rushed through the Capitol after the referendum voted on last night was filed. That Bill is being challenged in State Court by the 1000 Friends of Oregon and others. There have also been legal challenges by the City about having this vote on the ballot and counting it. Now that it has been counted, the Mayor will likely direct the City Attorney to try and block the vote certification. Let’s see how much she wants to reach her hand out to the 72% of her people who told her NO last night. Let’s see.
It may have been a victory, and there may be more steps, but one thing is sure. If enough people in Oregon want to stand together, they can win the day. Yesterday, the Friends of North Plains Smart Growth and the people of North Plains, Oregon, did just that.
Here is the press release sent out by the winning side this AM-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friends of North Plains Smart Growth
Contact: Nellie McAdams, friendsnorthplainssmartgrowth@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 21st, 2024
North Plains’ Urban Growth Boundary Ordinance recalled by voters – a first in
Oregon’s fifty year land use system
North Plains – The results are in – North Plains voters have decisively recalled the city’s
UGB expansion: a feat never before accomplished in Oregon.
After nine months of discussion and months of vigorous campaigning by both sides, the
vote deciding “Shall North Plains expand its Urban Growth Boundary in compliance with
state law” was clear and overwhelming No with early election results showing a 41 point
victory for the opposition – Friends of North Plains Smart Growth. Unless the city is
successful in its so far quixotic lawsuits to disregard the voter’s decision, this will mean
that the city of 3,400 people will need to work out a plan that will appeal to a majority of
its residents. “We still have lots of work ahead of us,” said Mandy Hagedorn, a city
resident and an organizer for the group. “Let’s continue to harness the power of the
community voice, continue to champion this collaborative engagement model with the
city, and hold fast to our belief that our voices matter.”
This referendum has been in the works for nine months giving both sides plenty of time
to talk to voters – as well as legislators, judges, state agencies, and lawyers. In
September, the city council, after hours of opposition testimony from stakeholders
including neighboring farmers, voted to more than double their UGB – the biggest
expansion by percentage basis in Oregon history.
Expansion has always been a contentious issue in North Plains, with the city voting
down annexations multiple times before the state legislature outlawed the practice of
voting on annexation. This time, opponents used a referendum to bring the decision to
expand to a vote of the residents – only the second time in the state’s history that a
referendum has been brought on a UGB expansion, after Scappoose in 2011. The effort
took dedicated local farmers and residents hitting the streets to collect signatures from
10% of the registered voters in just two weeks after the ordinance was signed.
The group defended their referendum in court after development interests, led by Dave
Hunnicutt of the Oregon Property Owners, got a bill through in the closing days of the
legislative session retroactively disqualifying the North Plains referendum. The group’s
appeal to a judge for a restraining order against the enforcement of the law was
successful as Washington County Judge Erwin made it clear that “expression, not
suppression serves the interests of good government” and said the group had proved it
was likely to win in court in the future.
“We’ve defended our referendum and our right to vote in court already and we are
prepared to continue that fight until Ordinance 490 is fully withdrawn and we are on a
path to a smaller, smarter, better UGB expansion. We hope that, after this decisive
vote, city council will agree to work with us rather than opposing the will of the voters”
said Katie Reding, the chief petitioner who brought the referendum and the lead plaintiff
on the lawsuit defending its right to exist.
That ruling, effectively guaranteed the referendum would appear on North Plains’
ballots, set off the biggest campaign the city has seen in more than a decade. Yes for
North Plains, the PAC supporting the expansion ordinance, raised over $75,000, the vast
majority of that from realtor associations and a smaller amount from landowners in the
expansion area who stand to make millions of dollars should the plan go through. The
opposition group raised over $35,000 in smaller local donations and in small amounts
from land use groups across Oregon. That’s well over $100,000 raised in this election –
in a city with just over 2,500 registered voters.
The city is still covered with yard signs – like the vote, they tilt heavily in favor of the
opposition. The mayor published her personal phone number and e-mail address in a
bid to convince voters to endorse the council’s yes position. The No side responded
with canvassing the entire town and knocking on doors multiple times over the last few
months, a tractor parade through town, and a concert with local rock star, Jacquie Roar.
But the campaign wasn’t just about concerts and glossy mailers. Research led to more
information for voters than was ever available to the council when they voted in
September – including an understanding of the infrastructure cost (roughly 200 million
dollars for transportation and water alone) and the impact on the physical city (large
arterial and collector streets running through the current residential area of town).
Discussions with the state land use agency revealed that even the ballot title was likely
incorrect: this small city, with a population under 10,000 people, is not required to
engage in a planning process like larger cities are.
“We hope the city council is able to look at the facts, look at the votes, and be willing to
sit down and negotiate a path forward. A path that listens to all of us, follows the laws,
and is right for North Plains” said Ariel Goodwin, a leader in the Friends of North Plains Smart Growth group.
“We are not looking to stop the city from growing, but to grow in a
smart and well-planned way.”
Oof.
You knew when they started attacking the tone of the “No” voters rather than the substance of their argument that it was going to turn out poorly for the electeds and their supporters in the real-estate sector. I’ll give the Washington County establishment this much: It always knows exactly when public opinion is dead set against it.
There are ways you can game the system without losing the room entirely. Look at the Hops funding issue: It takes much longer for lost TLT funding or “Christmas tree” appropriations to trickle their way into the public consciousness. Besides, minor league baseball that the overwhelming majority of the city doesn’t attend and that doesn’t create any meaningful traffic in the area doesn’t really drill itself into the public consciousness.
But when you start messing with basic democratic principles and removing rights of redress, people tend to notice that sort of thing. Nobody’s filed suit over “magic wand” land use stipulations within SB 4—which denies landowners their right to legal redress simply because federal funds are on the table—largely because it has yet to be used in that fashion.
The North Plains lawsuit and subsequent landslide vote against rapid, overreaching expansion will likely leave certain officials expending their little remaining political capital to block that result and others like it in the name of unfettered development, but it should hold a more valuable lesson: Litigation works. Every suburban slackjaw who wondered why farmers didn’t simply roll over and accept the fate city hall and the statehouse dictated to them just had their bell rung with a Pumpkin Ridge 7-iron.
There aren’t a whole lot of options for local legal professionals who’ll take on this kind of case, but considering the opportunity to add a few more Ws at the expense of some good ol’ boys, you might be surprised by who’ll make the trip to our lovely Washington County Courthouse.
Your insights are like a beacon cutting through the confusion. In the shadows, some leaders have been manipulating the system for their own benefit. I’ve urged this group to keep fighting. This temporary alliance could have lasting consequences. A new leader is emerging to represent Roy-Verboort. Dave VanAsche, a respected voice from the farm bureau, spoke powerfully in support. Others joined him. Aaron from Stone Boat Farms is a skilled and concerning player on the field now garnering the attention and ire of the opposing side. Faun and her Save Helvetia group, along with brilliant minds from Portland and the Willamette Valley, are now involved. And, of course, 1000 Friends of Oregon is back and focusing on Hillsboro. Public records requests will become standard. Finally, others are joining the fight!
A coalition is forming, stretching from Scholls to Banks, to target these politicians and their policies. This battle is far from over. This victory will energize people. Teri, Steve, Beach – they all see what is happening. Sollman…well, we’ll see. Focus on what you need to do, but you’re a valuable ally. Your insights are crucial, so please keep sharing!
Thanks,Dirk
Changes made:
“Regardless of how we voted, our common goal is to ensure our town thrives.”
Teri, three quarters of your constituents voted against this. Pack it in.
“The public official went on to say that confusion could have played a role in the results, claiming that opponents of the measure ‘resorted to spreading misinformation.'” So you just called some of those three quarters of your constituents liars and labeled the rest rubes. That is just breathtaking political strategy from the mayor of North Plain.
Yes- she is living in a different Universe. Or this statement was meant to piss off her people and thumb her nose in their faces. She is either completly diconnected or not as smart and I thought. I am leaning to the later of the two.
Gentlemen-Dirk & Jason, You both expressed brilliantly what has been bottled up in me since last night and actually for 30 years.
Mayor Lenahan and her cabal got their butts handed to ’em for sure, but don’t for a minute think they’re through. They will offer their constituents the limp wristed “olive branch”, but that’s just a head fake.
The next move for North Plains citizens should be to recall Lenihan, the city council, and find a way to fire the city attorney and city manager! If this is not possible start the campaign NOW to vote them out the next chance available. Send them packing! Adios – Goodbye- So long- and don’t let the screen door hit you in the rear on the way out!!!
As for this tremendous WIN having a far reaching effect let’s just start right here in Hillsboro. The crap that North Plains has just crushed has been going on in Hillsboro for at least 25-30 years. It intensified in 2008 when a profound ARROGANCE at city hall reached new heights. Enter Mayor Jerry Willey and Councilor Steve Callaway. (More on this later…)
Never before had such bullying tactics been so prevalent as to when these two characters took power. There’s much more detail to be said, but for now I’m going to break by saying….Wake up Hillsboro, the worst is ahead. Beach Pace has got to be defeated!
The North Plains situation has been teed up and egged on by Hillsboro. I am not sure why the two are snuggling up. They need our water. We do not need them at all, and they do not need the jobs. They need to focus on Quality of Life. Period. I think I know what is going on- this is one of those “My enemy is now my friend” sort of plays – more to follow. But this whole thing has stunk up the Valley worse than the North Plains Garlic Fest! ;)
Excellent, Excellent comments everyone–and thank-you once again Dirk!! I have been following this closely–also many discussions on Nextdoor–Denise Caire from Hillsboro had excellent posts–and even spent days colorfully standing by the road opposing this measure. Then Mayor Lenahan posted several posts–at first I didn’t know who she was, but clued in, and shared how detrimental big Industrial development has been for Hillsboro residents (no reply). My last reply reply to her post today was:
Hoping you may have a change of heart Mayor Lenahan–and respond to what your residents have clearly demonstrated. But I am concerned that these quotes from you in YourOregonNews today are not reflecting this: “confusion could have played a role in the results, claiming that opponents of the measure “resorted to spreading misinformation” & this vote “has sparked necessary and difficult discussions.”
I actually saw “misinformation” on your part–clearly in the voter’s pamphlet–see p. 34- an argument in Favor signed by the Councilors, Yourself and others (submitted by the hired PR firm from Portland, which specializes in swaying public opinion), stating:
“in a survey… of North Plains voters, 70% …definitely plan to vote YES”——–well, well, well, So ironic, and I do hope it gives you at least some pause: the exact percent+ that voted NO!
I couldn’t wait any longer for the results and took a wondering look at the results last night–can’t tell you how elated I was for the residents of North Plains. And YES, Hillsboro’s leaders need to sit up and take note. For a long time now, I have been convinced the vast majority of our residents think of and value Hillsboro for its near farmlands and smaller town feel–not an Overly Industrialized out of control rapidly ever-growing City. We need to step up too. Thank-you to all the involved residents of North Plains–hopefully you will give up hope also!
Proofreading my reply! At the end should be give us (not up!) hope also.
My exact sentiment. They are showing us what we can do. Much bigger monster to bring down but the point is, it can be done!
Just rereading–before sending to my neighbor who is interested in local politics. I am thinking: hmm, this sounds familiar “Hoping you may have a change of heart Mayor Lenahan…”–then, oh, yes, I wrote that! Gave me a chuckle. Thanks for including. Also, I am sending my neighbor your latest article on Intel–he is quite interested in that whole situation also. He enjoys discussions and I alert him to the latest!
This kind of backroom government, for personal gain is exactly why laws need to change. When politicians get into that business ( and yes, it is a business to them) they need to be held legally liable to the people. I watched Los Angeles get torn apart for freeways no one wanted…but made a few people in the city billions…at taxpayer expense. Hundreds of homes were lost. Properties in good and bad neighborhoods had their values slashed. The people were completely shut out of decisions.
That’s what sounds like is going on here. A few politicians and a few contractors are looking at the city for their own gain. That should be illegal. Next stop should be laws that hold these thieves accountable. Huge fines
Mark, you are absolutely correct in that the politicians have gotten themselves into a “business”. The problem is the current group of politicians, except one, in Hillsboro City Hall, have zero private business experience.
Rick Van Beveran inherited Reedville cafe from daddy. He is probably petrified to go against Dan Dais, Hillsboro’s economic development director for fear of having his business affected. (Little does he know there’s many of us that will never set foot in the cafe again. His constant wimping out has caused that!)
There’s an old unwritten thing in business where there are plateaus for men and women in management. There are those who can easily and successfully operate a million-dollar business. There are those who are successful between 2-5 mil. Now consider the yokels at city hall in charge of a BILLION-dollar budget. Would you hire a retired school principal, a weak-kneed city manager, and Dan Dias to run your Billion Dollar Business. I wouldn’t hire ’em to run a food truck!
The best reason not to go to Reedville Cafe is that it isn’t Hale’s. If you’re going to TVH for breakfast anyway, you may as well make one of the turns an either get the better cafe at Hale’s or get an actual diner at Blue Moon. Donut Day is a bigger breakfast draw to that end of the world than Reedville.
Breakfast screed aside, this is always the most dangerous pairing: Little politicians, big world. Say what you will about the grotesque and inherent corruption of Northeast, Midwest and even Southern cities, but it makes everyone a lot less starstruck and gullible. Nobody’s surprised that New York City told Amazon to take its HQ walking or that Connecticut doesn’t want data centers, but when Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia all shut off the graft spigot and realize data centers are horrendous local investments, it indicates they’ve been around that bend a time or two: https://stateline.org/2024/04/30/states-rethink-data-centers-as-electricity-hogs-strain-the-grid/
Occasionally, you get a county commissioner her with some Intel background, but Hillsboro in particular shows no business savvy whatsoever. The city’s economic developer has no meaningful work experience outside of City Hall, and his primary strategy there has been equating “business friendly” with unfettered growth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dias-0b502818/details/experience/
At least Johnny Lightbridge has left city limits at some point in his career. Granted, his last city’s “Surround Sea World with Data Centers” strategy explains a lot of what’s going on in North Hillsboro, but it’s downright cosmopolitan when compared to someone who’s been gestating in the civic center for the better part of two decades.
But it’s the worst kind of inexperience: Your only experience with and exposure to multinational corporations in your backyard is basically functioning as their valet. When national concerns express the slightest consternation with your city’s amenities or facilities, you race to placate them in your bid to be the next Colorado Springs or Boise. You spend big to dream small, and the people who call your city home matter far less to you than the logos that claim the same distinction.
They’ve bought themselves nosebleed seats to the big leagues, but they’re just so happy to be in the building paying $10 for soda.
Interesting…..https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dias-0b502818/details/experience/
Top endorser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikjensenmgtconsultant/
Clients: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikjensenmgtconsultant/