On the face of it, this seems like a good thing. However, this is attempting to solve a problem that does not exist. Unlike the east coast, where a certain amount of corruption is accepted as a part of life, even the proponents of Measure 39 have not been able to identify a single instance of abuse of condemnation in Oregon that this measure would have prevented. The Oregon constitution already requires fair compensation to landowners when land is condemned, and this process has worked for us.
Further, as it is written, this measure could make it more difficult and more expensive for cities and counties to acquire land for their normal business activities.
Those unintended consequences are a danger in any measure like this, which is one reason why I say that a measure must pass a rather high standard. This measure does not pass that standard.
No on measure 39.
