John Sarna
Linn County Timber Lawsuit
I support the Commissioners prior decision to opt into the Linn County Timber Lawsuit, primarily because governments should be enforcing laws, not breaking them, especially those that are basic to civilization like contracts. The U.S. Constitution does not give the State of Oregon the authority to break a contract just because doing so appears beneficial to its residents. In addition, I don't approve of virtue signalling even when it's without cost, which, in this case, is significant. By opting in, Benton County could get about $6,700,000 ($72 per person), which may be used to defer some taxes or fees. Of course, the County would get nothing if they had opted out.