Editorial

Beavers in Beaverton? Yes, but only after vote

The Beaverton Valley Times, Oct 15, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (3 Reader comments)

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Doyle and City Council President Bruce Dalrymple regularly suggest that Beaverton citizens have offered such support already. They say that the city’s community vision project drew responses from almost 4,000 residents who support Beaverton having a more vibrant downtown. City officials say that a recent survey of registered voters in Beaverton showed overwhelming interest in attending local events, such as concerts, sporting events or baseball games.

“We’ve done our research,” Dalrymple said this week. “We’ve talked to our citizens. Beaverton residents have told us overwhelmingly that they want a stronger, more dynamic downtown. Now, it’s our job as elected officials to act on that directive.”

We think such rationalized projection of voter support is premature and a huge stretch given the economy. And let’s be frank, we all know that voters don’t approve taxes by participating in surveys. And local governments don’t get official taxpayer approval by conducting surveys or visioning sessions. That’s what votes are for. We can only imagine that the only reason a vote is not being conducted in this case, is the urgent timing of the Beavers finding a new home and the fact that the city of Beaverton still has room within its allowed tax rate.

We think that if the future of downtown Beaverton is worth taxpayer investment – it is – and if the Beavers present an exciting opportunity for Beaverton — they do — the time taken to conduct a public vote is well worth a few months’ delay.

Doyle and other city officials express strong confidence in Beaverton residents’ support of baseball and city officials feel confident in the plan they have fashioned with the Beavers.

So, put the matter to a vote. It’s what taxpayers expect and deserve.

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