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Talent, Ashland join Measure 7 suit By Tony Boom TALENT � Talent and Ashland have joined the League of Oregon Cities lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Measure 7, but so far they�re alone in Jackson County. Shady Cove, Central Point, Phoenix, Medford, Jacksonville and Jackson County have decided not to join the league�s effort. "There simply is just very little to be gained by the city by participating in the lawsuit," said Jim Bennett, Central Point city administrator. "We feel there is very little risk to the city based on the decisions that will be made by the Marion County court." Measure 7, approved by voters in November, amends the Oregon Constitution to require state and local governments to compensate property owners for loss of property values resulting from land-use decisions and other regulations. A Marion County Circuit Court judge has issued a temporary injunction against the measure. Oral arguments to determine the measure�s validity are expected to begin Feb. 6. "Marion County Circuit Court will decide on a permanent injunction or that (Measure) 7 is legally adopted," said Medford City Attorney Ron Doyle. "At that point, the city will consider what to do." In Gold Hill, City Recorder Tony Paxton has referred the issue to attorney Steve Rich, who is expected to make a recommendation to the council. County attorney Mike Jewett said the county will not join the LOC lawsuit. "If there�s a ruling, there would be statewide implications," said Jewett. The league had said a ruling could be structured to apply only to local governments that participated in the lawsuit, but rated this risk as "low to fair." Talent city attorney Bill Mansfield, in his presentation to the council on Tuesday, said the chance was "remote" that the suit would apply only to participants. He recommended that the city join the case. Ashland joined the suit in early December. "Because the measure is so critically important to any viable land-use program, we recommended that the city join," said city attorney Paul Nolte. Some officials have suggested that cities could waive land-use regulations that might result in payment of compensation to landowners whose property values were reduced through regulations. But other groups, including 1000 Friends of Oregon, contend it is not legal to undermine local zoning and state land-use laws. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.