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41 °F 5 Day Forecast Thursday, December 4, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 14, 2003 Hannon, Bates criticize Mannix, tax system By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Two Jackson County legislators chastised Republican leader Kevin Mannix for attempting to undermine a state budget that barely gives schools sufficient money. Sen. Lenn Hannon, R-Ashland, and Rep. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, spoke to more than 50 people Thursday at a gathering sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Rogue Valley. Rep. Rob Patridge, R-Medford, was unable to attend the forum. The legislators criticized Mannix and special interest groups for abusing the initiative process in Oregon. Advertisement "He’s almost dishonorable," said Bates, referring to Mannix’s about-face on an $800 million tax increase approved by the Legislature. Initially Mannix indicated support for the plan, but later backed an initiative to overturn it. At the same time, Mannix claims he has a plan to fully fund government and schools, but refuses to release it at this time. "He says he can’t show it to you until after the initiative has made it to the ballot," said Hannon. A secret plan was also mentioned by Mannix and others before Measure 28 was defeated in January. "This is Nov. 13 and there is no secret plan that has come forward," said Hannon. Both Hannon and Bates said the state’s tax structure needs to be overhauled and suggested changes need to be made to the initiative process. Bates said lobbyists have taken over in Salem and have financially backed initiatives to get their way. "Some lobbyists have told me they have too much power," said Bates. He cited Measure 5, backed by commercial real estate interests, that slashed property taxes for businesses. Bates said his medical offices in Central Point paid $5,000 before the initiative passed in 1990, but now pays only $2,500. He said he would gladly pay the difference to help the state out of its financial mess. Hannon said the lottery was also the result of an initiative, backed by out-of-state interests. Scientific Games, Inc. of Atlanta, spent $500,000 to back the initiative, then received a contract from the state to print the lottery tickets. Both lawmakers said the state needs to redefine its priorities, make serving in the Legislature a full-time job, restructure the tax system and end the so-called kicker refund. Hannon said Oregonians have said they want to lock up more prisoners, but then won’t support tax increases to build more prisons. They ask the state to take over the funding of public schools, but won’t provide the money for other services. "I would submit that we have our priorities askew," he said. The state also has a precarious way of taxing, relying too heavily on income taxes and leaving the state susceptible to downturns in the economy. "That’s the way we approach our tax structure — it’s ‘Looney Tunes,’ " said Bates. Both legislators want to lower income taxes and create a sales tax to take advantage of tourist dollars that would be earmarked specifically for education. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times