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Corvallis voters will find four city charter amendment measures on the May 19 ballot. If the number gives you pause, I understand. Four measures can feel like a lot to sort through. But after carefully reviewing each one, let me offer you straightforward guidance: vote YES on all four. Why?

Measures 2‑143, 2‑144, 2‑145, and 2‑146 are not controversial policy proposals. They don’t raise taxes, expand government power, or diminish a single voter right. What they do — collectively — is bring our City Charter up to the standard a well‑governed city deserves. Think of them as long‑overdue maintenance on the foundational document that defines how Corvallis governs itself.

I served as Councilor and then Mayor, and I can tell you from experience: the quality of governing documents matters. When charter language is outdated, inconsistent, or redundant, it doesn’t just sit quietly on a shelf. It creates confusion for residents trying to follow city decisions, complicates the work of the Council making decisions and staff as they try to implement them. All this leads to legal vulnerabilities that cost taxpayers real money. These aren’t abstract concerns. They are practical problems that a clear, well‑maintained charter helps prevent.

Measure 2‑143 updates outdated and inconsistent charter language to align with the League of Oregon Cities’ Model Charter — a proven standard used by cities across Oregon. Nothing changes about our form of government or our voter rights. What changes is the clarity and reliability of the document itself.

Measure 2‑144 removes redundant provisions — language that already exists in state law, appears elsewhere in the charter, or belongs in city ordinances better suited to keep pace with changing law. Removing duplication doesn’t weaken protections; it eliminates the confusion that comes from saying the same thing twice, but slightly differently. Every protection that matters remains fully intact.

Measure 2‑145 brings clarity to how the City distinguishes between ordinances, resolutions, and orders — three distinct tools of city government that our charter currently describes inconsistently. Clear definitions mean clearer agendas, cleaner records, and a decision‑making process that residents can actually follow and engage with. Voter initiative and referendum rights are fully preserved.

Measure 2‑146 addresses one of the more serious gaps in our current charter: what happens when unexpected vacancies leave the City Council unable to act? A cascade of resignations, an emergency, or a disaster could create a governance crisis our current rules aren’t equipped to handle. This measure establishes fair, transparent procedures — with public hearings, ward‑based nominations, conflict‑of‑interest safeguards, and clear timelines — so our city government can continue serving residents under any circumstance.

I want to note something about the process behind these measures. Each one was carefully reviewed by a Charter Review Task Force made up of elected officials and community members. Each was unanimously recommended by that task force. Each was then unanimously referred to voters by the City Council — a body that includes members from across the political spectrum. That kind of broad, bipartisan consensus doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects genuine agreement that these changes are sound, responsible, and necessary.

Corvallis has always prided itself on thoughtful, engaged local governance. Voting YES on all four measures is an expression of that pride and a commitment to keeping our city’s foundational rules clear, fair, and ready to serve us well into the future.

Your ballot will arrive soon. When it does, please vote YES on Measures 2‑143, 2‑144, 2‑145, and 2‑146.

This May, Corvallis voters have the opportunity to update, clarify, and simplify the City Charter — without changing any of the rights of the voters.

In December 2024, the City Council adopted a strategic plan which includes a commitment to “excellence in governance.” While not always high‑profile, maintaining clear and current governing documents is a key part of that goal. A widely recognized best practice is to periodically review and update a city’s Charter to reflect changes in state law and modern standards.

To guide this effort, the Charter Review Task Force drew on the League of Oregon Cities’ Model Charter. This approach ensures alignment with legal updates, incorporates clear and current language, and draws on the collective experience of cities across Oregon — all while, importantly, preserving all substantive rights and protections in the existing charter.

In summary:

• Measure 2‑143 uses language to make it clearer and more concise
• Measure 2‑144 removes redundant provisions to avoid duplication and confusion
• Measure 2‑145 clarifies how city decisions are made and what rules apply
• Measure 2‑146 addresses gaps related to vacancies to ensure continuity of government

I am voting “YES” on Measures 2‑143, 2‑144, 2‑145, and 2‑146, for good governance. I hope you will too!

May 19 is an important date for Corvallis. Four city charter measures are on the ballot, and while none of them will dominate dinner‑table conversations, all will better shape how our local government functions for years to come. They deserve careful consideration — and a YES vote.

Measure 2‑143 updates charter language that has drifted out of alignment with statewide standards. The fix is straightforward: adopt the League of Oregon Cities’ Model Charter language, which has been successfully used by cities across Oregon. No policy changes. No power shifts. Just a cleaner, clearer document.

Measure 2‑144 removes redundant provisions — those that duplicate state law, repeat other charter sections, or cover topics better suited for city ordinances. Reducing duplication helps prevent confusion and lowers legal risk. All substantive rights and protections remain intact.

Measure 2‑145 clarifies how the City differentiates between ordinances, resolutions, and orders. For residents who want to understand city decisions — or challenge them — knowing these differences is important. This measure makes those distinctions clear without altering any voter rights or Council powers.

Measure 2‑146 fills a crucial gap in our charter’s continuity planning. Unexpected vacancies can occur. This measure guarantees that when they happen, our city government has clear, transparent, and accountable procedures to keep things moving — ensuring continuous service to residents.

The Charter Review Task Force unanimously recommended all four. The City Council unanimously referred all four to us, the voters. And we should vote YES on all four: 2‑143, 2‑144, 2‑145, and 2‑146.