The Oregon Voter Owned Elections Act is a proposed statute that would not require any constitutional amendment. It would replace the current "campaign contributor-owned" system of campaigning with a system that is "voter owned." In this system, now implemented in Arizona and Maine, candidates first demonstrate their local base of support for positions in the legislature and other important state offices. This involves obtaining signatures and $5 contributions from a specified number of voters in their districts. If they sign on the required number of supporters, they qualify for state funds to mount a full airing of the issues in a campaign.

Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson thinks Oregon should have this system, and he will tell City Club members why. Since 1997, he has been a Lane County Commissioner. A charter member of the City Club of Eugene, he's currently sponsoring the Oregon Voter Owned Elections Act.

Gary Blackmer will describe his experience in implementing a voter-owned election system in Portland, Oregon. Before his election to this office, Blackmer was the elected Multnomah County Auditor for two 4-year terms.

Ken Tollenaar will ask the first question. He is Director Emeritus of the Bureau of Governmental Research and Service at UO.