I am an Oregon planner. Yes, I repeat: I am an Oregon
planner. Despite what you hear about Measure 37, we’re still
here. The sky fell and we’re still around picking up the
pieces. Life’s never been better.
Years ago, some of
us said it was time to go out to the public, statewide, and ask
people from Portland to Lakeview, from Brookings to Joseph, what
they would like Oregon to become in the 21st century. Just as the
state requires cities to periodically review and update their
plans, we wanted the state to do the same. Well, we were a
minority; most politicians, lobbyists and planners were comfortable
doing business as usual; they felt that a conducting such a
statewide vision would be like opening Pandora’s box. Then
came Measure 37 …
Now we are engaged in a statewide
dialogue: “The Big Look” (see story, p. 6). Planning and property
rights will prevail, together, because you can’t have one
without the other. Without property rights, citizens have few
reasons to engage in planning, and without sound planning, property
owners and businesses lack any predictability or assurance that
their investments will be protected. Planners help government
protect public and private investments. The best planners find ways
to accomplish both in ways that sustain our economy, environment
and social well-being.
Oregon planners and our elected
officials will find ways to listen to the public again. We will
draft plans that protect local values, grow Oregon’s economy,
end our dependence on foreign oil, and protect our natural assets
in exciting and innovative ways. Stay tuned…
Scot Siegel
Siegel Planning Services,
LLC
Lake Oswego, Oregon
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Planning lives.
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