To the editor:
Lincoln County ballot measure 21-203 is not yet the “law of the land.” Passed by a landslide 58 to 42 percent margin last November to help preserve our neighborhoods and restore our long-term housing stock, it would stop new short-term rental licensing and phase out many existing ones in unincorporated Lincoln County.
The short-term rental industry quickly filed multiple lawsuits challenging 21-203, trying to overturn the election results. A judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop the measure from taking effect. Attorneys for 15neighborhoods and Lincoln County are defending Measure 21-203.
Measure 21-203 may be the first time voters anywhere have used the initiative process to take charge and give directions to their elected officials about short-term rentals. Voters made clear that they expect Lincoln County commissioners to stop the damage being done by short-term rentals to our neighborhoods and housing stock.
If 21-203 is upheld in court, grassroots groups throughout Oregon and other states with a citizens initiative process may rely on this pioneering precedent, thanks to Lincoln County voters
The prospect of Citizens taking direct control of local short-term rental policy scares the industry. This fear caused them to file lawsuits to overturn the will of Lincoln County voters.
Voters are the county attorneys’ real clients. Our goals are: (1) to stop new STR licensing and (2) to phase out existing STRs in residential neighborhoods outside the cities within five years.
Please tell county commissioners that you want Measure 21-203 to be the “law of the land.”
Stay current on what is happening in the courts, see what your neighbors are saying, read what the news media are reporting. Go to www.15neighborhoods.com for more information.
We need donations to pay our lawyer to defend Ballot Measure 21-203 in court. Donate online at www.15neighborhoods.com by Paypal or mail a check to15neighborhoods, P.O. Box 390, Depoe Bay, Ore. 97341.
In November, voters will elect two county commissioners. Short-term rentals are the most important and controversial issue commissioners will face in the near future. Find the candidates on social media. Have they heard of Measure 21-203 and the landslide win? Ask where they stand on a halt to licensing and a phase-out of existing short-term rentals? Do they take a stand, or are they evasive? Vote accordingly.
— Jim Peterson/Depoe Bay