Political Blackmail

The power brokers behind Measure 8 are not adverse to using veiled threats against those who may oppose this measure. Last February, on Oregon House of Representatives' letterhead, Rep. Bob Tiernan sent letters to public school superintendents in which he referred to efforts by some teacher organizations to obtain a 6% salary increase to cover part of the cost to employees if Measure 8 passes. He wrote: "It is difficult to believe that any public body, such as the one you represent, would even consider a proposal to undermine an Initiative Petition that will be on the ballot in eight months from now. Your credibility and the public's confidence in government leaders needs to be strengthened, not weakened. Even attempting an "end around" on this initiative which is supported by 75% of Oregonians would spur adverse publicity and law suits." He continued: "If your local OEA or OSEA Union has made or is planning to make a proposal similar to the one outlined above, please contact me immediately. I want to make sure that the media knows at the earliest possible moment. Also, if you need information on the initiative itself, please call Bill Sizemore...." AAUP ADVOCATE, Oregon Conference, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1994