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Ballot Recommendations Summary Measure 83 Measure 84 Measure 85 Measure 86 Measure 87 Measure 88 Measure 89 Measure 90 Measure 91 Measure 92 Measure 93 Measure 94 Measure 95 Measure 96 Measure 97 Measure 98 Measure 99 Measure 1 Measure 2 Measure 3 Measure 4 Measure 5 Measure 6 Measure 7 Measure 8 Measure 9

Measure #94
Repeals mandatory minimum sentences for certain felonies, requires resentencing.

RESULT OF "YES" VOTE: "Yes" vote repeals mandatory minimum sentences for certain violent and other felonies, requires resentencing.

RESULT OF "NO" VOTE: "No" vote retains mandatory minimum sentences for certain violent and other felonies, maintains existing sentences.

PEAPAC Explanation: If passed, Measure 94 would repeal the mandatory minimum sentences passed into law by Oregon voters in 1994 under Measure 11.

It is understandable that some people want to vote Yes on this Measure. Measure 11 reduced a judge’s discretion, while the Bible teaches that judges should, in cases other than murder, have a degree of discretion. (See our sidebar, “Judges Versus Computers”.) Also, anecdotal cases abound of young people whose futures have grown dark as a result of Measure 11’s response to foolish first time offenses. And we find the whole system of prison terms, short or long, suspect. We favor replacing much of our prison system with Biblical restitution. (See our sidebar “Crime and Restitution”.)

Still, we think Measure 94 should be defeated. It would not move us one whit closer to restitution. But it would produce a wholesale softening of penalties for serious crime. It is civil government’s job to wield a sword, not a fly swatter, against those that do evil (Romans 13:4). We do not support Measure 94’s attempted wholesale rolling back of the sort of sure, strong, sword-like punishment for serious crimes that Measure 11 gave us.

When the State does its job correctly, it is God’s minister, His servant. It is a ministry, a benefit, a service to a potential criminal to know that he will surely be punished strongly for an offense. It is a benefit for the criminal and society alike to leave most of what Measure 11 accomplished intact for now. The Legislature is the proper place to do the required fine-tuning of Measure 11, and to press for implementation of restitution. We recommend a No vote on Measure 94.

This voters' guide produced by Parents Education Association, PAC.