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Proponents of Measure 79, which would amend the Oregon constitution to ban real estate transfer taxes, already bear the burden of trying to convince voters to solve a problem that does not exist. But in doing so they're making statements that at best are misleading, and, at worst, are flat-out lies.
As WW reported earlier, Measure 79 is a solution in search of a problem: State law already prohibits the imposition of a tax on real estate transfers, and it has done so since 1989.
What's more, the only Oregon locality with a real estate transfer tax—Washington County, which charges a tenth of a percent on each property sale—is perhaps the most economically vibrant section of the state, so proponents gloom and doom scenarios don't wash.
That hasn't stopped the National Association of Realtors from dumping $2 million on the measure and the Oregon Association of Realtors another $1.4 million. Those middlemen wants to tie the hands of Oregon cities and counties, including those which have been devastated by the loss of federal timber money. A 2009 governor's tax force found that one of the few options open to places such as Curry County is a real estate transfer tax.
And judging by the advertising they are ginning up, the Realtors will do anything to win.
Here's what they are saying on a website urging voters to use the constitution to protect Realtors pocketbooks:
WWeek 2015