Failure of leadership

If governance wasn't so important, the circus in Salem would be laughable. But it is, so it's not.

Democrats and Republicans could not agree yesterday on putting money aside for a "rainy day fund." This story in The Oregonian, by Betsy Hammond, explained that Republicans killed a bill that was supported by most of the major business groups in this state.

Follow the money, Betsy. Democrats say that Republican Wayne Scott of Canby tried to slide a capital gains tax break into the rainy day fund legislation. Now, Wayne Scott owns many millions of dollars of real estate. He is not one to be dealing impartially with these issues.

Scott says Democrats never talked to him. We'll let others decide who they believe on this one, but it is very odd that Republicans turned their back on legislation favored by most of the major business groups in this state.

What should have been a pretty straightforward operation of leadership and legislating will now go to the people as a ballot measure, there to face heavy anti-tax advertising paid for by Howard Rich out of New York.

Thank you, Oregon Legislature, for failing the people. If we are going to legislate by ballot measure, you can just go home. Leave your pay check, perks and honor at the door.