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I've owned and managed businesses in Portland. Measure 67 would have had a harsh impact on our little retail market. I took only personal satisfaction from the 60 - 80 hour work weeks during our 3 years of operation. As partners - my wife's professional business supported our home - we paid our taxes and employees, but we never had enough to pay me. Finally, that took its toll and we closed.

We had substantial gross sales numbers that would have resulted in yet another tax burden under Measure 67 despite our complete lack of profit. Who knows, maybe that would have forced me to see reality a year sooner. Just as easily, as the economy now shows signs of recovery, it might cause a business owner desparate to keep the doors open to lay off an employee or shut out the lights.

posted 3 years, 4 months ago
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