August 28, 2025
Dear Cherriots Board of Directors,
After local news coverage of a proposed business tax by the Cherriots Board of Directors, I wanted to learn more about the proposal and Cherriots’ vision of improved service to our community.
Our party cares about transportation and its multifaceted impacts to our community. Additionally, our Executive Committee is fortunate to include experts like Marcia Kelley, who served the Salem Area Mass Transit District for over 30 years as its longest-serving elected Director.
Thank you to Cherriots Board Chair Maria Hinojos Pressey and General Manager Allan Pollock for accepting my invitation to appear at the August meeting of the Marion County Democratic Central Committee last week. Maria and Allan presented service improvements that could be funded by a business transit tax to those in attendance, and answered our questions.
At the conclusion of the presentation, our Central Committee voted whether to take a public position in support of Cherriot’s proposed business tax. The motion carried with 95% of local representatives in attendance voting in support. (Important note: Cherriots representatives were not present for this motion, discussion, or vote.)
While it remains unclear whether Cherriots’ taxing authority is subject to referendum, in the event that such a business tax enacted by your Board is referred to the ballot, we will quickly consider endorsement on its merits. Despite a vocal business lobby, the community benefits provided by such a tax in turn necessitate our vocal support.
Thank you all for your service to our community, which undoubtedly at this time feels intense. Thank you for showing willingness to change in the face of pushback. I hope opponents are able to follow your lead to negotiate a solution for our entire community.
Your proposal represents the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure investment that builds stronger communities. This is a local solution to local transportation needs, keeping Salem tax dollars working for Salem residents. Salem can lead the mid-Willamette Valley in sustainable transportation solutions. As Oregon’s capital, Salem should model the kind of transit-oriented development that supports climate goals.
Enhanced transit connections between Salem and Keizer benefit the entire region. It is economically advantageous in the long-term to invest in our local infrastructure, and it is very important to pursue this revenue stream in fairness to our entire community. Thank you for staying engaged in this important conversation.
Sincerely,
Paige Barton
Chair, Marion County Democratic Party