Lori Hamilton lives on seven forested acres on the West fork of the Illinois River in tiny O'Brien, Oregon, just a stone's throw from the California border. She was appalled when landowners across the road filed a Measure 37 claim to turn 335 forested acres into 66 home site parcels. Lori also is disheartened to know that subdivisions and industrial and commercial developments are being proposed in similarly pristine areas all across Oregon

"I want keep Oregon green," Lori says. "This would have a huge environmental impact on this area and the river, which is a spawning area for steelhead and salmon." Lori supports Measure 49 as a good compromise to Measure 37 and favors more thoughtful and deliberate development.

Ironically, Lori's husband and son work in the construction industry and more development in their area would be a financial boon for the family. But Lori feels this issue is bigger than the family's own pocketbook.

She thinks landowners should be able to develop a home or two on their property. "Personal use is OK in an area like this, but not some big development, whether it is subdivisions or big box stores," Lori says.

Although the development claim across the road has been denied, Lori and her husband worry that the landowners will appeal. She also is disappointed that neighbors of the proposed development did not get enough information or enough time to respond to the development proposals.

"I want to see moderation in development. I think people should be able to put one or two homes on their property, but not destroy an area." Measure 49 would create the middle ground that Lori favors.