Lt. Jeff Barker: Vote No to Protect Oregon Teens

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This is Lieutenant Jeff Barker. I was a police officer for thirty-one years, and I’ve seen our community change a lot. Sadly, family violence in Oregon has increased. There are too many homes where there’s abuse -- which is why I am voting NO on Measure 43.

43 forces automatic notification of a teen’s pregnancy to a parent by form letter with no exception for rape or incest. And 43 pushes away those who help protect teens -- doctors, nurses, ministers and counselors -- by threatening lawsuits. I’m not just a police officer, I’m also a father. Like most dads, I’d do anything to protect my daughters. But I have seen with my own eyes that not all dads are like that. Locking up the bad guys isn’t the only way we keep our community safe. You have the power and responsibility to protect vulnerable teens too. Vote No on 43. It’s not so simple, and it’s definitely not safe.