Oregon Public Broadcasting

Despite a down economy, and projections of a looming state budget deficit, voters approved a number of property tax increases last night. Rob Manning reports.

From Astoria to Hermiston, voters approved nearly half of the more than one billion dollars worth of school construction measures on the ballot. And five out of seven school operating levies passed.

A renewal of Portland’s Children’s Levy enjoyed one of the biggest margins of victory, with nearly 70 percent in favor.

City commissioner Dan Saltzman says the presidential race helped measures for children and the Oregon Zoo, last night.

Dan Saltzman: “Whether they’re voting for McCain or Obama, but I think we definitely benefited, we being those other measures and the Children’s Investment Fund. Despite the gloomy times, I think people have a sense of optimism about the future, and that’s reflected in those votes."

A few big measures - including the largest school bond in state history, for Portland Community College - are still too close to call.

Large counties, like Multnomah County, are still tallying votes.