Tualatin joining West Linn’s scientifically valid tolling survey

The city of Tualatin has agreed to contribute $5,000 to a scientifically valid survey on tolling sought by the city of West Linn.

West Linn Mayor Rory Bialostosky first raised the idea of a scientific poll on tolling this fall after the Oregon Department of Transportation put out a survey that was widely panned by West Linn residents as well as elected officials .

At a meeting of the West Linn City Council on Monday, Dec. 11, Bialostosky said the city had selected polling firm DHM Research to conduct the survey, which will cost about $33,000.

Bialostosky said the city of Tualatin pledged $5,000 to the poll and the Stafford Hamlet offered $1,000. Additionally Bialostosky said he hopes to secure a $7,000 commitment from Oregon City, he will ask the Wilsonville City Council for $5,000 at its next meeting, and has spoken with a labor organization about contributing as well.

“Nobody has ever done a statistically valid poll on the topic,” Bialostosky said. “ The newspaper has done some informal polls, but it’s good to have some data — especially as the special subcommittee on transportation planning has a meeting to talk about potential alternatives during the legislative session. It will be helpful to have some data on potential alternatives to bring down there based on the public’s feedback.”