Travelers at the end of a long, tiresome road trip are often teased by highway signs that read, "If you lived here, you'd be home right now."

That is sort of like the sign that Benton County could hold up to the rest of Oregon: If you'd voted "Yes" on Measure 30, we would have arrived now at a balanced budget through 2005.

But it is clear that even without the additional cash infusion, we will be moving on from here, and it should be boldly - and together.

Most Oregonians - including 70 percent of Linn County - did not agree with the 55 percent to 45 percent approval that Benton County gave the modest tax measure that would have solved some major state financial problems.

Like elephants in the living room, those problems are just going to get more noticeable, unless a sudden general improvement in the economic forecast "raises all boats" off the revenue forecast shoal.

Sen. Frank Morse, one of the state's most tireless and eloquent supporters of Measure 30, sums up the gist of what needs to happen next very well in his column below this one, foreshadowing what we need to move ahead.

Most obvious is that everyone needs to cooperate on coming up with some workable "Plan B" options for what Oregon does next.

Certainly that means life is going to get downright hectic at some state offices, where long-unfilled vacancies will have to remain that way, and where morale is likely to take a dive.

Tax reform - and that includes reviving the notion of a sales tax tied to property and income tax relief - should be dusted off for the 10th time.

In the interim between now and a solution, duct tape may have to take the place of repairs at some public buildings, including schools.

Individuals will have to step in with more volunteerism and private aid to fill in funding gaps for the elderly and vulnerable who rely on state aid.

Most of all, we need to remember that the ultimate authority is the popular vote. Since Oregonians have overwhelmingly rejected the best-laid plans of their elected officials, that means drawing together now to turn a "no" vote into a positive outcome - with as little rancor as possible.