have reviewed the letters to the editor opposing the Urban Renewal District published since November, and I want to comment on some of the letters' content:

One letter stated, "The downtown commercial district is not the lifeblood, heart or any other essential organ of Corvallis as its proponents claim."

I disagree. The downtown is where the Riverfront Commemorative Park, the Farmers Markets, our transit system, our festivals and cultural activities are centered. Downtown is vital to our community. An economically successful downtown prevents sprawl. Concentrating on redevelopment prevents new green field development.

Four people submitted letters indicating the Urban Renewal District will raise taxes. We raise taxes by voter approval; voters retain the same future taxing decisions with or without an Urban Renewal District. Regarding public education funding, the Urban Renewal District does not impact the method by which the Corvallis School District receives funding. Some writers are concerned about the state budget situation. I am too, but whatever the outcome of this legislative session on the state budget, the existence of a Corvallis Urban Renewal District is not a factor in the Salem deliberations.

"Do the downtown landowners who benefit from urban renewal ever have to give back any of the gain they expect to get from the urban renewal?" one writer asked. I presume the writer thinks only landowners benefit from higher property values; higher property values result in higher property taxes. Increased property taxes pay for local government services. Landowners give back and citizens benefit.

Why is the Evanite property included in the Urban Renewal District? The southeast district boundary is adjacent to the existing south Corvallis path and therefore includes the nearby Evanite property. This property may redevelop in the future and with the property in the district, tax revenue from the redevelopment will be available for district projects.

Including both sides of the Marys River unites north and south Corvallis, bringing equity to both sides of the Marys River and helping south Third Street's vitality.

The existence of the district has no relevance to environmental remediation requirements on the Evanite property. Environmental remediation, currently underway, is the responsibility of the property owner. Environmental cleanup is regulated by existing Corvallis land-use and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulations.

Any project undertaken by the district must be approved by the City Council with full opportunity for citizen input. The existence of the district would not alter any existing zoning, permitting or land use regulations or processes. The district is strictly a financing mechanism; it has no other jurisdictional authority.

One writer asserts "But we would probably all agree that downtown beautification (urban renewal) ranks at the very bottom of the list, or next to bottom."

I don't agree. I prefer a beautiful downtown - in fact, a beautiful community - to ugly.

Two people expressed concern about other Corvallis commercial areas, such as south Third Street or Northwest Ninth Street. Can we help these places and merchants? Yes, if these businesses take the positive step by organizing in merchant organizations and approaching the council for assistance.

Some people have asked when and how the district ends. It will end when the maximum tax increment revenue of $35.6 million is generated. The district can end earlier, by a majority vote of the people. District loan obligations must be paid by the district before termination is effective.

In summary, when I travel around Oregon, people tell me how much they love Corvallis, and that our downtown is the major area they find especially attractive about our community.

Let's support this valuable asset: Vote yes on Measure 02-68.

Charles Tomlinson is the mayor of Corvallis