"One Clean Energy Works of Oregon staffer complained a signature gatherer told him the measure would prohibit privatization of Portland's water system, a statement that's strictly true."

If it's "strictly true" then it would prohibit privatization of the water supply, making the statement that it would prevent Nestle from privatizing it also "strictly true." Or another way to say it is just "true."

"If true, the November 30 complaint is clearly a breach of state law."

Actually the law you quoted said the gatherer must "knowingly" make a false statement. Very hard to prove of course. I think maybe opponents of this campaign assign a bit too much sinister intent to the signature gatherers. They are getting paid a pittance and probably don't know or care too much about the measure. They screw up because they're not that invested, not because they're trying to put one over on us.

Agreed Blabby.
I would sign this to put it to a public vote.
Still not sure if I'd want it or not, but a vote seems in order to me.

Nestle has never made a move to take over the city's water supply. A broad prohibition against privatization would certainly mean that any party would be prohibited; however, it is misleading to cast it as an imminent threat. "Hey, sign this! It will prevent (Nestle/The Tooth Fairy/Dick Cheney/Kobe Bryant) from taking over our water supply!" is not strictly false, but it is most definitely not the primary issue at hand.

The group trying to convince you to sign and support the petition are trying to take over the water and sewer. Look at where their support is coming from.

I asked a petitioner where exactly in the initiative it had provisions to protect against Nestle taking control of the water supply, because that was among her ridiculous claims and fallacious arguments. She immediately got this Chris Farley "lower case...A" face and ran... ran off, saying she had to catch the Max. Didn't mean to catch her off script.