- State Tax Commission, Economist, 1964-1973.
- State Tax Commission, Supervisor Research Section, 1968-1973.
- Legislative Revenue Officer, 1974-1983.
- Department of Revenue, Director, 1984-1996.
About Richard Munn
Richard Munn served as one of Oregon’s key economists and revenue experts from the 1970s through the mid-1990s. Munn’s recent oral history showcases his encyclopedic knowledge of Oregon’s tax history from the pre-state Territorial period through the first years following the passage of the state’s property tax limitation law, Measure 5.
As the first director of the Legislative Revenue Office (LRO), Munn and staff economists provided legislators with crucial revenue information for a wide variety of legislation, from proposed bills through enacted law. Known for their host of rolling chalkboards, LRO economists learned to effectively communicate complicated tax and revenue issues to legislators and “provide objective non-partisan information that will help them make a judgment of either yes or no.” Munn marvels at how the legislative process is so thoroughly an oral process even though it results in written law and policy.
He further shares his views on the role Oregon voters have directly shaped the tax system we have in the state, including repeatedly voting down a state sales tax. Whether educating legislators or traveling across the state to meet the public in hearings about revenue issues, Richard Munn reveals himself to be not only the consummate economist, but the consummate educator.
You can help preserve history
When you donate to the Capitol Foundation or purchase Pacific Wonderland license plates for your car, you help create a living history of our Capitol and its history. Your support funds programs such as our oral history project. This program gives students, history buffs and our state’s future leaders an opportunity to learn about Oregon’s most important stories from the people who made it happen. Thank you!