Business groups spend big to defeat Salem payroll tax

The November election which will decide whether Salem workers put part of their paychecks toward city services is fast approaching, with opponents raising nearly $170,000 to kill the tax according to campaign finance records.

In contrast, supporters have raised less than $6,000.

The campaign focuses on a ballot measureheading to voters on Wednesday, Oct. 18, that will decide whether the city of Salem can impose its tax on wage earners next year or it…