Abbey McDonald
Senior Reporter Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022, where she covers homelessness and housing. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
EVENTS: What’s happening in Salem this Mother’s Day weekend
Events for the week starting Thursday, May 9, include a moms-only comedy show, a volunteer Pioneer Cemetery cleanup and the last weekend to catch “Ripcord” at the Pentacle Theatre.
Community polling shows most Salemites would pay more for fire, police
The results of a city task force’s community survey and town hall showed Salem wants better services, and wants wealthier people to pay more for them. Task force members will be grappling with the demands of the community and what’s feasible.
Council candidate Matthews skipped voting in local elections for years
Public records show city council candidate Shane Matthews has voted in just one quarter of elections since he registered in Marion County. Candidate Celine Coleman failed to vote in the special election on Salem’s payroll tax due to a damaged ballot, she said.
EVENTS: Watch weavers, buy books, eat tacos
Events from May 2-9 include seasonal markets, a plant sale and a concert by 1980s hitmakers.
VOTE 2024: Two unrelated Hoys seek Salem mayor seat
Incumbent Mayor Chris Hoy and Ward 6 Councilor Julie Hoy, no relation, are running for Salem Mayor. The two bring different perspectives on how to balance the city's budget and address key issues like homelessness.
VOTE 2024: Brown, Hoselton running for northeast Salem council seat
Irvin Brown, a state policy adviser and chair of the city budget committee, and Michael
Hoselton, a paralegal and board member of the Northgate Neighborhood Association, are running for a seat where the incumbent is retiring. Ward 5 includes the Highland, North Lancaster and Northgate neighborhoods.
VOTE 2024: Matthews, Soltz running for southeast Salem council seat
Shane Matthews, a Realtor, and Nathan Soltz, a legislative chief of staff and Morningside Neighborhood Association member, are running for the Ward 3 city council seat, representing southeast Salem.
VOTE 2024: Coleman, Tigan running for downtown, west Salem council seat
Celine Coleman, an epidemiologist, and Paul Tigan, Salem’s former budget committee chair and Grant Neighborhood Association member, are vying for the Salem City Council Ward 1 seat which includes most of downtown and central Salem, and parts of west Salem.
UPDATE: Council approves $195,000 settlement for injuries in police crash
During their Monday, April 22, meeting, the Salem City Council opted to postpone their decision on a tax exemption for a planned apartment complex on the site of the former Salem City Hall.
Salem-area community center will help young people learn music, screenprinting and business skills
Radness Ensues, a new nonprofit community center, plans to open in Keizer this summer with a range of skill-building opportunities for local youth, from screenprinting to music management. They hope to help fill a gap for community spaces catered to youth and families.