Joe Siess
Joe Siess is a reporter for Salem Reporter. Joe joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and primarily covers city and county government but loves surprises. Joe previously reported for the Redmond Spokesman, the Bulletin in Bend, Klamath Falls Herald and News and the Malheur Enterprise. He was born in Independence, MO, where the Oregon Trail officially starts, and grew up in the Kansas City area.
City punts on challenge to Betsy Vega’s election qualifications
A progressive political consultant alleged that Betsy Vega, the likely winner in a Salem City Council race, misled city and county officials into certifying her as a candidate. The path to resolve the matter remains unclear as city, county and state officials consider the allegations and determine next steps.
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Urban Renewal Area for North Waterfront would eventually bring in more property, income taxes
The city’s Urban Renewal Agency has continued talks about the possibility of setting up a new Urban Renewal Area for the North Waterfront district north of downtown. The idea was first pitched in 2024 and conversations resumed during a work session on Monday, May 18.
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Vega’s Ward 6 residency questioned as Salem city council race remains unsettled
The Oregon Secretary of State’s office is looking into allegations that Betsy Vega, the candidate poised to win a seat on the Salem City Council, changed her residence in November without informing election officials. It is unclear where she currently lives and Salem officials are waiting for state guidance to decide next steps.
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City council requests plan for possible security guards, metal detectors at council meetings
Salem city councilors voted unanimously to move forward with a plan for the possibility of implementing new rules on decorum and using metal detectors at public meetings. Councilors will also get a status update on a new city initiative to combat the effects of substance use in Salem.
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City council to discuss adding security guards, metal detectors at council meetings
Salem city councilors will discuss Tuesday night the possibility of implementing new rules on decorum and using metal detectors at public meetings. Councilors will also get a status update on a new city initiative to combat the effects of substance use in Salem.
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17-year-old victim in stable condition after shooting near downtown transit center
A shooting on Wednesday evening near the Cherriots transit center put a 17-year-old boy in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to Salem police. Despite a multiagency search for the suspect involving dogs and drones, police said they have yet to capture the suspect.
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Grassroots campaigns largely prevail over big money in Salem city races
Despite hundreds of thousands of dollars going to conservative candidates, anti-progressive messaging failed to sway voters. While Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke defeated Salem Mayor Julie Hoy and several other incumbents are poised to lose, the political balance on the council remains essentially the same.
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What’s on Salem’s ballots this May Election Day
There’s still time to cast votes in the Tuesday, May 19 election which will decide who leads the city of Salem. Here’s a roundup of who’s on the ballot.
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CITY MEETING: Councilors approve $1.5 million from infrastructure bond for civic center electrical upgrades
Salem City Councilors voted unanimously to approve $1.5 million to upgrade the electrical system in the Salem Civic Center. The upgrades will be paid for using unassigned resources from the $300 million Salem Safety and Livability Bond approved by voters in 2022.
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CITY MEETING: Councilors to consider $1.5 million from infrastructure bond for civic center electrical upgrades
Salem City Councilors will vote on whether to approve $1.5 million to upgrade the electrical system in the Salem Civic Center. The upgrades would be paid for using unassigned resources from the $300 million Salem Safety and Livability Bond approved by voters in 2022. They’ll also hear an update on the new social services fund for supporting vulnerable community members.
To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.