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.
UPDATE: City council approves union contracts giving raises for city employees, police supervisors
Salem city councilors voted unanimously Monday to approve union contracts that cover most city employees and are expected to cost the city $25 million over three years. They separately and unanimously authorized raises for police lieutenants and leadership and some other city employees.
Buyer in Tokarski land deal would benefit from favorable city vote
Don Lulay Homes, a local developer buying land on Southeast Creekside Drive from a company linked to prominent Salem developer Larry Tokarksi, would get cost savings as a result of a city council vote on Oct. 14. Two city councilors who have received campaign contributions from both Tokarski and Lulay disclosed a conflict of interest in the deal but still voted to approve it.
Keizer mayoral, city councilor candidates discuss priorities leading up to election
Two Keizer mayoral candidates and two candidates for Keizer City Council appealed to voters during a 90-minute debate hosted by Keizertimes. The debate covered topics ranging from public safety, development and housing, economic growth, and homelessness among others.
Salem will audit IT, fire departments amid voter distrust in city spending
On Monday, Salem City Council discussed new polling that shows likely Salem voters are not interested in paying more taxes to support city services. The survey results also showed a lack of trust in the city’s stewardship over tax dollars and a general disapproval of where the city of Salem is headed, prompting city officials to come up with ways to boost public trust.
Ghosts of the Grand is Salem’s newest haunted house experience
Ghosts at the Grand is a new interactive haunted house experience which takes participants deep into spiraling madness. Chelsea Opfer is behind the haunted house’s storyline, and the production consists of a number of hired actors who take their creepy characters very seriously.
Salem city councilors authorize hiring 60 new medics to prepare for ambulance takeover
Councilors authorized an internal city loan to support medical staffing and ambulance and equipment purchases, in preparation for the city’s takeover of ambulance service from private provider Falck in July 2025. The fire department expects to pay back the loan over a 10 year period with money generated by the new ambulance system.
In poll, Salem residents say they won’t pay more property taxes for public safety, library or parks
Results of a city-commissioned poll released Wednesday show any city effort to bring a property tax increase to voters would likely fail at the ballot box. Councilors will discuss the results and what they mean for the city’s budget deficit at a meeting Monday.
City councilors vote in favor of land use decision benefitting campaign donor
City Councilors Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn approved a land use appeal that directly benefited Mountain West Investment Corp. a major campaign donor. Salem’s charter advises councilors to recuse themselves from certain votes concerning large donors.
Salem Peace Lecture focuses on engaging with people we disagree with
An upcoming lecture Wednesday, and two workshops Saturday will focus on finding common ground and engaging in a civil manner with people we may fundamentally disagree with. The lecture series is free, and those who are interested in participating can register for the events.
City councilors to discuss authorizing funding for 60 new emergency medical employees
Councilors will vote on authorizing an internal city loan to support medical staffings in preparation for the city’s takeover of ambulance service from private provider Falck in July 2025.