Sam Stites - Oregon Capital Bureau
Getting laws changed through Oregon ballot draws many efforts, few successes
David Smith wanted to create meaningful change. The retired Eugene real estate appraiser of 45 years watched year after year as seniors in his community were forced from their homes, unable to keep up with climbing property tax rates. He…
As crisis looms, Oregon officials propose vaping ban
Oregon State Capitol, governor’s office (Salem Reporter/file) SALEM — The Oregon Health Authority is recommending that Gov. Kate Brown ban for six months the display and sale of all vaping products, both nicotine and cannabis based. The recommendation is one…
Wildfire council tells governor: update firefighting tools
The Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response met Thursday for its final meeting. (Sam Stites/ Oregon Capitol Bureau) The Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response said Thursday, Sept. 26, that the state needs to update its firefighting priorities and techniques to deal…
State legislator takes break from service to donate – a kidney
Oregon State Capitol rotunda (Salem Reporter/file) SALEM – When state Rep. Tiffiny Mitchell of Astoria won election to the Oregon House to represent the north coast, there was a lot flying through her head. On election night last Nov. 6,…