Category City News
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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Salem police chief retires after 5 years leading local agency
Chief Trevor Womack serves his last day with the Salem Police Department on Friday, May 22. For five years, his agency produced a drop in shootings and more use of data to guide policing decisions and inform the public.
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States that cover healthcare for immigrants scale back
Oregon is among the six states and the District of Columbia that cover health care for income-eligible adults regardless of their immigration status. Federal restrictions and cuts to Medicaid are leading other states to scale back benefits amid budget pressures.
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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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New vote results released for Salem mayor, city council races
With more ballots released Wednesday, Mayor Julie Hoy has conceded the race while Councilor Linda Nishioka and challengers Dave Inbody and Betsy Vega have leading margins.The Ward 8 race between incumbent Micki Varney and challenger Chris Cummings remains close.
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PHOTO GALLERY: Candidates, supporters react to vote results on Salem’s election night
Salem Reporter’s photographers captured the excitement and disappointment at two election night parties Tuesday night, where candidates learned the outcomes of initial ballot counts. The results showed councilor Vanessa Nordyke ahead in her challenge to Mayor Julie Hoy, and Dave Inbody and Betsy Vega poised to flip incumbent seats.
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Hoy concedes mayor’s race
Mayor Julie Hoy released a statement Wednesday afternoon conceding the race to challenger Vanessa Nordyke. The latest results show Nordyke holding around 56% of the votes.
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