Category Watchdog
Marion County officials suggest unsolved murders, buried victims mar Wallace Marine Park
Marion County officials pushed to shut down homeless camping in Wallace Marine Park by spooling out graphic accounts of crime. They cited an unknown witness to claim murder victims were buried in the park soil. A Salem Reporter investigation established the county can’t back up that claim.
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Salem’s long-promised Block 50 development delayed by contamination, rising costs
The city of Salem has spent at least $5 million on a high-profile effort to develop a major downtown property which still faces gasoline contamination, financing hurdles and no construction timeline. City officials insist the project remains viable.
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Soraida Cross, Keizer city councilor, admits ethics violation, faces fine
Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross has conceded she illegally used her public position to try evading a criminal citation, but claimed she didn't intend to violate state law.
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Ethics commission finds Greg Smith repeatedly violated state law in boosting his pay
After a lengthy investigation, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission on Friday concluded that Greg Smith violated prohibitions against using his public position to arrange a substantial pay raise from a small agency. Smith is a Republican state representative from Heppner.
Months of private counseling between Julie Hoy and former city manager preceded his abrupt resignation
Documents obtained from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission showed that Council President Linda Nishioka told ethics investigators that Salem Mayor Julie Hoy desired former Salem City Manager Keith Stahley’s ouster long before she lied to force his removal. Nishioka told investigators Hoy was prepared to do anything to get rid of him.
City wants ambulance service to pay overtime costs already covered by others
The city of Salem on July 1 took over ambulance service. That same day, it sued ambulance company Falck Northwest on a variety of claims. They included seeking nearly $7 million for fines the city had elected not to impose over three years. The city also wants money for contract violations it had once said wouldn’t be penalized.
Greg Smith faces ethics investigation over big pay raise
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is investigating whether state Rep. Greg Smith violated state law in his efforts to raise his own pay as executive director of the Columbia Development Authority.
Sentenced to the Sidewalk: 4 takeaways from our series
A lengthy investigation by Salem Reporter led to publication recently of a three-part series on flaws in Oregon’s civil commitment process. Here are the key findings.
SENTENCED TO THE SIDEWALK: Legislators sharpening focus on reforms to help troubled people
After years of inaction, lawmakers are turning their attention to key flaws in Oregon's civil commitment process. But needed space to treat people with severe mental illnesses still lags behind.