Category Government
How referendums get on the Oregon ballot could change. Here’s why it’s attracting controversy
Secretary of State’s office. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Changes to Oregon state administrative rules typically go unnoticed, but they are now the unusual setting for a new political conflict. Our Oregon, a union-backed political group, is alarmed over a proposed change to the state’s…
Salem no closer to solution for homeless campers downtown
Tents line the boulevard next to The ARCHES Project in November. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) It’s been six weeks week since Salem banned camping on public property and Salem City Council is no closer to finding a dry place to sleep for the people who have…
City clears way for land owners to host car campers
Lorrie Walker, a volunteer with The ARCHES Project, talks with Doug Pendleton at the van he lives in at Cascades Gateway Park. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) After declaring a housing emergency last week, Salem city officials now are opening the way for those living in their…
AGENDA: Committee to get update in Salem on smoke management plan
Smoke lingering in a valley. (Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) Oregon’s Smoke Management Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, Jan. 30, in Salem to discuss smoke intrusions, prescribed burns and to get an update from other state officials. The five-member committee was created by the Legislature in 1989…
AGENDA: Solid Waste Management Advisory Council to discuss upcoming legislative session
A Covanta Marion worker operates the claw that hoists trash into the incinerator.(Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) The Marion County Solid Waste Management Advisory Council will meet Tuesday, Jan. 28 to go over any legislation in the upcoming short session that might impact the county’s solid waste…
Race and political ideology could end a Salem council race before it starts
Jose Gonzalez is running for Salem City Council to represent northeast neighborhoods in Ward 5. (Courtesy/Jose Gonzalez) Over cups of coffee in recent months, Matt Ausec and Jose Gonzalez have discussed an idea that may be a little bit of a curveball for Salem voters.…
Oregon Republicans and Democrats at odds over intent of legislative short session
Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, discusses the 2020 legislative session with reporters. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) SALEM — You could say that Oregon is a bit “odd.” Until 2012, the state’s legislators only met in odd-numbered years, a practice dating to 1885. But the sessions…
Bill would add penalties for wearing a mask while rioting
An anti-fascist counterprotester at a Patriot Prayer rally. (Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) Rioters who conceal their faces with masks would face increased penalties under a bill that’ll be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. Sponsored by Rep. Sherrie Sprenger, R-Scio, the bill is aimed at the “alarming…
Oregon public records council shores up support for independence
The Oregon State Capitol. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) The state’s Public Records Advisory Council rejected Wednesday an attempt to restrict its independence. At the same time, the 12-member council said it would fight attempts to block it from proposing public records legislation. During its Jan. 22…