Category Government
Heitsch withdraws candidacy for Salem City Council
Bonnie Heitsch, 62, withdrew her candidacy Sunday for the open seat on Salem City Council. (Courtesy/Bonnie Heitsch) The pool of candidates for the open seat on Salem City Council is now down to two. Oregon Department of Justice lawyer Bonnie Heitsch dropped out Sunday, saying…
ODOT, TSA warn travelers ‘Real ID’ compliance could cause massive headache
As Oregon moves to catch up with new security requirements, officials suggest passports will be the best way to clear airport security next year. (Pamplin Media Group/file) If you’ve flown from Portland International Airport within the past couple of weeks you’ve probably received a warning…
Gov. Kate Brown recall effort fails to gather enough signatures
Oregon State Fair visitors sign a petition to recall Gov. Kate Brown at the booth organized by Flush Down Kate Brown. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) Supporters of a petition to recall Gov. Kate Brown came up short of the signatures needed for a ballot challenge,…
With homelessness an issue, Salem residents “less optimistic” about city’s future
A homeless woman walks behind a city of Salem public works vehicle during an eviction of a camp under the Marion Street Bridge in January. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Salem residents’ confidence in Salem city government is sinking because of issues around the homeless, according to…
OLCC kicks off six-month ban on flavored vape products
OLCC Director Steve Marks addresses reporters following the OLCC’s unanimous approval of temporary rules implementing a six-month ban on all flavored vaping products as directed by Gov. Kate Brown’s executive order. (Oregon Capital Bureau) Oregon’s Liquor Control Commission and the Oregon Health Authority on Friday,…
Drives to recall Brown see petitions pile up as Monday deadline looms
Oregon State Fair visitors this summer sign a petition to recall Gov. Kate Brown at the booth organized by Flush Down Kate Brown. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau/file) SALEM — They were busy this summer, showing up in places like the state fair, brew fests and…
Three finalists named for open Ward 7 seat on Salem City Council
Salem city hall (Salem Reporter) And then there were three. City leaders on Thursday named Vanessa Nordyke, Reid Sund and Bonnie Heitsch the three finalists to be Ward 7’s voice on Salem City Council. Salem City Council will likely interview the trio at an Oct.…
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 decided to seek a change…
Outgoing public records advocate says high fees stifle access in Oregon
The Oregon State Capitol SALEM — Oregon’s departing public records advocate said Wednesday that high fees often create a barrier for requesters seeking public information, and called for more clarity and less discretion for public bodies assessing fees to fill those requests. In her 11-page…