Category Government
Updates on Cherriots tax plan, Eco-Earth, fire crisis team
In a new monthly feature, Salem Reporter is returning to past stories to report on updates.
Salem council convenes special meeting to discuss convicted murderer’s appointment to police review board
Salem City Councilor Mai Vang said she will not be intimidated or pressured into changing her vote on the reappointment of convicted murderer Kyle Hedquist to the Salem Police Review Board after receiving threats and harassment. Councilors are having a separate meeting to discuss the issue due to safety concerns, city officials said.
From stronger consumer rights to harsher criminal penalties, these Oregon laws are now official
New Oregon laws bar medical debt from going on consumer credit reports and guarantee unemployment benefits to striking workers.
Ethics commission said Bethell’s vote benefitted her son’s employer
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission found that Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell likely violated Oregon law when she voted to amend contracts with a company that employs her son. The agreements increased the company’s budget by about $2 million for a water project.
Marion County commissioner running for governor faces ethics investigations
A Marion County sheriff's deputy is accusing Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell of unethical conduct after he stopped her daughter for traffic violations. The state ethics commission has decided to investigate more deeply.
After pressure from public safety unions, Nordyke asks council to reconsider police board appointment
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who’s running for mayor, said she’s changed her mind about two board and commission appointments for Kyle Hedquist, who was convicted in the 1994 aggravated murder of a teenager and now advocates for criminal justice improvements.
East Oregon board deceived by Rep. Greg Smith’s illegal pay raise considers rehiring him
The board of the Columbia Development Authority proposed a $294,000 a year contract to Smith to stay on as executive director through 2028.
Oregon immigration lawyers say they face more restrictions under Trump
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, immigration lawyers in Oregon say they’ve experienced inconsistent restrictions on their ability to talk to their clients in detention.
Petition against Oregon transportation law pauses gas tax and fee hikes
Funding uncertainty comes as Oregon needs road maintenance from landslides.