Category Government
VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Polk County Commissioner, position 3
There's a four-way race for Polk County Board of Commissioners Position 3 in the May primary. Incumbent Jeremy Gordon is running for reelection. His opponents include Dallas City Councilor Carlos Barrientos, Salem business owner Mark Gordon Adams and Polk County Treasurer Steve Milligan.
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Oregon group tasked with creating new transportation solution meets for first time
Transportation experts are working on a new package ahead of the 2027 legislative session to address funding for the road maintenance backlog.
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Oregon AG Rayfield, Gov. Kotek open to updating sanctuary laws after Marion County courthouse arrest
Other states have considered or given their attorneys general more power to enforce bans on courthouse arrests by immigration agents.
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CITY MEETING: Council moves forward on downtown ambassador program
Salem city councilors voted to consider an ambassador program for downtown to help address homelessness during the council meeting on Monday, April 27.
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VOTE 2026: Councilor Vanessa Nordyke says she has the people on her side in mayoral bid
Vanessa Nordyke says she will be a more transparent and ethical mayor than incumbent Julie Hoy. Her supporters view her as a hardworking champion positioned to fight for the common good, while detractors say she’s too progressive for Salem.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your Polk County commissioner Position 2 candidates
Monmouth City Councilor Roxanne Beltz is running again for a spot on the Polk County Board of Commissioners, facing off against longtime legislative staffer John Swanson.
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VOTE 2026: In her reelection bid, Mayor Julie Hoy ducks the spotlight
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy is asking Salem voters for another two years in the city council’s top position as she fends off a challenge from Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke in the May 19 election. She didn’t agree to an interview but has said in speeches that she brings steady fiscal leadership and a focus on core services.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 4
Councilor Deanna Gwyn, a real estate broker, is running for reelection to the Salem City Council after winning her first term in 2022. Challenging her is state health director Dave Inbody.
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Hoy, Nordyke usually vote together. Here’s where they’ve been at odds on the Salem council.
Mayor Julie Hoy and Councilor Vanessa Nordyke are in the midst of a contentious mayoral race after three years together on the Salem City Council. Salem Reporter reviewed three years of city council and budget committee meeting records to see where the contenders for mayor have stood apart.
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