The Latest Stories For You From Salem Reporter

Good morning, Salem.

Salem’s budget committee meets this evening to continue discussing our city’s future as millions of dollars in cuts loom.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers at city hall, 555 Liberty St. S.E. You can view meeting details and the agenda here and sign up to give public comment here.

Last week’s meeting drew a crowd of people who successfully advocated for the budget committee to restore funding for the Salem Public Library, averting deeper cuts that had been planned for July.

Money to fund the library’s operations is being pulled from a city savings account funded by hotel taxes, which must be spent on tourism and cultural events and services.

This week, the committee will consider two other items they tabled last week.

One would restore some city parks programs that were identified for cuts in the draft budget, like Movies in the Park. The money to keep the program going would come from the same tourism fund.

Committee members will also consider freezing salaries for department heads, the city manager and deputy city managers.

The committee’s full agenda includes a list of questions committee members have asked of city staff and their answers. It’s a good read if, like us, you enjoy diving into the particulars of municipal budgeting.

If you have better ways to spend your time, however, don’t worry – we’ll keep covering the process so you can follow the highlights.

Here’s some of today’s news. Catch our latest reporting anytime on our website.

www.salemreporter.com

Salem’s violent crime dipped, homicides at 15-year high in 2023

The number of violent crimes reported in Salem declined slightly last year but is still up about 61% compared with a decade ago. Reported property crimes were at a 12-year…

www.salemreporter.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: How Salem Reporter is covering 2024 local elections

Ballots for the May 21 election will be mailed to Salem voters starting May 1. Our news team is working over the next week to give you the information you…

www.salemreporter.com

Elizabeth Steiner, Democratic treasurer candidate, wants more Oregonians to save

Oregon’s legislative budget writer said as treasurer she’d double the number of kids with college savings accounts and start a baby bonds program.

www.salemreporter.com

Jeff Gudman, Democratic treasurer candidate, wants PERS balanced

A former Republican, Gudman will run as a Democrat because the Republican party’s values no longer mesh with his own.

www.salemreporter.com

Mother of teen shot at Bush Park calls for anti-bullying programs, more help to prevent shootings

Aida Valenzuela, a preschool teacher, said she wants to help other parents prevent gun violence after her son Jose, 16, was killed in a shooting at Bush’s Pasture Park on…

ATTEND THE DEBATE – SALEM MAYOR’S RACE

You’re invited to attend a live debate between two city leaders who want to be Salem’s mayor.

You’re also invited to send questions you would like asked.

Here are the details:

Who’s debating: Chris Hoy is the current mayor, seeking a second term. Julie Hoy, a local restaurateur, is serving on the Salem City Council. The Hoys are not related.

Who’s asking questons: Cindy Condon of Salem City Club, Abbey McDonald of Salem Reporter.

Who’s moderating: Les Zaitz, editor, Salem Reporter.

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Doors open: 5 p.m.

Where: The Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.

Tickets: Free, available online HERE.

Broadcast: Capital Community Media will broadcast live on Channel 21 and stream on Youtube.

Your questions: Email your questions to Editor Les Zaitz – [email protected].

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Salem’s violent crime dipped, homicides at 15-year high in 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE: How Salem Reporter is covering 2024 local elections

Elizabeth Steiner, Democratic treasurer candidate, wants more Oregonians to save

Jeff Gudman, Democratic treasurer candidate, wants PERS balanced

Mother of teen shot at Bush Park calls for anti-bullying programs, more help to prevent shootings

ATTEND THE DEBATE – SALEM MAYOR’S RACE

Salem Reporter’s principles

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