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Almost a decade ago, Salem Chamber and Cherriots leaders sat down at the table to hammer out a deal on taxes.

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The late Senate President Peter Courtney brought the groups together after Cherriots’ efforts to impose a business payroll tax failed overwhelmingly in 2015.

Chamber leaders backed a version of a bill that would allow the transit agency to impose new taxes starting in 2026, but pulled out after saying there wasn’t enough guarantee of business representation on the agency’s board.

That history is coming into focus again as Cherriots is now seeking to impose a new tax without a public vote. Agency leaders point to the Chamber’s earlier support, while Chamber leaders say the transit authority hasn’t followed through on their promises.

Reporter Madeleine Moore dove into the history, adding context to one of the most contentious issues in Salem politics right now. We’ll have more coverage of Cherriots’ in the coming weeks.

For the latest, you can always head to our website.

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90-year-old Salem Army veteran takes a Dream Flight

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Salem Chamber once backed letting Cherriots impose taxes, but says agency broke promises of business involvement

Former leaders of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce agreed to a version of a 2018 bill that allowed Cherriots to tax businesses without a public vote but are now…

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‘A big step’: Record rate of Oregon mental health workers seek anti-suicide trainings

More than 80% of behavioral health workers are now getting trained in suicide prevention, but Oregon still has a higher than average suicide rate.

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New Salem conservatory highlights theater by young adults

A new experimental theater based out of Salem’s Unitarian Universalist church will stage two shows by a young playwright this August. It’s part of an effort to bring more local…

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What to do in Salem from Aug. 14-20: Plays, cruise in and blood drive

Events in Salem this week include a blood drive competition between the Salem police and fire departments, the first showings of local theater productions and the return of zucchini racing…

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