Good morning………
Voters around Oregon generally weren’t kind to requests for more taxes.
That includes here in Salem, where Chemeketa Community College leaders were surprised by a defeat.
We know leaders of two other major governments will be looking at those results closely.
Both the Salem-Keizer School District and the city of Salem have been considering making an ask for more taxpayer money. The school system wants to catch up on what leaders say are funding needs while city officials want to forestall cutting services.
Meantime, there is lots of speculation about what the next Trump administration will mean for the country – and for the community.
At Salem Reporter, we’re closely following developments in Washington. Our team will report in when it’s clear what will happen with changes promised by the president-elect with tariffs, with immigration, with health care. All of this and more could affect your life here in Salem. We’ll welcome help from readers like you to track those changes. (You can send suggestions on what to watch in an email to me – [email protected].)
Meantime, a group of Salem and Keizer leaders stepped up quickly last week. They issued an extraordinary letter to the community. They urged people to not let political divisions stand in the way of caring for community. Managing Editor Rachel Alexander has the story.
She also has the background on the vote on Chemeketa’s bond measure and why the result surprised supporters.
And if you missed out on election results, you can find our complete rundown in our 2024 Election page.
In City Hall news, reporter Joe Siess has the story of a potential pay raise for City Manager Keith Stahley and then a look at how the city is moving ahead to cut other spending.
And the controversy continues over what would normally be a routine land use decision by the Salem City Council. Mayor Chris Hoy is seeking to censure two city councilors over their votes. The subdivision at issue would go on land being sold by a company controlled by Larry Tokarski, a Salem developer. He is, of course, a co-owner of Salem Reporter but has had not say in our coverage on this – or any – matter.
In law enforcement news, Salem police have taken the unusual step of seeking the public’s help in finding a wanted man. Reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian explains why.
He also doubles back on earlier reporting about a death in the Marion County Jail. Another inmate has been convicted of providing the drugs that led to the fatal overdose, but details remain elusive about how the drugs got in in the first place.
In school news, a unique high school will open in Salem next year. The “recovery high school” is to help students move towards graduation while getting help with addictions. As Rachel reports, “The goal is to provide students who are in recovery a place to get an education without the peer pressure, stigma and stressors they might find at a traditional high school.”
Reporter Madeleine Moore has the story of a unique project at Willamette University. It’s a blend of art, social messaging and helping people. “We’re doing more than a philanthropic clothing drive, we’re drawing attention to the people in need,” said David Altman, Willamette University professor of physics. The story tells how you can help with a clothing donation, but hurry. The deadline is Tuesday.
Reporter Abbey McDonald talked to the filmmaker behind a documentary screening in Salem in the coming days. According to her story, “The film, “No Place to Grow Old,” focuses on the fastest-growing demographic of people becoming homeless: those 55 and older.” A showing at Salem Cinema has sold out already but two more are available and Abbey’s story has the details.
At Salem Reporter, we like to be your ears at events you might not get to. Joe Siess attended a special ceremony at a cemetery for Día de los Muertos and Rachel Alexander explored how McKay High School celebrated the day.
And Monday will be a holiday for much of Salem in observance of Veterans Day. We have details on special events that you can join.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
Marion County Clerk Bill Burgess explaining how to mark the last person in line at ballot drop sites on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 (Abbey McDonald/Salem Reporter)
I’m always delighted to hear from readers. Send me your ideas, your questions, even your concerns or complaints. My direct email: [email protected].
Let’s go have a great week and do something helpful for the community.
– Les Zaitz, co-founder and editor, Salem Reporter
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