Race and political ideology could end a Salem council race before it starts

Jose Gonzalez is running for Salem City Council to represent northeast neighborhoods in Ward 5. (Courtesy/Jose Gonzalez)

Over cups of coffee in recent months, Matt Ausec and Jose Gonzalez have discussed an idea that may be a little bit of a curveball for Salem voters.

Ausec is a first-term Salem city councilor whose progressive status and opposition to a third bridge across the Willamette River are credited with winning him his seat. Gonzalez, on the…