On this day, July 9, 1921, during the boom times of the 1920s, the Montgomery Ward building opened in NW Portland. It has since been converted to office space and is now known as Montgomery Park.
Also on this day, July 9, 1945, a THIRD big Tillamook fire occurred near the Salmonberry River, and was joined two days later by a second blaze on the Wilson River, started by a discarded cigarette. This fire burned 180,000 acres before it was put out. The cause of the blaze on the Salmonberry River was mysterious, and many believed it had been set by an incendiary balloon launched by the Japanese, and brought to Oregon by the jet stream.
Also on this day, July 9, 1811, a party of the Montreal-based North West Company employees led by David Thompson in 1807, the British began land-based operations and opened trading posts throughout the region. Thompson extensively explored the Columbia River watershed. While at the junction of Columbia and Snake Rivers, he erected a pole on with a notice stating "Know hereby that this country is claimed by Great Britain as part of its territories"
Failure persists at Department of Housing
Oregon House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) released a statement regarding the conclusion of the second special session of 2021.
“This unnecessary special session was called because of yet another state agency failure,†said Leader Breese-Iverson. “Democrat state leaders have not addressed the numerous errors and mistakes at OHCS that are hurting Oregonians. This is a complete failure of leadership. House Republicans urge significant changes to these agencies under Democrat control. We call on the Governor to dramatically increase oversight to ensure this money gets to real people in need.â€
“The additional legislation passed during this special session finally holds the state accountable to two promises we made earlier this year: action against illegal drug cartels in Southern Oregon and drought relief for farmers,†added Leader Breese-Iverson. “It’s unfair to Oregonians that this money was withheld for months. Democrats are more interested in chasing headlines with a special session, and as a result people continue to suffer while they wait.â€
Observers are insisting that the legislation from Democrats prolongs drastic government disruption in rental housing to give more time and money to the ailing Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS). For months the agency failed to distribute timely relief to renters and property owners, promising improvements that never came despite millions of dollars from the Legislature.
Additional bills were passed and were supported by House Republicans. Included were belated support for law enforcement to combat drug cartels operating illegal cannabis grow sites in Southern Oregon and long-awaited drought relief for farmers.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
State Representative Christine Drazan (R-Canby) also renewed her call for accountability and new leadership at the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS) in the wake of the agency’s repeated failures to manage the state’s emergency rental assistance program. Representative Drazan again stressed the need for accountability after the Legislature voted to extend the program without a clear plan for addressing the issues that have plagued its rollout.
“Oregonians across the state are frustrated with how the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department has managed this program, and they should be,†said Representative Drazan. “Thousands of vulnerable renters have been left hanging in the balance while they wait for this agency to get its act together. Oregonians deserve accountability for this agency’s repeated failures. I once again urge Governor Brown to make a change in leadership at OHCS and to take concrete steps to finally get this program on track.â€
Representative Drazan previously called on Governor Brown to replace OHCS Director Margaret Salazar on Friday, in advance of today’s special session.
“I will not vote to extend a program that has let down so many people without a change in leadership at OHCS, a clear plan for addressing these failures immediately, and a commitment from this Legislature to exercise proper oversight by ensuring that Oregonians have access to a functioning agency. It’s long past time for us to step in and right this ship,†concluded Representative Drazan.
--Bruce Armstrong| Post Date: 2021-12-15 19:40:45 | Last Update: 2021-12-15 19:52:38 |
