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Paul Moore for Clackamas Co. Sheriff Fund Raiser
Friday, April 5, 2024 at 6:10 pm
$50.00, deluxe grazing buffet, Silent Auction, live entertainment
Tumwater Ballroom The Museum of the Oregon Territory 211 Tumwater Dr. Oregon City



Hood River County GOP's Second Annual Lincoln Dinner
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Hood River County GOP's Second Annual Lincoln Dinner 5pm-9pm
Hood River, OR



Dorchester Conference 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Dorchester Conference 2024 April 26th-28th
Welches, Oregon



Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:00 am
Memorial Day
A federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving.



Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 12:00 am
Juneteenth
Celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when in the wake of the American Civil War, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas.



Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Independence Day
USA



Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla 5pm-9pm
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Curry County Defies Governor on Lockdowns
“The role of government is to help and support the citizens it represents”

The Curry County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution on lockdowns at their August 4 meeting, which lays out a bold case for constitutionally limited government and proposes push-back on the governor and the state, in case of lockdowns.

In the resolution, the commissioners note that the "Curry County Board of Commissioners strongly believes that all provisions of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Oregon must be upheld without exception, and that public officials should not pick and choose those provisions to be recognized and defended, and should recognize and defend all provisions."

The resolution also asserts that "public officials throughout Oregon are charged with protecting the health of all Oregon communities, but are also charged with doing so within the constraints of our national and state constitutions and that the role of government is to help and support the citizens it represents, not to control or force policies on them."



The commissioners note that "the Governor of Oregon has issued a series of Emergency Orders which have, in certain respects, exceeded the limits of the United States and Oregon Constitutions, in particular, by closing businesses and schools outside of the powers authorized to the Governor, and expanding the jurisdiction and power of state government agencies beyond the jurisdiction and powers authorized by state law."

The resolution contains two provisions:
  1. All employees and agencies of Curry County shall not assist in the enforcement of business closure, school closure, or stay-at-home directives under the Executive Orders of the Governor relating to the Coronavirus pandemic, including state agency directives or guidance.
  2. All employees and agencies of Curry County shall recognize the protections provided by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Oregon in carrying out their duties.
The three elected Curry County Commissioners are Court Boice, John Herzog and Chris Paasch.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-16 09:25:00Last Update: 2021-08-16 10:32:09



Mayors Urge Congress to Protect Dreamers
The Conference of Mayors has supported a pathway to citizenship and extension of DACA

Several mayors from Oregon cities and from cities across the nation have signed a letter to call on Congress to take immediate action that provides permanent protection from deportation and a path to citizenship for all so-called "Dreamers" who have lived in America since they were children and are building their lives here in the only country many of them have ever known. "Dreamers" is a term used to describe children of illegal aliens who were brought to this country as minors.

Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty , Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Tigard Mayor Jason B. Snider, are the only Oregon mayors to sign on to the letter, which was sent out on letterhead from the United States Conference of Mayors.

Following the recent Texas U.S. District Court decision that struck down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program -- known as DACA -- signatory mayors have pledged to work with Congress to implement a permanent solution for DACA recipients and their families.

In the letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, mayors wrote, in part: “...it is even more urgent than ever that Congress act quickly to provide permanent protection from deportation and a path to citizenship for all Dreamers – people who have lived in America since they were children and built their lives here. As Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, we write on behalf of all the nation’s mayors to urge you to take whatever action is necessary and possible immediately to accomplish this. We pledge to work with you in this effort to help you make this happen. The United States Conference of Mayors has had strong policy supporting a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and extension of the DACA program for many years. Our bipartisan organization has adopted this policy because it is the right thing to do – for Dreamers, for our communities, and for our country.”

Following the release of the letter, Mayor Beaty of Beaverton issued the following statement:

“It is important that Congress hear from mayors across the nation about the urgency of taking immediate action to protect Dreamers. Dreamers are an important part of our community, and they are Beaverton residents just like the rest of us. The recent U.S. District Court ruling undermines the integrity of DACA protections and has thousands of young people living in fear of deportation and uncertainty about their livelihood. The time is now to advance policies that support a path to permanent citizenship for all Dreamers so that they can study, work and build families in our cities without fear.”

179 mayors signed the letter, which states, in part:

"The cultural, economic, and social contributions of the more than 800,000 DACA recipients and their families to our cities cannot be overstated; particularly during a global pandemic where over 200,000 DACA recipients are working in essential roles, including 27,000 in health care positions. Each year, DACA recipients and their households pay $5.6 billion in federal taxes and $3.1 billion in state and local taxes on top of their payroll tax contributions to Social Security and Medicare. After taxes, DACA recipients and their households have a combined $24 billion in spending power to put back into their communities."



--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-15 11:27:29Last Update: 2021-08-15 12:09:17



Brown to Deploy Guard to Staff Up Hospitals
Deployment of 500 Guard members to hospitals will begin August 20

Governor Kate Brown today announced she will be deploying up to 1,500 Oregon National Guard members to support frontline health care workers as she claims that Oregon hospitals face a surge of hospitalizations due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

Beginning August 20, an initial 500 Guard members will be deployed to hospitals around the state to provide logistical support as materials handlers and equipment runners, as well as assisting with COVID-19 testing and other necessary services to support hospital operations. The Oregon National Guard is prepared to provide logistical support for more than 20 hospitals across the state.

Despite the fact that hospitalizations are no more prevalent than the previous spike, Governor Brown said, “This morning I received the grim news that there are 733 Oregonians hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19, including 185 in intensive care units,” said Governor Kate Brown. “I cannot emphasize enough the seriousness of this crisis for all Oregonians, especially those needing emergency and intensive care. When our hospitals are full with COVID-19 patients, there may not be room for someone needing care after a car crash, a heart attack, or other emergency situation.”



“I know this is not the summer many of us envisioned,” said Governor Brown, “with over 2.5 million Oregonians vaccinated against COVID-19. The harsh, and frustrating reality is that the Delta variant has changed everything. Delta is highly contagious, and we must take action now.”

While the Delta variant seems to be more contagious, it seems not to be more deadly. According to this graph provided by the Oregon Health Authority, deaths in all age groups have not peaked.



“We will get through this the same way we have before: together. So please, if you have been waiting to get vaccinated, go do it today. Vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available. And, when you go out in public today, wear a mask. Masks are a simple and effective way for all of us to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

While the Oregon National Guard also has members with health care, nursing, and medical training, many of those members are already hard at work for their civilian employers –– Oregon hospitals and health care providers.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-15 10:42:33Last Update: 2021-08-16 09:25:00



National and International Media Rips Kate Brown
Once again, Oregon is internationally famous, and not in a good way

Fox News covered the story -- also reprinted in the New York Post -- and provided a video clip, saying, "Gov. Kate Brown, the Oregon Democrat, signed a bill last month with little fanfare that drops the requirement that high school students prove proficiency in reading, writing or math before graduation."

Across the pond, the UK's Daily Mail extensively reported the bill signing, underscoring the racial component.

"The state of Oregon will no longer require its students to demonstrate proficiency in math, reading and writing in order to earn a high school diploma in a bid to bolster minority students.

"Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill late last month suspending the state's 'essential skills' requirement for graduation for the next three years while its Department of Education seeks alternative graduation requirements.

"The bill extended a suspension of the requirements that was put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Associated Press chimed in -- again, picking up on the racial aspect -- with this:

Rashelle Chase, founder of Mxm Bloc, an advocacy group led by Black women and focused on education and other social justice issues, said certain children struggle with exams and had been hurt by the testing requirements.

“Under the best of circumstances, in totally normal times with no pandemic, there are a number of children who don’t test well,” Chase said, including children of color, those in need of special education, low-income students and early language learners. She added that it’s “not a deficit on the part of those children.”

But others say testing is an important tool to assess students’ learning and that eliminating the requirement could be hurtful.

Greg Gutfeld also criticized the Democrat Governor on his Fox News national show.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-08-15 06:44:59Last Update: 2021-08-15 11:52:36



Alyssa Chatterjee Named Director of Early Learning Division
Appointed by Governor Kate Brown

Governor Kate Brown has announced that she has appointed Alyssa Chatterjee as the Director of the Early Learning Division (ELD). In this role, Chatterjee will lead the agency responsible for supporting Oregon’s young children and families to learn and thrive. She will oversee the transition of the ELD into the new Department of Early Learning and Care on January 1, 2023.

“I am thrilled to name Alyssa Chatterjee as Director of the Early Learning Division," said Governor Brown. "Alyssa led the development of my office’s early learning and child care policy, and had a key role in shaping policy and supporting the work of my Children’s Cabinet and the Racial Justice Council. She hit the ground running in May as acting director to continue our ongoing work with early learning and child care providers to ensure all children across Oregon can thrive and reach their full potential. I look forward to her continued leadership and collaboration.”

Chatterjee has focused on early learning policy throughout her time working for the State of Oregon. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office as deputy education policy advisor in August 2019, Chatterjee was among the first employees at ELD when the division was formally created. She served in a variety of roles at ELD, including as a policy advisor and legislative coordinator for the agency. As a member of ELD’s executive team, she helped guide the state’s early learning strategic planning process for the 5-year statewide early learning system plan, Raise Up Oregon. She has a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University.

Chatterjee had been serving as the acting director of ELD since May; her permanent appointment was effective August 1.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-08-14 19:15:43Last Update: 2021-08-14 19:23:57



Oregon Direct Democracy: How the Initiative Process Works
Oregon is one of about half the states that has a robust direct democracy process

Editor's note: This is the second of a multi-part series on direct democracy in Oregon

Oregon is one of about half the states that has a robust direct democracy process. In that sense, we are lucky that we can change our Constitution, make and change laws and even veto acts of the Legislature -- known as a referendum.

The initiative process is described by the State Initiative and Referendum manual and starts with an idea to create, amend or repeal an Oregon law or provision in the Oregon Constitution. To file, a chief petitioner needs only have the text of the proposed initiative and between one and three chief petitioners. This form is filed with the Secretary of State and, after a cursory review for any legal problems, the petitioners are issued templates for the sponsorship phase.

Any initiative proposed to change the Oregon Constitution has enhanced requirements: "Templates" refers to electronic forms which, when printed out, become the signature sheets. The "sponsorship phase" refers to the initial period in which the petitioners will gather between 1,000 and 2,000 signatures to get the process started. The reason for this phase is to be able to show that there is sufficient support and energy behind the effort to engage further. During the sponsorship phase, it is required that the text of the measure physically accompany the signature sheets. If there is a small amount of text, the Secretary of State will determine that it can be printed on the back side of the petition. For larger amounts of text, they need to be stapled to each copy.

Once the Secretary of State has validated over 1,000 signatures -- they have 10 business days to complete this -- they turn the text over to the Attorney General who five business days to draft and file ballot title that "impartially summarizes the petition and its major effect." A ballot title is not just a headline. It contains four parts and the wording is vital to the success or failure of each petition. At this time any registered voter may submit written comments on the legal sufficiency of the draft ballot title. After the deadline to submit comments, the Secretary of State's Elections Division will forward any comments received to the Attorney General for consideration when certifying the ballot title. Note that these comments should be on the legality of the process, not the content of the initiative. By submitting comments, this gives the commenter standing if the title is appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court -- which it often is.

Out of this process comes the certified ballot title, which will be printed on the back of the signature sheets which will be circulated. Statewide initiatives are only voted on in the general election in even-numbered years but, while an initiative can be filed for any future even-numbered year, chief petitioners are only allowed to circulate for a two-year period prior to the signature turn in date in July of an even-numbered year.

The number of signatures needed is a function of a percent of the vote in the last regular gubernatorial election.

Constitutional Initiative(8%) 149,360
Statutory Initiative(6%) 112,020
Referendum(4%) 74,680



--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-14 10:27:40Last Update: 2021-08-14 10:28:42



Oregon Direct Democracy: How it Started in Oregon
Facing a great deal of corruption in the political system, Oregon passed many reforms

Editor's note: This is the first of a multi-part series on direct democracy in Oregon

In The Oregon System by Allen H. Eaton, the author describes the political possibilities in Oregon:

"Of all the democracies in the world, the state of Oregon is the one in which the people can make or unmake at will any law, constitutional or statutory, elect or recall any official, -- in short, do anything in politics which they wish to do, for there is practically no limitation to their political powers."

During the late 19th century, facing a great deal of corruption in the political system, Oregon passed many reforms to its election system. Amazingly, it wasn't until 1891 that Oregon first passed a law requiring a secret ballot and almost equally amazingly, Oregon first passed a law requiring a system of voter registration in 1899.

On the heels of these reforms, in 1902 the Oregon Legislature passed and the people approved -- by a vote of 91% -- amendments to the Oregon Constitution allowing the initiative and referendum process, championed by Populist reformer William U’Ren. The first use of the initiative process was a measure passed in 1904 to create primary elections and end the practice of parties picking nominees through political conventions.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-13 20:34:01Last Update: 2021-08-13 17:14:31



Most of Oregon Under Air Quality Advisory
Who is responsible?

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Southwest Clean Air Agency and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued and extended air quality advisories Friday for many parts of Oregon due to smoke from fires in Oregon, Washington, California and Canada, as well as smog in metro areas.

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until a least noon Monday. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor wildfire smoke and ozone pollution, or smog, in these areas.

The following areas are under advisory: Smoke and ozone levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

The Oregon DEQ offers the following advice:
--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-08-13 15:48:02Last Update: 2021-08-13 16:02:09



Union County Sheriff Sends Kate Brown a Letter
Says mindless dictates will no longer be tolerated

The Union County Oregon Sheriff has now sent Governor Kate Brown a letter dated Friday, August 13th, in response to the latest round of restrictions imposed statewide on Oregonians.

The letter reads as follows:

"I write to you today in hopes of opening a dialogue and as a last resort to put you on notice that we the people of Union County, Oregon have had enough!"

"Enough of your overreaching mandates! Enough of your bullying threats. Enough of you dictating our state by fear. You have once again initiated what many consider to be an unconstitutional mandate by requiring our children to wear a mask while in school. You have gone so far as to threaten our teacher's livelihoods and their ability to provide for their family with fines and certification revocations if they don't enforce your mandate. You have backed our school board members into a corner even though the east side of the state has expressed a desire to have local control over these situations."

"Leaders listen to their constituents. You have continued in a long line of politicians who ignore the will of the people on the east side of the state."

"You sit on the opposite side of the state and dictate with a heavy hand. You ramble off your orders to Oregon Health Authority and Department of Education telling them to carry out your mindless orders or face the consequences of your threats. You are inflicting more damage to our children than any virus could ever do, and you hide behind the misrepresentation that you care for us all. You ma'am care nothing about our children or the people of Eastern Oregon."

"As Sheriff of Union County I took an oath to uphold the constitution and stand up and defend the people of this beautiful county we call home. We have the God given right to choose what is best for ourselves and our children. Let us do so."

"We will raise our children how we see fit. We will choose to wear a mask or choose not to wear a mask. We will choose to get vaccinated or choose not to get vaccinated. Your mindless dictates will no longer be tolerated."

Sheriff Cody Bowen


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-13 15:36:51Last Update: 2022-01-01 18:16:51



Oregon Republicans Give Statement on Census Redistricting Data
Boshart Davis urges Legislature to reject partisan influences

The US Census has now released the 2020 Census Redistricting Data.

House Redistricting Committee co-chair Shelly Boshart Davis released the following joint statement in response with fellow committee members Christine Drazan and Daniel Bonham:

“Today marks another important step in the process of redrawing Oregon’s political boundaries. We join our colleagues in committing to an open, transparent and collaborative process. At the same time, we recognize that Oregon’s current political maps have not produced equitable representation for minority communities and differing political views.

It is our shared responsibility to fix this. Over the next month and a half, we urge every member of the Legislature to reject partisan influences that are too often an inherent part of this process and to commit to producing fair maps that accurately reflect the diversity of the people of Oregon.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-08-12 17:43:29Last Update: 2021-08-12 17:49:19



Goodwin Chosen to Fill HD 2 Seat
It is likely that she will see her first vote in a probable special session

In a joint meeting of the County Commissioners of Josephine, Jackson and Douglas Counties, Christine Goodwin was unanimously chosen to fill the seat that was vacated by State Representative Gary Leif upon his death.

It is likely that she will see her first vote in a probable special session in late September to determine Legislative and Congressional districts.

Goodwin touted her skill set that she says she developed in the public and private sectors. She did not reveal whether or not she would run for election in 2022, but it has been speculated that she would not. Prior to the vote, Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice expressed his preference for someone who "isn't planning to run in the election, if possible," so that the will of the people could be heard next year, without having a candidate as an incumbent.



“The entire Republican Caucus welcomes Christine Goodwin to the House and looks forward to the work we will accomplish together,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “Christine’s years of public service and community engagement shows that she is deeply committed to the people and communities in District 2 and they will be well served by her leadership.”

“It’s an honor to participate in the Legislature,” added Christine Goodwin. “I look forward to representing the constituents of House District 2 to the same high standards they received from Gary Leif who was an inspirational public servant.”

Christine Goodwin is a former teacher and coach at Roseburg High School for seven years, and has been a resident of Douglas County since 1978. She is a former owner of several small businesses, and was recently appointed as an Interim Douglas County Commissioner. Goodwin has served on the UCC Foundation Board, Community Cancer Center Board, Economic Development Initiative, Parks Advisory Board, Planning Commission and Community for Healthy Forests. Her husband of 41 years, Dr. Lynn Goodwin, is an optometrist, and together they have two children and three grandchildren.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-12 16:45:06Last Update: 2021-08-12 17:38:23



YamCo Counsel Retires After Complaint
A bar complaint showed clear duplicity in conduct of his official duties

The real life soap opera surrounding efforts by a few to build a bike path on an abandoned rail right of way through farm country in Yamhill County saw its first casualty from the ranks of the conspirators. County Counsel Timothy “Todd” Sadlo announced his pending retirement after a bar complaint showed clear duplicity in conduct of his official duties. His downfall came about when he claimed differing uses for a partially built bridge on the right of way the use of which was specifically detailed in the awarding of grant money. Ultimately, he told the Land Use Board of Appeals one thing and the Oregon Bar another.

The County must repay over $1 million grant money to ODOT and remove the partially completed but illegal bridge. It is not known if Sadlo will be personally charged with willful and wanton waste of public funds under ORS 294.100 which describes a "public official expending money in excess of amount or for different purpose than provided by law". Carrie Martin, grants administrator, facilitated the illegal actions but has not been charged as of this writing. Public records requests obtained through public records requests, include Martin emails showing duplicity. She runs a consulting business separate from her job with the County. Her clients include vendors to the County whose work is funded with grants. An audit of her activities could reveal more as several grants over several years were the subject of controversy.

The Yamhelas Westsider Trail episode began when the 2012 Yamhill County Commissioners were told farmers had no objection to a Trail. That caused the 2012 Commissioners to include the Trail in the Transportation Study Plan. Next, the Mid-Willamette Valley Area Commission on Transportation was told farmers had no objections to the Trail and the first of many grants was obtained. These false statements, verified false by 2012 Commissioner Kathy George, were the base upon which Trail advocates built a plan to realize their goal. Continued inappropriate manipulation of the public process was necessary for them to move forward. County authorities, including retired Administrator Tschabold, were enticed to participate and they, along with Sadlo, even encouraged some past and one present commissioner to shortcut due process.

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

Farmers who had been deliberately kept in the dark learned of the threat to their farming practices and sought legal redress through LUBA. LUBA ruled for the farmers in five of five cases, even awarding them attorney’s fees on the matter of the bridge. Conspirators have resorted to attacks on the newest Commissioner, Berschauer, as an outlet for their confused frustration. A solution to this conflict among cyclists and farmers will require compromise and perhaps painful acknowledgements of wrong thinking.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2021-08-11 12:57:27Last Update: 2021-08-11 15:03:25



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