House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) has broken the deal made with the minority party earlier this year which allowed the Republicans to have equal representation on the Redistricting Committee.

On Monday, September 20, as it became clear that the House Democrats would not get the redistricting plan approved that would give them an advantage over the Republicans, the Speaker decided at that point to form a new committee that would be willing to do just that.

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House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) released the following statement in response to House Democrats’ creation of a new partisan committee to force through a gerrymandered congressional map:

“The Speaker has created a new partisan committee to force through the Democrats’ illegal congressional redistricting map. She lied and broke her promise not just to us but to Oregonians. She just sold the soul of our state for Democrats’ political gain. She’s determined to gerrymander Oregon’s congressional maps. Republicans have been at the table extending a hand so we can work together on fair maps. We wanted to be responsive to public testimony. This map doesn’t do that.”

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) released the following statement regarding her attendance at the newly created partisan committee to pass the Democrats’ gerrymandered congressional redistricting map:

“The redistricting process in Oregon is in tatters because of actions from House Democrats today. Agreements were broken, a partisan committee has been created. Not a single line in this congressional map proposal was changed to be responsive to public testimony.

They have abandoned bipartisanship and collaboration in order to increase Democrats’ political gain. This brand-new committee was created to pass these maps that have been scrutinized and defined as partisan gerrymandering. This was the predetermined outcome for political interests. Not fair representation for Oregonians.

I won’t contribute to an illegal partisan map by participating in this committee.”

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-09-21 10:40:25

Last Update: 2021-09-21 18:16:39

As thousands of Afghan refugees pour into the United States -- with possibly many more on the way -- Oregon is bracing itself to do its part in the resettlement effort.

Refugees are individuals or groups of people in grave danger because their home government is either unwilling or unable to protect them, or may be actively persecuting them. They are from all over the world, from large urban areas to rural refugee camps. The U.S. Refugee Program​ and the 1951 Refugee Convention spells out that a refugee is someone who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country."

Kate Brown has issued a statement saying the state is ready to help resettle “any and all Afghans who would make our state their home,” adding that Oregon has welcomed more than 75,000 refugees since 1975. Brown said the White House must also expedite the visa approval process and lift refugee caps.

"As we watch the current situation unfold in Afghanistan, Oregon stands ready to help the federal government resettle Afghan refugee families.

Refugee Resettlement Agencies are contracted by the Department of State to do the initial resettlement. The Resettlement Agencies perform such essential tasks as picking up the refugees at the airport, finding them a place to live and helping to furnish their home with basic necessities. This initial RRA period lasts up to 90 days.

The Refugee Resettlement Agencies in Oregon​ include:

• Catholic Charities
• Lutheran Community Services Northwest
• Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees

The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement provides up to eight months of cash and medical assistance to newly arriving refugees. These federal funds are administered through the states. Refugees may be able to receive any other assistance that is offered to U.S. citizens, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and food assistance in the form of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Governor Brown's statement continued,

"Over the last two decades, thousands of Afghans have worked alongside U.S. military service members, as interpreters and translators and in other roles, risking their lives as they contributed to our efforts in their country. The lives of Afghan women and girls are at risk simply because they had the audacity to learn in school and pursue careers. Equal rights advocates are being targeted for seeking a more just future with equal rights for all. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Afghanistan are in danger because of who they are and who they love. Oregon is ready to welcome any and all Afghans who would make our state their home.

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"Oregon is ready to welcome our refugee sisters and brothers from Afghanistan, and the rest of the world. I am hopeful the Biden-Harris administration, along with Congress, will lift refugee admission caps and take other emergency humanitarian actions to save lives. It’s critical that the United States take steps to evacuate as many people in danger from Afghanistan as quickly as possible, including expediting the visa approval process, particularly for those Afghans and their families who have risked their lives in service of this country.

"Oregon will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all who call our state home – including and especially our immigrant and refugee communities."

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-09-20 11:57:33

Last Update: 2021-09-20 13:08:11

The recall efforts to remove Kate Brown from office nearly succeeded. What they didn’t expose was the power behind the throne. Kate Brown wants to work inside the Wash. D.C. beltway so bad she will do anything. The more tyrannical and brazen, the more likely that she’ll get noticed. The lockdowns, mandates and sanctioned attacks on the country’s founding principles go on unabated to further her political career. Teachers got cuts in line for vaccines. That’s the visible part. The less visible part is the organization that finances and drives enforcement of this destruction. The power behind the throne is the teachers union.

When did teachers colleges began progressive indoctrinating? When did continuing education for Oregon teachers and administrators alike stress progressive indoctrination? John Dewey is credited with creating Progressive Education in the early 20th century. That’s 100 years ago. In that time many Universities born of Christian teachings have come under the control of government grants. The ideals of their founders, people like John Harvard, are in total contradiction to the grievance Marxism that dominates curriculums today. Faculty comply, or are forced out as we have seen over many decades and in just the last two weeks in the case of PSU professor Peter Boghossian.

At the local level we now have a fight to the death involving the majority of the Newberg School Board and their detractors. A 4-3 vote of the Board called for the removal of political signs and banners from the classrooms. Imagine that, a school that teaches the basics and allows, even encourages students to think for themselves. The vote gained an overnight appearance by socialist icon New York Congressional Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez in Newberg to call for protests. Employers of the four board members have been asked to fire them. One employer already gave in to the pressure and terminated the employment of a conservative board member. Another has had art work removed from display at two locations. Convinced it is their duty to indoctrinate, administrators and teachers cooperate with activity threatening the livelihood of School Board members who won’t aid their quest for power. The ACLU, a union appendage, has been called in to sue the board.

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Conflicts between school staff and parents over the education of students is a daily occurrence. Parents are increasingly concerned that public schools will never again be a place of learning. The Governor and her union masters apparently share that belief. Testing and grade standards have been removed as necessary measures for earning a diploma. In most commercial interactions the customer comes first or they take their business elsewhere. With public education the customer comes first only in providing revenue. The customer comes last otherwise. Students and their parents are increasingly unsatisfied customers.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2021-09-20 11:39:39

Last Update: 2021-09-20 13:07:00

At a recent Salem-Keizer School Board meeting, a resolution was brought forth by Vice-Chair Ashley Carson Cottingham that some Board members are claiming is a Commitment to Equity and Anti-Racism, however skeptics are pointing out that the resolution seems to be filled with discrimination against white students solely based on the color of their skin.

Leftist members of the school board seem willing to dismiss any such concerns, justifying the discrimination by claiming that white children are not subjected to racism at all, and that only BIPOC, non-white students are victims of racism.

As Chairman Osvaldo Avila explains, "What we're trying to do here is make sure there is no power and privilege over, just because of the color of your skin, this is because historically, white supremacists have enslaved people, used power and privilege, using racism and divisive and hateful signs, language, flags now, and that's not what we want in this school district," said Board Chairman Osvaldo Avila.



Director Marty Heyen explains to the rest of the board how she believes that the term "white supremacist" is used incorrectly, and the that word is "like a tennis ball in a tennis match, it's thrown around so loosely to insult people, that it's thrown around to shut people down, and used when you want to end a conversation." She explains that the overuse and misuse of the term will only make problems worse.

"I've been voting for the equity policy every year", said Heyen. "I believe the first year was 2015-2016, my first year on the board. And, it doesn't seem like this policy has made a difference. It seems like there is more anger, and more divisiveness, than less.

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The board seems to dismiss her concerns, with Zone 5 Director Karina Guzmán Ortiz quickly moving on and stating that "I would like to include the Asian community into paragraph 5, the Asian community and our Asian brothers and sisters are also impacted by racism and white supremacy and a lot of other racism..." She then gaslights Director Heyen and suggests that anyone offended at being called a white supremacist is probably a white supremacist, in her estimation.

The Resolution will be voted on in the October 12th Salem-Keizer School Board meeting.

You can watch the entire Salem-Keizer School Board meeting from September 14th here.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-09-20 09:11:11

Last Update: 2021-09-20 11:07:48

Following a risk assessment by Washington County staff, a determination has been made that unsafe and unhealthy conditions at a homeless encampment located in the 800 block of SW Baseline in Hillsboro required immediate action to clean the site. The assessment evaluated factors related to the presence of uncontained garbage, environmental concerns, criminal activity and the size of the encampment.

County staff have notified residents of the encampment that they have five days to remove all personal items and leave the location to allow cleanup work to begin on September 21. Outreach workers from partner agencies have also been notified and will follow up with camp residents to provide support and referrals to available resources during this difficult time.

Previously, on August 31, campers staying at the encampment were notified that unless conditions improved by September 14, the site would be posted for removal of all personal property, prior to cleaning by Washington County. Campers were also advised that if they were successful in reducing the risk situation, they would be allowed to stay -- per County policy and in compliance with U.S. Supreme Court ruling Martin v. Boise -- until future shelter options become available. During the ensuing two-week grace period, County staff provided support and supplies for camper-led clean-up efforts which resulted in the removal of several yards of bagged garbage as well as provision of porta-potties and regular garbage service.

Although people experiencing homelessness will not be prevented from returning once the site is cleaned, activities at this and other similar encampments are now being coordinated by the County’s newly created Encampment Management Program. Under the EMP’s organizational framework, cities and special districts have been invited to join in this unique opportunity to meet the urgent needs of the homeless, as well as the livability and safety concerns of nearby residents and business owners.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-09-19 12:13:58

Last Update: 2021-09-19 12:28:40

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan has assumed the role of chair of the Oregon Sustainability Board at their fall quarterly meeting.

Outgoing chair, John Miller and Governor Kate Brown were also in attendance.

“I’m really looking forward to digging in with the Oregon Sustainability Board as we lead the way for state agencies and others to manage our resources. Oregonians place a tremendous value on sustainability and wise management, and this high-functioning Board takes their responsibility to Oregonians seriously,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, adding, “The entire board and I are immensely grateful to outgoing chair John Miller for his visionary leadership these last six years.”

The Oregon Sustainability Board (OSB) was created in 2001 and encourages activities that supposedly sustain, protect, and enhance the environment, economy, and community for the present and future benefit of Oregonians. Appointed by the Governor, members represent stakeholders across the State of Oregon.

“I’m delighted to see Oregon’s Secretary of State take over as chair of the Sustainability Board,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Over the last two decades, this board has done important work to elevate sustainability issues and improve state agency operations. I’m confident Secretary Fagan will bring energy and vision to this job as sustainability becomes increasingly important in the face of climate change.”

The Board meets quarterly and is comprised of a chair directly appointed by the Governor and ten members appointed by Governor Kate Brown and approved by the State Senate, which is currently super-majority Democrat.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2021-09-18 17:13:46

Last Update: 2021-09-18 17:31:02

Under the direction of Pat Allen, the Oregon Health Authority released a statement on September 17th concerning the FDA booster dose recommendation, but failed to mention at all the part where the FDA voted 16-3 that most people do not need the booster vaccine.

OHA's statement only focused on the part of the FDA's statement that the committee recommended that people age 65 and older and those considered at high risk of severe COVID-19 receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after the second dose.

This news is widely considered a blow to the Biden presidential administration, and Oregon's Governor Brown's relentless and exhaustive efforts to try to achieve some 100 percent compliance to the vaccination effort. This comes on the tails of recent forceful government mandates that government, healthcare, and education workers be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

The choice to only release selective information to the public by the OHA will likely continue to damage the reputability of the statewide health coordinator, according to many observers, and they are noting that the OHA would have been better off including all of the information released by the FDA to the people of Oregon.

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You can view OHA's press release on the announcment here.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2021-09-17 19:39:24

Last Update: 2021-09-18 01:33:43

Editor's note: This is the seventh of a multipart series on Tina Kotek – her past and her future – as well as where her political ambitions might take her.

Gun reform is not a new subject for Speaker Tina Kotek. In 2015 she made news when in her town hall she expressed support for a “pro-rape” gun measure that she called “closing a loophole.” That measure would have effectively ban you from loaning or selling a gun to a sister (or other female relative or friend) who was in imminent danger of a sexual assault.

Numerous violent incidents took 528 lives in Oregon in 2017, which started a series of reform attempts. The 2017 session witnessed Kotek’s democrats pull every shady trick in the book to ram through SB 719 which is referred to as the “Gun Confiscation Bill.” Dubbed as an “extreme risk protection order”, it allows a family member or household member to arbitrarily report that someone is a risk to themselves or others, and grants police the authority storm one’s home and confiscate deadly weapons. This confiscation does not require substantive proof that the person in question ever did anything wrong. The accused would then have to spend thousands of dollars of their own money on attorney and court fees to prove they are worthy of their 2nd Amendment rights.

The reforms proposed in 2019 in SB 978, would have required gun owners to secure their guns, and impose regulations on “ghost” or 3-D printed guns and require gun owners to report lost and stolen guns. When the gun bill failed in 2019 by an outpouring of citizens that caused Republican Senators to walked out, it stop the passage. After the session, KOIN reported that Speaker Tina Kotek vowed to make a safe gun-storage law a top priority in the next legislative short-session in 2020.

Speaker Kotek’s comments on the 2021 session praised police reforms but said they did not go far enough, but still included serious changes to the way law enforcement officers can respond to protests and how they face discipline. As we witnessed, police were told to stand down if no one is seriously hurt while Antifa destroyed property and scared children at a religious gathering on the Waterfront in Portland. That is the face of her policy reform.

The height of the 2021 session came when Kotek’s caucus rammed through SB 554, as she had promised in 2019. The bill sets new requirements for how gun owners must securely store their weapons when not in use, bans guns in the Capitol and Portland International Airport, and paved the way for public schools and universities to pass their own gun bans. The penalty section makes gun owners liable for crimes committed if the gun is stolen. It virtually makes the gun non-accessible putting at-risk families in harm’s way.

Referendum 301 is currently collecting signatures to repeal SB 554. Deadline is September 24.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2021-09-17 17:51:46

Last Update: 2021-09-17 18:39:34

Oregon’s Congressional District One is a tough demographic for Republican challengers. For decades Democrats have exerted a lock on that seat. Redistricting will change the boundaries, but changes aren’t known. Past incumbents Elizabeth Furse and David Wu enjoyed the same public union support extended to current office holder Suzanne Bonamici. Those three all understand that if you deliver for the public unions you’ll get millions in campaign funds and canvassers from the ranks of government employees. The new Congressional District 6 is likely to be Yamhill and Polk Counties and just enough Portland Democrats to ensure Democrat dominance in the seat.

Undaunted courage describes 2022 Republican challenger David Russ. Currently serving as mayor of Dundee, David runs as an alternative to representatives that promise one thing during a campaign and then obey party leadership once in office. In Bonamici’s case she obeys Nancy Pelosi if she wants to maintain her standing on Congressional committees. While accomplishing little for CD1 constituents, Bonamici has proven to be a reliable ‘yes man’ for the Democrat party.

David Russ, a very approachable candidate, has done what he has promised as mayor of Dundee. Russ puts it succinctly, "My campaign is strongly driven by faith and direction from God. My tenure will be driven by the Constitution and Service to my Constituents."


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2021-09-17 17:29:48

Last Update: 2021-09-17 18:47:39

The Board of Commissioners of Yamhill County Oregon have declared a County State of Emergency due to Foreseeable Lack of Adequate Resources to Respond to Basic needs for Health, Safety and Emergency Services.

They passed a resolution declaring the emergency on Thursday, September 16th, with only one no vote being from Commissioner Casey Kulla.

The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION 21-09-16-1

BOARD ORDER 21-385

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF YAMHILL COUNTY, OREGON (the "Board") sat for the transaction of county business in formal session on September 16, 2021 at 10:00a.m., via Zoom, Commissioners Mary Starrett, Lindsay Berschauer and Casey Kulla being present.

WHEREAS, the ongoing cOVID-19 pandemic has exhausted many providers of core public services, including first responders, healthcare providers, educators and related staff, emergency service providers, and public safety providers; and

WHEREAS, the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, due to the Delta variant, has further strained the delivery of those public services and has filled regional hospitals with COVID-19 patients and

WHEREAS, in an effort to address this new surge, the State of Oregon has attempted to further increase the percentage of Oregonians who are vaccinated against CoVID-19 by imposing vaccine mandates for certain sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services and state workers; and

WHEREAS, while some Oregonians have received the COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the state mandate, other workers subject to the state mandate have left or are expected to leave employment rather than receive the CoVID-19 vaccine; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners anticipates that Executive Order 21-29 mandating vaccinations for state executive branch employees, OAR 333-019-1010 mandating vaccinations for healthcare providers and staff, and OAR 333-019-1030 mandating vaccinations for teachers and school staff will have a detrimental impact on the delivery of healthcare, education, public safety and emergency services within Yamhill County; and

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WHEREAS, ORS 401 et. seq. and Yamhill County Ordinance 883 authorize the Board to declare that an emergency exists within the county and to prepare for and carry out any activity to prevent, minimize, respond to or recover from such emergency.

ITIS HEREBY ORDERED AND RESOLVED BY THE BOARD AS FOLLOWS:

1. The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners formally declares that, in accordance with ORS 401 et.seq. and Ordinance 883, a State of Emergency is hereby declared within Yamhill County due to the immediately foreseeable lack of adequate resources to deliver basic health, safety and emergency services; and

2. ORS 401 et. seq. and Ordinance 883 provide the bases for invoking this declaration of emergency, which shall continue until December 31, 2021 unless extended or earlier terminated by the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners upon a finding that the emergency conditions no longer exist; and

3. The Board of Commissioners requests that the State of Oregon immediately withdraw its vaccine mandates to prevent further exhaustion and departure of providers of core public services, including first responders, healthcare providers, educators and related staff, emergency service providers, and public safety providers, that are essential for the safety and well-being of Oregonians living in, visiting and traveling through Yamhill County.

Done this 16th day of September 2021

Yamhill County Board of Commissioners

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-09-17 15:52:20

Last Update: 2021-09-18 01:29:25

Sen. Kathleen Taylor (D-Portland), Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, and Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego), Co-chair of the House Redistricting Committee, issued a statement following the release of legislative and congressional maps.

“As legislators we are public servants. Our commitment is to Oregonians and our job is to produce fair and representative maps that reflect Oregon’s population growth, align with statutory and constitutional criteria, and ensure public participation. “The maps drawn meet these requirements and the highest of legal standards. The maps are contiguous, of equal population, utilize existing geographic or political boundaries, are connected by transportation links, and reflect the diversity of communities of interest in our state.”

For some Oregonians, the result is both comic and tragic, especially the Congressional districts, which seem constructed to give the Democrat party the advantage. Due to these maps, it is possible that Oregon can send four members of Congress from the city of Portland when Portland -- even the Portland Metro area -- is not nearly 2/3 of the population of the state.

“Despite the delayed Census data and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have prioritized an inclusive and accessible process, open to all Oregonians. As a result, we saw nearly 2,000 pieces of testimony submitted from across the state during 22 public hearings held this year.

The Democrat Committee chairs said, “We look forward to sending these maps to the Legislature for consideration during next week’s Special Session.” The Republicans have an equal number of seats on the House Redistricting Committee and if all Republicans on that Committee vote no the decision would go to Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's office. The special session will begin on Monday, September 20 at 10:00am.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-09-17 09:10:35

In a controversial resolution, the Oregon State Board of Education has passed a resolution "Encouraging Solidarity and Support for Student Identities." Some observers see this as the imposition of political favoritism upon Oregon students by allowing and promoting certain Leftist ideas such as those of the Marxist political group -- Black Lives Matter -- while at the same time apparently discouraging any right-leaning political promotion.

The Board passed the resolution, which calls out the the Newberg School Board to reverse course on it's recent efforts to disallow political symbolism such as BLM and Pride flags from the Newberg public schools, and that certain other student identities are not political or controversial.

The "Resolution Encouraging Solidarity and Support for Student Identities" specifically calls on the Newberg School Board to encourage district staff to celebrate and stand in solidarity with students through the use of signs, flags, placards and symbols, and affirm in words, policy and action that every student is welcome, appreciated and ensured an equitable access to a high quality education in Newberg Public Schools. The Oregon State Board of Education is also encouraging Oregon School Boards to agree with the "Every Student Belongs" rule.

“Equity does not mean that one side gets ignored or favored. It is quite the opposite: we have a responsibility to create and maintain humane, livable spaces for children who have consistently lived on the brink of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion,” said Guadalupe Martinez-Zapata, Vice-Chair of the Oregon State Board of Education. “A minimal demonstration of that humanity, a flag, a banner, a sign, is all it could take for a student to feel safe. Each student is unique, and every one deserves our love and care.”

The resolution also encourages all districts to show in actions and in words that every student is affirmed in their identities and is made welcome in their schools, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, native language, immigration status, documentation status, age or disability.

“Now more than ever, we must work to ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for every student. We know that has not always been the case – in particular for our students of color, Indigenous, Tribal citizens, immigrants, English learners, and LGBTQ2SIA+ students, as well as our students who experience disability,” said Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill. “Student identity should be supported and celebrated, and we must recognize the unique needs and perspectives that our students bring.”

The resolution states that Oregon school districts can welcome and affirm student identity by modeling the use of inclusive language, encouraging the proactive creation of safe and affirming spaces, and engaging in honest and authentic dialogue with students on who they are and how best to serve their needs. School boards can also adopt similar resolutions, in consultation with their local communities, as long as those local decisions do not go against what the State Board of Education has decided.

The Oregon State Board of Education and the Oregon Department of Education claim that they remain committed to ensuring Oregon’s schools are safe and inclusive for all students and staff. The resolution says that symbolism of pride and Black Lives Matters slogans and insignia are statements of love and affirmation only, and indicate support and solidarity for those students who want to use those symbols. They do not meet the requirements of a hate symbol nor are they attached to specific political candidates or parties, even though BLM is known to be closely aligned with the Defund the Police movement and other left-leaning ideology.

The resolution makes no mention of the legality or constitutionality of creating policies based on race, nor how to deal with the expression of right-leaning students.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2021-09-16 22:28:31

Last Update: 2021-09-16 22:35:02