Salem City Councilor Jim Lewis has resigned his position effective February 14, 2022.

The longest-serving member currently among the City Councilors, Councilor Lewis has represented Ward 8 in West Salem since January 2015. Lewis, whose term expires December 31, 2022, had announced that he would not seek re-election.

“It is with great sadness and disappointment that I must submit my resignation from the Salem City Council.” Councilor Lewis continues, “Lingering medical issues, family obligations and celebrations are keeping me from fulfilling my obligations to the position of City Councilor. I want to thank the City of Salem especially the residents of West Salem for giving me the opportunity to serve my community. I wish everyone the best and may God bless the City of Salem.”

In his capacity on the City Council, Lewis has represented Salem and contributed to regional transportation policy and funding of projects through his service to the Mid-Willamette Area Commission on Transportation and the Salem-Keizer Area Transportation Study Policy.

Lewis also represents Salem on the Travel Salem Board and Executive Committee. Most recently, Lewis has served on the City Council’s Legislative Committee, Steering Committee for the Community Improvement Bond, and the City’s Water/Wastewater Task Force and Systems Development Charge Methodology Committee.

Those interested in filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilor Lewis will be required to submit an application to the City Council, be registered to vote and have lived in Ward 8 for 12 months prior to appointment.

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The appointment would last until the term expires on December 31, 2022.

The Salem City Council is composed of one representative from each of Salem’s eight wards and the Mayor.

All members of the City Council, including the Mayor, are unpaid volunteers. In addition to twice monthly City Council meetings, Members of the Council may participate in many community activities and meetings, including City Council Work Sessions, other workshops, neighborhood association meetings, committee meetings, and other events.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-21 15:07:54

Last Update: 2022-02-21 17:44:49

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) seeks volunteers to fill 63 commissioner seats on 22 of the state’s agricultural and commercial fisheries commodity commissions. The deadline to apply is March 15. For instructions on applying or learning more about commissions, please visit their website.

ODA Director Alexis Taylor appoints commissioners, most serve three-year terms.

Their duties include making decisions about funding for promotion, education, and research projects.

Director Taylor is looking for applicants who represent Oregon’s farmers, ranchers, processors, and commercial fisheries. For public members, users of the commodity who have an interest and time to serve are often the best fit.

A public member must be a US citizen, an Oregon resident, and have an active interest in improving economic conditions for the commodity. A public member cannot be directly associated with producing or handling the specific commodity they seek to serve.

Applicants for producer or handler positions must also be a US citizen, an Oregon resident, and have paid or collected the assessment for that particular commodity for the previous three years or longer in some cases.

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A producer is defined as a grower or harvester. A handler is the first to buy the commodity from the producer and is often a processor, distributor, or marketer.

The following commodity commissions have openings:

Albacore Commission – 2 producers, 1 handler; 1 public member;

Alfalfa Seed Commission – 2 producers;

Beef Council – 1 beef producer, 1 Cattle Feeder/Feedlot Operator;

Blueberry Commission – 2 producers, 1 handler;

Clover Seed Commission – 1 producer, 2 handlers;

Dairy Products Commission – 1 producer from Willamette/Southern Oregon (Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Lane, Linn, Benton, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Coos, and Curry counties);

1 producer from Tillamook/North Coast (Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties);

1 public member, State at Large

Dungeness Crab Commission – 1 producer (Port of Brookings) 1 producer (Port of Astoria), 1 handler;

Fine Fescue Commission – 2 producers;

Hazelnut Commission – 2 producers;

Hop Commission – 2 producers, 1 handler, 1 public member;

Mint Commission – 3 producers;

Potato Commission – 2 producers (1 from Malheur & Harney counties) & (1 from the Klamath, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine & Lake counties)

Processed Vegetable Commission – 1 producer, 1 handler, 1 public member;

Raspberry & Blackberry Commission – 3 producers, 1 handler;

Ryegrass Seed Commission – 2 producers (1 Lane county, 1 state at large), 1 public member;

Salmon Commission – 1 producer (South of Florence to southern Oregon border);

Sheep Commission – 2 producers;

Strawberry Commission – 3 producers;

Sweet Cherry Commission – 4 producers (2 from Western Oregon (all areas west of the Cascade Mountains & 2 from Wasco and Hood River counties), 1 handler;

Tall Fescue Commission – 3 producers;

Trawl Commission – 2 producers, 1 handler;

Wheat Commission – 1 producer (Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco, & Jefferson county), 1 handler.

For more information about Oregon’s Commodity Commissions or the application process, please contact Kris Anderson, ODA Commodity Oversight Program Manager via email or by phone (503)-970-3260.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-20 15:49:05

Last Update: 2022-02-20 17:43:27

Oregon House Democrats are reveling over passing HB 4086, which will modernize outdated language that excludes Oregon families from worker's compensation benefits.

The bill will also ensure that workers are protected against retaliation for pursing compensation claims, regardless of the size of their employer.

The bill sponsor, Representative Karin Power (D-Milwaukie) said, “We need to build an economy that works for working families, not just big corporations. Workers deserve protection from retaliation and certainty that they and their families will be supported if they are injured or killed on the job. Our laws should reflect how Oregon families look today, and that’s especially important for essential supports like workers’ compensation.”

In 2020, 53 Oregonians lost their lives as the result of an on-the-job injury or exposure.

HB 4086 updates the current workers’ compensation death benefits language to ensure that it applies to surviving family members regardless of whether they are legally married and where family members live.

What Representative Power leaves out is that the changes to the law, removes the exclusion for employers that have less than six employees and subjects small employers to not just the newly crafted retaliation law, but the entire ORS chapter 656 – Workers’ Compensation.

It subjects them to hiring and tenure or any term or condition of employment, which they were previously excluded from unless specifically stated.

When Representative Power says “Our laws should reflect how Oregon families look today,” she is saying the definition of “beneficiary” now includes aliens. The change removes the exclusion for those who do not reside within the United States at the time of the accident, other than a parent, a spouse or children, unless a treaty provides otherwise.

She also neglected to state that their definition of “family” has become all inclusive.

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The bill defines who is a “dependent” to include domestic partner, parents of a domestic partner, grandchildren of a domestic partner, and siblings or step-siblings of a domestic partner. But it doesn’t stop there.

It includes any friend that may be treated as a family member, “Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with a worker is the equivalent of a family relationship.” Oregon has worked hard to reduce worker’ comp rates for small business. These changes will have an adverse effect on small businesses, and more so in underprivileged communities.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-02-20 07:56:43

Last Update: 2022-02-20 08:27:46

Oregon State Police Patrol Troopers will be conducting a high visibility saturation patrol focusing on Interstate 5, Interstate 205 and Interstate 84.

This saturation will be focusing on what OSP refers to as the “Fatal Five”: Speeding, Occupant Safety, Lane Safety, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving.

Governor Brown proposed a $20 million cut to the Oregon State Police budget in 2019-21, however, most of that was restored in the legislative adopted budget.

They report top budget drivers are loss of revenue due to COVID-19 causing relocation of staff and holding trooper positions vacant, and infrastructure needs.

The 2021-23 budget allocated 30.4% ($205,654,278) employing 410 troopers.

A far cry from 1980 when 624 troopers cruised our highways. SB 211 passed in 2021, ORS 181A.015 establishes 15 troopers per 100 thousand citizens with incremental increases beginning in this biennium, with the ratio achieved by 2030, which would employ 726 troopers.

Starting on February 18, 2022, and running through Monday, February 21, 2022, the Oregon State Police Patrol Troopers from Salem, Albany, Springfield, Roseburg, Grants Pass, Central Point, Portland, Pendleton, La Grande, and Ontario area commands are conducting the high visibility saturation patrol focusing on the “Fatal Five.” These 5 driving behaviors are the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes.

This is what OSP pushed out via our social media platforms:

• Some drivers have just lost their minds



• We have all seen a huge uptick in the number of people driving crazy on Oregon’s interstates. When we say “crazy” we mean drivers committing what OSP calls the “Fatal Five” Speeding, Occupant Safety, Lane Safety, Impaired Driving, and Distracted Driving. These poor driving practices are the leading cause of serious injury and fatal crashes



• Oregon State Police Patrol Troopers from Salem, Albany, Springfield, Roseburg, Grants Pass, Central Point, Portland, Pendleton, La Grande, and Ontario area commands are joining together to conduct a high visibility saturation patrol that will last through the extended holiday weekend. This saturation patrol will be focusing on Interstate 5, Interstate 84, and Interstate 205



• Don’t be surprised if you also see Sheriff’s Deputies and Police Officers working these areas alongside OSP



• Be safe on the roads, it is not just your life on the line

However, the media might like some statistics around what impact this might have on these bad driving behaviors in Oregon.

• Currently, OSP has 410 Sergeants & Troopers in Patrol across Oregon. This number is authorized positions and doesn’t include vacancies, troopers on leave, troopers at training, troopers at court, etc



• Oregon has about 8,000 miles of state-owned highways, which are primarily patrolled by OSP



• Oregon has 4.1 million registered vehicles with nearly 3.1 million licensed drivers



• Those numbers do not include the estimated over 29 million visitors Oregon gets a year



• If you do the math, with just the number of licensed drivers (3.1 million) that is 1 trooper for every 7,561 licensed drivers in Oregon

Oregon Patrol Troopers are 100% committed to making Oregon’s highways safer, but these low patrol staffing numbers, begs the question, what impact could OSP Patrol have with more Troopers on the road?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-02-19 18:43:13

Last Update: 2022-02-19 18:59:20

Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has announced that she has appointed Kari Hathorn as the District Attorney of Crook County.

Hathorn will fill a vacancy created by Judge Wade Whiting’s recent appointment to the Circuit Court for Jefferson and Crook Counties. Hathorn’s appointment is effective immediately.

“I admire Kari Hathorn’s strong work ethic and dedication to public service,” Governor Brown said. “As a former prosecutor for many years, Kari brings a wealth of experience, and has earned the support of community partners in Crook County.”

Hathorn was born in Reedsport and moved to Eugene to attend college.

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She received her associate’s degree from Lane Community College in 1999, her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 2001, and her law degree from the University of Oregon in 2004. Immediately following law school, Hathorn moved to Washington and worked for the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office from 2005 to 2006, and the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office from 2006 to 2010. Then, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Deputy District Attorney in the Deschutes County District Attorney’s office. Since 2019, she has been an associate attorney at The Steele Law Firm, where she handles plaintiff-side personal injury and fraud cases, as well as general civil litigation cases. Hathorn also currently serves as a pro tem judge for the City of Bend Municipal Court.

During her 15 years as a prosecutor, Hathorn worked with law enforcement, the courts, and community partners. While at the Deschutes County District Attorney’s office, she was assigned to the office in the Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing program, where she redrafted the program requirements and eligibility criteria. She also represented the Deschutes County District Attorney’s office in mental health court, in drug court, and at the domestic violence council. Additionally, Hathorn serves on the MADD Oregon State Advisory Board.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-19 16:52:17

Last Update: 2022-02-19 18:27:14

Using the parliamentary procedure of a motion to withdraw a bill from a committee, Oregon Senate Republicans have forced a vote on Senate Joint Resolution 202, which if passed would appear on the November 2022 ballot. The proposed resolution is sponsored by Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend).

SJR 202 would ask voters to amend Oregon’s Constitution to require their democratically elected representatives in the Senate to approve or reject any effort by the Governor to let criminals out of prison. Oregon is only one of three states in the country to have no oversite of these powers.

The move comes days after a new public opinion poll showed that Oregonians are increasingly concerned about rising crime. Only 27% responded that they favored the Governor’s recent commutations and pardons.

“Portland’s crime problems are creeping into Clackamas County and it is making our communities more dangerous,” Senator Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) said. “This is a common-sense reform that should have been debated and voted on. After the last few years of extreme government overreach, Oregonians deserve oversite and accountability. This bill would have given Oregonians a voice in public safety. I am profoundly disappointed that this important piece of legislation did not pass.”

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The motion to withdraw from committee failed, with six yes votes and three Republicans absent or excused. All 18 Senate Democrats voted to keep the bill in the Judiciary committee, where it now resides. It is not expected to get a hearing.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-18 12:51:05

Last Update: 2022-02-18 13:48:30

Safe neighborhoods are a top priority for Oregonians after years of Democrats’ failed leadership on public safety.

Senate and House Republicans have responded this session by introducing several proposals to tackle crime and improve safety for individuals, families, and businesses.

These proposals did not receive meaningful bipartisan support from Democrats who instead are pushing an agenda that includes letting more criminals out of prison early.

To respond to the needs of Oregonians, Republicans in both chambers pulled public safety reform bills from committee directly to the floor for a vote.

The actions are supportive of Oregonians’ concerns. In a recent public opinion poll, sixty-two percent believe the state’s political leadership is too soft on crime.

SJR 202 – Gives Oregonians a chance to vote on Legislative oversight of the Governor’s power to let criminals out of prison early.

Oregon is currently one of only three states in the nation with no oversight on the Governor’s power for early release of criminals. SJR 202, if passed by voters, would require Oregonians’ elected representatives in the Senate to approve any commutation or pardon.

HB 4135 – Closes a legal loophole exploited by drug traffickers allowing them to continue dealing substantial quantities of illicit drugs in neighborhoods and to children.

Current law requires officers to be able to show who the drugs were being sold to. This requires a witness to the act of drugs exchanging hands, making it easy for these drug traffickers to avoid arrest and prosecution, allowing them to continue operating.

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“Oregonians deserve to feel safe in their homes, but right now, they don’t because of the Governor’s unlimited power to let criminals out of prison,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “Democrats are pursuing a soft on crime agenda that makes Oregon more dangerous and victims more vulnerable. Oregonians are tired of this kind of overreach. Republicans are standing up for accountability, oversight, and public safety.”

“Following a historic year of violence in Oregon and failed leadership from Democrat leaders, people want the simple assurance of safety,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “Republicans heard their message loud and clear and pushed for several proposals to protect communities. Legislation to keep Oregonians safe should have bipartisan support. Instead, Democrats voted down these proposals and pushed ideas to let convicted criminals vote from prison and make it harder for law enforcement to stop destructive riots.”

The motion to debate SJR 202 failed along party lines, with all Democrats voting against it.

SJR 202 will remain dead in the Senate Judiciary Committee until Democrats decide to speak out against the Governor’s abuse of power.

HB 4135 failed on a near party line vote. Republicans plan to reintroduce the proposal for the 2023 legislative session.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-18 06:45:28

Last Update: 2022-02-17 12:23:03

The Washington State Legislature is considering passage of SB 5974 which would add $0.06 per gallon to the cost of a gallon of gas in Oregon. 90 percent of Oregon's gas comes from refineries in Washington State. Oregon does not have any refineries.

This effectively means that the maximum MVFT imposed on fuel exported from the state would be $0.06 per gallon. However, the portion of the exported fuel that is destined for a state with a MFVT rate higher than Washington would receive a full credit and would not be subject to the $0.06 per gallon MVFT exported fuel rate.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and Representative David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) testified during the Washington State Legislature’s House Transportation Committee.

The two Oregon legislators spoke in opposition to an “exported fuel tax” proposal from Washington Democrats to levy a new tax on 90 percent of Oregon’s transportation fuel.

“This is an offensive proposal that would force Oregonians to pay for Washington’s infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Boshart Davis. “I cannot stand by and watch as the hardworking people of Oregon are hit with an unfair and unjust tax with zero representation. Oregon has its own infrastructure needs, we should not and will not pay for Washington’s.”

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“This effort really highlights poor policymaking in Washington,” added Rep. Brock Smith. “The Washington Legislature set goals and approved transportation projects they couldn’t afford. Instead of doing a better job with writing public policy, they’re going to ask my residents to pay for their roads when they have never nor will ever use them.”

Some analysts have seen this move by Washington state as retaliation for Oregon moving to toll roads that Washington residents use -- Interstates 5 and 205. The revenue from these tolls is not planned to be used to reduce congestion on these roads.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-18 06:33:25

Last Update: 2022-02-17 21:51:05

The Oregon Senate approved SB 1560 by a vote of 24 to 1. State Senator Lynn Findley (R-Vale) was the lone dissenting vote. This bill revises existing state law and directs state agencies to refer to individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the United States using “noncitizen” instead of “alien,” despite the fact that the term is used in federal law.

“Referring to immigrants and refugees as ‘aliens’ is an outdated, dehumanizing practice that stems from xenophobia and allows individuals to express bigotry without using overt racist language,” said Senator Kayse Jama, (D-Portland), “As a former refugee, who was once classified as an ‘alien,’ I am proud that Oregon Legislature considers updating its laws to reflect our values. I hope that more states follow.”

“When we hear words like, ‘you don’t belong here’ or ‘go back to where you are from,’ the word ‘alien’ aligns with those views,” said Senator Deb Patterson, (D-Salem), “My children, both people of color, and immigrants themselves, have heard those words. Some of you may have heard those words, too. I am certain that some of our constituents have.”

As the state faces a myriad of problems -- homelessness, labor shortages, COVID regulations and the corresponding damage to the economy -- Democrats seem determined to focus on race as the paramount issue of our day. Voters may disagree in November.

According to a press release put out by Senator Jama's office, SB 1560 does not make any substantive change to existing law and will not impact one’s eligibility for federal benefits or programs that are available to a person who meets the definition of “alien” under state or federal law. SB 1560 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

According to the Legislative Fiscal Office, "while this individual measure has a “Minimal” fiscal impact, an agency may incur a net fiscal impact greater than minimal depending on the cumulative impact of all measures enacted into law that affect the agency."

Senator Jama represents Senate District 24, which is East Portland and North Clackamas and serves as the chair of the Senate Committee On Housing and Development, and the Legislature’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Caucus. He was the first former refugee, Muslim, and Somali-American to serve in the Oregon State Senate. Before his appointment, Sen. Jama was a prominent community organizer and Executive Director of Unite Oregon.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-17 15:59:47

Last Update: 2022-02-17 18:16:25

A survey commissioned by the Oregon District Attorneys Association found that 55% of Oregonians feel less safe in their communities than they did two years ago and 58% feel the State is headed in the wrong direction when it comes to the issues of public safety and protecting the public from crime.

The survey explores decisions from Oregon's leadership that directly affect public safety. Specifically Oregonians' shared strong opinions on pending and recent proposals before the Legislature including pre-trial release, early release of violent offenders, mandatory minimum sentencing and victim notification.

"The survey data reflects exactly what our elected District Attorneys hear in our communities across the State every day, from Oregon City to Salem to Medford and Pendleton. The general public is concerned about their safety and the policies coming out of the State Legislature and from the Governor," said ODAA President and Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson.

The survey found that 61.8% of Oregonians believe that Oregon's political leadership, including the Governor and Legislature has been "too soft" on crime and overwhelmingly support increased resources for police and prosecutors.

On specific policy proposals, the survey found 64% of Oregonians oppose releasing people the same day when arrested for property crimes and almost 89% oppose same day release for those arrested for domestic violence and assault crimes. 56% of Oregonians oppose the Governor granting early release for prisoners serving sentences for murder and other violent crimes they committed as teenagers and 68% support mandatory minimum prison sentences for adults convicted of murder and violent crimes.

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The survey also found that Oregonians overwhelmingly support protecting the rights of crime victims with 82% backing investments in victim notification and 71% supporting taxpayer dollars to ensure victims have notice and opportunity to provide input before offenders are released pre-trial.

The statewide survey, conducted by Nelson Research, was commissioned January 4, 2022 and included 500 likely voters with a margin of error of 4.38%.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-17 09:20:05

Last Update: 2022-02-17 09:54:19

Downtown Portland feels a little lonely without Portland’s unofficial mascot: the bronze elk that watched over Main Street for 120 years. Now it's coming back, and observers are hoping that leftist extremists don't ruin that again.

Two years after removing the statue due to damage sustained during violent protests, the City of Portland is preparing to bring it back. The elk is expected to reappear in late 2022 or early 2023 with a new base, a dedicated bike lane and an improved bus lane.

“Few pieces in our rich public art collection are as beloved by Portlanders as the elk,” said City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who is Portland’s Arts Commissioner and liaison to the City Arts Program. “Portlanders have told us they want the elk back as soon as possible, and I’m thrilled that we’re finally taking concrete steps to return it this year.”

The Thompson Elk Fountain circa 1905, several years after it was commissioned by former Mayor David P. Thompson.

Built in 1900, the Thompson Elk Fountain was named for its benefactor: David P. Thompson, who served as Portland’s mayor from 1879 to 1882. A founding director of the Oregon Humane Society, Thompson wanted to pay homage to wildlife that once roamed the city.

The hulking elk, sculpted by Roland Hinton Perry, stands 9 feet tall and weighs 3,000 pounds. The granite base and water-spouting fountain were designed and built by H.G. Wright.

Perched between Lonsdale and Chapman squares, the elk split Main Street smack-dab down the middle, requiring cars to veer left or right as they passed – and prompting passersby to gawk. The statue has been an object of endearment, a gathering place and a hub for activism over the years.

The elk’s antlers were damaged by protestors during the leftist Occupy Movement of 2011. Nine years later, downtown Portland became a focal point for nightly violent protests. Protestors lit several fires in the fountain’s troughs and destroyed portions of the granite. The elk was damaged as well.

To protect the statue, the City’s nonprofit arts partner removed it on July 2, 2020. The Regional Arts & Culture Council has stored the elk safely and fully restored it with funding from the City’s arts insurance policy.

City officials went to great lengths to preserve the base and fountain, too. The Water and Parks & Recreation bureaus teamed up to salvage as much stone as possible and cover the site in gravel.

But the historic fountain will be difficult to rebuild. A team of City experts is exploring options to replace it with a smaller base that would no longer operate as a fountain. This idea reflects the consideration of possible further damage from violent leftist protests which happen frequently in Portland in recent years.

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Now, the elk begins its trek back home – more of a shuffle than a gallop. Just as the statue sits at the crossroads of downtown, it also sits at the crossroads of city programs and processes. And despite being a Portland icon, the elk has to be vetted just like anybody else.

“I am beyond thrilled that the Portland elk is returning to Main Street, and I am grateful to the many City employees who have helped the elk along its way. Our Portland elk also gives the City an opportunity to experience the permitting process firsthand," said City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who is co-leading a Citywide initiative to improve permitting processes. "Permitting makes our infrastructure safe, responsible and sustainable — it’s also vital to ensure our processes are efficient, from affordable housing to our arts infrastructure. Welcome back to the elk!”

This week, the City Arts Program kicks off the process by applying for a retroactive permit to dismantle the statue and base. Required due to a historic resource designation, the process is known as a “demolition delay”, in other words, the City is officially recognizing a demolition that took place on a timeline.

By approving the application, the Bureau of Development Services will effectively remove the statue’s historic resource designation. A formal decision is expected in June, following a required 120-day waiting period.

While this process is underway, the City’s “elk team” will continue refining their proposal for the statue’s homecoming. They are committed to returning the statue to Main Street, though the exact placement could be adjusted.

Once the “demolition delay” is approved and site plans are finalized, the Portland Bureau of Transportation will apply for a permit to install a new base for the statue. Community members will have the opportunity to comment during the design review process.

The Transportation team anticipates installing the base, improving the bus lane to better accommodate TriMet buses, and adding a bike lane to connect cyclists from the Hawthorne Bridge to the upcoming Southwest Fourth Avenue Improvement Project. Construction could begin as early as this fall, depending on when the design is approved by the City’s Design Commission.

“It’s fitting that the elk – an important piece of Portland’s past – will help improve our transportation system for the future,” said Commissioner JoAnn Hardesty, who oversees PBOT. “This project will be a big win for bus commuters, cyclists and, of course, the elk.”

The elk declined to comment. Asked whether he is looking forward to a homecoming celebration, he maintained the stoic gaze that has charmed Portlanders since 1900.


--Sabrina-Marie Fisher

Post Date: 2022-02-17 09:01:39

Last Update: 2022-02-17 11:07:06

Senate Democrats have passed SB 1529 that would give the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Director the power to determine a health care emergency, a power previously only held by the Governor.

Republicans voiced concern on the floor about the dangers of giving an unaccountable, unelected bureaucrat ambiguous power.

Democrats stated that the purpose of the bill was to make it easier to deploy volunteer medical workers to respond to strained health care facilities, but it is unclear why the Public Health Director needs emergency powers to do this.

“After two years of overreach from the OHA, we should be reestablishing checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches, not continue to defer to unelected bureaucrats,” said Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls), member Senate Health Care Committee. “We should be restoring trust in our public health institutions, but this bill will only deepen mistrust. Everyone supports the idea of making it easier to get hospitals the help they need, but that shouldn’t require giving unelected bureaucrats emergency power.”

By striking a single line, the bill would allow the hospitals to get the help they need but also give Oregonians certainty that the OHA is not being granted more ambiguous power.

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Senator Linthicum and other Republicans spoke about how this is an opportunity for the two parties to work in a bipartisan manner to find a compromise. Democrats chose to ignore those concerns and voted in lockstep to pass it along party lines.

a href='https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Measures/Overview/SB1529'>SB 1529 will now be considered by the House.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-17 06:27:33

Last Update: 2022-02-16 16:54:10