New Salem-Keizer Superintendent Brings Changes to the District
Salem-Keizer introduced new superintendent Andrea Castaneda this summer and she’s quickly made an impression on the community.
Within her first 100 days in office, her focus was on board relations, teaching and learning, student and community engagement and operations, safety, and finance.
Dr. Satya Chandragiri was the first person of color to be sel…
Publisher Perspectives: Salem at a Crossroads- Democracy, Fiscal Responsibility, and the Forthcoming Payroll Tax Vote
The beauty of a well-functioning democracy lies not just in the engagement of its citizenry, but also in the trust established between the people and their elected representatives. This trust is rooted in transparency, respect for the voice of the majority, and judicious fiscal management. Today, Salem stands at a significant crossroad that will define it
Savior or privateer? The “Good Ship” OHSU offers refuge from troubled seas to Legacy’s fleet of hospitals and Clinics
Oregon entered uncharted waters last week with the announcement that Legacy Health System, a private healthcare provider, would ‘merge’ with the state-sponsored Oregon Health and Science University. While the word ‘merger’ has a softer and gentler tone, make no mistake - this is an acquisition. Mergers generally are distinguished as two entities
Representative Helfrich Sends Letter to Governor Kotek Urging State Disaster Declaration for Oregon Cherry Industry
SALEM, OR – This week, Representative Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) sent a letter to Governor Tina Kotek urging her to issue a State Disaster for Oregon’s cherry industry.
Sweet cherries are one of the state’s top 20 most valuable commodities, but, due to harsh weather conditions and Oregon’s cherry crop overlapping with California cherry harvest, …
INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY – MARION COUNTY BUDGET COMMITTEE MET AND APPROVED THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 -24 COUNTY BUDGET
On May 23, the Marion County Budget Committee met to discuss the $689 million Fiscal Year 2023-24 proposed budget. The Marion County budget committee is made up of three county commissioners and three citizen electors. The budget committee approves the budget and refers the budget to the Board of Commissioners for final adoption prior to June 30th. In pr…
Legislature Working to Increase Construction Regulation Authority
Construction bills in an Oregon legislative session are typically focused on prevailing wage,
apprenticeship, and public contracting. However, this year dollars in federal spending bills come
attached to their own set-in-stone standards.
Oregon legislative leaders are instead focusing their efforts on expanding state agency
enforcemen…
Senate Moves Closer to Implosion
The political stalemate in the Oregon Senate is showing no signs of breaking in time for a normal conclusion to the 2023 Legislative Session. If anything, leadership is moving further away from resolution by the day.
Republicans announced through a press release on Tuesday that their caucus would return on June 25 - the constitutional Sine Die - to pass “lawful, substantially bipartisan budgets and bills.” Democrats responded Wednesday with a press release of their own, calling the walkout unconstitutional and a power grab because it would give Republicans veto power…
Legislature Working to Increase Construction Regulation Authority
Construction bills in an Oregon legislative session are typically focused on prevailing wage,
apprenticeship, and public contracting. However, this year dollars in federal spending bills come
attached to their own set-in-stone standards.
Oregon legislative leaders are instead focusing their efforts on expanding state agency
enforcement powers and…
Getting ready for takeoff: Salem Municipal Airport is five months away from offering passenger flights
The Fly Salem Steering Committee, dedicated to restoring air service in Salem, Ore., has invested five years in overcoming challenges and delays to fulfill its mission. The initiative has made substantial progress in the last year through collaborative efforts between Fly Salem, the City, and TSA, securing an airline commitment and revising the passe…