Candidates for Secretary of State, 6th Congressional District Square Off in Debate
A packed house gathered Oct. 14 at the Salem Convention Center for a pair of debates between candidates running in two key races in the Nov. 5 general election.
In the first debate, Democrat Tobias Read squared off with Republican Dennis Linthicum vying for Oregon Secretary of State. They were followed by Democratic U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, who is being …
From the Desk of Bill Burges
BE a Voter. Encourage others to be voters too. Let’s show our nation and the world how democracy works. The Marion County Clerk’s office looks forward to receiving your voted ballot. Check your registration status at www.oregonvotes.gov and update if necessary. If not yet registered, you have until October 15th to register to vote.
Here ar…
IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY
Oregon needs to strengthen the public safety system to hold criminals responsible, support law enforcement, and respect crime victims.
During the past 20 years, many of our political leaders have quietly weakened our capabilities to fight crime. Most of these activities are carried out in public but have not been noticed because they are done …
Salem Chamber hosts debate for CD6 and secretary of state races
With election season right around the corner, it can be difficult to sift through the political noise. What people really want is clarity - who are the candidates and what do they stand for. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming debate, part of the monthly Forum Speaker Series, offers an open door to the candidates themselves.
This debate brings…
Supreme Court ruling on Homeless Camping Restrictions finds Oregon on the Outside Looking in
Sleepless in Seattle? Or, how about Los Angeles, Sacramento or Boise? Issues surrounding if, where and when homeless individuals are allowed to camp on public property has resurfaced now that the United States Supreme Court has overturned a landmark 9th Circuit ruling that had declared camping ordinances like the ones in Boise, Idaho, and Grants Pass, Ore
End of Free Parking in Downtown Salem Gathers Momentum
Free downtown parking in Salem may be nearing an end as the city is planning a change to the area with a new plan from city officials.
Downtown businesses currently foot the bill for parking in downtown as this money goes towards maintenance and upkeep for the spaces.
“What we have in common is that we have a regular healthy turnover of those parking…
Matthews beats out Soltz for Final Salem City Council Spot
The race to win the Ward 3 Salem City Council position has finally been announced after nearly a month of waiting.
Shane Matthews beat out Nathan Soltz by 42 votes in the tightest race in this year’s election cycle.
Matthews, a real estate agent, ran for office for the first time and accumulated 2,153 votes. Soltz, a law student at Lewis & …
From the Desk of Representative Ed Diehl – End of Session Recap
Jamie and I ended our first short session – what a whirlwind! For a five-week session that is intended to make budget adjustments and minor legislative ‘fixes’, we had much, much more on our plate.
It is an honor to serve House District 17. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions or concerns.
And as always, Iââ¦
Decision 2024: Salem’s Economic future at the Forefront of City Elections
As Salem gears up for its city council and mayoral elections on May 21st, the business community will see significant distinctions between the candidates on key economic issues. The spotlight has particularly fallen on the contentious payroll tax proposal of 2023, which has become a dividing line for how the candidates each approach taxes and their overall philosophy of governance.
Last summer, by a vote of 5 to 4, the Mayor and City Council approved a payroll tax on Salem workers. The proponents of the tax argued that the city needed more revenue to cover increased city spending. The tax would have cost the average worker $500 per year. Knowing it would likely be defeated at the ballot box, the Mayor and Council defeated an effort by …