Politics
87 articles · Page 2 of 9
So Now Salem Is a Sanctuary City Under Emergency. Now What?
Salem has been a sanctuary city for years, but this month city leaders pushed that stance into new territory. On Dec. 1, the Salem City Council voted 6–3 to declare...
A System Under Strain: The Expanding Cost of Homelessness in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley
Homelessness in the Mid-Willamette Valley has reached record levels, exposing the limits of Oregon’s current response and the financial weight of maintaining it. The 2025 Point-in-Time count identified 2,154 individuals...
Governor’s Signature To Launch Expedited Referral Campaign
It has been a long and winding road, but the year-long effort by the Governor and Democratic Legislature to pass a transportation plan is now nearing the finish line. This...
After Intense Debate, City Council accepts private donation of $180,000 to fund 2 Homeless Service Team police officers
Salem City Council voted Monday to accept a $180,000 private donation to fund two police officers for the city’s Homeless Services Team (HST) for six months, with a possible renewal...
Salem City Officials Found in Violation of Public Meetings Law
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Government Ethics Commission issued a stern verdict against Salem’s city leadership on Friday, ruling that five city councilors and Mayor Julie Hoy violated state law...
Julie Hoy Announces Her Re-Election Bid as Mayor, City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke Challenges
SALEM, Ore. — Sept. 11, 2025 — The race for Salem’s next mayor is beginning to take shape, with incumbent Mayor Julie Hoy filing for re-election and City Councilor Vanessa...
John Swanson Enters Race for Polk County Commissioner, Position 2
John Swanson, Chief of Staff to state Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) and a small business owner, has announced his candidacy for Polk County Commissioner, Position 2. The seat is currently...
Salem Moves Closer to Forming Hispanic Advisory Commission
A new commission designed to give Salem’s Hispanic community direct access to City Hall is one step closer to becoming reality. A city committee voted unanimously this week to back...
Noemi Legaspi Launches Republican Campaign for Oregon House District 22 in Competitive Race
WOODBURN — Mental-health clinician and longtime Woodburn community leader Noemi Legaspi has entered the race for the Republican nomination in Oregon’s closely watched House District 22, setting up a potential...
Tracy Cramer Launches 2026 Senate Bid in Competitive Marion County District
Former state Rep. Tracy Cramer, a Republican who served one term in the Oregon House, announced Monday she is running for the state Senate in 2026. Cramer is seeking the...