Governor Tina Kotek has announced that she will appoint Jeffrey D. Auxier to the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Auxier fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Amy Baggio. In an announcement of her appointment, Governor Kotek indicated that Auxier received the most votes in the November 2024 general election and that "the appointment reflects the will of the voters in Multnomah County." The appointment is effective immediately. Article V, Section 16 of the Oregon Constitution says that "[W]hen at any time a vacancy occurs...in the office of judge of any court, the governor shall fill such vacancy by appointment"

In this case, an election did precede the appointment, but it need not, and in nearly all cases, judges resign partway through a term and -- as provided in the Oregon Constitution -- the replacement appointment is made by the Governor. Nearly all Oregon Governors are from the west side of the state, and an even higher percentage from the Willamette Valley. Since 2014, Oregon Governors (Brown, Kotek) have hailed from the Portland metro area. This has a disruptive effect on the regional ties judges have to their communities in other parts of the state.

Jeffrey Auxier's left-leaning credentials are unquestionable. He was a member of OHSU Gun Violence Review Commission.

In an interview with the Oregonian Editorial Board prior to the November 2024 elections, Auxier said:

In July of this year, I served as the lead prosecutor in State v. Rahnique Jackson, a murder case in which a man was stabbed to death for defending his transgender friend. The case lacked meaningful surveillance footage or forensic evidence, and relied heavily on eyewitness testimony. I biked around Portland to meet my witnesses after they got off work at bars and restaurants. Connecting with Portlanders of varying gender identities and racial backgrounds who wanted to help their community and honor Colin’s life deepened my connection to the city and strengthened the case.

This case was rigorously and publicly prosecuted by then-Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt.

Again, from the same interview,

As district attorney of Columbia County, I made several decisions that were not always politically popular but they were the right thing to do. Following my appointment as DA in 2017, I inherited the case of State v. Daniel Butts, in which the defendant was charged with murdering the chief of police in Rainier. Many members of the community wanted me to pursue the death penalty in that case, but after working closely with law enforcement and the family of the victim, I gained their support to pursue a life sentence, which better accounted for the defendant’s mental illness.

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-12-04 14:38:57

Last Update: 2024-12-04 15:28:23

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek released her 2025-2027 recommended budget entitled “Building on Progress”.

Governor Kotek says she continues to consult with the Governor’s Racial Justice Council, and these conversations have helped inform her approach to decision making. She states: “My approach to being your Governor will always be grounded in truth, pragmatism, and a relentless pursuit of equitable outcomes for all Oregonians. The December revenue forecast projects stability for Oregon, and I am pleased to share that my budget does not lay off people or cut services, and instead strategically deepens our commitment to building progress on Oregonians’ top priorities while remaining disciplined when it comes to new programs. I fundamentally believe the Legislature needs to pass budgets for the next two years that build on the progress we have achieved together.”

Governor Kotek made housing and homelessness a top priority in 2023-24, and continues down that path.

The Homelessness budget includes infrastructure to stabilize partnerships. Her 2025-2027 budget shows resolve toward continuing a progressive plan committing more than $700 million, including:

• $217.9 million to maintain Oregon’s statewide system of shelters. The Oregonians who are still spending the night on our streets are relying on statewide support and we cannot afford to allow our progress to stall.
• $188.2 million to maintain current efforts to transition Oregonians out of homelessness and into housing. The Oregon Rehousing Initiative gets Oregon families into safe, stable housing, and keeps them there.
• $173.2 million to maintain services to prevent Oregonians from becoming homeless in the first place. The most cost effective strategy to combat our homelessness crisis is to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.

The failed Housing Program she says takes persistence, and her 2025-2027 recommended budget continues to focus on increasing Oregon’s housing supply in every part of the state by committing more than $1.4 billion including:

• $880 million new bond authority to build more affordable housing and homeownership pathways. The recommended budget reflects a dogged commitment to meet the state’s housing production goals and includes $780 million to build affordable rental homes and $100.9 million for new homeownership units.
• $100 million to establish a new housing infrastructure program. These new funds will establish a new housing infrastructure program to fund water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure linked to new housing development to unlock thousands of new affordable and market rate rental and homeownership units.
• $57.6 million to continue efforts for supporting first-time home buyers and Oregonians looking to buy an affordable home. Homeownership is out of reach for many working families, keeping Oregonians from building wealth over the long term. This investment supports homeownership development and homebuyer assistance.

Not all agree with Governor Kotek’s proposal. Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) criticized Governor Kotek’s proposed budget for lacking a bold vision to address Oregon’s worsening housing crisis, highlighting her administration’s failure to meet its own housing production goals.

“When Governor Kotek took office, she set an ambitious goal of building 36,000 housing units per year to address Oregon’s severe housing shortage. Yet, the latest report shows that only 18,000 units were built in 2023—less than half of her target and even fewer than the 20,000 units built in 2022,” said Bonham. “This failure reflects the shortcomings of the policies she continues to champion.”

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“Under Governor Kotek’s leadership, housing policies have been largely driven by bureaucracy and ideology, prioritizing government-subsidized projects over real solutions to increase supply, reduce costs, and empower working families. Her new budget doubles down on the same failed strategies that have left Oregonians behind. It's time for a new vision—one that focuses on affordability, homeownership, and economic opportunity for all,” added Bonham.

Senate Republicans are committed to delivering a housing policy that works for every Oregonian. This means focusing on increasing housing supply across the spectrum, reducing regulatory burdens that drive up costs, and addressing the skyrocketing energy prices that make it harder to build and maintain homes.

“Oregonians don’t need more empty promises or half-measures. They need real solutions to bring housing within reach. Senate Republicans will continue to fight for policies that deliver the American Dream for Oregonians,” concluded Bonham.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-12-03 17:01:20

Last Update: 2024-12-03 19:13:12

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek released her 2025-2027 recommended budget entitled “Building on Progress”.

Governor Kotek says she continues to consult with the Governor’s Racial Justice Council, and these conversations have helped inform her approach to decision making. She states: “My approach to being your Governor will always be grounded in truth, pragmatism, and a relentless pursuit of equitable outcomes for all Oregonians.” Voters could ask how her council, her biggest influence, represents “all” Oregonians.

She touts that her “budget does not lay off people or cut services, and instead strategically deepens her commitment to building progress on Oregonians’ top priorities while remaining disciplined when it comes to new programs.” As Oregonians deal with inflation, growing government isn’t even on Santa’s wish list. “I fundamentally believe the Legislature needs to pass budgets for the next two years that build on the progress we have achieved together.” The majority of Oregonians are scratching their heads to list what she has accomplished.

Governor Kotek made housing and homelessness a top priority in 2023-24, and continues down that path dedicating $700 million for homelessness after the 2023 legislature recriminalized drug laws. It took a 210 percent increase in fentanyl-related deaths for the legislature to correct a failed policy that increased homelessness. Kotek is also asking for $1.4 billion for housing supply after the prior attempt failed in accountability. (See companion article on homelessness and housing funding.)

Funding for Behavioral Health includes aligning treatment capacity with workforce capacity to close gaps in services. Since day one, Governor Kotek has been working to make her vision for Oregon’s behavioral health system possible: access to care no matter where you live or what you can afford. The 2025-2027 Governor’s Recommended Budget focuses on building treatment capacity and supporting a strong behavioral health workforce by committing more than $330 million, including:

• $90 million in General Fund backfill of ARPA investments for capacity building. The Governor’s budget includes a $90 million investment towards capacity building for adult mental health services, substance use disorder residential treatment, and withdrawal management.
• $50 million General Fund backfill from ARPA to strengthen workforce investments. Governor Kotek is focused on increasing the supply and distribution of a diverse and culturally responsive behavioral health workforce by investing $25.7 million in behavioral health education and training programs, wrap-around supports for students, and tuition assistance and scholarships, and investing $24.3 million in graduate stipends, loan repayment, and peer and manager support for the community mental health workforce.
• $40 million to continue deflection services through the Criminal Justice Commission. The funding supports deflection coordinators, peers and counselors who give individuals struggling with addiction the opportunity to avoid legal consequences and to seek treatment instead.

Governor Kotek’s vision for her Children and Youth funding is to invest for a stronger, healthier future. Building on her education initiative work, she is advancing a multipronged approach to supporting Oregon’s children and youth for a better future in Oregon by committing more than $835 million, including:

• $600 million increase to strengthen the State School Fund Current Service Level (CSL) for a total of $11.36 billion. The Governor is recommending a three-pronged approach to adjusting funding for the State School Fund to move the needle on student outcomes and provide more accurate and predictable funding for K-12 public education across Oregon, along with adjusting the calculation to account for the recent PERS rate increase.
• $205.5 million to provide additional targeted funding to help more students get on track for success. By recommending $127 million to maintain and strengthen previous early literacy investments and $78.5 million to expand and make ongoing investments in summer learning programs, Oregon’s students will get more help to overcome pandemic learning loss.
• $25 million for youth behavioral health investments. Governor Kotek is recommending new investments in targeted residential and community-based behavioral health and substance use disorder capacity, expansion of mental health services, prevention services for school-based health centers, and funding to expand youth suicide prevention work.

"The Department of Transportation is asking for an additional $1.7 billion per year. The Governor’s budget leaves a massive hole that will likely be filled with new taxes. It’s time for the legislature to live within its means and prioritize essential services—just as every Oregonian is forced to do in this struggling economy.”

“Oregonians are sending a clear message that they want a state where everyone has the freedom and opportunity to succeed. House Democrats will protect what makes Oregon special and show that this state is for everyone. We take this responsibility seriously,” said Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, S. Beaverton). “In the 2025 session, we will improve the lives of all Oregonians with a focus on affordability, making government work, and keeping Oregonians safe. It’s time to get to work delivering results for working people and protecting Oregonians’ basic rights and freedoms.”

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In response to Governor Tina Kotek’s 2025 budget proposal, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) stated: "Budgets express priorities and it is clear Governor Kotek's priority is to protect the status quo. This budget has no new ideas and no new vision. What was put forward today is more of the same from Governor Kotek. The Governor proposed a budget that is unsustainable without implementing substantial new taxes, that Oregonians cannot afford and do not support.

“Whether it’s schools, addiction, roads or public safety, under Governor Kotek’s leadership, this budget means Oregonians can expect to pay more, but get less,” Drazen concludes.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-12-03 12:03:17

Last Update: 2024-12-03 19:12:24

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is using her constitutional authority to call a special session of the Oregon Legislature, to begin on Thursday, December 12, for lawmakers to appropriate funds to pay for the historic 2024 wildfire season. A record 1.9 million acres burned this wildfire season, far exceeding the state’s 10-year average of 640,000 acres per season and incurring costs upwards of $350 million. While over half of the costs will eventually be covered by disaster relief funds from the federal government, the state needs to pay its bills as expeditiously as possible.

“The unprecedented 2024 wildfire season required all of us to work together to protect life, land, and property, and that spirit of cooperation must continue in order to meet our fiscal responsibilities,” said Governor Kotek. “I am grateful to legislative leaders for coming to consensus that our best course of action is to ensure the state’s fire season costs are addressed and bills paid by the end of the calendar year.”

The Governor is asking the Legislature to release a combined total of $218 million to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to address all costs for the season assumed to date. This includes meeting the state’s financial obligations to small, medium, and large contractors who worked tirelessly to protect and support Oregonians for more than five months.

“Fighting wildfires of the magnitude we saw this season required a tremendous level of resources that even wildfire experts couldn’t foresee,” said House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta). “Now, as we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, we need to make good on our commitments and pay our bills so that the contractors who fought fires in Oregon can be made whole. Convening now will enable us to do so, and to chart a bipartisan path forward to address our state’s most pressing needs.”

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Wildfires this season destroyed at least 42 homes and 132 other structures, and caused severe disruptions and damage to transportation facilities, utility infrastructure, and natural resource economies. In July, Governor Kotek declared a State of Emergency in response to the threat of wildfire and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act a state record 17 times to mobilize structural firefighting resources coordinated by OSFM to local communities and thousands of wildland firefighting personnel and resources coordinated by ODF.

Oregonians are perplexed over the number of acres burned. If 86% of wildfires are man caused, why are the blaming climate change? How many of those man made fires were prescribed burns? The National Forest Service intents to repeat prescribed burns every five years. The trees that survived the 2021 prescribed burns are now dead hit by current wildfires that had the potential of two billion board feet of timber harvest.

According to ODF, the state’s share of 2024 fire season net cost is $123 million. Net costs are gross costs minus reimbursements from federal or other state agencies. The September 2024 emergency funds provided for 2024 net costs was $40 million, leaving $83 million. ODF intended to request the $83 million from the December Emergency Board, which is the remaining portion of the state’s share (net) of wildfire costs for the 2024 fire season. The gross cost will eventually be reimbursed by sources such as FEMA and USFS, but ODF has to carry that debt and pay those bills in the meantime. After the most expensive fire season in Oregon’s history, it’s clear that ODF needs financial help to make it until federal funds are received for reimbursements.

Will Governor Kotek enforce a 2010 administrative rule mandating that ODF harvest enough timber from state forests to fulfill its obligations to manage the forests. As chief of the Land Board, her decision to advance HCP, cutting production by over 50% is putting a bigger burden on taxpayers to cover wildfire costs, and having total disregard for rule of law.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-26 17:39:28

Last Update: 2024-11-26 19:15:37

The 2024 election has left Oregon Senate Republicans in a superminority position. With Republicans taking control of the White House, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate, there’s a concern that the Oregon Democrat Majority may pursue an increasingly extreme agenda. The Senate Republicans Caucus released their priorities for the 2025 legislative session advancing common-sense policies, and safeguard the interests of Oregonians. They state, “we’re prepared to stand firm, and… ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this new political landscape.”

The areas they want to prioritize that will impact Oregonians the most are:

1. Strong Economy
2. A Safer State
3. A Better Future for Oregon’s Children
4. A More Accountable Government

The Oregon Senate Republican Caucus is focused on practical solutions that make life better for all Oregonians. Whether it’s improving public safety, making life more affordable, or supporting good jobs and schools, they are committed to building a safer, stronger, and more affordable Oregon for everyone. They aren’t just focusing on the problems, they are asking for input to make a real difference in people's lives.

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December 10-12 are Legislative Days where committees hold informational hearings on potential legislation, review updates on past bills, and hear reports from state agencies.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-26 17:30:46

Last Update: 2024-11-26 19:28:39

School Board elections could not come soon enough for St. Helens parents. Following the arrests of two teachers on sexual abuse charges, the St. Helens School District has placed its superintendent, Scot Stockwell, and high school principal, Katy Wagner, on paid administrative leave. The district has also accepted the resignation of its school board chair, Ryan Scholl.

On November 12, 2024, the St. Helens Police Department arrested Eric Stearns, a 46-year-old choir teacher at St. Helens High School facing seven counts of second-degree sex abuse and one count of third-degree sex abuse involving six students, according to police. Mark Collins, a 64-year-old former math teacher, arrested on two counts of second-degree sex abuse and one count of attempted second-degree sex abuse. The allegations against Collins involve three students, police said. The arrests came after a two-month investigation.

Parents and students are protesting and want to know why the board didn’t take action in 2019 when they were informed of abuse allegations against Stearns, and didn’t notify authorities.

• November 12, 2024: Stearns and Collins were arrested on sexual abuse charges.
• November 14, 2024: Principal Katy Wagner was placed on administrative leave.
• November 15, 2024: School Board Chair Ryan Scholl resigned.
• November 16, 2024: Superintendent Scot Stockwell was placed on paid administrative leave.

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Eric Stearns has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually abusing six students between 2015 and January 2024. Mark Collins has pleaded not guilty on sex abuse involving three minors between 2017 and 2023. The district is also being investigated for not forwarding the report to law enforcement.

Moving forward, the district has stated its goal is to ensure a safe and positive learning environment, with clear steps to address the concerns of students, families, and community members. St. Helens School Board appointed an acting superintendent to address the rapidly escalating crisis.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-26 16:10:08

Last Update: 2024-11-26 19:29:10

In November 2021, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) adopted the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT), following in the footsteps of the California Air Resource Board’s rules that limit the kinds of vehicles Oregonians can purchase. The first phase of those new regulations takes effect January 1, 2025.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) sent a letter to EQC asking for a delay in the implementation of the ACT rules that will lead to the ban of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Oregon. This includes RVs, heavy duty pickup trucks like Ford F-250 and -350, utility vehicles, tow trucks, and semi-trucks. The rules require medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a certain percentage of new vehicle sales, beginning with the 2025 model year. RV, pickup truck, and semi-truck manufacturers must increase their zero-emission new truck sales in Oregon year-over-year based on the truck’s size. The ban begins in 2025, requiring between 7-11% (depending on Class size) of sales to be ZEV, and increases in percentage to 100% by 2036.

The letter says in part:

“Given the lack of technological advancements and infrastructure necessary to support this transition, I believe that the implementation of these rules, while well-intentioned, will actually slow the reduction of emissions from the transportation sector while harming local industries and communities who rely on trucks to keep Oregon’s economy moving.”

Due partly to the lack of technological advancement, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maine have since backed off their commitment to adopt the California standards. Colorado, Maryland, and Rhode Island have also delayed implementation. Federal law allows states that choose to adopt CARB regulations to modify implementation dates, but the substance of the regulations must be identical to California’s.

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“Oregon’s climate change policies need to get back in touch with reality,” Representative Boshart Davis said. “A 100% ban on new diesel pickups, RV’s and semi-trucks by 2036 should alarm everyone. Without immediate action from the EQC, countless everyday Oregonians who rely on essential equipment to make a living will find themselves unable to purchase that equipment. Without action, these regulations will do irreparable harm to Oregon businesses and working people. I urge the EQC to take immediate action and delay these rules.”

You can read the entire letter here.

The EQC is scheduled to meet on November 21 about potential paths forward regarding the ACT rules. There are new inventive energy systems being develop that will soon revolutionize vehicles that should cause a delay in all restrictions of use of fuels whether for vehicles or energy.

See the agenda here.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-15 02:18:46

Last Update: 2024-11-15 00:10:35

The final District 4 election results are in and Oregon Fourth Congressional District will return Val Hoyle to Washington D.C. to represent an average of 706,917 residents in Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Lane, Benton, Linn and a portion of Douglas County.

Challenging Hoyle was Monique DeSpain, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, mother of twin boys, and public policy advocate who resides in Eugene, Oregon. She has been the Republican nominee for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, running to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle in 2024 to bring about a safer, more prosperous Oregon. She issued the following statement and challenge to Hoyle:

“I am immensely proud of our campaign that led the public debate on the top issues voters care about. We shed a bright light on the truth about the disastrous policies and corrupt conduct of the elected official who has been representing us these past two years,” noted DeSpain.

“Despite being outspent 3 to 1 and inundated with more than $1 million of ads telling baldfaced lies, our campaign message of restoring public safety, securing our border, stopping fentanyl, ending homelessness, bringing back an affordable, prosperous economy, preventing wildfires, and ensuring a transparent and accountable government clearly resonated with voters and forced my opponent to run ads paying lip service to them - issues she made no mention of in her voter pamphlet statement or during her previous years representing Oregonians.”

“With nearly 157,610 or 30% of the 526,538 eligible 4th District voters not casting ballots in this election, there were still too many voters who chose to remain silent when it mattered the most. To bring about the change we seek, these voters must awaken and participate in the political process that dictates the direction of Oregon and our nation.”

“Bottom line: this election is not the end, but just the beginning of holding Val Hoyle accountable for delivering bipartisan results she has promised. I challenge her to actually vote to secure our border, to stop fentanyl from entering Oregon and killing our people, to prevent wildfires rather than fund fires, to end, not just fund, homelessness, to deliver infrastructure with $2.3B of funding to the Coos Bay Port, and to kill the reviled BOEM windfarms threatening our coastal communities,” said DeSpain. “And, all of us will be watching with great interest how the U.S. Department of Justice proceeds with their current investigation of Val Hoyle’s pay-to-play scheme to strong-arm the illegal BOLI grant of over $500,000 for La Mota’s nonprofit Endeavor.”

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“In the coming weeks and months, I will be exploring various opportunities to continue to make a difference on the key issues that we care about, those issues which I have fought to address during my campaign. Our district and our nation are worth it.”

DeSpain fought for bold, effective solutions to the problems that really matter to the people of this District. “Though we didn’t achieve our goal to replace our corrupt incumbent career politician by deploying me to Congress, my outstanding team and I want to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the voters, volunteers, and contributors from all parties and parts of the District for their hard work, generosity in time and resources, and constant moral support and prayers. I am honored to have raised your voices. Thank you.”

She can be contacted via Communications Director, Kevin Hoar, at kevinghoar@gmail.com or call 503-866-3264.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-11-15 01:01:01

Last Update: 2024-11-15 00:09:53

Initial DMV release of its After Action Report, which identified additional errors in its processes resulted in 302 individuals being registered to vote who did not provide proof of their eligibility. In response, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade directed county elections officials to inactivate all 302 voter registrations.

Secretary Griffin-Valade also joined Governor Tina Kotek calling for an independent, external audit of the Motor Votor system.

Secretary Griffin-Valade stated, “The DMV’s After Action Report raises serious concerns about this important part of our voter registration system. The first step in restoring the public’s trust in Motor Voter is a transparent review by a neutral third party operating under strict government auditing standards.”

The investigation by DMV increased the number to 1,259 in September. Two days after the election DMV says they have found 56 more non-citizens who were added to the voter rolls making the total 1,617 since the error was discovered.

According to the After Action Report:

The system was configured to use a drop-down menu of document choices, where the default choices included U.S. passport (as opposed to any other kind of passport) and U.S. birth certificate (as opposed to any other kind of birth certificate). This configuration did not separate documents that prove U.S. citizenship from those that do not and did not take into proper account the need to minimize potential for human error when accurate input for OMV purposes should have been paramount. Front-line staff were not adequately trained on the importance of accuracy in this part of a transaction and why it was critical for the reliability of OMV to take the time to get it right every time.

Secretary Griffin-Valade instructed the Oregon Elections Division to take steps to increase its oversight of the Motor Voter system. DMV hired a new Motor Voter oversight position to ensure automatic voter registration policies and procedures are reviewed, updated and followed with regular data checks. Additionally, she directed corrective action to be taken to protect the integrity of the 2024 election. County clerks were to inactivate all ineligible voter registrations and issue “due process” letters providing them with the opportunity to reregister if they can confirm their eligibility. In a second layer of security, ensure that any ballots returned from this group are not counted without first verifying eligibility to ensure the error does not impact the 2024 election.

Do we know these individuals’ citizenship status?
No. We simply know that they did not present the necessary documentation supporting their eligibility when they interacted with the DMV.

Did any of these individuals vote? And if so, what will be done with them?
The Oregon Elections Division will work with the 36 county election officers to determine if there are any individuals with a vote history and follow the same process used with the previous data sent over by the DMV in September.

Counties will be instructed to flag these ballots in the election management system. If any ballots are returned, they will be removed from the vote tallying process. The voter will be given an opportunity to demonstrate that they are eligible, but if that doesn’t happen the votes will not be counted.

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“Both the Secretary of State’s office and the Department of Motor Vehicles assured voters there were no more issues to be found, but again they were wrong. They also assured voters nothing would impact the 2024 election; how are voters to be sure they are not wrong about that also?” said Representative Anna Scharf (R-Amity). “What is clear is that there are major flaws in the Motor Voter system. Yes, we should have an independent audit, but there should also be an investigation performed into possible violations of the law”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-11-11 12:42:59

Last Update: 2024-11-11 17:28:30

According to the 2022 Oregon Student Health Survey taken by 6th, 8th and 11th grade students, 12% think they are transgender, gender-expansive, or questioning. The survey is used to gather data to increase gender-affirming support for youth, families, and educators, and build legacies of love and support for transgender and gender expansive youth in our school communities during Transgender Awareness Month and all year.

According to the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan, student focus groups reported, “a majority of students we heard from believe that their curriculum is not sufficiently inclusive of LGBTQ2SIA+ people or issues.” Only 3 out of 10 Oregon LGBTQ2SIA+ students said they were taught positive representations of LGBTQ2SIA+ figures, history, or events with inclusive instructional materials, and fewer than 2 out of 10 reported receiving inclusive sex education in school.

In Director Dr. Charlene Williams’ monthly report, she expounded on creating spaces where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging that means also carrying the responsibility to show up well, to make room for learning and growth, and to step up when it’s time to make amends. She provides an example, “sometimes getting folks to the table requires us to think about how we are welcoming them: strong relationships with families, as well as intentional communication, are impacting attendance rates for kindergartners in Yoncalla, Oregon. Yoncalla kindergartners are attending school at 93%! This is just one example of how our efforts to reach out to our communities matters significantly for the youth and families we serve.”

Does the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan reach out to present themselves as being inclusive? Or is the program so self-centered it conveys their own exclusion? How should inclusion be taught so it goes two ways? President-elect Trump has announced that on day one he will set up processes that may affect how Oregon schools treat equity and diversity.

Trump states: “I will revoke Joe Biden’s cruel policies on so called gender affirming care, a process that includes giving kids puberty blockers, mutating their physical appearance and ultimately performing surgery on minor children. I will sign an executive order for all agencies to cease programs that promote the concept of sex and gender transition at any age. I will then ask congress to stop any taxpayer dollars to be used to promote or pay for these procedures and pass a law prohibiting child mutilation in all 50 states. Any hospital or healthcare provider that participates in the chemical or physical mutualization of minor youth will no longer meet health and safety standards for Medicaid and Medicare and terminated from the program immediately. Furthermore, I will support the creation of a private right of action for victims to sue doctors who have unforgivably performed these procedures on minor children…

“My department of education will inform school districts, if any teacher or school district suggests to a child that they could be trapped in the wrong body, they will be faced with severe consequences including potential civil rights violations for sex discrimination, and the elimination of federal funding. As a part of our new credentials for teachers, we will promote positive education about the nuclear family, the roles of mothers and fathers, and celebrating rather than erasing the things that make men and women different and unique. I will ask congress to pass a bill that the only genders recognized by the United States government are male and female assigned at birth. The bill will also make clear that Title IX prohibits men from participating in women’s sports. It will protect the rights of parents to allow their minor child to assume a gender which is new and an identity without the parent’s consent…”

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The controversial bill passed by Democrats in 2023, HB 2002, allows abortions without parents’ knowledge or consent. Oregon also lets teens age 15 and up receive state-subsidized gender-affirming care and other medical treatment through school services without parental consent. Oregon has even prevented parents from seeking psychological conversion preventive therapy when a child is confused. It's that 12% that thinks, but not positive they are transgender, gender-expansive, or questioning that run the risk of being abused.

Governor Tina Kotek said of HB 2002, “I want to be very clear. Gender-affirming care is health care.” Oregon should ask what role schools need to play in healthcare and seek a healthier curriculum to serve 100% of the students?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-11 10:10:04

Last Update: 2024-11-11 15:37:20

The League of Women's Voters of Oregon has been running a TV ad in support of Measure 117, Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). The ad is misleading and may be mal-information. They state: "study after study, state after state confirms it’s effective” while displaying two articles that supposedly supports their statement. Those studies are articles written by NBC News,”New voting method that involves ranking candidates gains favor across the nation,” stating that 14 states will consider bills.

USA Today article, “Following a big year, more states push ranked-choice voting,“ simply cites who is using RCV, and not a study. USA Today cites California, Oregon counties and Florida cities.

The League’s ad seems to copy what FairVote Research says on their website. FairVote, a non-partisan organization, takes credit for getting Measure 117 on the ballot in Oregon. They do not identify one actual study done to come up with their ideology. They examined recounts and determined that there were not enough to be concerned about. The issue here is whether fraud can be proven or not, and they don’t seem to have an answer.

A study by the Report: Deficiencies in Recent Research on Ranked Choice Voting Ballot Error Rates (July 13, 2024) found that RCV causes an average of 17% more votes to directly affect the outcome between top candidates. This highlights the potential for inaccuracies in vote tallies.

Overall, studies that have been done highlight the ongoing debate and discussion surrounding ranked choice voting, with proponents arguing it can improve elections and opponents citing concerns about complexity and potential drawbacks of unintended results and transparency.

Some key findings and debates from these studies include:

• Inadequate testing and implemented incorrectly leading to errors.
• RCV’s complexity and difficult to understand leading to voter confusion.
• Lack of standardization leading to inconsistent application and potential errors.
• The impact of RCV on candidate quality and diversity.
• The effectiveness of RCV in reducing spoilers and vote splitting.
• The potential benefits of RCV in increasing voter satisfaction and participation.
• The need for further research and evaluation of RCV’s effects in different contexts.

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In areas that have actually used RCV:

1. Ballot Measure 2 in Alaska: The 2020 ballot initiative implemented RCV in Alaska, and opponents argue it is complicated and convoluted. It is on the ballot to repeal after the system provided a win to other than the most popular candidate.
2. Ranked-Choice Voting in Missouri: Amendment 7, a ballot measure in Missouri, aims to ban RCV in the state. Proponents argue that RCV is unnecessary and would lead to confusing elections, while opponents claim it would increase voter participation and reduce spoilers.
3. California’s 2023 Oakland Unified School District election, a court-ordered recount revealed errors that changed the outcome of the race.
4. Maine’s 2018 primary election, errors were discovered in the RCV count, leading to a re-count and a changed winner.

Portland City Council races will be using RCV to select City Council members. Architects of the system hoped for a more diverse set of policymakers, and political experts predicted candidates would identify with policy-aligned slates and encourage voters to rank multiple candidates.

While ranked choice voting aims to promote more representative outcomes, its counting process can produce faulty results due to errors, inaccuracies, and complexity. To ensure the integrity of election results, it is essential to prioritize thorough testing, due diligence, and transparency in the counting process.

Failing this, the choice is to vote No on Measure 117.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-03 23:43:50

Last Update: 2024-11-04 00:06:59

Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Beau Peterson dismissed the Jewell School District’s case against the state over the Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) limits on logging that will lead to reduced funding for the district. The Jewell School District with 124 students, funds its current $4.3 million budget entirely with state forest timber harvests. They rely on timber harvests along with 13 Forest Trust Land Counties.

The School District argued that the Oregon Department of Forestry will cause the school and the forestry department serious financial harm by allowing the HCP to move forward that will reduce logging more than 35% in the Clatsop State Forest. The HCP will scale back logging on 630,000 acres for the next 70 years claiming to protect 17 threatened or endangered species.

Judge Peterson’s decision stated there was not enough evidence that the forestry department couldn’t find other cost-saving or revenue-generating activities to make up for any lost revenue from the HCP. He must not be aware that ODF is asking taxpayers for $450 million in lost wildfire revenue, or that a 2010 administrative rule mandates that ODF harvest enough timber from state forests to fulfill its obligations to manage the forests. The judge also determined that ruling against the state on the HCP wouldn’t guarantee the school district would receive financial relief. The judge is making a political decision leaving Jewell’s fate to taxpayers because the Oregon Department of Education is obligated to provide adequate funding. Under the state education funding equalization formula, Jewell would take a 17% cut with the timber harvest reduction.

Recently, an Oregonian had the opportunity to ask President Trump his thoughts on removing dead trees and debree from forest floors instead of backburning. After he explained the need for the jobs wasted, Trump agreed that the jobs are important to rural communities and he will look into a more productive forest management plan.

Meanwhile an investigation is brewing to carry on the work of the National Wildfire Institute (NWI) to continue research into the increasing wildfires that pose financial risks to communities in addition to the HCP. The need for USFS to better manage its wildfires and forestlands includes immediate snag salvage and site preparation followed by better reforestation planning and forest maintenance strategies for future generations.

In the past 10 years, 51 communities in western states were struck by wildfires started on National Forests, and most of those are in the legal range of spotted owls and subjected to the NWFP. These communities had at least 30 structures burned; or 50% of a community’s structures. A part of the project is to determine if the source of fires are related to parts of the forest management practices.

Bob Zybach, spearheading the project, said, ”We were pretty shocked at how recent most of the fires were, and also that they were almost entirely related to USFS lands. All indications are that the September 2020 fires were at least as destructive, if not as deadly, as the historic 1871 and 1910 Fires.”

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As reports come out on increasingly destructive wildfires in western states, regrowth is proving to be slow. It isn’t just that nursery can’t keep up with seed supply, training enough workers is difficult to prepare burnt sites and replant. The Forest Service says the biggest roadblock is the never-ending task of completing environmental and cultural assessments and preparing severely burnt land for replanting.

Now studies show a slowing of regrowth blamed on climate change producing extended drought. This makes young trees more vulnerable to repeat fires and often killing them. Research indicates hot fires also can harden the ground leaving barren slopes susceptible to washing away in rainstorms and polluting waterways that may never recover.

Forestry practices have been a hot topice for decades, starting with enviornmental and conservation clamp downs to forest management, which has steadly increased wildfire risks. For the first time, what once was a self-supported Oregon Department of Forestry, it is in the red asking for taxpayer bailout. While some call the HCP illegal, it will also have its toll on taxpayers to makeup for reduction in harvesting timber as many counties and school districts rely on those funds.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-11-01 15:18:46

Last Update: 2024-11-01 16:49:46