State Rep. Paul Evans (D-Monmouth) has a reputation of running to the left of his Willamette valley district, which includes Monmouth, Independence, West Salem and parts of South Salem.

The American Federation of Teachers-Oregon, a radical union group, has endorsed just a handful of politicians this election, but one of them is State Rep. Paul Evans. He proudly displays their endorsement on his website. Recently, the American Federation of Teachers-Oregon called to “disarm, defund, and ultimately abolish police forces.”

You'll recall that Rep. Evans signed a letter with fellow Democrat legislators that called for law enforcement to be removed from Portland. Since the letter was signed, violence escalated in Portland and other cities, including the shooting death of an innocent man.

Experts note that Evans' association with these causes and groups is generally regarded to be to the political left of the centrist Salem suburbs that he represents.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-19 13:06:04

Last Update: 2020-09-16 14:59:31

Editor's note: Oregon Abigail Adams Voter Education Project equips voters with information on how candidates stand on issues through a questionnaire process featured in comparison guides.

Candidate for House District 48 Edward Marihart is challenging incumbent Jeff Reardon, his 5th run to represent portions of Clackamas and Multnomah Counties.

Three major issues to Oregon voters are the economy, safety and education. Reardon voted to increase taxes and fees including cap and trade, corporate gross receipts tax (CAT), and reduce the kicker. Voted against an agriculture necessities exemption from the CAT tax, and voted for the prohibition on hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas exploration and production. In the 2020 Special Session he voted for a 6% cell phone tax. Marihart indicates he would vote no on these issues and says he doesn’t support any “new tax and personal income tax should be reduced.”

Reardon’s idea of safety is to sign a letter to US Attorney General William Barr demanding “immediate withdrawal of federal operatives from the City of Portland.” He helped sponsor the bill that nullified Measure 88 passed by voters allowing undocumented driver’s license and he helped sponsor a bill that allows not requiring proof of citizenship to obtain a driver’s license. Voted to require employers to notify employees of ICE investigations, and prevent courts from asking immigration status and notifying ICE. Marihart would vote no and supports voters. He also supports the work of ICE and the courts.

In the area of education, Reardon voted to include contributions in all curricula from every minority group such as immigrants, LGBTQ, disabled and women. He voted for mandated vaccinations with no exceptions and to ban students from schools that don’t comply. Marihart would vote against forced vaccinations for private schools, and would vote against curriculum mandates to include minority group contributions. He supports local control and school choice.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-18 14:31:59

Last Update: 2020-09-18 15:06:24

State Representative Paul Evans (D-Monmouth) -- like many of his fellow Democrats in the legislature -- finds it easy to vote to raise taxes on Oregonians. He's not found it easy to pay his own, it seems.

Some of the more prominent tax increases that Rep. Evans has voted for are:

• A massive, tax-based greenhouse gas reduction program, costing Oregonians over $2.8 billion biennially.
• A regressive commercial activity tax, which some called a "hidden sales tax, costing Oregonians over $2 billion biennially.
• A cell-phone tax, which will tax cell phone customers in his district for the purpose of expanding broadband outside his district.

When it came time to give tax relief to Oregonians, he voted against considering bills that would be provided a $1,000 income child tax credit to working families, given student relief on student loans, and given seniors property tax relief.

State Department of Revenue records show that he has accrued nearly $17,000 in tax liens. Pundits have noted that it's ironic that while Rep. Evans wants to increase taxes, he seems to be unable to pay his own.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-18 14:14:06

Last Update: 2020-09-16 14:59:04

Thousands of Oregonians, their livestock, and their animals are displaced following Oregon’s devastating wildfires. Many shelters, private groups and citizens are now housing these animals, some of which do not have known owners. While many of these groups are advertising lost animals on their websites or social media it can be difficult for the public to know where to look. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has created an online database and website to help.

The ODA Animal Tracker is meant to assist Oregonians looking for animals displaced during the wildfires. This tracker is not intended to replace existing systems already in place at county animal shelters. In order to make the database work, animal shelters, private citizens and groups caring for animals without known owners can email ODA with information and photos. That information will be added to the database and continuously updated. Therefore, owners are asked to visit often if they don’t see their animal listed.

If you are caring for animals without a known owner due to the wildfires you can have the animals listed by emailing ODA at animaltrack@oda.state.or.us. The email must include the following information:

Shelter Name & Location Shelter Phone Number Shelter Email Address Location where animal was found (as much detail as known) Species Color Sex Picture(s) of animals Livestock – Left side, Right side, Face/head, any identifying marks (brands, scars, ear tags) Pets – Left side, Right side, face/head, back

If the shelter, private citizen or group does not have the means to collect and email this information, please call ODA’s Brand Inspection program at 503-986-4685 to request help. It is important to remember that it against the law to keep found livestock. If assistance is needed to verify ownership of livestock, please contact ODA to request the assistance of your local brand inspector (503-986-4685).

County shelter links can also be found on the ODA Animal Tracker for owners to search as well. County shelters will be responsible for ensuring ownership of animals discharged from their shelter.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-17 17:04:46

Last Update: 2020-09-17 17:23:48

Clackamas County Chair-Elect Tootie Smith announced today that she filed an official complaint with the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division against regional governing body METRO for sponsoring a partisan, political candidate fundraiser hosted by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

The event occurred as a virtual fundraiser on September 11, 2020 and featured guest speakers like Governor Kate Brown and Democratic Secretary of State candidate Shemia Fagan. The event raised at least $123,000 while featuring endorsements of two candidates for METRO Council, many Democratic candidates for state legislature and other offices, and even promoting METRO’S own $7 billion-dollar transportation tax on the ballot this November.

“I am disgusted that METRO would so boldly violate Oregon’s elections laws and take advantage of taxpayers in this way”, stated Tootie Smith. “Not only is METRO a publicly-funded agency that is prohibited from using taxpayer resources on any political committee, candidate, or ballot measure election, but they did so to promote their $7 billion-dollar tax measure as residents in my county were literally losing everything they own to wildfires that are still burning here. Arrogantly violating the law and the public’s trust should come with swift consequences,” Smith demanded.

The virtual event was held on Friday, September 11th from 6:30-8pm and stated in its promotional materials that all proceeds would benefit OLCV’s mission which specifically includes “electing pro-environment candidates to office”. Oregon League of Conservation Voters is registered with the Secretary of State as a political action committee (PAC) which prohibits METRO from being able to participate as a public government agency.

Shockingly, current candidate for Secretary of State Shemia Fagan failed to recognize the violation of state election law. Fagan was caught in the video recording stating, “I demand that you donate to the Oregon League of Conservation Voters to make sure that we can send back pro-environment, pro-democracy legislators to Salem.”

“As if METRO’s bureaucratic blind spots aren’t bad enough, we have a secretary of state candidate who claims she wants fair elections but is busy using our tax dollars to promote her campaign,” said Smith. “The event celebrated Governor Brown and candidate Shemia Fagan as ‘climate heroes’ of 2020, while my county was burning up as a result of the failed environmental policies they support. The stunning disconnect proves neither of these people are qualified to run the state."

"They were having fun, 'sipping champagne', and asking people to give $2,500 donations to political campaigns, while my neighbors were scrambling to evacuate their homes and save their livestock and property. Meanwhile, Oregonians with few means were giving $5 to GoFundMe drives because the state was not prepared for a disaster. Shame on Governor Brown and Senator Shemia Fagan!” exclaimed Smith.

Clackamas County’s Riverside wildfire has burned over 135,000 acres and many parts of the county are still under evacuation warnings. The fire is barely contained. On September 11th, Mollala’s 8,000 residents, including Chair-Elect Smith, had just been given a Level 3 “Go Now” warning and surrounding Oregon City, Canby and Sandy were upgraded to Level 2 “Be Ready to Leave”. Tens of thousands of metro-area residents have been displaced and many have had their homes and property destroyed.

“Last Friday, when this fundraiser occurred, I was fleeing my home and scrambling to help my neighbors in need,” explained Smith. “I’ve been away from my home for eight days and just returned to view the damage. My entire home is smoke-filled and unlivable. To think that our state leaders were celebrating the very policies that exacerbated these fires while our communities burned makes me sick to my stomach. And to know these politicians were blatantly campaigning using our tax dollars to promote extreme and partisan political agendas is not only unethical, it’s illegal,” she stated.

In addition to the elections complaint against METRO, Smith is exploring a possible lawsuit against the agency for its participation and public support of a partisan fundraiser promoting its own bond measure.

A copy of the complaint filed by Chair-Elect Smith can be found here: METRO ELECTIONS COMPLAINT


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-17 15:28:25

Last Update: 2020-09-17 18:08:06

Editor's note: Oregon Abigail Adams Voter Education Project equips voters with information on how candidates stand on issues through a questionnaire process featured in comparison guides.

Two candidates for Secretary of State, Kim Thatcher and Shemia Fagan, both have Senate records that can be compared to give an indication how they would function as Secretary of State and first in-line for Governor. As possible head of the state elections, Fagan sponsored the National Popular Vote Compact diminishing the value of Oregon’s votes, and sponsored the bill to eliminate proof of citizenship to obtain a driver’s license. Thatcher voted no on all these bills.

Three major issues to Oregon voters are the economy, safety and education. Fagan voted to increase taxes and fees including cap and trade, corporate gross receipts tax (CAT), increased fees on public utilities, prohibit hydraulic fracturing, and reduce the kicker. She sponsored a bill to eliminate the mortgage interest deduction from taxable income. When the CAT tax passed on party lines, Thatcher helped sponsor an exemption for agriculture necessities to keep food prices down, and voted to allow farmers to clean ditches without a permit to benefit agricultural drainage and enable fish and habitats, which Fagan voted against. Thatcher voted against increased taxes and fees.

Fagan signed a letter to US Attorney General William Barr demanding “immediate withdrawal of federal operatives from the City of Portland.” She helped sponsor the bill that nullified Measure 88 passed by voters allowing undocumented driver’s license. Voted to prevent courts from asking immigration status and notifying ICE. Thatcher voted to support voter’s voices in Measure 88, and voted to give judges authority over immigration status.

In the area of education, Fagan voted to include in all curriculum’s contributions from every minority group such as immigrants, LGBTQ, disabled and women. She voted to require mandated vaccination with no exceptions and ban those from schools that don’t comply. Thatcher sponsored the Education Savings Account for school choice. She voted no on forced vaccinations.

Other candidates are Kyle Markley and Nathalie Paravicini.




--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-17 14:21:12

Last Update: 2020-09-18 08:24:22

Oregon Health Authority has announced the launch of a statewide COVID-19 wastewater monitoring project to study the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in more than 40 small-to-medium-sized communities around the state. Most of the project will be carried out by Oregon State University researchers, which will include weekly wastewater testing over the next 30 months. Projected to enable epidemiologists to better understand the circulation of COVID-19 in some of Oregon’s communities, and used as an “early warning” system to tell if COVID-19 is spreading silently in communities.

“This program holds promise to help us monitor COVID-19 in our communities,” said Melissa Sutton MD, MPH, Medical Director for Respiratory Viral Pathogens at OHA and a principal investigator for the wastewater study. “We look forward to our partnership with local communities and researchers. Together we hope to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.”

Funding for this program comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, CDC states on their website that the data of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the virus that causes COVID-19 found in untreated wastewater, is limited. “There is little evidence of infectious virus in wastewater, and no information to date that anyone has become sick with COVID-19 because of exposure to wastewater.”

“Septic (i.e., onsite wastewater) systems and community wastewater systems play important roles in sanitation and disease prevention by removing harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites.”

“There is no evidence showing anyone has gotten COVID-19 through drinking water, recreational water, or wastewater. The risk of COVID-19 transmission through water is expected to be low.”

Michigan performed a three-month pilot on wastewater testing. Scientists watch for upticks in the amount of virus in the waste, and can alert local health departments to head-off a potential surge.

At the University of Arizona, similar testing allowed the university to figure out not only which dorm coronavirus cases were coming from, but the two students that were positive.

CDC indicates there is a low probability of finding data, so why are they funding such projects and what is Oregon’s reason for targeting small to medium size communities? Does OHA have the authority to create trigger points for more shutdowns in defenseless communities without their consent?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-17 09:04:57

Uniting under the banner of medical freedom, a Freedom Rally is being held September 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 in Salem. Among a full list of slated speakers is Oregon State Senator Dallas Heard.

Heard was recently featured in National File, after asking a very simple question in a committee hearing, to which he's a legislative member of. When Heard asked Portland Police Chief who was responsible for the violence and destruction in downtown Portland, the meeting was quickly gaveled to a close, and the question labeled dangerous.

Heard is also on record calling out the closure of the State Capitol to the public, during special session, as a grave concern to our Republic. He has championed transparency, and accountability, during a dark time in Oregon's history, after losing public records czar Ginger McCall to intimidation from the Governor's office. Heard is a great asset to his district, and an advocate for freedom.

He said, "Freedom or tyranny are the choices we face and the contrast between the two major parties has never been more defined. I am excited to join thousands of Oregonians in Salem to show Kate Brown and the radical left that we will not go quietly into the night. Freedom is not going away and it's because you and I are here to push back against the darkness that has boldly removed its mask over the past year. This is not just another rally. This is about uniting and organizing under one effort to turnout the vote of freedom this November. Alone we are nothing, united we are the force of freedom and light! Be the light!"

The event will host some of Oregon's most prominent lawmakers, along with issue-based advocacy groups, who are joining forces going into the 2021 long session. Last long session, the State came together and was able to defeat several radical, draconian bills. It's only through a unified front, with very clear objectives, that the grassroots believe they'll find another victory for freedom in this battleground State. Over 30 years of one-party rule is now coming to a head, freedom lovers must ensure balance, or accept defeat to radical progressivism, and communism.

State agencies continue to take, and tax from suffering Oregonians. Some who have recently lost everything to Covid-19, and devastating fires brought on by terrifying forest mismanagement, that values politics over people. Many will soon find that they're unable to rebuild due to new zoning restrictions against single family dwellings. Others will be forced to grapple with the fact that there's simply no budget for victims, as the entire budget was recently shifted and re-appropriated to urban areas, in last month's special session.

Many have become increasingly frustrated, and disillusioned with Oregon's Democratic party, Kate Brown in particular has drawn public criticism and ire. The Oregon Republican Party has reported a huge increase in voter registration, as people are becoming increasingly aware of the issues. Medical Freedom is an issue that is truly bipartisan in reach, yet upheld by the minority party only, as vaccine mandates continue to be pushed on a party line vote. It remains unclear how Trump's rushed Covid-19 vaccine will fit into this, increasingly politicized issue. The love of freedom, without fear of government intrusion, should not be partisan, but heralded by all. Tiffany Galloway, an organizer of the event states "We welcome all to attend, we're here to show support for those who care enough about our freedom to uphold it in the legislature. For us, this isn't about one party over another, it's about the ability to think for ourselves, and make decisions based upon what is right for us as individuals. Individualized medical care, in particular, is the basis for a free and just society. There's a very good reason why bodily autonomy was agreed to in the Nuremberg treaty, the doctor patient relationship is sacred".

You can find out more information about the event on Facebook.

.
--Breeauna Sagdal

Post Date: 2020-09-17 08:51:55

Last Update: 2020-09-17 09:04:57

Federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled Monday that the Pennsylvania Governor’s lockdown orders are unconstitutional, violating both the First and 14th Amendments. The lawsuit argued that Governor Tom Wolf’s orders implemented with state Health Secretary Rachel Levine to shut down businesses violated constitutional liberties.

The 66-page ruling by U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV strict down an order limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings to 25 and 250 people violating “the right of assembly enshrined in the First Amendment.” The stay-home order and mandatory closure of non-essential businesses infringed on citizen freedoms and discriminated based upon arbitrary “life sustaining” and “non-life sustaining” standards breaching the 14th Amendment protections.

The Judge concluded that good intentions in an emergency does not unfetter government’s authority. “The liberties protected by the Constitution are not fair-weather freedoms—in place when times are good but able to be case aside in times of trouble. There is no question that this Country has faced, and will face, emergencies of every sort. But the solution to a national crisis can never be permitted to supersede the commitment to individual liberty that stands as the foundation of the American experiment. The Constitution cannot accept the concept of a “new normal” where the basic liberties of the people can be subordinated to open-ended emergency mitigation measures. Rather, the Constitution sets certain lines that may not be crossed, even in an emergency. Actions taken by Defendants crossed those lines. It is the duty of the Court to declare those actions unconstitutional.”

In Oregon’s Glamour Salon case, the federal judge decision should have a positive impact as Lindsey Graham awaits her day in court. Pushing back against Governor Brown’s shutdown orders, she faced $14,000 in fines and multiple scare tactics to get her to close. After her story went public, it propelled her into standing for small businesses all over the nation that were counting on her to be their voice. She filed a $100,000 civil rights lawsuit in federal court in an attempt to bypass judges appointed by Governor Brown, since the suit is against Governor Brown, the State of Oregon and several state agencies.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-16 17:56:22

Governor Kate Brown convened the first meeting of the Racial Justice Council to address systemic racism in Oregon. In response to Oregonians’ clarion call for racial justice, police accountability, and the recognition that Black Lives Matter, Governor Brown formed the council to take action in advancing anti-racist policies for Oregon.

“This week, as we brace for the impacts of a once in a lifetime wildfire season, we are amidst a global pandemic that has sickened and killed Black, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color at disproportionate rates,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Racism and racial disparities impact every part of our culture and our economy. The pandemic and the fires have further exacerbated these disparities. We know that most Oregonians are feeling the impacts of wind, fires, and the pandemic, but the effects are not felt equally.”

Governor Brown went on to recognize the contributions and advocacy of members of the Council, as well as thousands of Oregonians who have raised their voices in pursuit of racial justice and criminal justice reform following the murder of George Floyd.

“In honor of the memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and too many others, we must center racial equity as we build the state budget and develop our 2021 legislative agenda,” Governor Brown added. “As we recruit and promote people in state agencies. And our boards and commissions. In the very structures of state government.”

“Today, we embark on a process to build an Oregon that we can all love. An Oregon where we can all be loved and respected. As we reshape our state budget, we must support the communities currently experiencing crisis. We must ensure a better future, by focusing necessary recovery measures around racial equity and inclusion.”

The Council is an advisory group to the Governor with subgroups focused on criminal justice reform and police accountability, health equity, economic opportunity, housing and homelessness, environmental equity, and education. The council will provide principles and recommendations that center racial justice and economic recovery to the Governor to inform the 2021-2023 Governor’s Recommended Budget and legislative agenda.

The agenda for the first racial justice council meeting can be found here.

The Racial Justice Council website, including a council member list can be found here.

A full transcript of the Governor’s remarks can be found here.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-16 17:21:19

Last Update: 2020-09-16 17:56:22

Up to this point Cryptocurrency regulation has been state-by-state. However, Congressman Paul Gosar from Arizona has introduced the Crypto-Currency Act of 2020. It follows a push by the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency to consolidate real time payments (RTP) licensing regulations at the federal level. The patchwork of regulations has deterred cryptocurrencies from the U.S. market leaving us trailing.

Congress is currently grappling with how to get the U.S. into the crypto world and make it easier for businesses, institutions, and Americans to participate. The Crypto world is not waiting for Congress to act. U.S. banks are providing RTP and seeking regulation to stabilize the market on the world scene. More than 150 countries have crypto markets leaving the U.S. in the dust. The Swiss parliament just passed the Blockchain Act with overwhelming approval creating the most favorable regulatory environment for digital assets in the world.

Since 2014, the Federal Elections Commission has allowed contributions to federal candidates in bitcoin, allowing campaigns to hold them as investments or liquidate, but are not allowed to use them for purchases. That was the position of the Oregon Secretary of State, “Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are here to stay, and Oregon is at the forefront of adapting to this modern reality.”

Even with availability for processing through banks (ORS 717.200), the 2019 Oregon Legislature passed HB 2488 prohibiting contributions to political candidates, a political committee or a petition committee using cryptocurrency. The prohibition was passed even though on July 1, 2018 OAR 461-145-0583 was adopted requiring Cryptocurrency to be treated the same as cash. The bill gives the State Treasurer the power to determine whether cryptocurrency payments are authorized.

Oregon’s State Treasurer, Tobias Read, has expressed concern about allowing for cryptos for political donations. Read has said that the move could make the state’s campaign finance system less transparent. His concern is that it could lead to so-called straw donors trying to donate and conceal their contributions. This concealment is a crime, he stated. However, that was countered by Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services illustrating that cryptographic hash includes an algorithm with a unique string of characters representing the data input, such as history, description of the transaction, and time.

Senator Boquist objected to the prohibition explaining, “Limiting political contributions is probably appropriate. However, the regulation of currency is restricted to the federal government under the U.S. Constitution. Why this is suddenly a ‘state’ issue raises questions in its own right.”

For now, Oregon candidates will have to wait on federal regulation to stabilize the marketplace before Oregon will reconsider allowing candidates to accept cryptocurrencies.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-16 12:21:44

Last Update: 2020-09-16 14:56:01

Even with wildfires still burning, ODOT crews around the state have begun assessing damage on hundreds of miles of road, removing thousands of trees damaged by fire, and inspecting culverts, bridges, guardrail and pavement.

The work will continue location by location as conditions allow, but it will be some time before roads reopen – partially or fully – to traffic. Even when roads do reopen, ODOT crews will continue monitoring for hazards including landslides or loose rock in areas where wildfires have scarred the landscape.

New webpage shows recovery progress

A new webpage will track this progress showing information on what we’ve done and still need to do to reopen closed roads. The webpage also provides information on road and office closures, links to news releases, photos, videos and more.

“This is such a dynamic and constantly changing situation, we have to make sure these roads are cleared,” said Luci Moore, ODOT State Maintenance and Operations Engineer. “There are many concerns that we will address. It is likely to be some time before these roads open to full or even partial travel. Each will be determined individually based on the damages.”

Recovery work underway

ODOT has started removing hazard trees on OR 138 E, OR 126 McKenzie Highway and Oregon 22 North Santiam Highway. While ODOT is still assessing how many trees it will need to remove, estimates put the number of hazard trees along the OR 22 corridor alone in the hundreds of thousands.

Roads will remain closed until ODOT can remove debris from affected areas, inspect slopes for weakness, inspect bridges, pavement, culverts, signs, guardrail and other structures for damage, and make repairs. Rock scaling -- to bring down materials that threaten roads -- will be used where needed.

Even after roads are fully reopened, heavy rain will be a concern in fire-stricken areas and ODOT may have further work to do to stabilize hillsides or clear debris from falls. Slides and debris flows are a particular concern -- especially after rains -- in areas where fire stripped away vegetation, tree roots and underbrush, creating greater slide danger.

Know before you go

Partial openings that allow limited traffic while work continues will be common. Drivers can expect to see flaggers or pilot cars and should plan for frequent lane closures.

Drivers should check Tripcheckfor updates on closures.

For pictures of road damage around the state: here

For videos explaining the recovery challenges faced by ODOT crews: here


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-16 11:54:42

Last Update: 2020-09-16 13:02:00